Cooperative sensing method and device

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a cooperative sensing method and device, and the method comprises the steps that a first device sends first request information to at least one second device, and the first request information is used for requesting the cooperative execution of a sensing measurement task; the first request information comprises first information, and the first information is used for indicating shared transmission duration when the sensing measurement task is cooperatively executed; and the subsequent first device receives a first response message of the at least one second device, wherein the first response message is used for indicating whether the cooperation requested by the first request information is accepted or not. In the scheme, after the at least one second device receives the first request information sent by the first device, according to the first information in the first request information, it is determined that the transmission time length can be shared while the sensing measurement task is cooperatively executed, so that the sensing measurement task can be cooperatively executed subsequently by sharing the transmission time length, and the transmission efficiency is improved. The efficiency of cooperative sensing can be improved, the overhead generated by cooperative sensing can be reduced, and the sensing diversity gain is realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a collaborative sensing method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Wireless local area network (WLAN) sensing is a technology that uses WLAN signals for environmental perception and monitoring. It detects and identifies changes and activities in the surrounding environment by analyzing and parsing the wireless signals transmitted and received by WLAN devices.

[0003] The IEEE 802.11bf standard defines a unified WLAN sensing process, including: a sensing capabilities exchange phase, a sensing measurement session phase, a sensing measurement exchange phase, and a sensing measurement session termination phase. In the sensing capabilities exchange phase, the sensing parties exchange sensing capabilities. In the sensing measurement session phase, the sensing initiator negotiates sensing parameters and establishes a sensing measurement session through request frames and response frames, respectively. In the sensing measurement exchange phase, the sensing sender and sensing receiver perform sensing measurements and report using null data packet (NDP) frames. In the sensing measurement session termination phase, the sensing measurement session is terminated.

[0004] To improve sensing performance (such as sensing accuracy), access points (APs) can typically request assistance from other APs to complete sensing. However, each AP needs to compete for the channel during the target sensing measurement process, which may lead to long intervals between multiple sensing measurement exchanges, affecting diversity gain and resulting in low efficiency in cooperative sensing measurement. Furthermore, the currently proposed transmission opportunity (TXOP) sharing technology, which allows multiple devices to share transmission opportunities within a single TXOP and is applied to communication scenarios to improve wireless channel utilization efficiency, has not been applied to sensing scenarios. Therefore, in cooperative sensing scenarios, effectively improving the execution efficiency of sensing measurements and reducing the overhead of sensing measurements is one of the urgent problems to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application proposes a collaborative sensing method and apparatus, which can effectively improve the efficiency of sensing measurement and reduce the overhead of sensing measurement.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a collaborative sensing method. This method can be applied to a first device, or a component of the first device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first device, or a device compatible with the first device. Taking the application of this method to a first device as an example, the method includes: the first device sending first request information to at least one second device, the first request information being used to request collaborative execution of a sensing measurement task; the first request information including first information, the first information being used to indicate shared transmission duration when collaboratively executing the sensing measurement task; and the first device receiving a first response message from the at least one second device, the first response message being used to indicate whether to accept the collaboration requested by the first request information.

[0007] In this application, a first device sends a first request message to at least one second device. The first request message requests cooperation in performing a sensing measurement task. The first request message includes first information indicating that transmission time can be shared during the cooperative execution of the sensing measurement task. Subsequently, the first device receives a first response message from the at least one second device, indicating whether it accepts the cooperation requested by the first request message. In this scheme, after receiving the first request message from the first device, the at least one second device determines, based on the first information in the first request message, that transmission time can be shared while cooperatively performing the sensing measurement task. This allows for subsequent cooperative execution of the sensing measurement task through shared transmission time, improving the efficiency of cooperative sensing and reducing overhead (e.g., reducing contention overhead from multiple separate channel competitions for sensing measurements, and reducing duration overhead in cooperative sensing), thus achieving sensing diversity gain. Diversity gain is a type of gain that enhances the reliability and stability of a signal by utilizing multiple independent channels.

[0008] In one possible implementation, when the value of the first information is a first value, the first information is used to indicate that the shared transmission duration is a sensing by proxy (SBP) shared transmission duration; when the value of the first information is a second value, the first information is used to indicate that the shared transmission duration is a time-division shared transmission duration; the time-division shared transmission duration includes the sequential shared transmission duration and / or the time period within the shared transmission duration; when the value of the first information is a third value, the first information is used to indicate that the shared transmission duration is a frequency-division shared transmission duration.

[0009] This implementation method effectively indicates the different shared transmission durations or types when collaboratively performing sensing and measurement tasks by using different values ​​of the first information.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the first request information further includes inter-device parameter element information; this inter-device parameter element information includes a control field and / or a first field; the control field includes one or more of the following:

[0011] (1) The number of access devices performing sensing and measurement tasks; (2) Two-layer identification and indication information;

[0012] The dual-layer identification indication information is used to indicate whether the dual-layer identification function is enabled; the first field is used to indicate the identification information and / or address information of the first device and at least one second device, such as media access control (MAC) address information and / or association identifier (AID), etc.

[0013] When the dual-layer identification indication information is used to indicate the activation of the dual-layer identification function, the control field also includes first identification information. The first identification information is used by at least one second device to determine the perception measurement session identification information according to preset mapping information. The preset mapping information includes the correspondence between the perception measurement session identification information established by at least one second device and the associated third device.

[0014] This implementation allows at least one second device (i.e., at least one access device in the sensing collaboration set) participating in collaborative sensing to clearly understand each other's basic information (such as the number of access devices collaborating to perform sensing measurement tasks, identification information, etc.). In this way, after the first device and any one of the at least one second device compete for the channel and obtain the transmission duration, they can effectively share the obtained transmission duration with other devices in the sensing collaboration set.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the first request information further includes available window element information, which is used to indicate the available time period when the first device and at least one second device perform the sensing measurement task, wherein there is an overlap between the available time periods corresponding to the first device and the at least one second device.

[0016] In the embodiments of this application, the available window element information can be used to indicate the available time for sensing measurement exchange (e.g., the available time period and / or cycle for sensing measurement, etc.), and the first device and at least one second device can allocate the time for sensing measurement (e.g., the available time period and / or cycle for sensing measurement, etc.) within this available time.

[0017] With this implementation, the sensing and measurement processes corresponding to the first device and at least one second device need to be executed within the available time period (or availability window). Therefore, the first device and at least one second device set the available time period (or available window) during the sensing establishment phase, and there is sufficient overlap between them, so as to ensure that the first device and the at least one second device can complete the sensing and measurement processes within the same transmission duration.

[0018] In one possible implementation, when the dual-layer identification indication information is used to indicate that the dual-layer identification function is not enabled, the first response message includes one or more sensing measurement session identification information established between the second device and the associated third device.

[0019] Through this implementation, the second device that can participate in the collaborative execution of sensing tasks can provide feedback to the first device on one or more sensing measurement sessions it has established. Then, during the phase of collaborative execution of sensing measurement tasks, the first device can indicate the corresponding sensing measurement session identification information to the second device, thereby ensuring that the second device can effectively perform the corresponding sensing measurement based on the sensing measurement session identification information.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the method further includes (a session phase for establishing a sensing measurement by the first device): the first device sends a second request message to at least one fourth device, the second request message being used to request the establishment of a sensing session; the at least one fourth device is provided with access services by the first device; the first device receives a second response message from the at least one fourth device, the second response message being used to respond to whether the establishment of the session is accepted by the second request message.

[0021] Through this implementation, the first device can effectively establish a sensing measurement session with at least one fourth device that provides access services, for subsequent sensing measurements.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: the first device collaborating with at least one second device to perform a sensing and measurement task; the collaboration between the first device and at least one second device to perform the sensing and measurement task may include the following implementations:

[0023] In implementation method one, the first piece of information is used to indicate when the shared transmission duration is the sequential shared transmission duration:

[0024] The first device obtains a first transmission duration for the sensing measurement task; within the first transmission duration, the first device performs the sensing measurement task with at least one associated fourth device; after completing the sensing measurement task, the first device sends a first frame to one of the at least two second devices, the first frame being used to instruct the second device to perform the sensing measurement task for the remaining duration of the first transmission duration, and sequentially sends a first frame to the next second device after the current second device completes the sensing measurement task.

[0025] By implementing method one, after the first device obtains the first transmission duration of the sensing measurement task, it can sequentially share the remaining duration of the first transmission duration with at least one second device after executing its own sensing measurement task, so as to execute the corresponding sensing measurement task, thereby realizing collaborative sensing measurement. This not only improves the efficiency and performance (such as sensing accuracy) of sensing measurement, but also saves the time and overhead incurred by the at least one second device in re-competing for the channel and obtaining the transmission duration when executing sensing measurement.

[0026] In the second implementation method, the first piece of information is used to indicate when the shared transmission duration is a time period within the shared transmission duration:

[0027] The first device obtains a first transmission duration for the sensing measurement task. During the first transmission duration, the first device performs the sensing measurement task with at least one associated fourth device. After completing the sensing measurement task, the first device sends a first frame to at least one second device. The first frame is used to instruct at least one second device to perform the sensing measurement task during the corresponding time period within the remaining duration of the first transmission duration.

[0028] In one possible implementation, after completing the sensing and measurement task, the first device sends the first frame via broadcast, and correspondingly, at least one second device receives the first frame.

[0029] By implementing the second method, after the first device obtains the first transmission duration of the sensing measurement task, it can share different time periods of the remaining duration of the first transmission duration with at least one second device after it has completed the sensing measurement task, so as to perform the sensing measurement task. This achieves collaborative sensing measurement, which not only improves the efficiency and performance (such as sensing accuracy) of sensing measurement, but also saves the time and overhead incurred by the at least one second device in re-competing for the channel and obtaining the transmission duration when performing sensing measurement.

[0030] In implementation method three, the first piece of information is used to indicate when the shared transmission duration is the frequency division shared transmission duration:

[0031] The first device obtains a first transmission duration for the sensing measurement task. During the first transmission duration, the first device performs the sensing measurement task with at least one associated fourth device. After completing the sensing measurement task, the first device sends a first frame to at least one second device. The first frame is used to indicate that the sensing measurement task will be performed during the remaining duration of the first transmission duration and to instruct one or more of the at least one second device to switch the channel used for the sensing measurement task.

[0032] In one possible implementation, after completing the sensing and measurement task, the first device sends the first frame via broadcast, and correspondingly, at least one second device receives the first frame.

[0033] By implementing method three, after the first device obtains the first transmission duration of the sensing measurement task, it can simultaneously share the remaining duration of the first transmission duration with at least one second device after it has performed the sensing measurement task. Since the at least one second device may use the same channel, the first device can instruct one or more of the second devices to switch the corresponding channel to ensure that the at least one second device can perform sensing measurements simultaneously without conflict. This not only effectively improves the efficiency and performance (such as sensing accuracy) of sensing measurements, but also saves the time and overhead incurred by the at least one second device in re-competing for the channel and obtaining the transmission duration when performing sensing measurements.

[0034] Based on the above implementation method one or implementation method two, in one possible implementation, when the dual-layer identifier indication information is used to indicate that the dual-layer identifier function is not enabled, the first frame includes one or more of the following:

[0035] (1) Public information; (2) User info list field;

[0036] The public information includes a second field, which indicates the first transmission duration used for sensing measurement tasks or communication;

[0037] The user information list fields include a newly added trigger dependent userinfo field, which includes one or more of the following:

[0038] Secondary identification information, start time information of the sensing and measurement task, or shared duration information;

[0039] The second identification information is used to indicate the identification information of the sensing measurement session established between at least one second device and an associated third device; the start time information of the sensing measurement is used to indicate the duration from when the first device sends the first frame to when the second device begins to perform the sensing measurement task; and the shared duration information is used to indicate at least one time period within the remaining duration of the first transmission duration.

[0040] In the first implementation method described above, the shared duration information is not included in the relevant user information fields.

[0041] With this implementation, for the aforementioned method of sequentially sharing transmission duration or sharing time periods within the transmission duration, the first device can effectively indicate to at least one second device, through the first frame, the relevant information for performing sensing measurement operations and the sensing measurement session identification information, so as to ensure that sensing measurement tasks can be effectively performed collaboratively.

[0042] Based on the above implementation method one or implementation method two, in one possible implementation, when the dual-layer identifier indication information is used to indicate the activation of the dual-layer identifier function, the first frame includes one or more of the following:

[0043] (1) Public information; (2) User info list field;

[0044] The public information includes trigger-dependent common information, which includes one or more of the following:

[0045] The second field, or the first identification information;

[0046] The second field is used to indicate the first transmission duration for sensing measurement tasks or communication;

[0047] The user information list fields include a trigger-dependent user info field, which includes one or more of the following:

[0048] The start time information of the sensing and measurement task, or the duration information shared;

[0049] The start time information of the sensing measurement is used to indicate the duration from when the first device sends the first frame to when the second device begins to perform the sensing measurement task, and the shared duration information is used to indicate at least one time period within the remaining duration of the first transmission duration.

[0050] In the first implementation method described above, the shared duration information is not included in the relevant user information fields.

[0051] With this implementation, when the dual-layer identification function is enabled, for the above-mentioned method of sequentially sharing transmission duration or sharing time periods within the transmission duration, the first device can effectively indicate the relevant information for performing sensing measurement operations to at least one second device through the first frame, so as to ensure that the sensing measurement task can be effectively performed collaboratively. In addition, the first identification information carried in the first frame can be the identification information shared by the at least one second device, so as to help the at least one second device determine its corresponding sensing measurement session identification information. Therefore, this design can also save the bit overhead occupied by indicating the sensing measurement session identification information and save the overhead of transmitting the first frame.

[0052] Based on the above implementation method three, in one possible implementation, when the dual-layer identifier indication information is used to indicate that the dual-layer identifier function is not enabled, the first frame includes one or more of the following:

[0053] (1) Public information; (2) User info list field;

[0054] The public information includes a second field, which indicates the first transmission duration used for sensing measurement tasks or communication;

[0055] The user information list fields include a newly added trigger dependent userinfo field, which includes one or more of the following:

[0056] Second identification information, channel information of the sensing and measurement task, start time information of channel switching, or start time information of the sensing and measurement task.

[0057] The channel switching start time information is used to indicate the duration from when the first device sends the channel switching start time information to when the second device begins to perform channel switching; the sensing measurement task start time information is used to indicate the duration from when the first device sends the first frame to when the second device begins to perform the sensing measurement task.

[0058] With this implementation, for the aforementioned frequency division sharing transmission duration, the first device can effectively indicate to at least one second device, through the first frame, the relevant information for performing sensing measurement operations and the sensing measurement session identification information, so as to ensure that sensing measurement tasks can be performed effectively in cooperation.

[0059] Based on the above implementation method three, in one possible implementation, when the dual-layer identifier indication information is used to indicate the activation of the dual-layer identifier function, the first frame includes one or more of the following:

[0060] (1) Public information; (2) User info list field;

[0061] The public information includes triggering related public information, which includes one or more of the following:

[0062] The second field, or the first identification information;

[0063] The second field is used to indicate the first transmission duration for sensing measurement tasks or communication;

[0064] The user information list fields include trigger-dependent user information fields, which include one or more of the following:

[0065] Channel information for sensing and measurement tasks, start time information for channel switching, or start time information for sensing and measurement tasks.

[0066] Among them, the channel switching start time information is used to indicate the duration from when the first device sends the channel switching start time information to when the second device begins to perform channel switching;

[0067] The start time information of the sensing measurement task is used to indicate the duration from when the first device sends the first frame to when the second device begins to execute the sensing measurement task.

[0068] With this implementation, when the dual-layer identification function is enabled, for the frequency division sharing transmission duration mentioned above, the first device can effectively indicate the relevant information for performing sensing measurement operations to at least one second device through the first frame, so as to ensure that the sensing measurement task can be effectively performed collaboratively. In addition, the indicated first identification information can be identification information shared by at least one second device, so as to help at least one second device determine its own sensing measurement session identification information. Therefore, this design can also save the bit overhead occupied by indicating the sensing measurement session identification information and save the overhead of transmitting the first frame.

[0069] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: after at least one second device completes a sensing measurement task, the first device sends a multi-device report trigger frame to at least one second device, the multi-device report trigger frame being used to trigger at least one second device to provide a measurement report of the sensing measurement task; the first device receives the measurement report from at least one second device.

[0070] Through this implementation, the first device can effectively obtain measurement reports from at least one second device, thereby achieving the purpose or requirement of collaboratively performing sensing measurement tasks.

[0071] Secondly, this application provides a collaborative sensing method, which can be applied to a second device, or a component of the second device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second device, or a device used in conjunction with the second device. Taking the application of this method to a second device as an example, the method includes: the second device receiving first request information from a first device, the first request information being used to request collaborative execution of a sensing measurement task; the first request information including first information, the first information being used to indicate shared transmission duration when collaboratively executing the sensing measurement task; the second device sending a first response message to the first device, the first response message being used to indicate whether to accept the collaboration requested by the first request information.

[0072] In this application, a second device receives a first request message from a first device. This first request message requests cooperation in performing a sensing measurement task. The first request message includes first information indicating that transmission time can be shared during the cooperative execution of the sensing measurement task. Subsequently, the second device sends a first response message to the first device, indicating whether it accepts the cooperation requested by the first request message. In this scheme, after receiving the first request message from the first device, the second device determines, based on the first information in the first request message, that transmission time can be shared while cooperatively performing the sensing measurement task. This allows for subsequent cooperative execution of the sensing measurement task through shared transmission time, improving the efficiency of cooperative sensing and reducing overhead (e.g., reducing contention overhead from multiple separate channel competitions and duration overhead), and achieving sensing diversity gain. Diversity gain is a type of gain that enhances the reliability and stability of a signal by utilizing multiple independent channels.

[0073] In one possible implementation, when the value of the first information is a first value, the first information is used to indicate that the shared transmission duration is the agent-aware shared transmission duration; when the value of the first information is a second value, the first information is used to indicate that the shared transmission duration is a time-division shared transmission duration; the time-division shared transmission duration includes the sequential shared transmission duration and / or the time period within the shared transmission duration; when the value of the first information is a third value, the first information is used to indicate that the shared transmission duration is a frequency-division shared transmission duration.

[0074] Through this implementation, the second device can effectively determine the method or type of sharing transmission duration when collaboratively performing sensing and measurement tasks by taking the value of the first information.

[0075] In one possible implementation, the first request information further includes inter-device parameter element information; this inter-device parameter element information includes a control field and / or a first field, wherein the control field includes one or more of the following:

[0076] The number of access devices performing sensing and measurement tasks, or dual-layer identification information;

[0077] The dual-layer identification indication information is used to indicate whether the dual-layer identification function is enabled; the first field is used to indicate the identification information and / or address information of the first device and at least one second device, such as MAC address information and / or associated identifier AID, etc.

[0078] When the dual-layer identification indication information is used to indicate the activation of the dual-layer identification function, the control field also includes first identification information. The first identification information is used by at least one second device to determine the perception measurement session identification information according to preset mapping information. The preset mapping information includes the correspondence between the perception measurement session identification information established by at least one second device and the associated third device.

[0079] This implementation allows at least one second device (i.e., at least one access device in the collaborative set) participating in the collaborative sensing to clearly understand each other's basic information (such as the number of access devices collaborating to perform sensing measurement tasks, identification information, etc.). In this way, after the first device and any one of the at least one second device compete for the channel and obtain the transmission duration, they can effectively share the obtained transmission duration with other devices in the sensing collaborative set.

[0080] In one possible implementation, the first request information further includes available window element information, which is used to indicate the available time period when the first device and at least one second device perform the sensing measurement task, wherein there is an overlap between the available time periods corresponding to the first device and at least one second device.

[0081] In the embodiments of this application, the available window element information can be used to indicate the available time for sensing measurement exchange (e.g., the available time period and / or cycle for sensing measurement, etc.), and the first device and at least one second device can allocate the time for sensing measurement (e.g., the available time period and / or cycle for sensing measurement, etc.) within this available time.

[0082] With this implementation, the sensing and measurement processes corresponding to the first device and at least one second device need to be executed within the available time period (or available window). Therefore, the first device and at least one second device set the available time period (or available window) during the sensing establishment phase, and there is sufficient overlap between them, so as to ensure that the first device and at least one second device can complete the sensing and measurement processes within the same transmission duration.

[0083] In one possible implementation, when the dual-layer identification indication information is used to indicate that the dual-layer identification function is not enabled, the first response message includes one or more sensing measurement session identification information established between the second device and the associated third device.

[0084] Through this implementation, the second device that can participate in the collaborative execution of sensing tasks can provide feedback to the first device on one or more sensing measurement sessions it has established. Then, during the phase of collaborative execution of sensing measurement tasks, the first device can indicate the corresponding sensing measurement session identification information to the second device, thereby ensuring that the second device can effectively perform the corresponding sensing measurement based on the sensing measurement session identification information.

[0085] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: the second device sending a third request message to at least one third device, the third request message being used to request the establishment of a sensing session, the at least one third device being provided with access services by the second device; the second device receiving a third response message from the at least one third device, the third response message being used to respond to whether to accept the establishment request of the third request message.

[0086] Through this implementation, the first device can effectively establish a sensing measurement session with at least one fourth device that provides access services, for subsequent sensing measurements.

[0087] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: the first device collaborating with at least one second device to perform a sensing measurement task; wherein, taking one of the second devices as an example, the collaboration between the second device and the first device to perform the sensing measurement task can include the following implementation methods:

[0088] In implementation method one, the first piece of information is used to indicate when the shared transmission duration is the sequential shared transmission duration:

[0089] The second device receives a first frame sent from the first device, the first frame being used to instruct the second device to perform a sensing measurement task during the remaining duration of the first transmission duration; the second device performs a sensing measurement task with at least one associated third device during the remaining duration of the first transmission duration.

[0090] By implementing method one, at least one second device can obtain the remaining duration of the first transmission duration provided by the first device by sequentially passing through the first frame, and perform a sensing measurement task during the remaining duration of the first transmission duration, thereby achieving cooperative sensing measurement. This not only improves the efficiency and performance (such as sensing accuracy) of sensing measurement, but also saves the time and overhead incurred by the at least one second device in re-competing for the channel and obtaining the transmission duration when performing sensing measurement.

[0091] In the second implementation method, the first piece of information is used to indicate when the shared transmission duration is a time period within the shared transmission duration:

[0092] The second device receives a first frame broadcast from the first device, the first frame being used to instruct the second device to perform a sensing measurement task during a corresponding time period within the remaining duration of the first transmission duration; the second device performs a sensing measurement task with at least one associated third device during the corresponding time period of the second device.

[0093] By implementing the second method, at least one second device obtains its corresponding time period within the remaining duration of the first transmission duration through the first frame, and then performs a sensing measurement task within its corresponding time period, thereby achieving collaborative sensing measurement. This not only improves the efficiency and performance (such as sensing accuracy) of sensing measurement, but also saves the time and overhead incurred by the at least one second device in re-competing for the channel and obtaining the transmission duration when performing sensing measurement.

[0094] In implementation method three, the first piece of information is used to indicate when the shared transmission duration is the frequency division shared transmission duration:

[0095] The second device receives a first frame sent by the first device. The first frame is used to instruct at least one second device to perform a sensing measurement task for the remaining duration of the first transmission duration and to instruct one or more of the at least one second device to switch the channel used for the sensing measurement task. Based on the first frame, the second device switches the channel. Then, the second device performs the sensing measurement task with at least one associated third device on the switched channel.

[0096] By implementing method three, at least one second device obtains the remaining duration of the first transmission duration of the first device through the first frame. Since the at least one second device may use the same channel, the first device can instruct one or more of the second devices to switch the corresponding channel through the first frame to ensure that the at least one second device can perform sensing measurements simultaneously without conflict. This not only effectively improves the efficiency and performance of sensing measurements, but also saves the time and overhead incurred by the at least one second device in re-competing for the channel and obtaining the transmission duration when performing sensing measurements.

[0097] Based on the above implementation method one or implementation method two, in one possible implementation, when the dual-layer identifier indication information is used to indicate that the dual-layer identifier function is not enabled, the first frame includes one or more of the following:

[0098] (1) Public information; (2) User info list field;

[0099] The public information includes a second field, which indicates the first transmission duration used for sensing measurement tasks or communication;

[0100] The user information list fields include newly added trigger-related user information fields, which include one or more of the following:

[0101] Secondary identification information, start time information of the sensing and measurement task, or shared duration information;

[0102] The second identification information is used to indicate the identification information of the sensing measurement session established between at least one second device and an associated third device; the start time information of the sensing measurement is used to indicate the duration from when the first device sends the first frame to when the second device begins to perform the sensing measurement task; and the shared duration information is used to indicate at least one time period within the remaining duration of the first transmission duration.

[0103] In the first implementation method described above, the shared duration information is not included in the relevant user information fields.

[0104] With this implementation, for the above-mentioned method of sequentially sharing transmission duration or sharing time periods within the transmission duration, at least one second device can effectively obtain relevant information for performing sensing measurement operations and sensing measurement session identification information through the first frame, so as to ensure that sensing measurement tasks can be effectively performed collaboratively.

[0105] Based on the above implementation method one or implementation method two, in one possible implementation, when the dual-layer identifier indication information is used to indicate the activation of the dual-layer identifier function, the first frame includes one or more of the following:

[0106] (1) Public information; (2) User info list field;

[0107] The public information includes trigger-dependent common information, which includes one or more of the following:

[0108] The second field, or the first identification information;

[0109] The second field is used to indicate the first transmission duration for sensing measurement tasks or communication;

[0110] The user information list fields include trigger-related user information fields, which include one or more of the following:

[0111] The start time information of the sensing and measurement task, or the duration information shared;

[0112] The start time information of the sensing measurement is used to indicate the duration from when the first device sends the first frame to when the second device begins to perform the sensing measurement task, and the shared duration information is used to indicate at least one time period within the remaining duration of the first transmission duration.

[0113] In the first implementation method described above, the shared duration information is not included in the relevant user information fields.

[0114] With this implementation, when the dual-layer identification function is enabled, for the above-mentioned method of sequentially sharing the transmission duration or sharing the time period within the transmission duration, at least one second device can obtain relevant information for performing the sensing measurement operation through the first frame, so as to ensure that the sensing measurement task can be effectively performed collaboratively. In addition, the first identification information carried in the first frame can be identification information shared by the at least one second device, so as to determine the corresponding sensing measurement session identification information of the at least one second device. Therefore, this design can also save the bit overhead occupied by indicating the sensing measurement session identification information and save the overhead of transmitting the first frame.

[0115] Based on the above implementation method three, when the dual-layer identifier indication information is used to indicate that the dual-layer identifier function is not enabled, the first frame includes one or more of the following:

[0116] (1) Public information; (2) User info list field;

[0117] The public information includes a second field, which indicates the first transmission duration used for sensing measurement tasks or communication;

[0118] The user information list fields include a newly added trigger dependent userinfo field, which includes one or more of the following:

[0119] Second identification information, channel information of the sensing and measurement task, start time information of channel switching, or start time information of the sensing and measurement task.

[0120] Among them, the channel switching start time information is used to indicate the duration from when the first device sends the channel switching start time information to when the second device starts performing the channel switching, and the sensing measurement task start time information is used to indicate the duration from when the first device sends the first frame to when the second device starts performing the sensing measurement task.

[0121] With this implementation, for the aforementioned frequency division sharing transmission duration, the first device can effectively indicate to at least one second device, through the first frame, the relevant information for performing sensing measurement operations and the sensing measurement session identification information, so as to ensure that sensing measurement tasks can be performed effectively in cooperation.

[0122] Based on the above implementation method three, in one possible implementation, when the dual-layer identifier indication information is used to indicate the activation of the dual-layer identifier function, the first frame includes one or more of the following:

[0123] (1) Public information; (2) User info list field;

[0124] The public information includes trigger-dependent common information, which includes one or more of the following:

[0125] The second field, or the first identification information;

[0126] The second field is used to indicate the first transmission duration for sensing measurement tasks or communication;

[0127] The user information list fields include a trigger-dependent user info field, which includes one or more of the following:

[0128] Channel information for sensing and measurement tasks, start time information for channel switching, or start time information for sensing and measurement tasks.

[0129] Among them, the channel switching start time information is used to indicate the duration from when the first device sends the channel switching start time information to when the second device starts performing the channel switching, and the sensing measurement task start time information is used to indicate the duration from when the first device sends the first frame to when the second device starts performing the sensing measurement task.

[0130] With this implementation, when the dual-layer identification function is enabled, for the frequency division sharing transmission duration mentioned above, the first device can effectively indicate the relevant information for performing sensing measurement operations to at least one second device through the first frame, so as to ensure that the sensing measurement task can be effectively performed collaboratively. In addition, the indicated first identification information can be identification information shared by at least one second device, so as to help at least one second device determine its own sensing measurement session identification information. Therefore, this design can also save the bit overhead occupied by indicating the sensing measurement session identification information and save the overhead of transmitting the first frame.

[0131] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: a second device receiving a multi-device report trigger frame from a first device, the multi-device report trigger frame being used to trigger at least one second device to provide a measurement report for a sensing measurement task; and the second device responding to the multi-device report trigger frame by sending a measurement report to the first device.

[0132] Through this implementation, the first device can effectively obtain measurement reports from at least one second device, thereby achieving the purpose or requirement of collaboratively performing sensing measurement tasks.

[0133] The second aspect and any of its possible implementations above use a second device as an example to illustrate the steps performed by the device participating in the collaborative sensing measurement. In actual applications, there may be multiple second devices participating in the collaborative sensing measurement. Each second device can refer to the steps of the second device in the second aspect and any of its possible implementations to perform the steps, which will not be elaborated here.

[0134] Thirdly, this application also provides a communication device, which is a first device or a chip corresponding to the first device. The communication device has the functions of implementing the first aspect and any of the possible embodiments described above. The communication device can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0135] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processor configured to support the communication device in performing corresponding functions of the first device in the method described above. The communication device may also include a memory coupled to the processor, which stores necessary program instructions and data for the communication device. Optionally, the communication device further includes interface circuitry for supporting communication between the communication device and other communication devices, such as the transmission and reception of data or signals. Exemplarily, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, or other type of communication interface.

[0136] In one possible design, the communication device includes corresponding functional modules, each used to implement the steps in the above method. The functions can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the functions described above.

[0137] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processing unit and a communication unit, which can perform the corresponding functions in the above method examples, as described in the method provided in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0138] Fourthly, this application also provides a communication device, which is a second device or a chip corresponding to a second device. The communication device has the functions to implement the second aspect described above and any of the possible embodiments therein. The communication device can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0139] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processor configured to support the communication device in performing corresponding functions of the second device in the method described above. The communication device may also include a memory coupled to the processor, which stores necessary program instructions and data for the communication device. Optionally, the communication device further includes interface circuitry for supporting communication between the communication device and other communication devices, such as the transmission and reception of data or signals. Exemplarily, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, or other type of communication interface.

[0140] In one possible design, the communication device includes corresponding functional modules, each used to implement the steps in the above method. The functions can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the functions described above.

[0141] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processing unit and a communication unit, which can perform the corresponding functions in the above method examples, as described in the method provided in the second aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0142] Fifthly, this application provides a communication device, including a processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is used to receive signals from other communication devices outside the communication device and transmit them to the processor, or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices outside the communication device. The processor is used to implement the methods of the first aspect and any of the possible implementations described above through logic circuits or execution code instructions.

[0143] In a sixth aspect, this application provides a communication device, including a processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is used to receive signals from other communication devices outside the communication device and transmit them to the processor, or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices outside the communication device. The processor is used to implement the methods of the second aspect and any of the possible implementations described above through logic circuits or execution code instructions.

[0144] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the methods of any one of the first and second aspects and any possible implementation thereof.

[0145] Eighthly, this application provides a computer program product storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the methods in the first and second aspects and any possible implementation thereof.

[0146] Ninthly, this application provides a chip system including a processor and potentially a memory for implementing the methods in the first and second aspects and any possible embodiments thereof. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0147] In a tenth aspect, this application provides a communication system, which includes the first device described in the first aspect and the second device described in the second aspect.

[0148] It should be noted that the technical effects that can be achieved by any of the third to tenth aspects or any of the third to tenth aspects can be referred to the description of the technical effects that can be achieved by any of the first and second aspects or any of the first and second aspects, which will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0149] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a WLAN sensing process.

[0150] Figure 2A This is a schematic diagram illustrating one working mode of TXOP sharing.

[0151] Figure 2B A schematic diagram illustrating another working mode of TXOP sharing;

[0152] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a multi-AP collaborative sensing process;

[0153] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a network system architecture to which the method of the embodiments of this application can be applied;

[0154] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating a collaborative sensing method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0155] Figure 6A This is a flowchart illustrating the method of Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0156] Figure 6B This is a schematic diagram illustrating the interaction between multiple APs in Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0157] Figure 7A A schematic diagram of a Multi-AP request frame structure provided in Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0158] Figure 7B A structural diagram of an M-AP parameter element provided in Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0159] Figure 8AThis is a flowchart illustrating the method of Embodiment 2 of this application;

[0160] Figure 8B This is a schematic diagram illustrating the interaction between multiple APs in Embodiment 2 of this application;

[0161] Figure 9A A schematic diagram of the structure of a MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frame and common information fields provided in Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0162] Figure 9B A schematic diagram of the structure of a MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frame and user information list fields provided for embodiments of this application;

[0163] Figure 10A This is a flowchart illustrating the method of Embodiment 3 of this application;

[0164] Figure 10B A schematic diagram of the structure of a user information list field provided in Embodiment 3 of this application;

[0165] Figure 10C This is a schematic diagram illustrating the interaction between multiple APs in Embodiment 3 of this application;

[0166] Figure 11A This is a flowchart illustrating the method of Embodiment 4 of this application;

[0167] Figure 11B A schematic diagram of the structure of a user information list field provided in Embodiment 4 of this application;

[0168] Figure 11C This is a schematic diagram illustrating the interaction between multiple APs in Embodiment 4 of this application;

[0169] Figure 12A This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an M-AP parameter control field provided in Embodiment 5 of this application;

[0170] Figure 12B This is a schematic diagram of the M-AP parameter element field structure in the case of direct AP1 allocation provided in Embodiment 5 of this application;

[0171] Figure 12C This is a schematic diagram of the M-AP parameter element field structure under the SBP mechanism reuse scenario provided in Embodiment 5 of this application;

[0172] Figure 13A A schematic diagram of a MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frame structure provided in Embodiment 5 of this application;

[0173] Figure 13BThis is a schematic diagram of the structure of a user information list field provided in Embodiment 5 of this application;

[0174] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0175] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another communication device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0176] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of a chip device structure according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0177] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0178] The relevant technologies, terms, and features involved in the embodiments of this application will be explained below. It should be noted that these explanations are intended to make the embodiments of this application easier to understand and should not be regarded as limiting the scope of protection claimed by this application.

[0179] I. Sensing Technology:

[0180] The following section uses the 802.11bf scenario to introduce the relevant content of sensing technology.

[0181] Sensing measurement, also known as wireless sensing or WLAN sensing, refers to the process by which a transmitting and receiving end detects or determines the status of a target by transmitting signals. For example, it involves using wireless signals to sense environmental information (called sensing information). This information includes the distribution, size, quantity, and temperature of objects in the environment, human actions and behaviors, and even human breathing rate and heart rate. After sensing the environment, various other technologies, such as AI, can be combined for subsequent processing to reconstruct the physical environment, analyze the environment, identify and analyze people and objects within it, and trigger subsequent actions, etc.

[0182] WLAN sensing refers to a station (STA) with WLAN sensing capabilities using received WLAN signals to detect characteristic information of expected targets in a given environment. For example, characteristic information includes one or more of the following: distance, speed, angle, motion, presence or proximity, gestures, etc. Targets include one or more of the following: objects, people, animals, etc. Environment includes one or more of the following: rooms, houses, vehicles, businesses, etc.

[0183] For example, the transmitting end can send a signal for sensing and measurement to the receiving end, which can measure the signal to obtain a channel estimation result, such as channel state information (CSI). The receiving end can then perform sensing based on the CSI. Alternatively, the receiving end can send the channel estimation result back to the transmitting end, which can then perform target sensing or target state sensing based on the channel estimation result. For example, the receiving or transmitting end can process the CSI to determine whether a moving target exists in the environment.

[0184] In the sensing and measurement process, the devices involved in sensing mainly consist of the following roles:

[0185] Sensing initiator (SI): The device that initiates the sensing measurement process and sends a sensing measurement establishment request. For non-DMG devices, the sensing initiator is the device that sends the sensing measurement establishment request frame. For DMG devices, the sensing initiator is the device that sends the DMG sensing measurement establishment request frame.

[0186] Sensing responder (SR): A device that responds to the sensing process initiated by the sensing initiator and sends a sensing measurement response. For non-DMG devices, the sensing responder refers to the device that sends a sensing measurement establishment response frame. For DMG devices, the sensing responder refers to the device that sends a DMG sensing measurement establishment response frame.

[0187] Sensing transmitter: A device that transmits sensing signals. These sensing signals can refer to signals used for sensing measurements, such as Physical Layer Protocol Data Units (PPDUs). Sensing can be WLAN sensing or DMG sensing.

[0188] Sensing receiver: A device that receives sensing signals sent by a sensing transmitter. Sensing can be WLAN sensing or DMG sensing.

[0189] Figure 1 The flowchart of WLAN sensing is shown. The current WLAN sensing process can include the following stages / processes:

[0190] 1) Sensing capabilities exchange phase: The sensing parties exchange sensing capabilities. 2) Sensing measurement session phase: The sensing initiator and sensing responder negotiate sensing parameters and establish a sensing measurement session through request frames and response frames. After the sensing initiator completes the sensing measurement establishment, it will initiate one or more sensing measurement instances / exchanges. 3) In the sensing measurement exchange phase: The sensing transmitter and sensing receiver perform sensing measurements and report through empty data packet NDP frames. 4) Sensing measurement session termination / closure phase: The sensing measurement session is terminated / closed.

[0191] II. Transmission Opportunity TXOP Sharing Technology:

[0192] TXOP sharing is a technique that allows multiple devices to share transmission opportunities within a single TXOP, thereby improving the efficiency of wireless channel utilization. The 802.11be standard defines the TXOP sharing process, allowing an AP to allocate a portion of its acquired TXOP to an associated non-AP STA for transmitting one or more non-TB PPDUs. The TXOP sharing process in 802.11be can be summarized as follows: After an AP acquires a TXOP through channel contention, it can allocate the time within the acquired TXOP to the associated non-AP STA by sending a Multi-User Request to Send (MU-RTS) TXOP sharing (TXS) trigger frame. The time allocated to the associated non-AP STA is specified in the "allocation duration" subfield of the MU-RTS TXOP sharing trigger frame.

[0193] The 802.11be standard specifies two working modes for TXOP sharing. For example... Figure 2AAs shown, the AP sends a MU-RTS TXS Trigger frame to the STA to share the TXOP time. When the trigger shared mode subfield is 1 (i.e., mode 1), the STA can only send one or more non-TB PPDUs to its associated AP within the allocated time. Figure 2B As shown, when the TXOP sharing mode subfield is set to 2 (i.e., mode 2), the STA can send one or more non-TB PPDUs to its associated AP or other STAs within the allocated time.

[0194] III. Dynamic Subchannel Operation (DSO):

[0195] DSO refers to the dynamic management and allocation of subchannel resources in a wireless network to improve spectrum utilization efficiency and network performance. It allows the AP to dynamically utilize its additional bandwidth during each TXOP (Turns-Off-Package) and dynamically decide to allocate different portions of its operating bandwidth to Non-AP STAs. The specific DSO process may include: First, the AP sends a subband-switch control frame to the scheduled Non-AP STA, instructing it to switch to a RU (Runner Root) outside its operating bandwidth, and includes sufficient padding in the control frame to cover the handover delay; then, during the DSO TXOP, multiple downlink and triggered uplink switches may be included at short interframe spaces (SIFS); finally, at the end of the TXOP, the DSO STA switches back to the primary channel, or the switchback is detected through a gap of SIFS + delta time.

[0196] IV. Multi-AP Collaborative Sensing:

[0197] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a multi-AP collaborative sensing process is shown. See also Figure 3As shown, AP1 and STA1 have established a sensing measurement session with a known measurement session ID. AP1, acting as the SBP initiator, sends SBP process requests to AP2 and AP3 respectively. To fulfill AP1's SBP requests, AP2 and AP3 each establish a sensing measurement session containing their respective measurement session IDs. These three sensing measurement sessions perform sensing measurement exchanges within different TXOPs to meet the sensing measurement requirements. After completing the sensing measurement exchange, AP2 and AP3 return the measurement results to AP1 via an SBP report frame.

[0198] As can be seen from the above, in order to improve the overall sensing performance, the AP can request other APs to assist in completing the sensing. However, when each AP exchanges sensing measurements with the corresponding device, it needs to compete for the channel again. On the one hand, this will increase the overall channel overhead. On the other hand, the time to win the channel each time is uncertain, which may result in a long interval between multiple sensing measurement exchanges, thus affecting the diversity gain.

[0199] Therefore, this application proposes a cooperative sensing method and apparatus. This method, while achieving cooperative sensing, can effectively reduce the overhead generated during the cooperative sensing process and achieve diversity gain in the sensing results. Diversity gain can refer to a gain that enhances the reliability and stability of a signal by utilizing multiple independent channels. The method and apparatus are based on the same inventive concept. Since the principles by which the method and apparatus solve the problem are similar, their implementations can be mutually referenced, and repeated details will not be elaborated further.

[0200] This application's embodiments can be applied to wireless local area network (WLAN) scenarios, such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 system standards, including 802.11be, Wi-Fi 7, Extremely High Throughput (EHT), 802.11bf, and next-generation standards like Wi-Fi 8 or later. Alternatively, this application's embodiments can also be applied to WLAN systems such as Internet of Things (IoT) networks or Vehicle-to-X (V2X) networks. Of course, this application's embodiments can also be applied to other possible communication systems, such as Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) communication systems, 5th generation (5G) communication systems, and future communication systems.

[0201] The following examples illustrate how the embodiments of this application can be applied to WLAN scenarios. It should be understood that WLAN standards have evolved from 802.11a / g to 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, and the currently discussed 802.11be. 802.11n can also be called high throughput (HT); 802.11ac can also be called very high throughput (VHT); 802.11ax can also be called high efficiency (HE) or Wi-Fi 6; 802.11be can also be called EHT or Wi-Fi 7. Standards prior to HT, such as 802.11a / b / g, can be collectively referred to as non-high throughput (Non-HT).

[0202] For example, Figure 4 This paper illustrates a network architecture diagram of a WLAN that can be applied to embodiments of this application. See also: Figure 4As shown, this network architecture uses a WLAN comprising three access points (APs) (AP1, AP2, and AP3) and three non-AP stations (STAs) (STA1, STA2, and STA3) as an example. STA1 is associated with AP1, STA2 with AP2, and STA3 with AP3. An association between a STA and an AP means that the STA accesses the basic service set (BSS) of that AP. The AP can configure and manage the STA's network, enabling it to communicate with other STAs within the BSS. Conversely, STAs not associated with an AP cannot use the network services provided by that AP and therefore cannot communicate with other STAs within the BSS. STAs associated with an AP are simply called associated STAs, and an STA can establish an association with an AP through an association process. STAs not associated with an AP are simply called unassociated non-AP STAs.

[0203] See Figure 4 As shown, STA1 is associated with AP1, but not with AP2; STA2 is associated with AP2, but not with AP3. To distinguish them, Figure 4 In the diagram, AP1 and STA1 are connected by a solid line, AP2 and STA2 are connected by a solid line, and AP3 and STA3 are connected by a solid line. Unconnected APs and STAs are not connected by a solid line.

[0204] It should be noted that, Figure 4 The number of APs and STAs listed is just an example; there can be more or fewer. For instance, AP1 can be associated with other STAs besides STA1, AP2 can be associated with other STAs besides STA2, and AP3 can be associated with other STAs besides STA3. Another example... Figure 4 The illustrated WLAN network architecture can also include more APs. This application embodiment is also applicable to communication between APs, for example, APs can communicate with each other through a distributed system (DS). Through the DS, an AP can communicate with its associated STAs and / or unassociated STAs. This application embodiment is also applicable to communication between STAs.

[0205] The above Figure 4The WLAN network architecture diagram shown does not constitute a limitation on the network architecture to which the embodiments of this application can be applied. Therefore, the methods provided in the embodiments of this application are applicable to various wireless network architectures or wireless communication systems, such as Wi-Fi systems, 5G communication systems, or various future mobile communication systems, and this application does not limit them.

[0206] Access points are devices that allow terminal devices (such as mobile phones) to access wired (or wireless) networks. They are primarily deployed in homes, buildings, and campuses, with a typical coverage radius of tens to hundreds of meters. They can also be deployed outdoors. An access point acts as a bridge between wired and wireless networks, connecting various wireless network clients and then connecting the wireless network to the Ethernet. Specifically, access points can be terminal devices (such as mobile phones) or network devices (such as routers) with Wi-Fi chips, or wireless communication chips, wireless sensors, or wireless communication terminals with access point functionality. Access points can be devices that support the 802.11be standard. They can also be devices that support various wireless local area networks (WLAN) standards within the 802.11 family, including 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11ad, 802.11ay, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11a, and 802.11be next-generation.

[0207] A site can be a wireless communication chip, wireless sensor, or wireless communication terminal, and can also be referred to as a user. For example, a site can be a mobile phone supporting Wi-Fi communication, a tablet computer supporting Wi-Fi communication, a set-top box supporting Wi-Fi communication, a smart TV supporting Wi-Fi communication, a smart wearable device supporting Wi-Fi communication, an in-vehicle communication device supporting Wi-Fi communication, and a computer supporting Wi-Fi communication, etc. Optionally, the site can support the 802.11be standard. The site can also support various WLAN standards of the 802.11 family, such as 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11a, and 802.11be next generation.

[0208] For example, access points and sites can be devices used in the Internet of Vehicles (IoV), IoT nodes and sensors in the Internet of Things (IoT), smart cameras, smart remote controls, smart water and electricity meters in smart homes, and sensors in smart cities.

[0209] The AP and STA involved in the embodiments of this application can be APs and STAs that comply with the IEEE 802.11 system standard. An AP is a device deployed in a wireless communication network to provide wireless communication functions for its associated STAs. The AP can serve as the hub of the communication system and is typically a network-side product that supports the 802.11 system standard's Media Access Control (MAC) and Physical Layer (PHY). Examples include base stations, routers, gateways, repeaters, communication servers, switches, or bridges. The base station can include various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations, repeater stations, etc. For ease of description, the devices mentioned above are collectively referred to as APs. STAs are typically terminal products that support the 802.11 system standard's MAC and PHY, such as mobile phones and laptops.

[0210] The communication system architecture or network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of communication system or network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application can also be applied to similar technical problems.

[0211] Unless otherwise specified in this document, the terms "first device" and "second device" are used to describe the implementing entities.

[0212] The "first device" (or "second device") can be a network device, a device with network device functions, or a device that implements network device functions. For example, the "first device" (or "second device") can be an access network device (such as an AP or an AP multi-link device (MLD)), or the "first device" (or "second device") can be a module (e.g., a chip or circuit) in an access network device (such as an AP or an AP MLD), or it can be a module or unit (e.g., a CU, DU, or RU), logic module, or software that fully or partially implements an access network device (such as an AP or an AP MLD).

[0213] In some embodiments, the "first device" (which may also be the "second device") may be a terminal, or a device with terminal functionality, or a device for implementing terminal functionality. For example, the "first device" (which may also be the "second device") may be a terminal (such as a Non-AP STA or Non-AP MLD), or a module (e.g., a chip or circuit) within a terminal (such as a Non-AP STA or Non-AP MLD), or a module or unit, logic module, or software that fully or partially implements a terminal (such as a Non-AP STA or Non-AP MLD). Alternatively, the "first device" (which may also be the "second device") may be a core network device. Or, the "first device" (which may also be the "second device") may be a server, such as a cloud server. Or, the "first device" (which may also be the "second device") may also be a device or apparatus with sensing and / or positioning capabilities, or a device or apparatus capable of performing artificial intelligence tasks. Among these, a device capable of performing artificial intelligence tasks may also be called an artificial intelligence task execution device.

[0214] In the following text, the scheme of the embodiments of this application is described by taking "first device" as the initiator of collaborative sensing and "second device" as the participant or responder of collaborative sensing as an example. In addition, "first device" can be replaced by "first device", or "first communication device", or "collaborative sensing initiating device", etc., and "second device" can be replaced by "second device", or "second communication device", or "collaborative sensing responding device", etc.

[0215] In this application, "send" and "receive" refer to the direction of information / data / signal transmission. For example, "send information to XX" can be understood as the destination of the information being XX, and "send information" can include direct transmission or indirect transmission through other units or modules. "Receive information from YY" can be understood as the source of the information being YY, and "receive information" can include receiving directly from YY or receiving indirectly from YY through other units or modules. Furthermore, "send" can also be understood as the "output" of a chip interface, and "receive" can be understood as the "input" of a chip interface. In other words, "send" or "receive" can occur between devices, such as a base station and a terminal transmitting or receiving data via an air interface. "Send" or "receive" can also occur within a device, such as transmitting or receiving data between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within a device via a bus, wiring, or interface.

[0216] It should be understood that the names of the messages (or information) in the following processes in this application are merely examples. As communication technology evolves, the names of the messages (or information, etc.) in the following processes may change. However, regardless of how the names change, as long as their meaning is the same as the function or meaning of the messages (or information, etc.) in this application, they all fall within the protection scope of this application. For example, "channel switching start time information" can be replaced with "DSO start time," "first request information" can be replaced with "AP request (Multi-AP request) frame," etc., "inter-device parameter element information" in the first request information can be replaced with "inter-device parameter element field," and "trigger information" can be replaced with "trigger frame." Similar information involved in this application can be replaced with the aforementioned substitution methods, and will not be listed here individually. Furthermore, "cooperative execution of sensing measurement tasks" in this document can be abbreviated as "cooperative sensing" or "cooperative sensing measurement," etc.

[0217] The solutions of the embodiments of this application will be described below.

[0218] This application provides a collaborative awareness method, which can be applied to, but is not limited to, collaborative awareness methods. Figure 4 The network architecture is shown. This method can be executed by a first device (or a second device), by a module of the first device (or a second device) (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or by a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first device (or the second device). Furthermore, this application does not impose specific limitations on the specific structure of the execution entities (first device, second device) or the number of each execution entity (first device, second device) provided in the embodiments of this application, as long as communication can be performed according to the method provided in the embodiments of this application by running a program that records the code of the method provided in the embodiments of this application. For ease of description, the interaction between the first device and at least one second device is used as an example in the following description. The order of steps in the following processes is merely an example; in actual applications, the execution order of steps in each process can be adjusted, and all or part of the following steps can be adaptively executed.

[0219] See Figure 5 As shown, the method provided in this application embodiment may include the following steps:

[0220] S501: The first device sends a first request message to at least one second device, the first request message being used to request cooperation in performing a sensing measurement task; the first request message includes first information, the first information being used to indicate shared transmission duration when cooperating in performing the sensing measurement task.

[0221] In one possible implementation, when the value of the first information is a first value, the first information is used to indicate that the shared transmission duration is the Proxy-Aware (SBP) shared transmission duration; when the value of the first information is a second value, the first information is used to indicate that the shared transmission duration is the time-division shared transmission duration; the time-division shared transmission duration includes the sequential shared transmission duration and / or the time period within the shared transmission duration; when the value of the first information is a third value, the first information is used to indicate that the shared transmission duration is the frequency-division shared transmission duration.

[0222] In one possible implementation, the first request information further includes inter-device parameter element information; this inter-device parameter element information includes a control field and / or a first field; the control field includes one or more of the following:

[0223] (1) The number of access devices performing sensing and measurement tasks; (2) Two-layer identification and indication information;

[0224] Among them, the dual-layer identification indication information is used to indicate whether the dual-layer identification function is enabled, and the first field is used to indicate the identification information and / or address information of the first device and at least one second device;

[0225] When the dual-layer identification indication information is used to indicate the activation of the dual-layer identification function, the control field also includes first identification information. The first identification information is used by at least one second device to determine the perception measurement session identification information according to preset mapping information. The preset mapping information includes the correspondence between the perception measurement session identification information established by at least one second device and the associated third device.

[0226] In one possible implementation, the first request information further includes available window element information, which is used to indicate the available time period when the first device and at least one second device perform the sensing measurement task, wherein there is an overlap between the available time periods corresponding to the first device and at least one second device.

[0227] S502: At least one second device sends a first response message to the first device, the first response message indicating whether to accept the cooperation requested by the first request information. Accordingly, the first device receives the first response message from the at least one second device.

[0228] In one possible implementation, when the aforementioned dual-layer identification indication information is used to indicate that the dual-layer identification function is not enabled, the first response message includes one or more sensing measurement session identification information established between the second device and the associated third device.

[0229] In one possible implementation, the method of this application embodiment further includes the following step, namely, the stage of the first device establishing a session for the sensing and measurement task:

[0230] The first device establishes a sensing measurement session, comprising: the first device sending a second request message to at least one fourth device, the second request message being used to request the establishment of a sensing session; the at least one fourth device having access services provided by the first device; the at least one fourth device sending a second response message to the first device, the second response message being used to respond to whether it accepts the establishment request of the second request message. Accordingly, the first device receives the second response message from the at least one fourth device.

[0231] In one possible implementation, the method of this application embodiment further includes the following step: a stage in which at least one second device establishes a session for the sensing and measurement task.

[0232] The following uses one of the second devices as an example to illustrate how a second device establishes a session for a sensing measurement task.

[0233] The second device establishes a sensing measurement session, including: the second device sending a third request message to at least one third device, the third request message being used to request the establishment of a sensing session, the at least one third device having access services provided by the second device; further, after receiving the third request message, the at least one third device sends a third response message to the second device, the third response message being used to respond to whether it accepts the establishment request of the third request message. Accordingly, the second device receives the third response message from the at least one third device.

[0234] In one possible implementation, the method of this application embodiment further includes the following step: a stage in which the first device and the at least one second device cooperate to perform a sensing and measurement task. The cooperation between the first device and the at least one second device to perform the sensing and measurement task may include the following implementations:

[0235] In implementation method one, the first piece of information mentioned above is used to indicate when the shared transmission duration is the sequential shared transmission duration:

[0236] The first device and the at least one second device cooperate to perform sensing and measurement tasks, including the following:

[0237] The first device obtains the first transmission duration of the sensing and measurement task;

[0238] During the first transmission duration, the first device performs a sensing and measurement task with at least one associated fourth device;

[0239] After completing the sensing and measurement task, the first device sends a first frame to one of the at least two second devices. The first frame is used to instruct the second device to perform the sensing and measurement task for the remaining duration of the first transmission duration. After the current second device completes the sensing and measurement task, the first device sends the first frame to the next second device.

[0240] Accordingly, after receiving the first frame sent by the first device, each second device performs a sensing measurement task with at least one corresponding third device during the remaining duration of the first transmission duration.

[0241] It should be noted that when the first device sends the first frame to the next second device, the remaining duration of the first transmission duration indicated by the first frame refers to the remaining duration in the first transmission duration after the first device and the previous second device have completed the collaborative sensing and measurement task.

[0242] For example, within the first transmission duration, after the first device completes the sensing and measurement task, the remaining duration of the first transmission duration is duration 1, which is less than the first transmission duration. Then, the first device sends a first frame to the second device #1, which indicates duration 1. After the second device #1 completes the sensing and measurement task within duration 1, the remaining duration of the first transmission duration is duration 2, which is less than duration 1. Further, the first device sends a first frame to the second device #2, which indicates duration 2. Then, the second device #2 performs the sensing and measurement task within duration 2, and so on, until all the second devices participating in the collaborative sensing and measurement task have completed their sensing and measurement tasks.

[0243] In the second implementation method, the first information mentioned above is used to indicate when the shared transmission duration is a time period within the shared transmission duration:

[0244] The first device and the at least one second device cooperate to perform sensing and measurement tasks, including the following:

[0245] The first device obtains the first transmission duration of the sensing and measurement task;

[0246] During the first transmission duration, the first device performs a sensing and measurement task with at least one associated fourth device;

[0247] After completing the sensing and measurement task, the first device sends a first frame to at least one second device. The first frame is used to instruct the at least one second device to perform the sensing and measurement task during the corresponding time period within the remaining duration of the first transmission duration.

[0248] In one possible implementation, after completing the sensing and measurement task, the first device can broadcast the first frame mentioned above.

[0249] Accordingly, the at least one second device receives the first frame, and each second device performs a sensing measurement task with the at least one associated third device during the corresponding time period of the remaining duration of the first transmission duration.

[0250] In implementation method three, the first piece of information mentioned above is used to indicate when the shared transmission duration is the frequency division shared transmission duration:

[0251] The first device and the at least one second device cooperate to perform sensing and measurement tasks, including the following:

[0252] The first device obtains the first transmission duration of the sensing and measurement task;

[0253] During the first transmission duration, the first device performs a sensing and measurement task with at least one fourth device.

[0254] After completing the sensing measurement task, the first device sends a first frame to at least one second device. The first frame is used to instruct the sensing measurement task to be performed for the remaining duration of the first transmission duration and to instruct one or more of the at least one second device to switch the channel used for the sensing measurement task.

[0255] In one possible implementation, after completing the sensing and measurement task, the first device can broadcast the first frame mentioned above.

[0256] Accordingly, the at least one second device receives the first frame, wherein after receiving the first frame, one or more second devices indicated by the first frame switch channels based on the first frame, and then perform a sensing measurement task with the associated at least one third device on the switched channel; while each of the other second devices performs a sensing measurement task with the associated at least one third device after receiving the first frame.

[0257] For example, the first device broadcasts a first frame, which instructs the second device #1 and the second device #2 to perform a sensing measurement task for the remaining duration of the first transmission time, and instructs the second device #2 to switch the channel used for the sensing measurement task. After receiving the first frame, the second device #1 performs the sensing measurement task with at least one third device associated with it for the remaining duration of the first transmission time. After receiving the first frame, the second device #2 first switches the channel for the remaining duration of the first transmission time, and then performs the sensing measurement task with at least one third device associated with it on the switched channel.

[0258] The first frame sent by the first device to at least one second device will be described in detail below.

[0259] Regarding the above implementation method one or implementation method two (time-division shared transmission duration): In one possible implementation, when the two-layer identification indication information is used to indicate that the two-layer identification function is not enabled, the first frame may include one or more of the following:

[0260] (1) Public information; (2) User info list field;

[0261] The public information includes a second field, which indicates the first transmission duration used for sensing measurement tasks or communication;

[0262] The user information list fields include newly added trigger-related user information fields, which include one or more of the following:

[0263] Secondary identification information, start time information of the sensing and measurement task, or shared duration information;

[0264] The second identification information is used to indicate the identification information of the sensing measurement session established between at least one second device and an associated third device; the start time information of the sensing measurement is used to indicate the duration from when the first device sends the first frame to when the second device begins to perform the sensing measurement task; and the shared duration information is used to indicate at least one time period within the remaining duration of the first transmission duration.

[0265] In the first implementation method, the shared duration information may not be included in the relevant user information fields.

[0266] Regarding the above implementation method one or implementation method two (time-division shared transmission duration): In one possible implementation, when the dual-layer identification indication information is used to indicate the activation of the dual-layer identification function; the first frame includes one or more of the following:

[0267] (1) Public information; (2) User info list field;

[0268] The public information includes triggering related public information, which includes one or more of the following:

[0269] The second field, or the first identification information;

[0270] The second field is used to indicate the first transmission duration for sensing measurement tasks or communication;

[0271] The user information list fields include trigger-related user information fields, which include one or more of the following:

[0272] The start time information of the sensing and measurement task, or the duration information shared;

[0273] The start time information of the sensing measurement is used to indicate the duration from when the first device sends the first frame to when the second device begins to perform the sensing measurement task, and the shared duration information is used to indicate at least one time period within the remaining duration of the first transmission duration.

[0274] In the first implementation method described above, the shared duration information is not included in the relevant user information fields.

[0275] Regarding the above implementation method three (frequency division sharing transmission duration): In one possible implementation, when the dual-layer identification indication information is used to indicate that the dual-layer identification function is not enabled, the first frame includes one or more of the following:

[0276] (1) Public information; (2) User info list field;

[0277] The public information includes a second field, which indicates the first transmission duration used for sensing measurement tasks or communication;

[0278] The user information list fields include newly added trigger-related user information fields, which include one or more of the following:

[0279] Second identification information, channel information of the sensing and measurement task, start time information of channel switching, or start time information of the sensing and measurement task.

[0280] Among them, the channel switching start time information is used to indicate the duration from when the first device sends the channel switching start time information to when the second device starts performing the channel switching, and the sensing measurement task start time information is used to indicate the duration from when the first device sends the first frame to when the second device starts performing the sensing measurement task.

[0281] Regarding the above implementation method three (frequency division sharing transmission duration): In one possible implementation, when the dual-layer identification indication information is used to indicate the activation of the dual-layer identification function, the first frame includes one or more of the following:

[0282] (1) Public information; (2) User info list field;

[0283] The public information includes triggering related public information, which includes one or more of the following:

[0284] The second field, or the first identification information;

[0285] The second field is used to indicate the first transmission duration for sensing measurement tasks or communication;

[0286] The user information list fields include trigger-related user information fields, which include one or more of the following:

[0287] Channel information for sensing and measurement tasks, start time information for channel switching, or start time information for sensing and measurement tasks.

[0288] Among them, the channel switching start time information is used to indicate the duration from when the first device sends the channel switching start time information to when the second device starts performing the channel switching, and the sensing measurement task start time information is used to indicate the duration from when the first device sends the first frame to when the second device starts performing the sensing measurement task.

[0289] In one possible implementation, the method of this application embodiment further includes the following steps (i.e., the reporting phase of collaboratively performing the perception measurement task):

[0290] After the first device completes the sensing and measurement task, it sends a multi-device report trigger frame to the at least one second device. The multi-device report trigger frame is used to trigger the at least one second device to feed back a measurement report of the sensing and measurement task. Correspondingly, the at least one second device receives a multi-device report trigger frame from the first device. The multi-device report trigger frame is used to trigger the at least one second device to feed back a measurement report of the sensing and measurement task.

[0291] Then, the at least one second device sends a measurement report to the first device based on the multi-device report trigger frame. Accordingly, the first device receives the measurement report from the at least one second device.

[0292] In summary, this application provides a cooperative sensing method, which includes: a first device sending a first request message to at least one second device, the first request message being used to request cooperative execution of a sensing measurement task; the first request message including first information, the first information being used to indicate sharing transmission duration when cooperatively executing the sensing measurement task; subsequently, the first device receiving a first response message from the at least one second device, the first response message being used to indicate whether to accept the cooperation requested by the first request message. In this scheme, after receiving the first request message sent by the first device, the at least one second device determines, based on the first information in the first request message, that it can share transmission duration while cooperatively executing the sensing measurement task. This allows for subsequent cooperative execution of the sensing measurement task through shared transmission duration, which not only improves the efficiency of cooperative sensing but also reduces the overhead generated by cooperative sensing (e.g., reducing the contention overhead of multiple sensing measurements competing for channels individually, and the duration overhead of cooperative sensing), and achieves sensing diversity gain.

[0293] Based on the above Figure 5 The scheme shown below will be described in detail through several specific implementation methods.

[0294] In Implementation Method 1, the establishment stage of collaborative perception measurement in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail.

[0295] The collaborative sensing measurement stage of this application embodiment can include time-division TXOP sharing sensing measurement and frequency-division TXOP sharing sensing measurement. Time-division TXOP sharing sensing measurement includes sensing measurement of sequentially shared TXOPs (or shared TXOPs in stages) and sensing measurement of shared TXOP time periods. Therefore, in Embodiments 2 and 3, the two types of sensing measurement—sequentially shared TXOPs and shared TXOP time periods—are described in detail, respectively. Embodiment 4 mainly focuses on the frequency-division TXOP sharing sensing measurement stage.

[0296] In implementation method five, a selectable multi-AP identifier (as described above) is mainly provided for embodiments of this application. Figure 5 The example of the first identification information in the scheme is described in detail and can be applied to, but not limited to, the establishment phase and / or collaborative sensing measurement phase.

[0297] Implementation Method 1:

[0298] In Implementation Method 1, AP1 is the multi-AP sensing initiator (i.e., the initiator of collaborative sensing), and AP2 and AP3 are multi-AP sensing responders (i.e., the responders of collaborative sensing). AP1 is associated with STA1, AP2 with STA2, and AP3 with STA3. The process for establishing multi-AP collaborative sensing measurements in this embodiment is described in detail. See [link to implementation details]. Figure 6A As shown, the method flow of Implementation Method 1 includes the following:

[0299] S600A: AP1 interacts with STA1 to generate sensing measurement request frames and sensing measurement response frames.

[0300] That is, AP1 sends a sensing measurement request frame to STA1 to request the establishment of a sensing measurement session; accordingly, after receiving the sensing measurement request frame, STA1 sends a sensing measurement response frame to AP1, which is used to reply whether it accepts AP1's request.

[0301] In the S600A, AP1 can establish a sensing measurement session with STA1.

[0302] S601A: AP1 sends Multi-AP request frames to AP2 and AP3 respectively (as described above). Figure 5(Example of the first request information in the illustrated scheme) The Multi-AP request frame is used to request the establishment of collaborative awareness for TXOP sharing. Accordingly, both AP2 and AP3 receive this Multi-AP request frame.

[0303] This application provides an embodiment of a request frame for requesting inter-AP cooperation awareness, namely a Multi-AP request frame, such as... Figure 7A As shown, a new frame type has been added to the Multi-AP Request Frame. This frame can be used to represent the type / purpose / purpose of the Multi-AP Request Frame, that is, the Multi-AP Request Frame is used to request inter-AP cooperation awareness, and it indicates that the Multi-AP Request Frame will carry multi-AP cooperation awareness parameters.

[0304] In one possible implementation, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 7A As shown, the Multi-AP request frame includes an agent-aware SBP parameter element, which in turn includes SBP parameter control. The SBP parameter control further includes an M-AP model (as described above). Figure 5 (Example of the first information field in the scheme shown).

[0305] For example, the AP collaboration awareness type is indicated by 2 bits, as shown in Table 1. If the value of the M-AP mode is 00 (as mentioned above) Figure 5 When the value of the first information in the scheme shown is the first value (example), it indicates that the Multi-AP request frame is an SBP (or SBP, Basic SBP, Baseline SBP, etc.) request; if the value of the M-AP mode is 01 (as mentioned above) Figure 5 When the value of the first information in the scheme shown is the second value (for example), it indicates that the Multi-AP request frame is a Time-Division TXOP Shared Collaboration Awareness Request; if the value of the M-AP mode is 10 (as mentioned above) Figure 5 When the first information in the scheme shown is taken as the third value (example), it indicates that the Multi-AP request frame is a Frequency Division TXOP shared collaborative awareness request.

[0306] Table 1

[0307]

[0308]

[0309] Table 1 above is an example. In practical applications, other values ​​can be used to represent / describe the type / purpose / purpose of the Multi-AP request frame, or other methods can be used to represent / describe the type / purpose / purpose of the Multi-AP request frame. There are no limitations on this.

[0310] In one possible implementation, this application proposes adding a function to the Multi-AP request frame for carrying multi-AP cooperative sensing parameters. Specifically, this may include control information for inter-AP operations and AP identification information. The control information for inter-AP operations carries necessary control information, including an indication of the number of APs participating in cooperative sensing. The AP identification information refers to the identification information of all APs participating in cooperative sensing, including but not limited to MAC address information and / or AID information.

[0311] For example, such as Figure 7A As shown, a new M-AP parameter element field has been added to the Multi-AP request frame (as described above). Figure 5 (Example of parameter element information between devices in the scheme shown). Figure 7B A structural diagram of an M-AP parameter element is shown, in which the M-AP parameter element controls (as described above) Figure 5 The example of parameter element information between devices in the illustrated scheme includes M-AP parameter control (as described above). Figure 5 Example of control fields in the scheme shown) field and group AP media access control (group AP MAC) (above) Figure 5 (Example of the first field in the scheme shown) field.

[0312] In M-AP parameter control (the above) Figure 5 The example of the control field in the scheme shown includes a number of group APs field, which indicates the number of APs participating in the collaborative sensing, and this information can be indicated by 4 bits.

[0313] Group AP Media Access Control (MAC) (as described above) Figure 5 (Example of the first field in the scheme shown) This field is used to indicate the address information of all APs participating in TXOP shared collaboration awareness. This information can be indicated by n×12 bits, where n is the number of APs participating in collaboration awareness, and n is a positive integer.

[0314] In addition, such as Figure 7A As shown, the Multi-AP request frame (as described above) Figure 5 In the example of the first request information in the scheme shown, the ISTA availability window element field is used to indicate the available time and period of the sensing measurement exchange phase, during which the AP needs to allocate the sensing time and period.

[0315] In this application embodiment, in order to meet the sensing measurement requirements, multiple sensing measurement sessions perform sensing measurement exchanges within different availability windows. However, during the sensing establishment phase, the multiple availability windows are set to be the same or have overlapping parts to ensure the implementation of subsequent collaborative sensing measurement processes.

[0316] S602A: AP2 and AP3 respectively send multi-AP response frames to AP1 (as described above). Figure 5 (Example of the first response information in the illustrated scheme) The Multi-AP response frame is used to reply whether to accept AP1's request. Accordingly, AP1 receives Multi-AP response frames from AP2 and AP3, respectively.

[0317] AP2 and AP3 can determine whether AP1's request is feasible based on the information in the Multi-AP request frame. After replying to AP1 with a Multi-AP response frame, AP2 then requests STA2 to establish sensing, and AP3 then requests STA3 to establish sensing.

[0318] In one possible implementation, the Multi-AP response frames sent by AP2 and AP3 to AP1 include one or more sensing session identifiers corresponding to AP2 (e.g., sensing session identifiers between AP2 and STA2) and one or more sensing session identifiers corresponding to AP3 (e.g., sensing session identifiers between AP3 and STA3).

[0319] For S601A and S602A, AP1 can interact with AP2 and AP3 synchronously or asynchronously, and there is no specific limitation on the order of execution.

[0320] S603A: AP2 sends a sensing measurement request frame to STA2. STA2 receives the sensing measurement request frame accordingly.

[0321] S604A: STA2 sends a sensing measurement response frame to AP2, which is used to reply whether it accepts AP2's request. Accordingly, AP1 receives this sensing measurement response frame.

[0322] S605A: AP3 sends a sensing measurement request frame to STA3. STA3 receives the sensing measurement request frame accordingly.

[0323] S606A: STA3 sends a sensing measurement response frame to AP3, which is used to reply whether it accepts AP3's request. Accordingly, AP3 receives the sensing measurement response frame.

[0324] The perception measurement phase (S603A-S604A) for AP2 and associated STA2 and the perception measurement phase (S605A-S606A) for AP3 and associated STA3 can be executed synchronously or asynchronously, and there is no specific limitation on the order of execution.

[0325] Optionally, the order in which AP2 and AP3 request the sensing measurement request frame and STA2 and STA3 respond with the corresponding sensing measurement response frame is not limited, as long as the time interval between the sensing measurement request frame and the corresponding sensing measurement response frame does not exceed the specified duration (e.g., 20 milliseconds (ms)).

[0326] In another possible implementation, after AP2 receives the Multi-AP request frame from AP1, it can first request STA2 to establish sensing (i.e., execute S603A), and then reply to AP1 with a Multi-AP response frame (i.e., execute S602A), provided that the time interval between AP2 receiving the Multi-AP request frame and AP2 sending the Multi-AP response frame does not exceed a specified time (e.g., 100 milliseconds (ms)). Similarly, after AP3 receives the Multi-AP request frame from AP1, it can first request STA3 to establish sensing (i.e., execute S605A), and then reply to AP1 with a Multi-AP response frame (i.e., execute S602A), provided that the time interval between AP3 receiving the Multi-AP request frame and AP3 sending the Multi-AP response frame does not exceed a specified duration (e.g., 100 milliseconds (ms)).

[0327] For example, Figure 6B This diagram illustrates the interaction between collaborative sensing APs during the perception establishment phase. (See attached image) Figure 6B As shown, AP1 can send a sensing measurement request frame to STA1, and STA1 can send a sensing measurement response frame to AP1 to indicate whether it accepts the sensing measurement request. Furthermore, AP1 can send a Multi-AP request frame to AP2, and AP2 can send a Multi-AP response frame back to AP1. AP1 can also send a Multi-AP request frame to AP3, and AP3 can send a Multi-AP response frame back to AP1. AP2 can also send a sensing measurement request frame to STA2, and STA2 can send a sensing measurement response frame back to AP2 to indicate whether it accepts the sensing measurement request. Similarly, AP3 can send a sensing measurement request frame to STA3, and STA3 can send a sensing measurement response frame back to AP3 to indicate whether it accepts the sensing measurement request.

[0328] exist Figure 6B In the interactions shown, the execution order of multiple interactions is not limited. For example, the order in which AP1 sends Multi-AP request frames to AP2 and AP3 is not limited; the order in which AP2 sends a Multi-AP response frame to AP1 and sends a sensing measurement request frame to STA2 is also not limited, as long as the time interval between AP2 receiving the Multi-AP request frame and AP2 sending the Multi-AP response frame does not exceed a specified duration (e.g., 100ms). Similarly, the order in which AP3 sends a Multi-AP response frame to AP1 and AP3 sends a sensing measurement request frame to STA3 is also not limited. Furthermore, the order in which AP2 and AP3 request sensing measurement request frames and STA2 and STA3 respond with corresponding sensing measurement response frames is not limited, as long as the time interval between the sensing measurement request frame and the sensing measurement response frame does not exceed a specified duration (e.g., 20ms).

[0329] In Implementation Method 1, when the initiator AP1 sends a cooperative sensing request to other APs, it can also carry relevant parameters for inter-AP operation, such as the identification information of all APs participating in the cooperation. This ensures that in the subsequent sensing measurement process, any AP that competes for the channel in the cooperative sensing process can effectively share the reserved remaining TXOPs with other participating APs.

[0330] Implementation Method Two:

[0331] In the second implementation method, AP1 is a multi-AP sensing initiator (i.e., the initiator of collaborative sensing), and AP2 and AP3 are multi-AP sensing responders (i.e., the responders of collaborative sensing). For example, AP1 is associated with STA1, AP2 is associated with STA2, and AP3 is associated with STA3. The sensing measurement process of sharing TXOP in stages (or sharing TXOP sequentially) in this embodiment of the application is described in detail.

[0332] See Figure 8A As shown, the method flow of Implementation Method Two includes the following:

[0333] S801A: After AP1 competes for and obtains the channel, it reserves TXOP1 (i.e., a relatively long time period) (as described above). Figure 5 (First transmission duration in the scheme shown).

[0334] S802A: AP1 exchanges sensing measurements with STA1 within TXOP1.

[0335] For example, the process of AP1 performing non-trigger-based sensing measurements with STA1 within TXOP1 may include the following steps:

[0336] Step 1: STA1 sends an empty data packet to AP1 to declare NDPA. AP1 receives the NDPA accordingly.

[0337] Step 2: STA1 sends one or more NDP / PPDUs to AP1; accordingly, after receiving one or more NDP / PPDUs, AP1 generates a corresponding measurement report.

[0338] Step 3: AP1 sends one or more NDP / PPDUs to STA1; accordingly, after receiving one or more NDP / PPDUs from AP1, STA1 generates a corresponding measurement report.

[0339] In the above, steps 1 and 2 correspond to the sensing measurement in the uplink direction, and step 3 corresponds to the sensing measurement in the downlink direction. In practical applications, the execution time of the sensing measurement in the uplink direction and the sensing measurement in the downlink direction is not specifically limited.

[0340] For example, the process of AP1 performing trigger-based (TB) sensing measurements between TXOP1 and STA1 may include the following steps:

[0341] Step 1: AP1 broadcasts a polling trigger frame, which is used to poll and trigger the devices participating in the measurement task. Correspondingly, STA1 receives this polling trigger frame.

[0342] Step 2: STA1 sends a polling-triggered response message to AP1; correspondingly, AP1 receives the polling-triggered response message from STA1.

[0343] Step 3: Based on the response information triggered by STA1's polling, AP1 performs the following steps with STA1:

[0344] Step 4.1: AP1 broadcasts NDPA, and STA1 receives the NDPA accordingly.

[0345] Step 4.2: AP1 sends one or more NDP / PPDUs to STA1; accordingly, after receiving the one or more NDP / PPDUs, STA1 generates a corresponding measurement report.

[0346] Steps 4.1 and 4.2 above belong to the NDPA detection phase. The specific process can be performed by referring to the NDPA detection phase in the current technology.

[0347] Step 5.1: AP1 sends a probe trigger message to STA1; correspondingly, STA1 receives the probe trigger message.

[0348] Step 5.2: STA1 sends one or more NDP / PPDUs to AP1; accordingly, AP1 generates a corresponding measurement report after receiving one or more NDP / PPDUs from STA1.

[0349] Steps 5.1 and 5.2 above belong to the trigger frame detection process. The specific process can also be executed by referring to the trigger frame detection stage in the current technology.

[0350] S803A: AP1 sends a MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frame to AP2 (as described above). Figure 5(Example of the first frame in the scheme shown) The MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frame carries the remaining TXOP1 (i.e., the remaining duration within TXOP1 after AP1 and STA1 have completed the sensing measurement exchange) information and sensing measurement session identifier information.

[0351] This application proposes a MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frame (as described above). Figure 5 (Example of the first frame in the illustrated scheme) The MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frame carries information related to device operation.

[0352] For example, Figure 9A and Figure 9B A structural diagram of a MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frame is shown, in the MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frame (the above) Figure 5 The example of the first frame in the scheme shown includes one or more of the following:

[0353] (1) Common info field; (2) User info list field.

[0354] (1) Common info field:

[0355] In the public information field, a new field has been added to indicate whether the device is performing a sensing or communication operation.

[0356] For example, Figure 9A The diagram shows a structure of a common information field, which includes a communication or sensing field (as described above). Figure 5 (Example of the second field in the scheme shown) The communication or sensing field occupies 1 bit and is used to indicate whether the TXOP1 obtained in this sharing is for sensing or communication (i.e. the purpose of the shared TXOP1).

[0357] For example, as shown in Table 2, a value of 0 in the communication or sensing field indicates / instructs the device to communicate; a value of 1 in the communication or sensing field indicates / instructs the device to sense.

[0358] Table 2

[0359] value Indication / Explanation (meaning) 0 The device communicates 1 Device sensing

[0360] Table 2 above is an example. In practical applications, other values ​​can be used to indicate whether the device is communicating or sensing, or other methods can be used to indicate whether the device is communicating or sensing. There are no limitations on this.

[0361] (2) User info list field:

[0362] In the user information list fields, add a new field. This field indicates the specific tasks and parameters that the device should perform during the triggered operation, including the session ID indicating the sensing measurement (as described above). Figure 5 Examples of the second identification information in the scheme shown), the start time of the sensing measurement, the duration of the shared TXOP, etc., are at least one of the following:

[0363] For example, Figure 9B The diagram shows a structure of a user info list field, which includes a newly added trigger-dependent user info field. This trigger-dependent user info field includes one or more of the following:

[0364] (1) Session ID field, (2) Sensing start time field.

[0365] In this first implementation, the sensing start time field may be absent, or it may exist but be set to zero.

[0366] The specific details of each of the above fields are as follows:

[0367] (1) Session ID (as mentioned above) Figure 5 Example of the second identification information in the scheme shown: field:

[0368] The session identifier field is used to indicate the perception measurement session ID established between the AP and the STA.

[0369] For example, in the MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frame sent by AP1 to AP2, the session identifier field is used to indicate the sensing measurement session ID that has been established between AP2 and STA2.

[0370] In one possible implementation, the session ID field occupies 4 bits.

[0371] (2) Sensing start time field:

[0372] The Sensing Start Time field indicates the start time of the sensing measurement. The start time of the sensing measurement is not an absolute time (or duration), but a relative time (or relative duration) after receiving the TXOP sharing instruction.

[0373] For example, in the MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frame sent by AP1 to AP2, the start time field of the sensing measurement indicates the time interval between AP1 sending the MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frame and AP2 starting to perform sensing measurements.

[0374] In one possible implementation, the sensing start time field occupies 4 bits.

[0375] S804A: AP2 sends a CTS frame to AP1. Correspondingly, AP1 receives the CTS frame.

[0376] After receiving the MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frame, AP2 replies with a CTS frame to AP1 after a SIFS interval.

[0377] S805A: AP2 exchanges sensing measurements with STA2 for the remainder of TXOP1.

[0378] After AP2 replies with a CTS frame to AP1, it exchanges sensing measurements with STA2 during the remaining time of TXOP1 after the SIFS interval.

[0379] S806A: AP1 sends a MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frame to AP3. The MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frame carries the remaining TXOP1 (i.e., the remaining duration in TXOP1 after AP1 and STA1 complete the sensing measurement exchange and AP2 and STA2 complete the sensing measurement exchange) information and sensing measurement session identifier information.

[0380] Similarly, the MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frame sent by AP1 to AP3 can refer to the structure and description of the MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frame sent by AP1 to AP2 in S803A above, which will not be repeated here.

[0381] The user info list field described in S806A includes a session ID field, which indicates the sensing measurement session ID established between AP3 and STA3. The sensing start time field indicates the time interval between AP1 sending the MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frame and AP3 and STA3 starting sensing measurements. In S806A, the sensing start time field may be absent, or it may exist but be set to zero.

[0382] S807A: AP3 sends a CTS frame to AP1. Accordingly, AP1 receives the CTS frame.

[0383] S808A: AP3 exchanges sensing measurements with STA3 for the remainder of TXOP1.

[0384] After AP3 replies with a CTS frame to AP1, it exchanges sensing measurements with STA3 during the remaining time of TXOP1 after the SIFS interval.

[0385] S809A: AP1 sends Multi-AP report trigger frames to AP2 and AP3 respectively. The Multi-AP report trigger frames are used to trigger feedback of measurement results. Correspondingly, AP2 and AP3 receive the Multi-AP report trigger frames respectively.

[0386] S810A: AP2 and AP3 respectively send their measurement results back to AP1. Accordingly, AP1 receives the measurement results from AP2 and AP3.

[0387] In the embodiments of this application, AP1 sends Multi-AP report trigger frames to AP2 and AP3 respectively. They can be sent simultaneously or at different times, and the order of sending is not specifically limited.

[0388] For example, Figure 8B This diagram illustrates the interactive process of the segmented sharing of TXOPs in Implementation Method 2. AP1, AP2, and AP3 have completed the collaborative sensing establishment phase. (See attached diagram.) Figure 8BAs shown, after AP1 competes for the channel and reserves a relatively long TXOP1, AP1 first performs a sensing measurement exchange with its associated STA1. After completing the sensing measurement exchange, AP1 sends a MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frame to AP2, sharing the remaining TXOP with AP2 and indicating the corresponding sensing measurement session ID to AP2. Then, after receiving the MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frame, AP2 replies with a CTS frame to AP1 after a SIFS interval, and then performs a sensing measurement exchange with STA2 after another SIFS interval. After AP2 and STA2 complete their sensing measurement exchange, after a SIFS interval, AP1 sends a MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frame to AP3, sharing the remaining TXOP after AP2's sensing measurement with AP3 and indicating the corresponding sensing measurement session ID to AP3. Furthermore, after receiving the MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frame, AP3 replies with a CTS frame to AP1 after a SIFS interval, and then performs a sensing measurement exchange with STA3 after another SIFS interval. Finally, AP1 sends Multi-AP report trigger frames to AP2 and AP3 respectively to trigger AP2 and AP3 to return the measurement results to AP1; after receiving the Multi-AP report trigger frames, AP2 and AP3 send report frames to AP1 after the SIFS interval to provide feedback on the measurement results.

[0389] The above Figure 8A and Figure 8B The example described uses AP1 preempting the channel first. In practical applications, after cooperative sensing is established, each participating AP may be the first to obtain the channel and reserve the corresponding TXOP (i.e., gain control of the TXOP). Within the reserved TXOP, the interaction process can be referred to above. Therefore, regardless of which AP preempts the channel and reserves a longer TXOP, it can first complete its own sensing measurement exchange process within that TXOP. Then, it can sequentially share the remaining TXOP with other APs in cooperative sensing and instruct them to execute the sensing measurement session identifier until all participating APs have completed the sensing measurement exchange.

[0390] In the second implementation method, in the time-division TXOP Sharing cooperative sensing method, AP1 can request cooperative sensing from other APs, compete for the channel and share the remaining TXOP time, which can ensure that the sensing measurement exchange process of multiple APs is executed sequentially within one TXOP, while obtaining a better diversity gain effect.

[0391] Implementation Method 3:

[0392] The third implementation method is the same as the second implementation method in terms of the execution stages, but it differs from the second implementation method in that the third implementation method mainly describes in detail the sensing and measurement process of the shared TXOP time period.

[0393] See Figure 10A As shown, the method flow of Implementation Method 3 includes the following:

[0394] S1001A: After AP1 competes for and obtains the channel, it reserves TXOP1 (i.e., a relatively long time period) (as described above). Figure 5 (Example of the first transmission duration in the illustrated scheme).

[0395] S1002A: AP1 exchanges sensing measurements with STA1 within TXOP1.

[0396] S1002A can be implemented by referring to the example described in S802A above, and will not be repeated here.

[0397] S1001A-S1002A can be referenced one-to-one with the above S801A-S802A, which will not be elaborated here.

[0398] S1003A: AP1 broadcasts MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frames (as described above) Figure 5 (Example of the first frame in the illustrated scheme) The MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frame carries the remaining TXOP (i.e., the remaining duration within the first TXOP after AP1 and STA1 have completed the sensing measurement exchange) information and the corresponding sensing measurement session identifier information. Accordingly, AP2 and AP3 receive this MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frame.

[0399] This application proposes a MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frame, which carries information related to device operation.

[0400] For example, in MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frames (as described above) Figure 5 The example of the first frame in the scheme shown includes a common info field and / or a user info list field.

[0401] For detailed information on the structure of the common info field, please refer to the description of the common info field structure in S803A above, which will not be repeated here.

[0402] User information list fields:

[0403] A new field has been added to the user info list. This field indicates the specific tasks and parameters that the device should perform during the triggered operation, including at least one of the following: the session ID indicating the sensing measurement, the sensing measurement start time, and the duration of the shared TXOP.

[0404] In one possible implementation, Figure 10B The diagram shows another structure for a user info list field, which includes a newly added trigger-dependent user info field. This trigger-dependent user info field includes one or more of the following:

[0405] (1) Session ID field; (2) Sensing start time field; (3) Duration field.

[0406] The specific details of each of the above fields are as follows:

[0407] (1) Session ID field (as mentioned above) Figure 5 Example of the second identification information in the scheme shown):

[0408] The session ID field is used to indicate the ID value of the sensing measurement session established between the AP and the STA. This information can be indicated using 4 bits.

[0409] For example, in the MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frames sent by AP1 to AP2 and AP3 respectively, the session identifier (sessionID) field includes session identifier subfield 1 and session identifier subfield 2. Session identifier subfield 1 is used to indicate the sensing measurement session ID established between AP2 and STA2, and session identifier subfield 2 is used to indicate the sensing measurement session ID established between AP3 and STA3.

[0410] When AP2 and AP3 receive the MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frame, AP2 can determine the sensing measurement session ID through session identifier subfield 1 in the session identifier field; similarly, AP3 can determine the sensing measurement session ID through session identifier subfield 2 in the session identifier field.

[0411] (2) Sensing start time field:

[0412] The Sensing Measurement Start Time field is used to indicate the start time of the sensing measurement. This information can be indicated using 4 bits. Furthermore, the start time of the sensing measurement is not an absolute time (or duration), but a relative time (or relative duration) after receiving the TXOP sharing instruction.

[0413] For example, in the MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frame sent by AP1 to AP2 and AP3, the sensing measurement start time field includes sensing measurement start time subfield 1 and sensing measurement start time subfield 2. The sensing measurement start time subfield 1 is used to indicate the sensing measurement start time corresponding to AP2, and the sensing measurement start time subfield 2 is used to indicate the sensing measurement start time corresponding to AP3.

[0414] Specifically, the sensing measurement start time for AP2 is the time interval between AP1 sending the MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frame and AP2 and STA2 starting to perform sensing measurements. The sensing measurement start time for AP3 is the time interval between AP1 sending the MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frame and AP3 and STA3 starting to perform sensing measurements.

[0415] When AP2 and AP3 receive the MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frame, AP2 can determine the start time of performing sensing measurements with STA2 by using subfield 1 in the sensing measurement start time period field; similarly, AP3 can determine the start time of performing sensing measurements with STA3 by using subfield 2 in the sensing measurement start time period field.

[0416] (3) Duration field:

[0417] The duration field is used to indicate the duration of the shared TXOP. Specifically, for AP2 (or AP3), the duration field indicates the time period (or duration) that AP2 (or AP3) shares within the remaining TXOP of TXOP1.

[0418] In one possible implementation, the field can occupy 8 bits, and it is set to a non-zero value (i.e., the information exists) only if the shared TXOP exists, and otherwise set to 0 (i.e., the information does not exist).

[0419] For example, in the MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frames sent by AP1 to AP2 and AP3 respectively, the duration field includes duration subfield 1 and duration subfield 2. Duration subfield 1 is used to indicate the time period 1 that AP2 shares within the remaining TXOP of TXOP1, and duration subfield 2 is used to indicate the time period 2 that AP3 shares within the remaining TXOP of TXOP1.

[0420] When AP2 and AP3 receive the MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frame, AP2 can determine the time period 1 that it can share within the remaining TXOP of TXOP1 through the duration subfield 1 in the duration field; similarly, AP3 can determine the time period 2 that it can share within the remaining TXOP of TXOP1 through the duration subfield 2 in the sensing measurement start time period field.

[0421] In the above, the remaining TXOP of TXOP1 can refer to the remaining duration of TXOP1 after AP1 performs sensing measurement exchange with STA1 within TXOP1.

[0422] The shared time period 1 corresponding to AP2 and the shared time period 2 corresponding to AP3 are non-overlapping time periods within the remaining TXOP of TXOP1 (i.e., the remaining duration of TXOP1 after AP1 and STA1 perform sensing measurement exchange within TXOP1), and the order of time period 1 and time period 2 is not limited.

[0423] In the embodiments of this application, the time period can refer to a length of time, a time interval consisting of a start time and an end time, a start time and a length of time, or an end time and a length of time; no specific limitation is made in this regard.

[0424] S1004A: AP2 and AP3 send CTS frames to AP1. Correspondingly, AP1 receives CTS frames from AP2 and AP3.

[0425] After receiving the MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frame, AP2 and AP3 respectively reply with a CTS frame to AP1 after a SIFS interval.

[0426] S1005A: AP2 exchanges sensing measurements with STA2 within the corresponding allocated TXOP time period 1 based on the indication information in the MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frame.

[0427] S1006A: AP3 exchanges sensing measurements with STA3 within the corresponding allocated TXOP time period 2, based on the indication information in the MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frame.

[0428] The execution order of S1005A and S1006A is not specifically limited, that is, the execution order of TXOP time period 1 corresponding to AP2 and TXOP time period 2 corresponding to AP3 is not specifically limited.

[0429] S1007A: AP1 sends Multi-AP report trigger frames to AP2 and AP3 respectively. The Multi-AP report trigger frames are used to trigger feedback of measurement results. Correspondingly, AP2 and AP3 receive the Multi-AP report trigger frames respectively.

[0430] After AP2 and AP3 complete the sensing measurement exchange, AP1 sends Multi-AP report trigger frames to AP2 and AP3 respectively. AP1 can send them at the same time or at different times, without any limitation.

[0431] S1008A: AP2 and AP3 respectively send their measurement results back to AP1. Accordingly, AP1 receives the measurement results from AP2 and AP3.

[0432] AP2 and AP3 can send measurement results back to AP1 synchronously or asynchronously, and there is no specific time limit.

[0433] For example, Figure 10C This diagram illustrates the interactive flow of the perception measurement process during the shared TXOP time period in Implementation Method 3. AP1, AP2, and AP3 have completed the collaborative perception establishment phase. (See attached diagram.) Figure 10CAs shown, after AP1 competes for the channel and reserves a relatively long TXOP1, AP1 first performs a sensing measurement exchange with the associated STA1. After completing the sensing measurement exchange, AP1 can broadcast a MU-RTS TXSEenhanced frame to AP2 and AP3 after the SIFS interval to indicate the time period within the remaining TXOP allocated to the corresponding TXOP1 (i.e., TXOP time period 1 corresponding to AP2 and TXOP time period 2 corresponding to AP3), and indicate the sensing measurement session IDs corresponding to AP2 and AP3 respectively. After receiving the MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frame, AP2 and AP3 reply with a CTS frame to AP1 after the SIFS interval. After the SIFS interval, AP2 can exchange sensing measurements with STA2 within its allocated TXOP time period 1, based on the indication information in the MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frame. Similarly, AP3 can exchange sensing measurements with STA3 within its allocated TXOP time period 2, also based on the indication information in the MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frame. The order of TXOP time period 1 and TXOP time period 2 is not specifically defined, but an SIFS interval exists between them. Finally, AP1 can send Multi-AP report trigger frames to AP2 and AP3 respectively, triggering AP2 and AP3 to return measurement results. After receiving the Multi-AP report trigger frames, AP2 and AP3, after the SIFS interval, send report frames to AP1 to provide feedback on their corresponding measurement results.

[0434] In the above, AP1 can send MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frames and / or Multi-AP report trigger frames to AP2 and AP3 simultaneously or at different times, and the order of sending is not specifically limited.

[0435] The above Figure 10A and Figure 10C This example uses AP1 preempting the channel first. In practical applications, after cooperative sensing is established, each participating AP may be the first to obtain the channel and reserve the corresponding TXOP (i.e., gain control of the TXOP). Similarly, within the TXOP, the interaction process can be as described above. Regardless of which AP preempts the channel and reserves a longer TXOP, it can first complete its own sensing measurement exchange process within that TXOP. Then, it shares the remaining TXOPs sequentially with other APs in cooperative sensing, instructing them to identify the sensing measurement session (known sensing measurements), until all participating APs have completed their sensing measurement exchanges.

[0436] In the third implementation method, in the time-division TXOP Sharing cooperative sensing method, AP1 can request cooperative sensing from other APs, compete for the channel and share the remaining TXOP time, which can ensure that the sensing measurement exchange process of multiple APs is executed in the corresponding time period of a TXOP, while obtaining a better diversity gain effect.

[0437] Implementation Method Four:

[0438] In Implementation Method 4, taking AP1 as the Multi-AP sensing initiator (i.e., the initiator of cooperative sensing) and AP2 and AP3 as the Multi-AP sensing responders (i.e., the responders of cooperative sensing), with AP2 and AP3 both operating on the primary 160MHz channel as an example, AP1 is associated with STA1, AP2 is associated with STA2, and AP3 is associated with STA3, the sensing measurement process of the Frequency Division Shared TXOP in this embodiment of the application is described in detail.

[0439] See Figure 11A As shown, the method flow of Implementation Method Four includes the following:

[0440] S1101A: After AP1 competes for and obtains the channel, it reserves TXOP1 (i.e., a relatively long time period) (as described above). Figure 5 (Example of the first transmission duration in the illustrated scheme).

[0441] S1102A: AP1 exchanges sensing measurements with STA1 within TXOP1.

[0442] S1102A can be implemented by referring to the example described in S802A above, and will not be repeated here.

[0443] S1103A: AP1 broadcasts MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frames (as described above). Figure 5 (Example of the first frame in the illustrated scheme) The MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frame carries the remaining TXOP of TXOP1 (i.e., the remaining duration within TXOP1 after AP1 and STA1 have completed the sensing measurement exchange) information and sensing measurement session identifier information, and instructs AP3 to switch to the secondary 160MHz channel. Accordingly, AP2 and AP3 respectively receive the MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frame.

[0444] This embodiment proposes a MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frame, which carries information related to device operation.

[0445] In MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frames (as mentioned above) Figure 5 The example of the first frame in the scheme shown includes: a common info field, and / or a user info list field.

[0446] For detailed information on the structure of the common info field, please refer to the description of the common info field structure in S803A above, which will not be repeated here.

[0447] User information list fields:

[0448] A new "trigger dependent user info" field has been added to the user info list field. This field and its subfields indicate the specific tasks and parameters that the device should perform during a trigger operation, including: the sensing measurement session ID, the dynamic subchannel operation (DSO) start time (as mentioned above). Figure 5 Examples of channel switching start times in the illustrated scheme, and fields such as channel and start time for sensing measurements.

[0449] For example, Figure 11B The diagram shows a structural illustration of a user info list field. See [link / reference]. Figure 11B As shown, the user info list field includes one or more user information fields. These user information fields include trigger-related user information fields, which include one or more of the following fields:

[0450] (1) Session ID (as mentioned above) Figure 5 (Second identification information in the scheme shown):

[0451] The session identifier field is used to indicate the established sensing measurement session ID between the AP and STA. In one possible implementation, this session identifier occupies 4 bits.

[0452] For example, the session identifier field includes session identifier subfield 1 and session identifier subfield 2. Session identifier subfield 1 is used to indicate the perception measurement session ID established between AP2 and STA2, and session identifier subfield 2 is used to indicate the perception measurement session ID established between AP3 and STA3.

[0453] (2) DSO start time (as mentioned above) Figure 5Example of channel handover start time information in the scheme shown):

[0454] The DSO start time field is used to indicate the start time of DSO handover. The start time of DSO handover is not an absolute time, but a relative time from when the channel handover instruction is received.

[0455] For example, the DSO start time field is used to indicate the time when AP3 starts switching channels, that is, the time interval between when AP1 sends the DSO start time field and when AP3 starts switching channels.

[0456] In one possible implementation, the DSO start time field occupies 4 bits.

[0457] (3) Sensing channel field:

[0458] The sensing channel field is used to indicate the channel of the sensing measurement.

[0459] For example, the sensing channel field is used to indicate that AP3 is switching to the secondary 160MHz channel. In one possible implementation, this sensing channel field occupies 4 bits.

[0460] (4) Sensing start time field:

[0461] The Sensing Start Time field indicates the start time of the sensing measurement. The start time of the sensing measurement is not an absolute time (or duration), but a relative time (or relative duration) after receiving the TXOP sharing instruction.

[0462] For example, in a MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frame sent by AP1 to AP2, the sensing start time field indicates the time interval between AP1 sending the MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frame and AP2 and STA2 starting to perform sensing measurements.

[0463] In the MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frame sent by AP1 to AP3, the sensing start time field indicates the time interval between AP1 sending the MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frame and AP3 and STA3 starting to perform sensing measurements.

[0464] In one possible implementation, the sensing start time field occupies 4 bits.

[0465] S1104A: AP2 and AP3 send CTS frames to AP1. Correspondingly, AP1 receives CTS frames from AP2 and AP3.

[0466] After receiving the MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frame, AP2 and AP3 respectively reply with a CTS frame to AP1 after a SIFS interval.

[0467] In this embodiment of the application, AP2 and AP3 may send CTS frames to AP1 simultaneously or at different times, and the order of sending CTS frames to AP1 is not limited.

[0468] S1105A: AP3 sends an SBSIC frame to STA3. The SBSIC frame is used to instruct AP3 and STA3 to switch to the secondary 160MHz channel to perform sensing measurement exchange.

[0469] In this embodiment of the application, the steps of AP3 sending a CTS frame to AP1 and AP3 sending an SBSIC frame to STA2 can be performed simultaneously or at different times, and the order of execution is not specifically limited.

[0470] S1106A: STA3 sends an ACK frame to AP3 and performs channel switching.

[0471] In this embodiment of the application, the two steps of STA3 sending an ACK frame to AP3 and STA3 performing channel switching can be performed simultaneously or at different times, and the order of execution is not specifically limited.

[0472] S1107A: AP2 and AP3 respectively perform sensing measurement switching on the primary 160MHz channel and the secondary 160MHz channel.

[0473] Within the remaining TXOPs of TXOP1, AP2 can exchange sensing measurements with STA2 on the primary 160MHz channel based on the corresponding sensing measurement session ID. Simultaneously, AP3 can exchange sensing measurements with STA3 on the secondary 160MHz channel based on the corresponding sensing measurement session ID.

[0474] The specific measurement procedures for AP2 and its associated STA2 to perform sensing measurement exchange on the primary 160MHz channel, and for AP3 and its associated STA3 to perform sensing measurement exchange on the secondary 160MHz channel, can be performed with reference to the current sensing measurement exchange procedure, and will not be detailed here.

[0475] S1108A: After completing the sensing measurement exchange, AP3 and STA3 switch back to the main 160MHz channel.

[0476] S1109A: AP1 sends Multi-AP report trigger frames to AP2 and AP3 respectively. The Multi-AP report trigger frames are used to trigger feedback of measurement results. Correspondingly, AP2 and AP3 receive the Multi-AP report trigger frames respectively.

[0477] After AP2 and AP3 complete the sensing measurement exchange, AP1 sends Multi-AP report trigger frames to AP2 and AP3 respectively. AP1 can send them at the same time or at different times, without any limitation.

[0478] S1110A: AP2 and AP3 send report frames to AP1 respectively to provide feedback on the measurement results. Correspondingly, AP1 receives the report frames from AP2 and AP3.

[0479] For example, Figure 11C This diagram illustrates the interaction of the sensing and measurement process of the Frequency Division Shared TXOP in Implementation Method 3. AP1, AP2, and AP3 have completed the cooperative sensing establishment phase. (See attached diagram.) Figure 11C As shown, after AP1 competes for the channel and reserves a relatively long TXOP1 segment, AP1 first performs a sensing measurement exchange with its associated STA1. After completing the sensing measurement exchange, AP1 sends MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frames to AP2 and AP3 respectively, sharing the remaining TXOP with AP2 and AP3, indicating the corresponding sensing measurement session ID to AP2 and AP3, and instructing AP3 to switch to the secondary 160MHz channel. Then, after receiving the MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frames, AP2 and AP3 reply with CTS frames to AP1 after a SIFS interval. After another SIFS interval, AP3 sends an SBSIC frame to STA3, which instructs STA3 to switch to the secondary 160MHz channel to perform sensing measurement exchange with AP3. After receiving the SBSIC frame, STA3 returns an ACK frame to AP3 after a SIFS interval. After a SIFS interval, AP2 and STA2 exchange sensing measurements on the primary 160MHz channel, while AP3 and STA3 exchange sensing measurements on the secondary 160MHz channel. After AP2 and STA2 complete their sensing measurement exchanges, and AP3 and STA3 complete theirs, after another SIFS interval, AP1 sends Multi-AP report trigger frames to AP2 and AP3 respectively, triggering AP2 and AP3 to return measurement results to AP1. Upon receiving the Multi-AP report trigger frames, AP2 and AP3, after another SIFS interval, send report frames to AP1 respectively, providing feedback on their measurement results.

[0480] The above Figure 11A and Figure 11CThe example described uses AP1 preempting the channel first. In practical applications, after cooperative sensing is established, each participating AP may be the first to obtain the channel and reserve the corresponding TXOP (i.e., gain control of the TXOP). Within the reserved TXOP, the interaction process can be referred to above. Therefore, regardless of which AP preempts the channel and reserves a longer TXOP, it can complete its own sensing measurement exchange process within that TXOP, and then share the remaining TXOP with other APs in cooperative sensing, indicating the corresponding sensing measurement session identifier and instructing APs operating on the same channel to switch channels. This ensures that APs in cooperative sensing can simultaneously exchange sensing measurements with their associated STAs.

[0481] In Implementation Method 4, in the Frequency Division TXOP Sharing cooperative sensing method, AP1 can request cooperative sensing from other APs, compete for channels, and share the remaining TXOP time. It can also instruct other APs to dynamically switch to other channels for sensing measurements, ensuring that the sensing measurement exchange process of multiple APs can be performed simultaneously within one TXOP on different frequency channels. This reduces sensing measurement time, and the multiple measurement results achieve diversity gain, thereby improving the overall sensing performance.

[0482] Implementation Method 5:

[0483] In the above-described embodiments one to four, during the establishment phase of the collaborative sensing measurement in embodiment one, after the initiating AP sends a collaborative sensing request to multiple proxy APs via a Multi-AP Request frame, each proxy AP carries a sensing measurement session ID in its Multi-AP Response frame replying to the initiating AP. During the collaborative sensing measurement phases in embodiments two, three, and four, the initiating AP1 sends the received session IDs of multiple sensing measurements to the corresponding proxy APs in a MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frame, and schedules each proxy AP to perform sensing measurement exchanges with known session IDs.

[0484] While the above process can achieve multi-AP collaborative sensing, it has a drawback: assuming that M proxy APs (e.g., AP2 and AP3 when M=2) participate in the collaborative sensing measurement, the MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frame sent by AP1 will carry M different session IDs for the sensing measurement. This results in significant transmission overhead when the number of proxy APs is large. Therefore, to reduce the overhead of the session IDs indicating the sensing measurement, Implementation Method 5 introduces a two-layer ID implementation method proposed in this application.

[0485] The control information required for the implementation of this application is carried in the control information for inter-AP operation, including at least one of the following:

[0486] Information indicating the number of APs participating in collaborative awareness, information indicating whether dual-ID is enabled, and the Multi-AP session ID value (as mentioned above) for multi-access devices. Figure 5 The information is an example of the first identification information in the scheme shown.

[0487] In this embodiment, the Multi-AP session ID can be shared by all proxy APs. In one possible implementation, each AP can determine the corresponding session ID for sensing measurements based on the Multi-AP session ID and the corresponding device (e.g., the STA associated with the AP). For example, AP2 receives the Multi-AP session ID assigned by AP1 and determines the session ID for sensing measurements established between AP2 and STA2 based on the Multi-AP session ID and the identifier of STA2.

[0488] It's understandable that there might be a special case when enabling the dual-ID method: the session ID of the proxy AP's sensing measurement might be equal to the Multi-AP session ID assigned by AP1. In this case, during the session establishment phase of sensing measurement, once the proxy AP receives the Multi-AP Session ID sent by initiating AP1, it can set its own sensing measurement session ID to the value of the Multi-AP session ID to perform sensing measurements with the corresponding device (the STA associated with the AP) during the sensing measurement phase.

[0489] Taking the multi-AP request frame sent by AP1 in S803A (or S806A) as an example in Embodiment 1, it can be designed as follows:

[0490] See Figure 12A As shown, the SBP parameter element in the Multi-AP request frame includes an SBP parameter control field; the SBP parameter control field includes an M-AP mode field. The M-AP mode field includes the M-AP parameter control field (as described above). Figure 5 Example of control fields in the scheme shown) and / or MAC fields of the group AP (as described above) Figure 5 (Example of the first field in the scheme shown).

[0491] like Figure 12A As shown, M-AP parameter control (as described above) Figure 5 The control fields in the example shown in the scheme may include one or more of the following:

[0492] (1) The number of group APs; (2) The preferred MAP session ID (as mentioned above) Figure 5 Example of two-layer identifier indication information in the scheme shown); (3) MAP session identifier (MAP session ID) (as described above) Figure 5 (Example of the first identification information in the scheme shown).

[0493] The number of group APs field indicates the number of APs participating in the collaboration awareness. For example, the number qf group AP field can occupy 4 bits to indicate this.

[0494] The recommended MAP session ID field (as mentioned above) Figure 5 The example of dual-layer identifier information in the scheme shown is an enhanced design method used to indicate whether dual-layer ID is enabled.

[0495] For example, the preferred MAP session ID field occupies 1 bit, as shown in Table 3. If the value of the preferred MAP session ID field is 0, it means that dual ID is not enabled; if the value of the preferred MAP session ID field is 1, it means that dual ID is enabled.

[0496] Table 3

[0497] value Indication / Explanation (meaning) 0 Do not enable dual ID 1 Enable dual ID

[0498] Table 3 above is an example. In practical applications, other values ​​can be used to indicate whether dual ID is enabled, and there are no restrictions on this.

[0499] If the preferred MAP session ID (as mentioned above) Figure 5 When the value of the field (example of dual-layer identifier indication information in the illustrated scheme) is 1, that is, when dual-layer ID is enabled, then... Figure 12A The M-AP parameter control fields shown include the MAP session ID field (as described above). Figure 5 (Example of the first identification information in the scheme shown).

[0500] The MAP session ID field is used to indicate the Multi-AP Session ID value that initiates AP allocation in multi-AP collaboration awareness.

[0501] For example, the MAP session ID field can occupy 4 bits to indicate this.

[0502] If the preferred MAP session ID (as mentioned above) Figure 5 When the value of the field (example of dual-layer identification indication information in the illustrated scheme) is 0, that is, when dual-layer ID is not enabled, then... Figure 12A The M-AP parameter control fields shown do not include the MAP session ID field (as described above). Figure 5 (Example of the first identification information in the scheme shown).

[0503] Other fields or information in the Multi-AP Request frame described in Implementation Method 5 that are the same as those in the Multi-AP Request frame described in Implementation Method 1 can be found in the description in Implementation Method 1 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0504] In this implementation, enabling the dual-ID field (i.e., the preferred MAP session ID field) is an optional implementation. In practical applications, the enhanced design regarding whether to enable dual-ID can be implemented in one of two ways: either by initiating the AP to directly assign a Multi-AP session ID, or by reusing the SBP mechanism.

[0505] In both of the above scenarios, the Multi-AP request frame sent by AP1 in Implementation Method 1 (as described above) Figure 5The example of the first request information in the illustrated scheme is shown below, and its structural design is as follows:

[0506] (1) If the initiator AP1 of the collaboration awareness directly assigns the Multi-AP session ID:

[0507] If AP1 directly assigns the Multi-AP session ID, then the Multi-AP session ID is carried in the Multi-AP request frame.

[0508] For example, Figure 12B This diagram illustrates the structure of the M-AP Parameters element field in a Multi-AP request frame. (See attached image.) Figure 12B As shown, the M-APParameters element field includes a MAP session ID subfield.

[0509] (2) Reusing the SBP mechanism:

[0510] For example, Figure 12C This diagram illustrates another structure of the M-AP Parameters element field in a Multi-AP request frame, where the M-AP parameters element field does not include the MAP session ID subfield.

[0511] The proxy APs (such as AP2 and AP3) will each reply with their own perception measurement session ID in their respective Multi-AP response frames. Therefore, the M-AP parameter element field in the Multi-AP request frame does not include the MAP session ID subfield.

[0512] Alternatively, the Multi-AP request frame and the M-AP parameter element (M-AP parameter element field) therein can refer to the Multi-AP Request frame and the M-AP parameter element (M-AP parameter element field) therein described in Embodiment 1 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0513] Furthermore, based on the above-mentioned dual-layer ID design, the following section addresses the MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frame (as described above) sent by AP1 in any of the methods shown in Embodiments 2 to 4. Figure 5 The design of the first frame in the illustrated scheme is as follows:

[0514] MU-RTS TXS Enhanced includes a common info field and / or a user info list field.

[0515] In one possible implementation, a trigger-dependent common info field and its subfields are added to the common Info field of the MU-RTS TXS frame to indicate the specific tasks and parameters that all triggered devices should perform.

[0516] For example, Figure 13A Another MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frame structure is shown; see [link to MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frame structure]. Figure 13A As shown, the trigger dependent common info field may include one or more of the following:

[0517] (1) Fields for communication or sensing (as mentioned above) Figure 5 (Example of the second field in the scheme shown); (2) MAP session ID (as described above) Figure 5 (Example of the first identification information in the scheme shown).

[0518] The MAP session ID field is used to indicate the multi-AP (MAP) session ID value assigned by the initiator AP1 in the collaboration awareness process. For example, it is indicated using 4 bits.

[0519] when Figure 12A or Figure 12B When the preferred MAP session ID subfield in the MAP parameter element (M-AP parameters element) is 1, then... Figure 13A The MAP session ID field shown exists.

[0520] when Figure 12A or Figure 12BWhen the preferred MAP session ID field in the MAP parameter element (M-AP parameters element) is 0, i.e., when dual ID is not enabled, then... Figure 13A The MAP sessionID field shown does not exist.

[0521] The communication or sensing field is used to indicate whether a cooperating AP (such as AP2 and AP3) is sensing or communicating. For example, the communication or sensing field can occupy 1 bit to indicate this.

[0522] Figure 13A The MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frame shown can be applied to any of the above embodiments one to four.

[0523] For the same fields and information in the MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frame, please refer to the description of the MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frame in any of the above embodiments one to four, and it will not be repeated here.

[0524] A new trigger-dependent user info field and its subfields have been added to the user info list field of the MU-RTS TXS frame to indicate the specific tasks and parameters that the device should perform during the trigger operation.

[0525] For example, Figure 13B The diagram shows the structure of the user infolist in a MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frame. (See attached image.) Figure 13B As shown, the trigger dependent common info field may include one or more of the following:

[0526] (1) Session ID; (2) DSO start time; (3) Sensing start time; (4) Sensing start time; (5) Duration.

[0527] In any of the above embodiments two to four, if the session ID field in the user info list field of the MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frame is used to indicate the sensing measurement session ID value established between the AP and the STA, this information can be indicated by 4 bits.

[0528] Session ID is only used when Figure 12A The M-AP Parameterselement field exists when the preferred MAP session ID subfield is 0.

[0529] when Figure 12A When the preferredMAP session ID subfield in the M-AP parameters element field is 1, that is, when dual ID is enabled, the user info list field does not include the session ID field, that is, the session ID field does not exist.

[0530] The DSO start time field can be used and exist in the MU-RTS TXSEnhanced frame shown in Embodiment 4 (e.g., the DSO start time field is included in the user info list), but it is set to zero or does not exist in Embodiments 2 and 3.

[0531] The sensing channel field is used to indicate the channel of the sensing measurement and can be applied and present in the MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frame shown in Embodiment 4 (e.g., the user info list includes a sensing channel field). For example, this sensing channel field can use 4 bits to indicate the channel of the sensing measurement. However, in Embodiments 2 and 3, it is set to zero or does not exist.

[0532] The sensing start time field indicates the start time of the sensing measurement and can be used and present in either Embodiment 3 or Embodiment 4 (e.g., the user info list includes a sensing start time field). For example, this sensing start time field occupies 4 bits to indicate the start time of the sensing measurement. However, in Embodiment 2, the sensing start time field is set to zero or does not exist.

[0533] The duration field, used to indicate the duration of a shared TXOP, can be used and present in Implementation 3 (e.g., a duration field is included in the user info list). For example, this duration field can occupy 8 bits to indicate the duration of a shared TXOP. However, in Implementation 2 and Implementation 4, it is either set to zero or does not exist.

[0534] In implementation method five, the cooperative awareness initiator AP1 can carry a multi-AP session ID once when requesting cooperative awareness. This avoids carrying multiple measurement session IDs in the user info field of the MU-RTS TXS Enhanced frame during the TXOP sharing phase, thereby reducing frame length and transmission overhead while realizing multi-AP cooperative awareness.

[0535] Regarding the above-described embodiments one through five, it should be noted that:

[0536] (1) The above embodiments one to five can be implemented individually or in combination, and there is no specific limitation in this regard. For example, the method described in embodiment five can be implemented in combination with any one, part or all of the embodiments one to four.

[0537] (2) For each of the above embodiments one to five, the newly added fields proposed in this application have different functions, and therefore there is no necessary binding or association relationship between them. They can be implemented in combination as shown in the embodiments, or they can be implemented independently. This application does not limit this. In addition, the location of each newly added field proposed in this application is not specifically limited. The content shown in the above embodiments can be used as an example for reference.

[0538] For example, add an M-AP Parameters element field to the Multi-AP Request frame. The M-AP Parameters element field can have two new fields, such as the M-AP Parameter Control field and the Group AP MAC field. In practice, either one of these two fields can be added to the M-AP Parameters element field, or both of these fields can be added. Moreover, it is not required that one or both of these fields must be added to the M-AP Parameters element field, or they can be added to other fields / locations.

[0539] Similarly, any other fields / information added in all the above implementation methods can be implemented with reference to the examples above, and will not be listed one by one in this application.

[0540] (3) The above focuses on describing the differences between implementation methods one to five. Except for the differences, implementation methods one to five can be referred to each other.

[0541] (4) The step numbers of the flowcharts described in Embodiments 1 to 5 above are merely examples of the execution flow and do not constitute a restriction on the order of execution of the steps. There are no temporal dependencies between the steps in the various implementations of this application, and there is no strict execution order between them. In addition, not all the steps shown in the flowcharts are mandatory steps, and some steps can be added or deleted based on the actual needs of each flowchart.

[0542] In the embodiments provided above, the methods provided by the embodiments of this application are described from the perspective of interaction between various devices. To implement the functions of the methods provided in the embodiments or implementations of this application above, the first device or the second device may include hardware structures and / or software modules, implementing the above functions in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules. Whether a particular function is executed in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0543] The module division in this embodiment is illustrative and represents only one logical functional division; in actual implementation, other division methods may be used. Furthermore, the functional modules in the various embodiments or implementations of this application can be integrated into a single processor, exist as separate physical entities, or be integrated into a single module. The integrated modules described above can be implemented in hardware or as software functional modules.

[0544] Similar to the above concept, such as Figure 14 As shown, this application embodiment also provides a communication device 1400 for implementing the functions of the first device or the second device in the above method. For example, the communication device 1400 can be a software module or a chip system. In this application embodiment, the chip system can be composed of chips or can include chips and other discrete devices. The communication device 1400 may include: a communication unit 1401 and a processing unit 1402.

[0545] In this embodiment, the communication unit 1401, also known as the transceiver unit, may include a sending unit and / or a receiving unit, respectively used to perform the sending and receiving steps of the first device or the second device in the above method embodiments. The processing unit 1402 may be used to read instructions and / or data from the storage module so that the communication device 1400 implements the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0546] Optionally, the communication device 1400 may further include a storage unit 1403, which is equivalent to a storage module and can be used to store instructions and / or data.

[0547] The following, combined with Figures 14 to 15 This application provides a detailed description of the communication device provided in its embodiments. It should be understood that the descriptions of the device embodiments correspond to the descriptions of the method embodiments; therefore, any content not described in detail can be found above. Figure 5 or Figure 6A or Figure 8A or Figure 10A or Figure 11A The method shown is used to achieve this, and for the sake of simplicity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0548] The communication unit 1401 can also be referred to as a transceiver, transceiver, or transceiver device. The processing unit can also be referred to as a processor, processing board, processing module, or processing device. Optionally, the device in the communication unit 1401 used to implement the receiving function can be considered as a receiving unit, and the device in the communication unit 1401 used to implement the transmitting function can be considered as a transmitting unit; that is, the communication unit 1401 includes both a receiving unit and a transmitting unit. The communication unit can sometimes also be referred to as a transceiver, transceiver circuit, or transceiver unit. The receiving unit can sometimes be referred to as a receiver, receiver, or receiving circuit. The transmitting unit can sometimes be referred to as a transmitter, transmitter, or transmitting circuit.

[0549] When the communication device 1400 performs the above embodiment Figure 5 When the first device is in the process shown:

[0550] The communication unit 1401 is configured to send a first request message to at least one second device, the first request message being used to request cooperation in performing a sensing measurement task; the first request message includes first information, the first information being used to indicate shared transmission duration when cooperating in performing the sensing measurement task.

[0551] The communication unit 1401 is further configured to receive a first response message from the at least one second device, the first response message indicating whether to accept the cooperation requested by the first request information.

[0552] The processing unit 1402 is used to process information and / or data, etc.

[0553] When the communication device 1400 performs the above embodiment Figure 5 When the second device is shown in the process:

[0554] The communication unit 1401 is configured to receive a first request message from a first device, the first request message being used to request cooperation in performing a sensing measurement task; the first request message includes first information, the first information being used to indicate shared transmission duration when cooperating in performing the sensing measurement task.

[0555] The communication unit 1401 is further configured to send a first response message to the first device, the first response message being used to indicate whether the cooperation requested by the first request information is accepted.

[0556] The processing unit 1402 is used to process information and / or data, etc.

[0557] The above is just an example. Processing unit 1402 and communication unit 1401 can also perform other functions. For a more detailed description, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 5 or Figure 6A or Figure 8A or Figure 10A or Figure 11A The relevant descriptions in the method embodiments shown are not repeated here.

[0558] like Figure 15 The image shown is a communication device 1500 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 15 The communication device shown can be Figure 14 The diagram illustrates one hardware circuit implementation of the communication device 1500. This communication device 1500 can be adapted to perform the functions of the first or second device in the above method embodiments, as shown in the flowchart above. For ease of explanation, Figure 15 Only the main components of the communication device are shown.

[0559] like Figure 15 As shown, the communication device 1500 includes a communication interface 1501 and a processor 1502. The communication interface 1501 and the processor 1502 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the communication interface 1501 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface, or an interface circuit such as a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the communication device 1500 may further include a memory 1503 for storing instructions executed by the processor 1502, or storing input data required by the processor 1502 to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor 1502 executes instructions.

[0560] When the communication device 1500 is used to achieve Figure 5 or Figure 6A or Figure 8A or Figure 10A or Figure 11A In the method shown, the communication interface 1501 is used to implement the functions of the communication unit 1401, and the processor 1502 is used to implement the functions of the processing unit 1402.

[0561] This application embodiment does not limit the specific connection medium between the communication interface 1501, processor 1502, and memory 1503. This application embodiment... Figure 15 The memory 1503, processor 1502, and communication interface 1501 are connected via a communication bus 1504. The communication bus 1504 is in... Figure 15 The connections between other components are shown in bold and are for illustrative purposes only, not as limiting information. The communication bus 1504 can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, Figure 15 The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0562] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip. Figure 16 A simplified schematic diagram of a chip device structure is shown. The chip 1600 includes interface circuitry 1601 and one or more processors 1602. Optionally, the chip 1600 may also include a bus. Wherein:

[0563] Processor 1602 may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In implementation, each step of the method for determining the service node information described above can be completed through integrated logic circuits in the hardware of processor 1602 or through software instructions. Processor 1602 may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. It can implement or execute the methods and steps disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0564] The interface circuit 1601 can be used to send or receive data, instructions or information. The processor 1602 can use the data, instructions or other information received by the interface circuit 1601 to process the data, instructions or other information, and can send the processed information out through the interface circuit 1601.

[0565] Optionally, chip 1600 also includes memory 1603, which may include read-only memory and random access memory, and provides operation instructions and data to the processor. A portion of memory 1603 may also include non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM).

[0566] Optionally, the memory stores executable software modules or data structures, and the processor can execute corresponding operations by calling the operation instructions stored in the memory (which may be stored in the operating system).

[0567] Optionally, the chip can be used in the first or second device involved in the embodiments of this application. Optionally, the interface circuit 1601 can be used to output the execution result of the processor 1602. For details regarding the cooperative sensing method provided in one or more embodiments of this application, please refer to the foregoing embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0568] It should be noted that the functions of the interface circuit 1601 and the processor 1602 can be implemented through hardware design, software design, or a combination of hardware and software; no restrictions are imposed here.

[0569] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions for implementing the methods executed by the first device or the second device in the above method embodiments.

[0570] For example, when the computer program is executed by a computer, it enables the computer to implement the method performed by the first device or the second device in the above method embodiments.

[0571] This application also provides a computer program product containing instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method described in the above method embodiments, executed by the first device or the second device.

[0572] This application also provides a chip, including a processor, for calling computer programs or computer instructions stored in the memory, so that the processor executes the above-mentioned... Figure 5 or Figure 6A or Figure 8A or Figure 10A or Figure 11A The collaborative awareness method shown is a collaborative approach implemented as described.

[0573] In one possible implementation, the chip's input corresponds to the above... Figure 5 or Figure 6A or Figure 8A or Figure 10A or Figure 11AThe receiving operation shown in the implementation corresponds to the output of the chip described above. Figure 5 or Figure 6A or Figure 8A or Figure 10A or Figure 11A The sending operation in the implementation shown.

[0574] Optionally, the processor is coupled to the memory via an interface.

[0575] Optionally, the chip also includes a memory that stores computer programs or computer instructions.

[0576] The processor mentioned above can be a general-purpose central processing unit, a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more devices used to control the above. Figure 5 or Figure 6A or Figure 8A or Figure 10A or Figure 11A The illustrated implementation is an integrated circuit for program execution using a cooperative sensing method. The memory mentioned above can be read-only memory (ROM) or other types of static storage devices capable of storing static information and instructions, such as random access memory (RAM).

[0577] It should be noted that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the explanations and beneficial effects of the relevant content in any of the communication devices provided above can be referred to the corresponding service node information determination method embodiments provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0578] In this application, the communication devices may further include a hardware layer, an operating system layer running on top of the hardware layer, and an application layer running on the operating system layer. The hardware layer may include hardware such as a central processing unit (CPU), a memory management unit (MMU), and memory (also known as main memory). The operating system layer may be any one or more computer operating systems that implement business processing through processes, such as Linux, Unix, Android, iOS, or Windows. The application layer may include applications such as browsers, address books, word processing software, and instant messaging software.

[0579] The module division in this embodiment is illustrative and represents only one logical functional division. In actual implementation, other division methods may be used. Furthermore, the functional modules in each embodiment of this application can be integrated into a single processor, exist as separate physical entities, or be integrated into a single module. The integrated modules described above can be implemented in hardware or as software functional modules.

[0580] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art will clearly understand that the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware, firmware, or a combination thereof. When implemented in software, the above functions can be stored in a computer-readable medium or transmitted as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include computer storage media and communication media, wherein communication media include any medium that facilitates the transfer of a computer program from one place to another. Storage media can be any available medium that is accessible to a computer. For example, but not limited to, computer-readable media can include RAM, ROM, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, magnetic disk storage media, or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible to a computer. Furthermore, any connection can suitably be a computer-readable medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of the medium. As used in embodiments of this application, disks and discs include compact discs (CDs), laser discs, optical discs, digital video discs (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray discs, wherein disks typically magnetically copy data, while discs optically copy data using lasers. The combinations above should also be included within the scope of protection for computer-readable media.

[0581] In summary, the above descriptions are merely embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made based on the disclosure of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A collaborative sensing method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a first device or a chip of the first device, including: Send a first request message to at least one second device, the first request message being used to request cooperation in performing a sensing measurement task; the first request message includes first information, the first information being used to indicate shared transmission duration when cooperating in performing the sensing measurement task. Receive a first response message from the at least one second device, the first response message indicating whether to accept the cooperation requested by the first request information.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the value of the first information is the first value, the first information is used to indicate that the shared transmission duration is the proxy-aware shared transmission duration; When the value of the first information is the second value, the first information is used to indicate that the shared transmission duration is a time-division shared transmission duration; The time-division shared transmission duration includes sequentially shared transmission duration and / or time periods within the shared transmission duration; When the value of the first information is the third value, the first information is used to indicate that the shared transmission duration is a frequency division shared transmission duration.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first request information also includes parameter element information between devices; The parameter element information between the devices includes a control field and / or a first field; The control field includes one or more of the following: The number of access devices performing the sensing and measurement task, or dual-layer identification information; The dual-layer identification indication information is used to indicate whether the dual-layer identification function is enabled, and the first field is used to indicate the identification information and / or address information of the first device and the at least one second device; When the dual-layer identification indication information is used to indicate the activation of the dual-layer identification function, the control field also includes first identification information. The first identification information is used by the at least one second device to determine the perception measurement session identification information according to preset mapping information. The preset mapping information includes the correspondence between the perception measurement session identification information established by the at least one second device and the associated third device.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The first request information also includes available window element information, which is used to indicate the available time period when the first device and the at least one second device perform the sensing measurement task, wherein there is an overlap between the available time periods corresponding to the first device and the at least one second device.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, When the dual-layer identification indication information is used to indicate that the dual-layer identification function is not enabled; the first response message includes one or more sensing measurement session identification information established between the second device and the associated third device.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The method further includes: A second request message is sent to at least one fourth device, the second request message being used to request the establishment of a sensing session; the at least one fourth device is provided with access services by the first device. The system receives a second response message from the at least one fourth device, the second response message being used to respond to whether the establishment of the second request message request is accepted.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The method further includes: when the first information is used to indicate that the shared transmission duration is the sequential shared transmission duration; The first transmission duration of the sensing and measurement task is obtained; During the first transmission duration, the sensing and measurement task is performed with at least one fourth device; After completing the sensing measurement task, a first frame is sent to one of the at least one second device. The first frame is used to instruct the second device to perform the sensing measurement task for the remaining duration of the first transmission duration. After the current second device completes the sensing measurement task, the first frame is sent to the next second device.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, When the first information is used to indicate that the shared transmission duration is a time period within the shared transmission duration, the method further includes: The first transmission duration of the sensing measurement task is obtained. During the first transmission duration, the sensing and measurement task is performed with at least one fourth device; After completing the sensing and measurement task, a first frame is broadcast to the at least one second device. The first frame is used to instruct the at least one second device to perform the sensing and measurement task during the corresponding time period within the remaining duration of the first transmission duration.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, When the first information is used to indicate that the shared transmission duration is the frequency division sharing transmission duration, the method further includes: The first transmission duration of the sensing measurement task is obtained. During the first transmission duration, the sensing and measurement task is performed with at least one fourth device; After completing the sensing measurement task, a first frame is sent to the at least one second device, the first frame being used to instruct the sensing measurement task to be performed for the remaining duration of the first transmission duration, and to instruct one or more of the at least one second device to switch the channel used for the sensing measurement task.

10. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, When the dual-layer identifier indication information is used to indicate that the dual-layer identifier function is not enabled; the first frame includes one or more of the following: Public information or user information list fields; The public information includes a second field, which is used to indicate that the first transmission duration is used for the sensing measurement task or communication. The user information list fields include newly added trigger-related user information fields, which include one or more of the following: The second identification information, the start time information of the sensing and measurement task, and the shared duration information; Wherein, the second identification information is used to indicate the identification information of the sensing measurement session established between the at least one second device and the associated third device, the start time information of the sensing measurement is used to indicate the duration from when the first device sends the first frame to when the second device begins to execute the sensing measurement task, and the shared duration information is used to indicate at least one time period within the remaining duration of the first transmission duration.

11. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, When the dual-layer identification indication information is used to indicate that the dual-layer identification function is enabled, the first frame includes one or more of the following: Public information or user information list fields; The public information includes trigger-related public information, which includes one or more of the following: The second field, or the first identification information; The second field is used to indicate the first transmission duration for the sensing measurement task or communication; The user information list fields include trigger-related user information fields, which include one or more of the following: The start time information and shared duration information of the sensing and measurement task; The start time information of the sensing measurement is used to indicate the duration from when the first device sends the first frame to when the second device begins to execute the sensing measurement task, and the shared duration information is used to indicate at least one time period within the remaining duration of the first transmission duration.

12. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, When the dual-layer identifier indication information is used to indicate that the dual-layer identifier function is not enabled; the first frame includes one or more of the following: Public information or user information list fields; The public information includes a second field, which is used to indicate that the first transmission duration is used for sensing measurement tasks or communication. The user information list fields include newly added trigger-related user information fields, which include one or more of the following: The second identification information, the channel information of the sensing and measurement task, the start time information of the channel switching, or the start time information of the sensing and measurement task; The channel switching start time information is used to indicate the duration from when the first device sends the channel switching start time information to when the second device begins to perform channel switching; The start time information of the sensing measurement task is used to indicate the duration from when the first device sends the first frame to when the second device begins to execute the sensing measurement task.

13. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, When the dual-layer identification indication information is used to indicate that the dual-layer identification function is enabled, the first frame includes one or more of the following: Public information or user information list fields; The public information includes trigger-related public information, which includes one or more of the following: The second field, or the first identification information; The second field is used to indicate the first transmission duration for the sensing measurement task or communication; The user information list fields include trigger-related user information fields, which include one or more of the following: The channel information of the sensing and measurement task, the start time information of the channel switching, or the start time information of the sensing and measurement task. The channel switching start time information is used to indicate the duration from when the first device sends the channel switching start time information to when the second device begins to perform channel switching; The start time information of the sensing measurement task is used to indicate the duration from when the first device sends the first frame to when the second device begins to execute the sensing measurement task.

14. A collaborative sensing method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a second device or a chip of the second device, including: Receive a first request message from a first device, the first request message being used to request cooperation in performing a sensing measurement task; the first request message includes first information, the first information being used to indicate shared transmission duration when cooperating in performing the sensing measurement task. Send a first response message to the first device, the first response message being used to indicate whether to accept the cooperation requested by the first request information.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, When the value of the first information is the first value, the first information is used to indicate that the shared transmission duration is the proxy-aware shared transmission duration; When the value of the first information is the second value, the first information is used to indicate that the shared transmission duration is a time-division shared transmission duration; The time-division shared transmission duration includes sequentially shared transmission duration and / or time periods within the shared transmission duration; When the value of the first information is the third value, the first information is used to indicate that the shared transmission duration is a frequency division shared transmission duration.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The first request information also includes parameter element information between devices; The parameter element information between the devices includes a control field and / or a first field, wherein the control field includes one or more of the following: The number of access devices performing the sensing and measurement task, or dual-layer identification information; The dual-layer identification indication information is used to indicate whether the dual-layer identification function is enabled, and the first field is used to indicate the identification information and / or address information of the first device and the at least one second device; When the dual-layer identification indication information is used to indicate the activation of the dual-layer identification function, the control field also includes first identification information. The first identification information is used by the at least one second device to determine the perception measurement session identification information according to preset mapping information. The preset mapping information includes the correspondence between the perception measurement session identification information established by the at least one second device and the associated third device.

17. The method according to any one of claims 14-16, characterized in that, When the dual-layer identification indication information is used to indicate that the dual-layer identification function is not enabled; the first response message includes one or more sensing measurement session identification information established by the second device and the associated third device.

18. The method according to any one of claims 14-17, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a third request message to at least one third device, the third request message being used to request the establishment of a sensing session, the at least one third device being provided with access services by the second device; Receive third response information from the at least one third device, the third response information being used to respond to whether to accept the establishment of the third request information request.

19. The method according to any one of claims 14-18, characterized in that, The method further includes: when the first information is used to indicate that the shared transmission duration is the sequential shared transmission duration; Receive a first frame sent from the first device, the first frame being used to instruct the second device to perform the sensing measurement task for the remaining duration of the first transmission duration; During the remaining duration of the first transmission duration, at least one third device associated with the second device performs the sensing measurement task.

20. The method according to any one of claims 14-18, characterized in that, When the first information is used to indicate that the shared transmission duration is a time period within the shared transmission duration, the method further includes: Receive a first frame broadcast from the first device, the first frame being used to instruct the second device to perform the sensing measurement task during a corresponding time period within the remaining duration of the first transmission duration; During the corresponding time period of the second device, at least one third device associated with the second device performs the sensing measurement task.

21. The method according to any one of claims 14-18, characterized in that, When the first information is used to indicate that the shared transmission duration is the frequency division sharing transmission duration, the method further includes: Receive a first frame sent from the first device, the first frame being used to instruct at least one second device to perform the sensing measurement task for the remaining duration of the first transmission duration, and to instruct one or more of the at least one second device to switch the channel used for the sensing measurement task; Based on the first frame, switch the channel; On the switched channel, at least one third device associated with the second device performs the sensing measurement task.

22. The method according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that, When the dual-layer identifier indication information is used to indicate that the dual-layer identifier function is not enabled; the first frame includes one or more of the following: Public information or user information list fields; The public information includes a second field, which is used to indicate that the first transmission duration is used for sensing measurement tasks or communication. The user information list fields include newly added trigger-related user information fields, which include one or more of the following: The second identification information, the start time information of the sensing and measurement task, or the shared duration information; Wherein, the second identification information is used to indicate the identification information of the sensing measurement session established between the at least one second device and the associated third device, the start time information of the sensing measurement is used to indicate the duration from when the first device sends the first frame to when the second device begins to execute the sensing measurement task, and the shared duration information is used to indicate at least one time period within the remaining duration of the first transmission duration.

23. The method according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that, When the dual-layer identification indication information is used to indicate that the dual-layer identification function is enabled, the first frame includes one or more of the following: Public information or user information list fields; The public information includes trigger-related public information, which includes one or more of the following: The second field, or the first identification information; The second field is used to indicate whether the first transmission duration is used for sensing measurement tasks or communication; The user information list fields include trigger-related user information fields, which include one or more of the following: The start time information or shared duration information of the sensing and measurement task; The start time information of the sensing measurement is used to indicate the duration from when the first device sends the first frame to when the second device begins to execute the sensing measurement task, and the shared duration information is used to indicate at least one time period within the remaining duration of the first transmission duration.

24. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, When the dual-layer identifier indication information is used to indicate that the dual-layer identifier function is not enabled; the first frame includes one or more of the following: Public information or user information list fields; The public information includes a second field, which is used to indicate that the first transmission duration is used for sensing measurement tasks or communication. The user information list fields include newly added trigger-related user information fields, which include one or more of the following: The second identification information, the channel information of the sensing and measurement task, the start time information of the channel switching, or the start time information of the sensing and measurement task; The channel switching start time information is used to indicate the duration from when the first device sends the channel switching start time information to when the second device begins to perform channel switching; The start time information of the sensing measurement task is used to indicate the duration from when the first device sends the first frame to when the second device begins to execute the sensing measurement task.

25. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, When the dual-layer identification indication information is used to indicate that the dual-layer identification function is enabled, the first frame includes one or more of the following: Public information or user information list fields; The public information includes trigger-related public information, which includes one or more of the following: The second field, or the first identification information; The second field is used to indicate whether the first transmission duration is used for sensing measurement tasks or communication; The user information list fields include trigger-related user information fields, which include one or more of the following: The channel information of the sensing and measurement task, the start time information of the channel switching, or the start time information of the sensing and measurement task. The channel switching start time information is used to indicate the duration from when the first device sends the channel switching start time information to when the second device begins to perform channel switching; The start time information of the sensing measurement task is used to indicate the duration from when the first device sends the first frame to when the second device begins to execute the sensing measurement task.

26. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes units or modules for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 13, or units or modules for performing the method as described in any one of claims 14 to 25.

27. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a processor and a memory, the memory being used to store program instructions, the processor causing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 13 to be performed when executing the program instructions, or the processor causing the method as described in any one of claims 14 to 25 to be performed when executing the program instructions.

28. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer-readable program or instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 13 to be performed, or cause the method as described in any one of claims 14 to 25 to be performed.

29. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, or cause the computer to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 25.

30. A chip, characterized in that, The chip is used to read and execute computer programs or instructions in a memory to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 25.

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