Perception method and device, computer readable storage medium and computer program product

Abstract

The invention discloses a sensing method and device, a computer readable storage medium and a computer program product. The method comprises the steps that network equipment interacts with a sensing function network element to confirm a sensing scene; the network equipment sends configuration information to the UE, correspondingly, the UE receives the configuration information, and the configuration information is used for indicating the sensing scene and configuring transmission configuration of at least one sensing time unit in the sensing scene; and the UE executes corresponding operation in the at least one sensing time unit according to the sensing scene. According to the scheme of the invention, the interaction process among the execution subjects can be optimized in a targeted manner according to different sensing scenes, the time slot structure information more suitable for the current sensing scene is configured, and the communication and sensing quality is improved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of communication, in particular to a sensing method and apparatus, computer readable storage medium, computer program product. BACKGROUND

[0002] The sixth-generation mobile communications (6G) may introduce sensing function. In an integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) system, sensing can be divided into multiple types according to different sensing modes.

[0003] The existing user equipment (UE), network equipment (such as a base station), and core network elements (such as a sensing function (SF) element) treat all sensing scenarios equally, such as configuring a unified time slot structure and interacting according to a unified interaction process. However, such consistent operations do not take into account the differences between different sensing scenarios, which may adversely affect communication efficiency and quality in some sensing scenarios. SUMMARY

[0004] The technical problem solved by the present disclosure is to provide an improved sensing method.

[0005] To solve the above technical problem, the present disclosure provides a sensing method, including: receiving configuration information, the configuration information being used to indicate a sensing scenario and configure transmission configuration of at least one sensing time unit in the sensing scenario; and performing corresponding operations in the at least one sensing time unit according to the sensing scenario.

[0006] Optionally, the sensing scenario includes any of the following: a single-station sensing mode and sensing nodes are network equipment; a double-station sensing mode and sensing nodes are network equipment; a multi-station sensing mode and sensing nodes are network equipment; a cooperative sensing mode and sensing nodes are network equipment; and the performing corresponding operations in the at least one sensing time unit according to the sensing scenario includes canceling communication in the at least one sensing time unit.

[0007] Optionally, the configuration information includes: first information used to configure initial transmission direction of at least one communication time unit; and second information used to indicate that one or more time units in the at least one communication time unit are the sensing time unit or are used for rate matching.

[0008] Optionally, the sensing method further comprises: communicating in a configured initial transmission direction in a communication time unit that is not indicated as the sensing time unit.

[0009] Optionally, in response to all sensing nodes in the sensing scenario being network devices, the first information and the second information are both a plurality of pieces of information and are respectively received from each of the network devices as the sensing nodes.

[0010] Optionally, the initial transmission directions of the communication time units corresponding to a same time unit in each of the first information are the same.

[0011] Optionally, the sensing scenario comprises a single-station sensing mode and the sensing nodes are terminals, the configuration information comprises transmission directions and / or transmission indications of at least one sensing time unit, and the performing of the corresponding operation in the at least one sensing time unit according to the sensing scenario comprises: in response to being a sensing node, sensing in the corresponding transmission direction in the at least one sensing time unit; and in response to not being a sensing node, remaining silent or reducing transmission power in the corresponding communication time unit in the at least one sensing time unit.

[0012] Optionally, the configuration information comprises: third information for configuring transmission directions of at least one sensing time unit; or fourth information for indicating that a corresponding communication time unit in the at least one sensing time unit remains silent or reduces transmission power.

[0013] Optionally, the sensing scenario comprises at least one of the following: a two-station sensing mode and one of the sensing nodes being a terminal and the other being a network device; a multi-station sensing mode and the sensing nodes comprising at least terminals; a cooperative sensing mode and the sensing nodes comprising at least terminals; and the performing of the corresponding operation in the at least one sensing time unit according to the sensing scenario comprises: sensing in a configured transmission direction in the at least one sensing time unit.

[0014] Optionally, the configuration information comprises: first information for configuring initial transmission directions of at least one communication time unit; and fifth information for indicating that one or more time units in the at least one communication time unit are sensing time units and configuring transmission directions of the sensing time units.

[0015] Optionally, the configuration information is received from a network device or a sensing function network element.

[0016] To solve the above technical problems, the embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a sensing method, comprising: receiving indication information, the indication information being used for indicating or confirming a sensing scenario; and sending configuration information, the configuration information being used for indicating the sensing scenario and configuring transmission configurations of at least one sensing time unit in the sensing scenario.

[0017] Optionally, the sensing method further comprises: sending request information, the request information comprising a requested sensing scenario.

[0018] Optionally, the request information is triggered in response to a signal quality of a sensing result under a current sensing scenario being lower than a preset threshold.

[0019] Optionally, the sensing method further comprises: performing a corresponding operation in the at least one sensing time unit according to the sensing scenario.

[0020] To solve the above technical problems, the embodiment of the disclosure further provides a sensing method, comprising: sending indication information, the indication information being used for indicating or confirming a sensing scenario.

[0021] Optionally, the sensing method further comprises: sending configuration information, the configuration information being used for configuring a transmission configuration of at least one sensing time unit under the sensing scenario.

[0022] Optionally, the sensing method further comprises: receiving request information, the request information comprising a requested sensing scenario; sending a sensing request to one or more candidate sensing nodes according to the requested sensing scenario; and receiving response information of the at least one candidate sensing node.

[0023] To solve the above technical problems, the embodiment of the disclosure further provides a sensing device, comprising: a receiving module, configured to receive configuration information, the configuration information being used for indicating a sensing scenario and configuring a transmission configuration of at least one sensing time unit under the sensing scenario; and a processing module, configured to perform a corresponding operation in the at least one sensing time unit according to the sensing scenario.

[0024] To solve the above technical problems, the embodiment of the disclosure further provides a sensing device, comprising: a receiving module, configured to receive indication information, the indication information being used for indicating or confirming a sensing scenario; and a sending module, configured to send configuration information, the configuration information being used for indicating the sensing scenario and configuring a transmission configuration of at least one sensing time unit under the sensing scenario.

[0025] To solve the above technical problems, the embodiment of the disclosure further provides a sensing device, comprising: a sending module, configured to send indication information, the indication information being used for indicating or confirming a sensing scenario.

[0026] To solve the above technical problems, the embodiment of the disclosure further provides a computer readable storage medium, which is a non-volatile storage medium or a non-transitory storage medium, and has a computer program stored thereon, the computer program being run by a processor to perform the steps of the above method.

[0027] To solve the above technical problems, the embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a computer program product, comprising computer programs / instructions, which, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the above method.

[0028] To solve the above technical problems, the embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a perception device, comprising a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program capable of running on the processor, and the processor executes the computer program to perform the steps of the above method.

[0029] Compared with the prior art, the technical scheme of the embodiment of the present disclosure has the following beneficial effects:

[0030] On the UE side, the embodiment of the present disclosure provides a perception method, comprising: receiving configuration information, wherein the configuration information is used to indicate a perception scene and configure transmission configuration of at least one perception time unit in the perception scene; and performing corresponding operations in the at least one perception time unit according to the perception scene.

[0031] The present disclosure scheme can optimize the operation of the UE in each perception time unit, and improve the communication quality and the perception quality, by indicating a specific perception scene to the UE and configuring a corresponding perception time unit structure (such as a time slot structure configuration for perception) for the perception scene.

[0032] In response to the UE not being a perception node in the perception scene, the present embodiment makes the perception frame transparent to the UE through the configuration information, so that the UE actively cancels the communication behavior in the at least one perception time unit. This is conducive to reducing meaningless power consumption on the UE side, and also helps to avoid the perception between the interference perception nodes (for example, a base station communicating with the UE in other time units), and ensures the perception quality.

[0033] In response to the UE being a perception node in the perception scene, the present embodiment provides the UE with a perception time unit structure configuration, so that the UE side can correctly perform the perception behavior and obtain accurate perception results.

[0034] On the network device side, the embodiment of the present disclosure provides a perception method, comprising: receiving indication information, wherein the indication information is used to indicate or confirm a perception scene; and sending configuration information, wherein the configuration information is used to indicate the perception scene and configure transmission configuration of at least one perception time unit in the perception scene. The present embodiment determines a suitable perception time unit structure configuration according to the perception scene, so as to ensure that each execution subject can perform an operation more suitable for the current perception scene and obtain a better perception effect.

[0035] For an execution subject in a non-perception scene, by providing the configuration information to the execution subject, the execution subject can be prevented from performing meaningless communication in the perception time unit, which is conducive to improving the communication quality and reducing power consumption.

[0036] At the side of the SF network element, the embodiment of the disclosure provides a sensing method, comprising: sending indication information, the indication information is used to indicate or confirm the sensing scene. Thereby, the triggering and switching of the sensing scene are uniformly managed by the core network element, which is beneficial to standardize and optimize the specific operation of each execution subject, and improve the sensing effect.

[0037] From the above, by using the scheme of the disclosure, the interaction process between each execution subject can be optimized according to different sensing scenes, and time slot structure information more suitable for the current sensing scene can be configured, so as to improve the communication efficiency and improve the communication quality. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0038] Figure 1 is a semi-static cell-level time slot configuration schematic diagram provided by the disclosure;

[0039] Figure 2 is another semi-static cell-level time slot configuration schematic diagram provided by the disclosure;

[0040] Figure 3 is a signaling interaction diagram of a sensing method according to the first embodiment of the disclosure;

[0041] Figure 4 is Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a typical application scenario of the embodiment shown in the figure;

[0042] Figure 5 is a signaling interaction diagram of a sensing method according to the second embodiment of the disclosure;

[0043] Figure 6 is Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a typical application scenario of the embodiment shown in the figure;

[0044] Figure 7 is a signaling interaction diagram of a sensing method according to the third embodiment of the disclosure;

[0045] Figure 8 is Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a typical application scenario of the embodiment shown in the figure;

[0046] Figure 9 is a signaling interaction diagram of a sensing method according to the fourth embodiment of the disclosure;

[0047] Figure 10 is Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a typical application scenario of the embodiment shown in the figure;

[0048] Figure 11 is a signaling interaction diagram of a sensing method according to the fifth embodiment of the disclosure;

[0049] Figure 12 is Figure 11The illustration shows a typical application scenario of the embodiment.

[0050] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a sensing device according to the sixth embodiment of this disclosure;

[0051] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a sensing device according to the seventh embodiment of this disclosure;

[0052] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a sensing device according to the eighth embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0053] The time slot structure configuration in New Radio (NR) scenarios primarily serves Time Division Duplex (TDD) systems.

[0054] Specifically, the time slot configuration methods in TDD systems mainly include the following three types: 1. Semi-static cell-specific time slot configuration; 2. Semi-static UE-specific time slot configuration; 3. Dynamically indicating time slot structure information through DCI2_0. The following is a brief introduction to these three time slot configuration methods.

[0055] 1. Semi-static cell-specific time slot configuration: In NR, the Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbols in the time slots mainly include downlink (DL) symbols, uplink (UL) symbols, and flexible symbols. Uplink and downlink symbols can only be used for uplink and downlink transmissions, respectively. Flexible symbols do not have a defined transmission direction. In TDD cells, these are typically configured to the UE in System Information Block (SIB) 1 (SIB1) via the TDD-UL / DL-ConfigurationCommon signaling, or via other Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling. The parameters included in this signaling include the Time Division Duplex Uplink / Downlink Pattern (TDD-UL-DL pattern, hereinafter referred to as "TDD pattern") 1 (hereinafter referred to as pattern 1) and the reference Subcarrier Spacing (used to determine the time domain boundary of the TDD Pattern). Optionally, TDD-UL-DL pattern 2 (hereinafter referred to as pattern 2) can also be configured.

[0056] Both pattern1 and pattern2 are configured with the following parameters: nrofDownlinkSlots (number of downlink slots in d_slots), nrofDownlinkSymbols (number of downlink symbols in d_sym adjacent to all downlink slots), nrofUplinkSlots (number of uplink slots in u_slots), nrofUplinkSymbols (number of uplink symbols in u_sym adjacent to all uplink slots), and dl-UL-TransmissionPeriodicity (slot configuration period).

[0057] Taking only pattern1 as an example, assuming period P = 5ms and reference SCS = 30kHz, then 5ms contains 10 time slots (e.g., Figure 1 The first row shows time slots 0 to 9. d_slots = 6, meaning the first 6 of the 10 time slots are downlink time slots, such as... Figure 1 The first line lists time slots 0 to 5; u_slots = 3, indicating that the last 3 of the 10 time slots are uplink time slots, such as... Figure 1In the first line, time slots 7 to 9; d_sym = 2, meaning that the first two symbols in time slot 6 (i.e., the two symbols immediately adjacent to the full downlink time slot 5) are all downlink symbols, such as... Figure 1 The symbols 0 and 1 in the second line; u_sym = 8, indicates that the last 8 symbols of time slot 6 (i.e., the 8 symbols immediately preceding the full uplink time slot 7) are uplink symbols, such as... Figure 1 The symbols 6 to 13 in the second line; therefore, the remaining symbols are flexible symbols, such as... Figure 1 Symbols 2 through 5 in the second line. The subsequent slot format follows... Figure 1 The diagram shown is a cyclic expansion of the granularity.

[0058] Taking pattern1 and pattern2 configured simultaneously as an example, assuming pattern1 is configured with P = 2.5ms and reference SCS = 30kHz, then 2.5ms contains 5 time slots (e.g. Figure 2 The second line shows time slots 0 to 4. d_slots = 3, meaning the first three of the five time slots are downlink time slots, such as... Figure 2 The second line lists time slots 0 to 2; u_slots = 1, indicating that the last of the 5 time slots is an uplink time slot, such as... Figure 2 In the second line, slot 4; d_sym = 10, means that the first 10 symbols in slot 3 (i.e., the 10 symbols immediately adjacent to the full downlink slot 2) are all downlink symbols, such as... Figure 2 Symbols 0 to 9 in the third line; u_sym = 1, indicates that the last symbol in time slot 3 (i.e., the symbol immediately adjacent to the full uplink time slot 4) is an uplink symbol, such as Figure 2 The symbol 13 in the third line; therefore, the remaining symbols in time slot 3 are flexible symbols, such as... Figure 2 Symbols 10 to 12 in the third line. Assuming pattern2 is configured with P = 2.5ms and SCS = 30kHz, then 2.5ms contains 5 time slots, such as... Figure 2 The second line shows time slots 5 to 9. `d_slots = 1` indicates that the first of the five time slots is a downlink time slot, as shown below. Figure 2 In the second line, slot 5; u_slots=3 means that the last three slots out of the five slots are uplink slots, such as... Figure 2 The second line specifies time slots 7 to 9; d_sym = 7, meaning the first 7 symbols in time slot 6 (i.e., the 7 symbols immediately adjacent to the full downlink time slot 5) are all downlink symbols, such as... Figure 2 The first row contains symbols 0 to 6; u_sym = 2, indicating that the last two symbols in time slot 6 (i.e., the two symbols immediately adjacent to the full uplink time slot 7) are uplink symbols, such as... Figure 2 The first row contains symbols 12 and 13; therefore, the remaining symbols in time slot 6 are flexible symbols, such as...Figure 2 The first line contains symbols 7 to 11. Subsequent slot formats follow... Figure 2 The diagram shown is a cyclic expansion of the granularity.

[0059] 2. Semi-static UE-specific time slot configuration: The time slot format can be configured via the TDD-UL / DL-ConfigurationDedicated signaling. This signaling can be used to configure all flexible time slots in the TDD-UL-DL-configurationCommon configuration period as downlink symbols or all as uplink symbols, or to explicitly specify the specific symbols within a time slot as UL / DL symbols.

[0060] Still with Figure 1 Taking the slot configuration shown as an example, the configuration of 10 slots from slot 0 to slot 9 constitutes one cycle. The slot index for each slot is 0 to 9. After configuring tdd-UL-DL-configurationCommon, only slot 6 has flexible symbols that can be modified. During tdd-UL / DL-ConfigurationDedicated configuration, the slot index that can be indicated is 6. Then, similar configurations to tdd-UL-DL-configurationCommon are performed. The principle during configuration is still to modify downlink symbols from left to right and uplink symbols from end to left.

[0061] 3. Time slot configuration via DCI 2_0: In addition to the aforementioned methods of configuring time slots based on tdd-UL-DL-configurationCommon and tdd-UL / DL-ConfigurationDedicated, flexible time slots or flexible symbols within time slots can also be modified via DCI 2_0. Specifically, DCI 2_0 uses SFI-RNTI scrambling, with a maximum of 128 bits. DCI 2_0 targets a group of UEs and is used to notify UE-level time slot format, available resource block (RB) sets, and other information. Network devices configure parameters for each UE (e.g., via RRC signaling) such as SFI-RNTI (used to detect the Radio Network Temporary Identity (RNTI) of DCI 2_0), dci-PayloadSize (used to indicate the payload size of DCI 2_0, maximum 128 bits), positionInDCI (used to inform the UE of the position of the SFI-index field in the corresponding DCI 2_0), and slotFormatCombinations list. The length of the SFI-index field is related to the number of slotFormatCombinationIds configured by RRC. The slotFormatCombinationId provides a mapping from slotFormatCombination to the SFI-index field in DCI 2_0. Its main function is to instruct the UE to use SFI-RNTI to decode DCI 2_0 using the corresponding time-frequency domain resources (also configured via RRC), and then retrieve its own data from the corresponding bit position according to positionInDCI. Based on the acquired data, the slotFormatCombination can be determined, thereby identifying the corresponding slot format identifier (SlotFormat id). Then, the specific slot format is looked up in Table 11.1.1-1 of Protocol 38.213 based on the SlotFormat id. Based on the found slot format, the flexible symbols in the flexible slots that have not been modified by tdd-UL-DL-configurationCommon and tdd-UL / DL-ConfigurationDedicated are modified.

[0062] In general, time slot configuration is first performed through tdd-UL-DL-configurationCommon; when modifying tdd-UL-DL-ConfigurationDedicated, only the remaining flexible symbols after tdd-UL-DL-configurationCommon configuration can be changed; DCI 2_0 can only modify the remaining flexible symbols after tdd-UL-DL-configurationCommon and tdd-UL-DL-configurationDedicated configurations. Through the aforementioned step-by-step configuration process, the UE's time slot allocation can be obtained. Alternatively, in practical applications, the UE's time slot allocation can be obtained by configuring time slots solely through tdd-UL-DL-configurationCommon, or by performing the first-level configuration through tdd-UL-DL-configurationCommon and then directly configuring the remaining flexible symbols after tdd-UL-DL-configurationCommon configuration through DCI 2_0 to obtain the UE's time slot allocation.

[0063] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the time unit can be the communication granularity between the UE and the network device in the time domain. For example, the time unit can be a time slot, a mini-slot (i.e., a shorter duration unit than a time slot), a subframe, a symbol, a frame, etc. The same time unit refers to the same time unit.

[0064] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the sensing time unit refers to a time unit used for sensing. The resources corresponding to the sensing time unit are used for sensing, and the sensing node receives echo signals or sends sensing signals within the sensing time unit.

[0065] In this embodiment of the disclosure, a communication time unit refers to a time unit used for communication. The resources corresponding to the communication time unit are used for communication. The UE and network device perform uplink transmission or downlink reception in the communication time unit according to the configured direction (configured through the time slot structure). The content transmitted or received can be data, channels, signals, etc.

[0066] Sensing time units and communication time units can be time-division multiplexed. For example, a sensing time unit can be embedded within a pre-configured continuous communication time unit.

[0067] The communication-sensing integrated system (hereinafter referred to as integrated sensing) of this disclosure can include multiple sensing scenarios. In each sensing scenario, a sensing node acting as a sensing initiator sends a sensing signal, and a sensing node acting as a sensing responder receives the signal generated after the sensing signal is applied to the sensing target and processes the received signal using a sensing algorithm. The processed sensing result can be reported to the base station or sensing function (SF) through the uplink channel, or it can be used by the sensing node that received the signal, or it can be used by other UEs. The sensing function can be a network element of the core network, denoted as an SF network element. The sensing node can be a UE or a network device. The difference between different sensing scenarios lies in the different executing entities of the sensing nodes.

[0068] In mono-static sensing mode, the sensing initiator and the sensing receiver are the same sensing node. That is, the sensing node itself sends sensing signals and receives the signals returned after the sensing signals are applied to the sensing target. The signal received by the sensing receiver in mono-static sensing mode is called the sensing echo signal. Sensing types using mono-static sensing mode can include UE self-transmission and self-reception (referred to as sensing scenario 1) and network device self-transmission and self-reception (referred to as sensing scenario 2).

[0069] In bi-static sensing mode, the sensing initiator and sensing receiver can be different sensing nodes. That is, sensing node A sends a sensing signal, and sensing node B receives the signal generated after the sensing signal is applied to the sensing target. The signal received by the sensing receiver in bi-static sensing mode is usually called the received signal. In this embodiment, for ease of description, the signals received by the sensing receiver in both single-station and bi-static sensing modes are collectively referred to as sensing echo signals. The sensing types using bi-static sensing mode can include: network device sending and UE receiving (denoted as sensing scenario 3), network device a sending and network device b receiving (denoted as sensing scenario 4), UE sending and network device receiving (denoted as sensing scenario 5), and UEa sending and UEb receiving (denoted as sensing scenario 6). For ease of description, in this embodiment, the sensing initiator is referred to as end a, and the sensing receiver is referred to as end b. In some embodiments, for the sensing method of a sending and b receiving, end a can also receive the sensing echo signal. That is, in this case, the sensing initiator can perform single-station sensing mode while performing bi-static sensing mode.

[0070] In multi-static sensing mode, at least one of the sensing initiator and sensing receiver has a plurality of sensing nodes. That is, multiple sensing nodes send sensing signals, and one or more sensing nodes receive the signals generated after each sensing signal is applied to the sensing target; or, one or more sensing nodes send sensing signals, and multiple sensing nodes receive the signals generated after at least one sensing signal is applied to the sensing target. Sensing types using multi-static sensing mode can include: one network device sending and multiple network devices receiving (sensing scenario 7), one network device sending and multiple UEs receiving (sensing scenario 8), one UE sending and multiple UEs receiving (sensing scenario 9), one UE sending and multiple network devices receiving (sensing scenario 10), multiple network devices sending and one network device receiving (sensing scenario 11), multiple UEs sending and one network device receiving (sensing scenario 12), multiple UEs sending and one UE receiving (sensing scenario 13), and multiple network devices sending and one UE receiving (sensing scenario 14).

[0071] For cooperative perception mode, it can be a combination of any two or more of the aforementioned perception scenarios. In autonomous driving applications, cooperative perception enables vehicles to share information to perceive the environment beyond their line of sight and field of view. For example, vehicles in the same area share collective perception information to collaboratively perceive the environment; this is called cooperative perception or collaborative sensing. Perception types using cooperative perception mode can include: multiple UEs or network devices each performing single-station perception (denoted as perception scenario 15), multiple pairs of perception nodes performing dual-station perception (denoted as perception scenario 16), a single UE or network device performing single-station perception and a pair of perception nodes performing dual-station perception (denoted as perception scenario 17), and a single perception node performing single-station or dual-station perception on multiple sub-bands (denoted as perception scenario 18).

[0072] In different sensing scenarios, the execution entities (UE, network devices, and SF network elements) differ in their specific interaction processes due to their different identities (network side or UE side) and roles within the sensing scenario. However, existing technologies do not take this difference into account, resulting in all execution entities using a uniform interaction process and time slot structure configuration logic regardless of the sensing scenario. This may lead to unnecessary power consumption, negatively impacting the sensing and communication performance of other execution entities in certain sensing scenarios due to unsuitable interaction operations employed by the execution entities.

[0073] Taking sensing scenario 2 as an example, the UE is not a sensing node in this case. Existing technologies do not inform the UE of the time unit for the network device to perform sensing when configuring time slots. This may cause the UE to blindly detect the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) during the sensing time unit when the network device performs self-sensing and self-receiving. This is obviously not conducive to UE energy saving.

[0074] Taking the switching of sensing scenarios as an example, existing technologies do not consider the relevant processes for switching sensing scenarios, meaning that once a sensing scenario is determined, it is usually not changed. However, in practical applications, the communication environment is dynamically changing. If the sensing effect under the current sensing scenario (such as the self-transmission and self-reception of network devices) is poor, the existing network devices cannot trigger the switching of sensing scenarios through appropriate interaction processes, which seriously affects the sensing effect.

[0075] To address at least one of the aforementioned problems, this disclosure provides a sensing method, comprising: a network device interacting with a sensing function network element to confirm a sensing scenario; the network device sending configuration information to a UE, wherein the UE receives the configuration information, the configuration information being used to indicate the sensing scenario and configure the transmission configuration of at least one sensing time unit under the sensing scenario; and the UE performing corresponding operations in the at least one sensing time unit according to the sensing scenario.

[0076] By adopting the solution disclosed herein, the interaction process between various execution entities can be optimized in a targeted manner according to different sensing scenarios, and the time slot structure information more suitable for the current sensing scenario can be configured to improve the quality of communication and sensing.

[0077] In this embodiment of the disclosure, for each of the at least one sensing time units, the transmission direction of the sensing time unit is determined according to the executing entity that sends the sensing signal in that sensing time unit, that is, according to the type of the sensing initiator. Here, the type refers to whether the sensing initiator is a UE or a network device. For example, if the sensing signal is sent by a UE, then the transmission direction of the sensing time unit configured for the UE is uplink (UL, to distinguish it from the uplink transmission of the communication time unit (denoted as U), the uplink transmission of the sensing time unit is denoted as US), and correspondingly, the transmission direction of the sensing time unit configured for the sensing receiver is downlink. As another example, if the sensing signal is sent by a base station, then the transmission direction of the sensing time unit is downlink (DL, to distinguish it from the downlink transmission of the communication time unit (denoted as D), the downlink transmission of the sensing time unit is denoted as DS), and correspondingly, the transmission direction of the sensing time unit configured for the sensing receiver is uplink.

[0078] Furthermore, the sensing node determines its specific operation within the sensing time unit based on its sensing role in the current sensing scenario and the transmission direction of the sensing time unit. Taking a dual-site sensing mode as an example, assuming the sensing initiator is the UE and the sensing receiver is the network device, and the network device is configured with an uplink transmission direction for sensing time unit 1, then the UE sends a sensing signal in sensing time unit 1, and the network device receives the echo signal accordingly. Assuming the sensing initiator is the network device and the sensing receiver is the UE, and the network device is configured with a downlink transmission direction for sensing time unit 2, then the network device sends a sensing signal in sensing time unit 2, and the UE receives the echo signal accordingly (in this case, the transmission direction of sensing time unit 2 configured for the UE is uplink). Taking a single-site sensing mode as an example, where both the sensing initiator and the sensing receiver are UEs, the configured transmission direction for sensing time unit 3 is uplink, and the UE sends a sensing signal and receives the echo signal in sensing time unit 3.

[0079] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the transmission direction of the sensing time period refers to the transmission direction of each sensing time unit in one or more sensing time units included in the sensing time period.

[0080] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and beneficial effects of this disclosure more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0081] Next, we will elaborate on the interaction process and time slot structure configuration of each execution entity for different perception scenarios.

[0082] Figure 3 This is a signaling interaction diagram of a sensing method according to the first embodiment of this disclosure.

[0083] This specific implementation can be applied to any of the following sensing scenarios: single-site sensing mode where the sensing node is a network device, i.e., sensing scenario 2; multi-site sensing mode where all sensing nodes are network devices, such as sensing scenarios 7 and 11; and collaborative sensing mode where all sensing nodes are network devices, such as the cases in sensing scenarios 15 to 18 where all sensing nodes are network devices. The following section will use sensing scenario 2 as an example to elaborate on the solution of this embodiment.

[0084] In specific implementation, in the sensing method provided in steps (S) 100 to S104 below, the actions performed by the UE can be performed by a chip with communication or sensing functions in the UE, or by a baseband chip in the UE. The actions performed by the network device can be performed by a chip with communication or sensing functions in the network device, or by a baseband chip in the network device. The actions performed by the SF network element can be performed by a chip with communication or sensing functions in the SF network element, or by a baseband chip in the SF network element.

[0085] In this specific implementation, the network device serves as the sensing initiator and / or sensing receiver in the sensing scenario. The UE and SF network element are both third-party devices independent of the sensing transceiver. The switching of sensing scenarios requires permission from the SF network element to be triggered or completed. The different sensing scenarios mentioned in this disclosure can also be understood as different sensing modes, or use case scenarios corresponding to other different sensing processes.

[0086] Specifically, refer to Figure 3 The sensing method described in this implementation scheme may include the following steps:

[0087] S101, the SF network element sends indication information to the network device. Correspondingly, the network device receives the indication information. This indication information is used to indicate the sensing scenario.

[0088] Specifically, SF network elements can determine the appropriate sensing scenario and instruct network devices accordingly. For example, based on the sensing results reported by network devices for the sensing target in a recent period, the sensing scenario can be adjusted in real time to obtain more accurate sensing results. Suppose that sensing scenario 5 is currently being used, but the obtained sensing results are poor (e.g., the signal quality of the echo signal is too low to obtain sufficient sensing results), then the SF network element can determine that it is necessary to switch to sensing scenario 2 and instruct the network devices to switch to sensing scenario 2 through indication information.

[0089] All information mentioned in this disclosure can be carried by higher-level signaling, or by DCI or MAC-CE.

[0090] In some embodiments, the instruction information can be sent to the network device via the air interface.

[0091] Continue to refer to Figure 3 The sensing method described in this implementation scheme may further include the following steps:

[0092] S102, the network device sends configuration information to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives the configuration information. This configuration information indicates the sensing scenario and configures the transmission configuration for at least one sensing time unit within that scenario.

[0093] For a sensing node, the transmission configuration may include the transmission direction. For a non-sensing node, the transmission configuration may include the transmission direction of the sensing node in at least one sensing time unit, and the transmission indication for the non-sensing node in that at least one sensing time unit (such as mute, or low power).

[0094] In some embodiments, the configuration information may be carried in at least one of the following: common configuration signaling, dedicated configuration signaling, and downlink control information. Common configuration signaling may be, for example, TDD-UL / DL-ConfigurationCommon signaling, which carries the configuration information from step S102 by rewriting existing fields or adding new fields. Dedicated configuration signaling may be, for example, TDD-UL / DL-ConfigurationDedicated signaling, which carries the configuration information from step S102 by rewriting existing fields or adding new fields. Downlink control information may be, for example, DCI 2_0, which can add time slot format combinations related to the configuration information in step S102 to the existing time slot format combination list (hereinafter referred to as the preset time slot format table) and assign corresponding time slot format combination identifiers (hereinafter referred to as SFI indexes), or a new time slot format combination list can be created specifically to record time slot format combination information containing uplink and downlink.

[0095] The UE can determine its time slot allocation based on the received configuration information. For example, in response to receiving common configuration signaling, the UE determines its own time slot allocation based on the configuration information carried in the common configuration signaling. Furthermore, in response to receiving dedicated configuration signaling, the UE further rewrites the configuration information of the common configuration signaling to be configured as flexible symbols or time slots based on the configuration information carried in the dedicated configuration signaling, thereby determining its own time slot allocation.

[0096] In one specific implementation, the configuration information may include first information for configuring the initial transmission direction of at least one communication time unit. The initial transmission direction can be selected from uplink, downlink, and flexible options. The specific configuration method of the first information and the initial transmission direction of each communication time unit determined based on the first information can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The embodiments shown include descriptions of pattern1 and pattern1+pattern2.

[0097] Furthermore, the configuration information may also include second information for indicating that one or more time units in at least one communication time unit are sensing time units or for rate matching.

[0098] In other words, this implementation scheme configures the sensing time unit as a transmission unit embedded within the communication time unit. Therefore, it is compatible with the patterns of communication time units in existing technologies, and by adding an additional signaling (i.e., second information), the UE is separately informed of the specific location of the sensing time unit within the DXU pattern of at least one communication time unit in the initial configuration.

[0099] Figure 4 An example is shown, denoted as Example 1, of a possible time slot structure configuration. (See references) Figure 4 Base station 1 uses a single-site sensing mode to sense the target (e.g., UAV a). The configuration information sent by base station 1 to UE (not shown) has a time slot structure configured by the first and second information as DXU, which includes a downlink receiving time period (including at least one communication time unit with downlink transmission direction), a flexible transmission time period (including at least one communication time unit with flexible transmission direction), and an uplink transmitting time period (including at least one communication time unit with uplink transmission direction). The sensing time period (including at least one sensing time unit) is embedded at the end of the downlink receiving time period. Figure 4 In the diagram, the transmission direction of the sensing time period is DS, which means that base station 1 sends sensing signals and receives echo signals during the sensing time period.

[0100] In practical applications, at least one sensing time unit can be embedded at any position in the time period corresponding to any transmission direction in pattern1 and / or pattern2.

[0101] In practical applications, at least one sensing time unit can be continuously embedded within time periods of two adjacent transmission directions. For example, a portion of at least one sensing time unit may be embedded at the end of a downlink reception time period, with the remainder embedded at the beginning of a flexible time period.

[0102] Furthermore, the second information may include at least one parameter among the start position, end position, and length of at least one sensing time unit. Where it is known (e.g., predefined by the protocol) that at least one sensing time unit is located at the beginning or end of a time period in a specific transmission direction, the second information may preferably include the length or end position of at least one sensing time unit.

[0103] For example, assuming the unit of time is a symbol, the transmission direction of each symbol in time slots 0 to 9 of the first information configuration is as follows: Figure 1 As shown, the second information indicates that the first 12 symbols of time slot 5, starting from symbol 2, are sensing time units. In response to receiving the second information, the UE can determine that the resources corresponding to symbols 2 to 13 of time slot 5 have been rewritten as sensing resources or rate-matching resources.

[0104] In some embodiments, the first information and the second information can be carried in the same signaling. For example, both can be carried in common configuration signaling and sent to the UE together.

[0105] In one variation, the first and second information can be carried on different signaling. For example, the first information can be carried on common configuration signaling, and the second information can be carried on dedicated configuration signaling and / or DCI 2_0.

[0106] In this variation, the second information preferably rewrites part or all of the initial transmission direction configured as a flexible time unit (i.e., a flexible time period) into a sensing time unit. This allows for the continued use of existing implementations that rewrite the transmission direction of a flexible and unmodified time slot or symbol through dedicated configuration signaling and / or DCI 2_0, which is beneficial for better compatibility with UEs employing conventional technologies and improves the compatibility of this embodiment.

[0107] Continue to refer to Figure 3 The sensing method described in this implementation scheme may further include the following steps:

[0108] S103, the UE performs corresponding operations in at least one sensing time unit according to the sensing scenario.

[0109] Specifically, in this specific implementation, the UE is not a sensing node in the sensing scenario (i.e., a non-sensing node). Therefore, in S103, the UE can cancel communication in at least one sensing time unit.

[0110] In existing technologies, when the sensing scenario does not involve the UE (e.g., base station self-transmitting and self-receiving), the sensing behavior of the network device is imperceptible to the UE, and the UE is unaware of when the network device performs sensing. That is, in existing technologies, the time slot structure configuration assigned to the UE in sensing scenarios without UE participation does not indicate the transmission configuration for at least one sensing time unit (e.g., Figure 4 In the application scenario shown, base station 1, according to existing technology, only configures the DXU for the UE, and does not inform the UE of the time period of the DS on the base station side as in this implementation scheme. This results in the UE in the existing technology being unable to receive data throughout the entire downlink reception time period (e.g. Figure 4 Blindly checking the PDCCH or performing data / channel / signal transmission and reception operations during the time period of D is not conducive to UE energy saving.

[0111] This implementation scheme achieves transparency of the sensing time unit to the UE through base station scheduling. That is, no communication resources are configured for the sensing time unit, and the sensing time unit of the network device is also informed to the UE through second information, for example... Figure 4 The time period of the DS is also indicated to the UE. As a result, the UE will not perform blind detection or transmit / receive operations during these sensing time units, thus achieving UE energy saving.

[0112] Similarly, the second information can configure at least one communication time unit (a communication time unit for the UE) that the network device is aware of as a rate-matching resource, on which the UE does not expect to communicate or map data transmission or data reception.

[0113] Furthermore, in communication time units not designated as sensing time units, the UE can communicate according to the configured initial transmission direction. For example, continuing to refer to... Figure 4 In the DXU configured in the first information, except for the time period indicated as DS by the second information, the UE communicates uplink and downlink with base station 1 in the configured transmission direction during the remaining time period.

[0114] Continue to refer to Figure 3 The sensing method described in this implementation scheme may further include the following steps:

[0115] S104, the network device performs a corresponding operation in at least one sensing time unit according to the sensing scenario.

[0116] For example, combining Figure 4 Base station 1 can send sensing signals and receive echo signals within the configured DS time period to obtain sensing results.

[0117] In a variation, prior to S101, the sensing method described in this embodiment may further include the step: S100 (not shown), the network device sends request information to the SF network element, and correspondingly, the SF network element receives the request information. The request information includes the requested sensing scenario. Correspondingly, the indication information sent by the SF network element in S101 is used to confirm the sensing scenario.

[0118] Specifically, network devices can independently determine the required sensing scenarios and inform the SF network element. If the SF network element agrees with the sensing scenario requested by the network device, it confirms the request through an instruction message. Otherwise, the instruction message sent by the SF network element can indicate its recommended sensing scenario. For example, if the network device requests sensing scenario 2, the SF network element could indicate sensing scenario 5, and the network device would then perform sensing based on sensing scenario 5.

[0119] In one variation, before / after / simultaneously with S101, the SF network element can also send configuration information to the network device, and the network device receives the configuration information accordingly. That is, in this variation, the transmission configuration for at least one sensing time unit can be configured by the SF network element and indicated to the network device, which then transparently transmits the received configuration information to the UE. The configuration information and indication information can be integrated into the same signaling, or they can be two separate signaling messages.

[0120] Therefore, in this implementation scheme, for sensing scenarios without UE participation (e.g., sensing scenario 2), the SF network element and network device interact to determine the sensing scenario and instruct the UE. Furthermore, when configuring the time slot structure for the UE, the network device instructs the transmission configuration for at least one sensing time unit. Upon receiving the configuration information, the UE determines, based on the sensing scenario, that it does not need to participate in this sensing operation and performs neither sensing nor communication operations in at least one sensing time unit. The network device then performs sensing operations in at least one sensing time unit based on the sensing scenario. Thus, for the UE side, meaningless communication operations (e.g., blind detection) are reduced, which is beneficial for energy saving and power consumption reduction; for the network device side, performing sensing operations correctly and without interference according to the sensing scenario is beneficial for obtaining better sensing quality.

[0121] Figure 5 This is a signaling interaction diagram of a sensing method according to a second embodiment of this disclosure. The description here mainly focuses on the differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment.

[0122] This specific implementation can be applied to a dual-site sensing mode where all sensing nodes are network devices, i.e., sensing scenario 4.

[0123] In specific implementation, in the sensing methods provided in steps (S) 200 to S206 below, the actions performed by the UE can be performed by a chip with communication or sensing functions in the UE, or by a baseband chip in the UE. The actions performed by the network device can be performed by a chip with communication or sensing functions in the network device, or by a baseband chip in the network device. The actions performed by the SF network element can be performed by a chip with communication or sensing functions in the SF network element, or by a baseband chip in the SF network element.

[0124] In this specific implementation, the network device is the sensing initiator and / or sensing receiver in the sensing scenario. The UE and SF network element are both third-party devices independent of the sensing transceiver. The switching of the sensing scenario can only be triggered or completed with the permission of the SF network element.

[0125] Specifically, refer to Figure 5 The sensing method described in this implementation scheme may include the following steps:

[0126] S201, the SF network element sends indication information to network device A and network device B respectively. Correspondingly, network device A receives the indication information, and network device B receives the indication information. The indication information is used to indicate that the sensing scenario is sensing scenario 4. Furthermore, the indication information can also indicate that network device A is the sensing initiator and network device B is the sensing receiver.

[0127] Further reference Figure 5The sensing method described in this implementation scheme may further include the following steps:

[0128] S202, the SF network element sends configuration information to network device A and network device B respectively. Correspondingly, network device A receives the configuration information, and network device B receives the configuration information. The configuration information is used to configure the transmission configuration for at least one sensing time unit in the sensing scenario.

[0129] In some embodiments, the configuration information may include at least one of the following: a period; a first pattern, including an uplink transmission time period, a downlink reception time period, and a flexible time period ordered in a preset order; a second pattern, including an uplink transmission time period, a downlink reception time period, and a flexible time period ordered in a preset order; wherein at least one of the first pattern and the second pattern further includes at least one sensing time unit.

[0130] More specifically, the first pattern can be, for example, the aforementioned pattern1, and the second pattern can be, for example, the aforementioned pattern2.

[0131] The first pattern (or the first and second patterns) appears periodically in the time domain and is divisible by a specific time interval, such as 20 milliseconds (ms), meaning the period length can be 20 ms. 20 ms is the length of two radio frames (a radio frame consists of 10 time slots, and each time slot is 1 ms), thus ensuring that the frame count and the boundary of the period remain consistent.

[0132] Furthermore, at least one sensing time unit is an independent transmission unit. In the first pattern and / or the second pattern, at least one sensing time unit is configured independently of the uplink transmission time period, the downlink reception time period, and the flexible time period. For any of the above time periods, the time period may include several consecutive time slots and symbols.

[0133] Figure 6 Several possible time-slot configurations are illustrated, denoted as Examples 2-5. (See references) Figure 6Base station A (denoted as gNB-A) and base station B (denoted as gNB-B) employ a dual-site sensing mode to sense the target (e.g., UAV a). In Example 2, the configuration information sent by the SF network element to base station A configures the time slot structure for communication between base station A and the UE as DXU through the first and second information. Furthermore, the sensing time periods of base station A and base station B are embedded at the end of the downlink receiving time period. Base station A transmits sensing signals in the DS direction during the sensing time period, while base station B transmits sensing signals in the US direction during the sensing time period. In Example 3, the configuration information sent by the SF network element to base station A configures the time slot structure for communication between base station A and the UE as DXU through the first and second information. Furthermore, the sensing time periods of base station A and base station B are embedded at the end of the uplink transmitting time period. Base station A transmits sensing signals in the DS direction during the sensing time period, while base station B transmits sensing signals in the US direction during the sensing time period.

[0134] In Example 4, the configuration information sent by the SF network element to base station A is used to configure the time slot structure between base station A and UE as DXUD-SXU. That is, at least one sensing time unit with a transmission direction of DS replaces the downlink reception time period of pattern 2 and is located at the beginning of pattern 2. The configuration information sent by the SF network element to base station B is used to configure the time slot structure between base station B and UE as DXUU-SXU. That is, at least one sensing time unit with a transmission direction of US replaces the downlink reception time period of pattern 2 and is located at the beginning of pattern 2. In Example 5, the configuration information sent by the SF network element to base station A is used to configure the time slot structure between base station A and UE as DXUDXD-S. That is, at least one sensing time unit with a transmission direction of DS replaces the uplink transmission time period of pattern 2 and is located at the end of pattern 2. The configuration information sent by the SF network element to base station B is used to configure the time slot structure between base station B and UE as DXUDXU-S. That is, at least one sensing time unit with a transmission direction of US replaces the uplink transmission time period of pattern 2 and is located at the end of pattern 2.

[0135] In some embodiments, the foregoing examples can be combined as the time slot structure configured for the UE. For example, Examples 2 and 3 can be combined, with the sensing time periods of base station A and base station B embedded at the end of the downlink receiving time period and the end of the uplink transmitting time period. Another example is the combination of Examples 4 and 5, where the time slot structure between base station A and the UE is DXUD-SXD-S, and the time slot structure between base station B and the UE is DXUU-SXU-S.

[0136] In some embodiments, in response to at least one sensing time unit with an uplink transmission direction being embedded within a downlink reception time period, a guard interval is provided between the first sensing time unit and the preceding downlink communication time unit, such as... Figure 6 The cross-grid filled area is shown in Example 2. During this protection time interval, the UE and network devices do not communicate or sense each other.

[0137] Continue to refer to Figure 5 The sensing method described in this implementation scheme may further include the following steps:

[0138] S203, Network Device A sends configuration information to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives the configuration information. This configuration information indicates the sensing scenario and the time slot structure configuration assigned to Network Device A by the SF network elements.

[0139] Specifically, the configuration information may include first information and second information, based on which the UE can determine the time slot structure configuration configured by network device A for itself, such as... Figure 6 The first row of Examples 2 to 5 is shown. For details regarding the content of the first and second information, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the first embodiment above; they will not be repeated here.

[0140] Continue to refer to Figure 5 The sensing method described in this implementation scheme may further include the following steps:

[0141] S204, Network Device B sends configuration information to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives the configuration information. This configuration information indicates the sensing scenario and the time slot structure configuration assigned to Network Device B by the SF network elements.

[0142] Specifically, the configuration information may include first information and second information, based on which the UE can determine the time slot structure configuration configured by network device A for itself, such as... Figure 6 The second row of Examples 2 to 5 is shown. For details regarding the content of the first and second information, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the first embodiment described above; they will not be repeated here.

[0143] In other words, in this specific implementation, all network devices acting as sensing nodes in the sensing scenario send configuration information (including first information and second information) to the UE. For the UE, it receives multiple first information messages and multiple second information messages from each network device acting as a sensing node.

[0144] Furthermore, the initial transmission directions of communication time units corresponding to the same time unit in each of the first pieces of information are the same. For example, Figure 6In Examples 2 to 5, base station A and base station B have the same initial transmission direction in each time unit, namely D, X, or U. For base station A and base station B, both are configured with a DXU time slot structure, and their transmission directions are largely the same. Therefore, there will be no serious uplink and downlink interference between the communication transmissions of each base station, resulting in good anti-interference performance.

[0145] In some embodiments, when configuring the configuration information for each network device, the SF network element considers the inter-base station interference problem to ensure that the initial transmission direction of the communication time unit corresponding to the same time unit in the first information of each network device is the same.

[0146] In some embodiments, multiple pairs of network devices can exist within an area as sensing transceivers to perform sensing services, with each pair of network devices employing a dual-site sensing mode under the sensing scenario of this specific embodiment. Assuming the SF network element configures the same time slot structure for each pair of network devices, uplink and downlink interference may exist between the pairs of network devices at least once in a sensing time unit. In this example, the SF network element can schedule the SF network element to allow only one pair of network devices to perform sensing at a specific time, thereby mitigating interference. For example, the SF network element instructs base station 1 and base station 2 to form a sensing transceiver pair for dual-site sensing, with the corresponding time slot structure configuration as follows: Figure 6 As shown in Example 2, the SF network element also instructs base station 3 and base station 4 to form a pair of sensing transceivers for dual-site sensing, and the corresponding time slot structure configuration is as follows. Figure 6 As shown in Example 2. Furthermore, the SF network element can schedule base stations 1 and 2 to perform sensing at time t1, and not perform sensing at other times even if the sensing time unit in the configured time slot structure arrives periodically. Similarly, the SF network element can schedule base stations 3 and 4 to perform sensing at time t2, and not perform sensing at other times even if the sensing time unit in the configured time slot structure arrives periodically.

[0147] Continue to refer to Figure 5 The sensing method described in this implementation scheme may further include the following steps:

[0148] S205, the UE performs corresponding operations in at least one sensing time unit according to the sensing scenario.

[0149] For details regarding S205, please refer to the relevant description of S103 in the first embodiment above. For example, the UE can cancel communication in at least one sensing time unit. The sensing time unit can be a sensing time unit configured in the configuration information sent by network device A, or a sensing time unit configured in the configuration information sent by network device B.

[0150] Continue to refer to Figure 5The sensing method described in this implementation scheme may further include the following steps:

[0151] S206, Network device A and Network device B perform corresponding operations in at least one sensing time unit according to the sensing scenario.

[0152] In this specific implementation, network device A, as the sensing initiator, sends a sensing signal at least once in a sensing time unit, and network device B, as the sensing receiver, receives the echo signal at least once in a sensing time unit.

[0153] In some embodiments, during communication time units not designated as sensing time units, the UE can communicate with network device A and network device B respectively according to the configured initial transmission direction. Thus, by indicating the sensing scenario and time slot structure configuration, the UE and network devices can communicate and sense in a less interference-prone manner, which is beneficial for improving sensing and communication quality.

[0154] In one variation, network device A and network device B can interact independently to determine whether to use sensing scenario 4 for sensing. Furthermore, prior to S201, the sensing method described in this embodiment may also include the step: S200 (not shown), network device A (or network device B) sends request information to the SF network element, and correspondingly, the SF network element receives the request information. The request information includes the requested sensing scenario.

[0155] Furthermore, in this modified example, the indication information sent by the SF network element to network device A and network device B in S201 can be used to confirm the sensing scenario. For example, if network device A originally used a single-site sensing mode, but the signal quality of the received echo signal is poor, then network device A can negotiate with network device B through methods such as the air interface to adopt a dual-site sensing mode. In response to the agreement between network device A and network device B, network device A executes S200 to send a request message to the SF network element. The request message includes the requested sensing scenario 4 and indicates that the sensing initiator is network device A and the sensing receiver is network device B. In response to receiving the request message, the SF network element determines that the switching of the sensing scenario is permitted, and then sends indication information to network device A and network device B to confirm the switch to sensing scenario 4.

[0156] Furthermore, the time slot structure configuration based on perception scenario 4 can be determined by network device A and network device B, and then communicated to the SF network element via a request message. The SF network element can confirm the time slot structure configuration via an indication message, or it can adjust the time slot structure configuration and provide it to network device A and network device B via configuration information. In response to receiving the indication message and / or configuration information, network device A or network device B can indicate the time slot structure configuration confirmed by the SF network element to the UE via the configuration information.

[0157] Based on the above, this implementation scheme, for sensing scenarios without UE participation (e.g., sensing scenario 4), the SF network element and each network device interact to determine the sensing scenario and instruct the UE. Furthermore, when configuring the time slot structure for the UE, each network device ensures that their initial transmission directions are the same in the same communication time unit to improve uplink and downlink interference between network devices. Furthermore, for each network device, when configuring the time slot structure for the UE, it instructs the transmission configuration for at least one sensing time unit. Upon receiving the configuration information, the UE determines that it does not need to participate in this sensing based on the sensing scenario, and neither performs sensing operations nor communication operations in at least one sensing time unit. The network device then performs sensing operations in at least one sensing time unit based on the sensing scenario. Therefore, for the UE side, meaningless communication operations (e.g., blind detection) are reduced, which is beneficial for energy saving and power consumption reduction; for the network device side, each network device can perform communication transmission with less interference and can perform sensing operations correctly and without interference according to the sensing scenario, which is beneficial for obtaining better sensing and communication quality.

[0158] Figure 7 This is a signaling interaction diagram of a sensing method according to the third embodiment of this disclosure. The description here mainly focuses on the differences between the third embodiment and any of the embodiments described above.

[0159] This specific implementation can be applied to a single-site perception mode where the perception node is a UE, i.e., perception scenario 1.

[0160] In specific implementation, in the sensing methods provided in steps (S) 300 to S309 below, the actions performed by the UE can be performed by a chip with communication or sensing functions in the UE, or by a baseband chip in the UE. The actions performed by the network device can be performed by a chip with communication or sensing functions in the network device, or by a baseband chip in the network device. The actions performed by the SF network element can be performed by a chip with communication or sensing functions in the SF network element, or by a baseband chip in the SF network element.

[0161] In this specific implementation, combined with Figure 8 The UEs include UE-1, UE-2, and UE-3, and the network devices include network device A (denoted as gNB-A) and network device B (denoted as gNB-B). Network device A schedules UE-1, and network device B schedules UE-2 and UE-3. Among them, UE-1 and UE-2 are the sensing initiators and / or sensing receivers in the sensing scenario. UE-3, the network devices, and the SF network elements are all third-party devices independent of the sensing transceivers. The handover of the sensing scenario requires permission from the SF network element to be triggered or completed.

[0162] Specifically, refer toFigure 7 The sensing method described in this implementation scheme may include the following steps:

[0163] In S300, network device B sends a request message to the SF network element. Correspondingly, the SF network element receives the request message. The request message includes the requested sensing scenario.

[0164] Suppose that network device B and UE-2 were originally sensing a target (e.g., drone a) under sensing scenario 5, but the signal quality of the sensing result received by network device B is lower than a preset threshold, then network device B can trigger a switching of sensing scenarios. In this specific implementation, network device B requests a switch to sensing scenario 1, that is, UE-2 uses a single-site sensing mode to sense drone a. The preset threshold can be set by the protocol, predefined, or preconfigured.

[0165] In response to the received request, the SF network element confirms the switch of the sensing scenario and proceeds accordingly. Figure 7 The sensing method described in this implementation scheme may further include the following steps:

[0166] S301, the SF network element sends indication information to network device B. Correspondingly, network device B receives the indication information. The indication information is used to confirm the sensing scenario.

[0167] In response to receiving the instruction, network device B determines that the SF network element is allowed to switch to Sensing Scenario 1, and accordingly continues to refer to... Figure 7 The sensing method described in this implementation scheme may further include the following steps:

[0168] S302, network device B sends configuration information to UE-2. Correspondingly, UE-2 receives the configuration information. The configuration information is used to indicate the sensing scenario (sensing scenario 1 in this example) and the transmission direction of at least one sensing time unit.

[0169] Specifically, the configuration information may include third information for configuring the transmission direction of at least one sensing time unit.

[0170] Upon receiving the configuration information, UE-2 identifies itself as a sensing node, specifically as both the sensing initiator and sensing receiver in sensing scenario 1. Accordingly, please refer to... Figure 7 The sensing method described in this implementation scheme may further include the following steps:

[0171] S303, UE-2 performs sensing in at least one sensing time unit according to the corresponding transmission direction.

[0172] For example, a sensing signal is transmitted in a sensing time unit with a transmission direction of DS, and an echo signal is received in a sensing time unit with a transmission direction of US.

[0173] In one specific implementation, while UE-2 is performing sensing according to sensing scenario 1, UE-3 is communicating with network device B (including uplink transmission and / or downlink reception). Assuming that the sensing signal transmission of UE-2 has a strong interference effect on the reception at the uplink base station of UE-3, and since there is no uplink rate matching at the moment, this implementation scheme uses additional signaling to indicate areas to remain silent or reduce transmission power.

[0174] Specifically, continue to refer to Figure 7 The sensing method described in this implementation scheme may further include the following steps:

[0175] S304, Network device B sends configuration information to UE-3, and UE-3 receives the configuration information accordingly. The configuration information indicates the sensing scenario and the transmission indication for at least one sensing time unit.

[0176] Upon receiving the configuration information, UE-3 determines that it is not a sensing node, and accordingly continues to refer to... Figure 7 The sensing method described in this implementation scheme may further include the following steps:

[0177] S305, UE-3 remains silent or reduces transmission power in at least one sensing time unit according to the corresponding transmission instruction.

[0178] For example, the configuration information may include a fourth message indicating that the user should remain silent in the communication time unit corresponding to at least one sensing time unit. In response to receiving the fourth message, even though UE-3 should perform uplink transmission or downlink reception in the communication time unit corresponding to at least one sensing time unit according to the pre-acquired time slot structure configuration (such as the initial transmission direction of at least one communication time unit configured by the first message), in this example, UE-3 remains silent in that communication time unit according to the instruction of the fourth message, i.e., it does not communicate with network device B in the sensing time unit of UE-2.

[0179] For example, the configuration information may include a fourth message indicating that the transmit power should be reduced during the communication time unit corresponding to at least one sensing time unit. In response to receiving the fourth message, UE-3, configured according to a pre-acquired time slot structure, actively reduces the transmit power when communicating with network device B during the communication time unit corresponding to at least one sensing time unit.

[0180] This can greatly alleviate the interference of UE-2's sensing behavior and UE-3's communication behavior at network device B, ensuring that both sensing and communication can maintain a high quality.

[0181] In one variation, network device B can send the fourth information to UE-2. Correspondingly, UE-2 remains silent (i.e., does not send a sensing signal) or reduces its transmission power (i.e., reduces the transmission power of the sensing signal) for at least one sensing time unit. Thus, when interference occurs between the transmission of the sensing signal and the reception at the uplink base station, the sensing behavior of the sensing node can be preferably restricted to ensure the uplink communication quality between network device B and UE-3.

[0182] In one specific implementation, while UE-2 is performing perception according to perception scenario 1 and UE-3 is communicating with network device B with reduced interference according to configuration information, UE-1 is also performing perception of the target (e.g., drone b) according to perception scenario 1 under the scheduling of network device A.

[0183] Specifically, continue to refer to Figure 7 The sensing method described in this implementation scheme may further include the following steps:

[0184] S306, the SF network element sends indication information to network device A. Correspondingly, network device A receives the indication information. The indication information is used to indicate the sensing scenario; in this example, it specifically indicates sensing scenario 1 and the sensing node is UE-1.

[0185] In step S307, the SF network element sends configuration information to network device A. Correspondingly, network device A receives the configuration information. The configuration information is used to configure the transmission direction of at least one sensing time unit in the sensing scenario indicated in step S306.

[0186] In response to receiving the instruction and configuration information, network device A can execute S308 to send the configuration information to UE-1. UE-1 then receives the configuration information.

[0187] Further reference Figure 7 The sensing method described in this embodiment may further include the step: S309, UE-1 performs sensing in at least one sensing time unit according to the corresponding transmission direction.

[0188] In this specific implementation, it is assumed that the sensing signal transmission of UE-1 will not interfere with the uplink reception of UE-3 at network device B, so there is no need to configure corresponding silent or reduced transmission power areas for the sensing behavior of UE-1.

[0189] Figure 8Several possible time slot structure configurations are illustrated, denoted as Examples 6-17. The difference between Examples 6 to 12 and Examples 13 to 17 is that in Examples 6 to 12, at least one sensing time unit is embedded within one or more communication time units, similar to Example 1 in the first embodiment described above, while in Examples 13 to 17, at least one sensing time unit is a time unit independent of the communication time unit, similar to Examples 2 to 5 in the second embodiment described above.

[0190] In Example 6, the time slot structure for communication between network device A and UE-1 is DXU. UE-1's sensing time period is embedded at the end of the uplink transmission time period, and UE-1 transmits sensing signals in the US direction during the sensing time period. The time slot structure for communication between network device B and UE-2 is DXU. UE-2's sensing time period is embedded at the end of the uplink transmission time period, and UE-2 transmits sensing signals in the US direction during the sensing time period. The time slot structure for communication between network device B and UE-3 is DXU. UE-3 performs downlink reception during the downlink reception time period and uplink transmission during the uplink transmission time period. Thus, each UE performs sensing and communication according to the network device's scheduling.

[0191] In Example 7, the time slot structure for communication between network device A and UE-1 is DXU. UE-1's sensing time period is embedded at the end of the uplink transmission time period, and UE-1's transmission direction during the sensing time period is US, i.e., transmitting sensing signals. The time slot structure for communication between network device B and UE-2 is DXU. UE-2's sensing time period is embedded at the end of the uplink transmission time period, and UE-2's transmission direction during the sensing time period is US, i.e., transmitting sensing signals. The time slot structure for communication between network device B and UE-3 is DXU, and the communication time unit corresponding to UE-2's sensing time period during the uplink transmission time period is configured to be silent. Correspondingly, UE-3 performs downlink reception during the downlink reception time period and uplink transmission during the uplink transmission time period, and the communication time unit corresponding to UE-2's sensing time period during the uplink transmission time period remains silent. Thus, by configuring the time slot structure, interference between UE-2 and UE-3 at network device B is avoided, ensuring sensing and communication quality.

[0192] In Example 8, the time slot structure for communication between network device A and UE-1 is DXU. UE-1's sensing time period is embedded at the end of the uplink transmission time period, and UE-1 transmits sensing signals in the US direction during the sensing time period. The time slot structure for communication between network device B and UE-2 is DXU. UE-2's sensing time period is embedded at the end of the uplink transmission time period, and UE-2 remains silent during the sensing time period. The time slot structure for communication between network device B and UE-3 is DXU. UE-3 performs downlink reception during the downlink reception time period and uplink transmission during the uplink transmission time period. Therefore, by configuring the time slot structure, interference between UE-2 and UE-3 at network device B is avoided, ensuring sensing and communication quality.

[0193] In Example 9, the time slot structure for communication between network device A and UE-1 is DXU. UE-1's sensing time period is embedded at the end of the uplink transmission time period, and UE-1 transmits sensing signals in the US direction during the sensing time period. The time slot structure for communication between network device B and UE-2 is DXU. UE-2's sensing time period is embedded at the end of the uplink transmission time period, and UE-2 transmits sensing signals in the US direction during the sensing time period. The time slot structure for communication between network device B and UE-3 is DXU, and the communication time unit corresponding to UE-2's sensing time period in the uplink transmission time period is configured to reduce transmit power. Correspondingly, UE-3 performs downlink reception during the downlink reception time period and uplink transmission during the uplink transmission time period, and reduces transmit power when transmitting uplink in the communication time unit corresponding to UE-2's sensing time period in the uplink transmission time period. Thus, the time slot structure configuration mitigates interference between UE-2 and UE-3 at network device B, ensuring sensing and communication quality.

[0194] In Example 10, the time slot structure for communication between network device A and UE-1 is DXU. UE-1's sensing time period is embedded at the end of the uplink transmission time period, and UE-1 transmits sensing signals in the US direction during the sensing time period. The time slot structure for communication between network device B and UE-2 is DXU. UE-2's sensing time period is embedded at the end of the uplink transmission time period, and UE-2 reduces its transmit power when transmitting sensing signals during the sensing time period. The time slot structure for communication between network device B and UE-3 is DXU. UE-3 performs downlink reception during the downlink reception time period and uplink transmission during the uplink transmission time period. Therefore, the time slot structure configuration mitigates interference between UE-2 and UE-3 at network device B, ensuring both sensing and communication quality.

[0195] In Example 11, the time slot structure for communication between network device A and UE-1 is DXU. UE-1's sensing time period is embedded at the end of the flexible transmission time period, and UE-1 transmits sensing signals in the US direction during the sensing time period. The time slot structure for communication between network device B and UE-2 is DXU. UE-2's sensing time period is embedded at the end of the flexible transmission time period, and UE-2 transmits sensing signals in the US direction during the sensing time period. The time slot structure for communication between network device B and UE-3 is DXU. UE-3 performs downlink reception during the downlink reception time period and uplink transmission during the uplink transmission time period. Thus, each UE performs sensing and communication according to the network device's scheduling. In a variation, in the time slot structure configuration of UE-3, the communication time unit corresponding to UE-2's sensing time period within the flexible transmission time period can be configured to be silent or have reduced transmission power.

[0196] In Example 12, the time slot structure for communication between network device A and UE-1 is DXU. UE-1's sensing time period is embedded at the end of the downlink receiving time period (with a guard interval between them). UE-1 transmits sensing signals in the US direction during the sensing time period. The time slot structure for communication between network device B and UE-2 is DXU. UE-2's sensing time period is embedded at the end of the downlink receiving time period (with a guard interval between them). UE-2 transmits sensing signals in the US direction during the sensing time period. The time slot structure for communication between network device B and UE-3 is DXU. UE-3 performs downlink receiving during the downlink receiving time period and uplink transmission during the uplink transmission time period. Thus, each UE performs sensing and communication according to the scheduling of the network devices.

[0197] In Example 13, network device A configures the timeslot structure for UE-1 as DXUDXU-S, network device B configures the timeslot structure for UE-2 as DXUDXU-S, and network device B configures the timeslot structure for UE-3 as DXUDXU. Accordingly, UE-1 and UE-2 communicate according to the transmission direction of their respective configured communication time units and sense information according to the transmission direction of their configured sensing time units, while UE-3 communicates according to the transmission direction of its configured communication time units.

[0198] In Example 14, network device A configures the timeslot structure for UE-1 as DXUDXU-S, network device B configures the timeslot structure for UE-2 as DXUDXU-S, and network device B configures the timeslot structure for UE-3 as DXUDXMute. Accordingly, UE-1 and UE-2 communicate according to the transmission direction of their configured communication time units and sense according to the transmission direction of their configured sensing time units, while UE-3 communicates according to the transmission direction of its configured communication time units and remains silent in the communication time units corresponding to the sensing time units of UE-2.

[0199] In Example 15, network device A configures the timeslot structure for UE-1 as DXUDXU-S, network device B configures the timeslot structure for UE-2 as DXUDXMute, and network device B configures the timeslot structure for UE-3 as DXUDXU. Accordingly, UE-1 communicates according to the transmission direction of the configured communication time unit and senses according to the transmission direction of the configured sensing time unit; UE-2 communicates according to the transmission direction of the configured communication time unit and remains silent during the sensing time unit; and UE-3 communicates according to the transmission direction of the configured communication time unit.

[0200] In Example 16, network device A configures the timeslot structure for UE-1 as DXUDXU-S, network device B configures the timeslot structure for UE-2 as DXUDXU-S, and network device B configures the timeslot structure for UE-3 as DXUDXLPU. Accordingly, UE-1 and UE-2 communicate according to the transmission direction of their respective configured communication time units and sense according to the transmission direction of their configured sensing time units. UE-3 communicates according to the transmission direction of its configured communication time units, and reduces its transmit power when transmitting uplink in the communication time unit corresponding to UE-2's sensing time unit.

[0201] In Example 17, network device A configures the timeslot structure for UE-1 as DXUDXU-S, network device B configures the timeslot structure for UE-2 as DXUDXLPU-S, and network device B configures the timeslot structure for UE-3 as DXUDXU. Accordingly, UE-1 and UE-2 communicate according to the transmission direction of their respective configured communication time units and sense signals according to the transmission direction of their configured sensing time units. UE-2 reduces its transmission power when sending sensing signals, while UE-3 communicates according to the transmission direction of its configured communication time units.

[0202] In Examples 6 to 17, the transmission direction of each UE and each network device remains consistent within the same communication time unit, which helps reduce interference on the base station side. UE-1 and UE-2 also maintain consistent transmission directions within the same sensing time unit, which helps reduce interference between different sensing nodes.

[0203] Based on the above, by adopting this implementation scheme, for sensing scenarios involving UEs, the SF network element and network equipment interact to determine the sensing scenario and indicate it to the UE. By carrying the transmission direction and / or transmission indication of at least one sensing time unit through configuration information, the UE can perform sensing and communication without causing interference.

[0204] Furthermore, the time slot structure configuration can be determined by the network device and indicated to the UE through configuration information, which helps reduce latency. Alternatively, the time slot structure configuration can also be determined by the SF network element and indicated to the UE through the network device.

[0205] Figure 9 This is a signaling interaction diagram of a sensing method according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure. The description here mainly focuses on the differences between the fourth embodiment and any of the embodiments described above.

[0206] This specific implementation can be applied to any of the following sensing scenarios: dual-site sensing mode where the sensing nodes are a UE and a network device, i.e., sensing scenarios 3 and 5; multi-site sensing mode where the sensing nodes include at least a UE, such as sensing scenarios 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, and 14; and cooperative sensing mode where the sensing nodes include at least a UE, such as the case in sensing scenario 15 where at least one sensing node is a UE. The following section will use sensing scenarios 3 and 5 as examples to illustrate the solution of this embodiment in detail.

[0207] In specific implementations, in the sensing methods provided in steps (S) 400 to S405 below, the actions performed by the UE can be executed by a chip in the UE with communication or sensing functions, or by a baseband chip in the UE. The actions performed by the network device can be executed by a chip in the network device with communication or sensing functions, or by a baseband chip in the network device. The actions performed by the SF network element can be executed by a chip in the SF network element with communication or sensing functions, or by a baseband chip in the SF network element.

[0208] In this specific implementation, combined with Figure 10 The UEs include UE-1 and UE-2, and the network devices include network device A (denoted as gNB-A) and network device B (denoted as gNB-B). Network device A and UE-1 perform dual-site sensing of the target (drone a), with network device A acting as the sensing initiator and UE-1 as the sensing receiver. Network device B and UE-2 perform dual-site sensing of the target (drone b), with UE-2 acting as the sensing initiator and network device B as the sensing receiver. The SF network element is a third-party device independent of the sensing transceiver; the switching of sensing scenarios requires permission from the SF network element to be triggered or completed.

[0209] Specifically, refer to Figure 9The sensing method described in this implementation scheme may include the following steps:

[0210] S401, the SF network element sends indication information to network device A and network device B respectively. Correspondingly, network device A receives the indication information, and network device B receives the indication information. Among them, the indication information sent to network device A is used to indicate that the perception scenario is perception scenario 3 and the identifier (ID) of UE-1 as the perception receiver, and the indication information sent to network device B is used to indicate that the perception scenario is perception scenario 5 and the ID of UE-2 as the perception initiator.

[0211] Further reference Figure 9 The sensing method described in this implementation scheme may further include the following steps:

[0212] S402, network device A sends configuration information to UE-1. Correspondingly, UE-1 receives the configuration information. The configuration information indicates the sensing scenario (sensing scenario 3 in this example) and configures the transmission direction of at least one sensing time unit under the sensing scenario.

[0213] S403, network device B sends configuration information to UE-2. Correspondingly, UE-2 receives the configuration information. This configuration information indicates the sensing scenario (sensing scenario 5 in this example) and configures the transmission direction of at least one sensing time unit within that sensing scenario.

[0214] In some embodiments, the configuration information may include first information and fifth information. The specific meaning of the first information can be found in the detailed explanations of the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here. The fifth information is used to indicate that one or more of the at least one communication time unit are sensing time units, and to configure the transmission direction of the sensing time unit.

[0215] Continue to refer to Figure 9 The sensing method described in this implementation scheme may further include the following steps:

[0216] S404, UE-1 performs sensing in the configured transmission direction in the at least one sensing time unit.

[0217] S405, UE-2 performs sensing in the configured transmission direction in the at least one sensing time unit.

[0218] Figure 10Several possible timeslot structure configurations are illustrated, denoted as Examples 18 to 21. In Example 18, the timeslot structure for communication between network device A and UE-1 is DXU. UE-1's sensing time period is embedded at the end of the downlink receiving time period (segment 7). UE-1's transmission direction during the sensing time period is DS, i.e., receiving echo signals. The timeslot structure for communication between network device B and UE-2 is DXU. UE-2's sensing time period is embedded in the middle of the uplink transmitting time period. UE-2's transmission direction during the sensing time period is US, i.e., transmitting sensing signals.

[0219] In Example 19, the time slot structure for communication between network device A and UE-1 is DXU. UE-1's sensing time period is embedded at the beginning of the flexible transmission time period. UE-1's transmission direction during the sensing time period is DS, i.e., receiving echo signals. The time slot structure for communication between network device B and UE-2 is DXU. UE-2's sensing time period is embedded at the end of the flexible transmission time period. UE-2's transmission direction during the sensing time period is US, i.e., sending sensing signals.

[0220] In Example 20, the time slot structure for communication between network device A and UE-1 is DXU. The sensing time period of UE-1 is embedded at the end of the downlink receiving time period. The transmission direction of UE-1 during the sensing time period is DS, i.e., receiving echo signals. The time slot structure for communication between network device B and UE-2 is DXU. The sensing time period of UE-2 is embedded at the end of the flexible transmission time period. The transmission direction of UE-2 during the sensing time period is US, i.e., sending sensing signals.

[0221] In Example 21, the time slot structure for communication between network device A and UE-1 is DXU. The sensing time period of UE-1 is embedded at the beginning of the flexible transmission time period. The transmission direction of UE-1 during the sensing time period is DS, i.e., receiving echo signals. The time slot structure for communication between network device B and UE-2 is DXU. The sensing time period of UE-2 is embedded at the end of the uplink transmission time period. The transmission direction of UE-2 during the sensing time period is US, i.e., sending sensing signals.

[0222] In Examples 18 to 21, the transmission direction of each UE and each network device remains consistent within the same communication time unit, which helps reduce interference on the base station side. UE-1 and UE-2 always have opposite transmission directions within their respective sensing time units. Therefore, when configuring the time slot structure, the SF network element (or each network device) configures the sensing time units of UE-1 and UE-2 on different communication time units to avoid uplink and downlink interference between different sensing nodes.

[0223] Based on the above, in the dual-site sensing mode where the UE and network devices cooperate, the SF network element and each network device interact to determine the sensing scenario and instruct the UE, and configure the UE's transmission direction in each sensing time unit through configuration information so that the UE can perform sensing operations correctly.

[0224] In one variation, the network device (e.g., network device A) can independently determine whether to use sensing scenario 3 for sensing. Furthermore, prior to S401, the sensing method described in this embodiment may also include the step: S400 (not shown), network device A sends request information to the SF network element, and correspondingly, the SF network element receives the request information. The request information includes the requested sensing scenario (e.g., sensing scenario 3) and the identifier of UE-1.

[0225] Furthermore, in this variation example, the indication information sent by the SF network element in S401 to network device A can be used to confirm the sensing scenario.

[0226] In one variation, configuration information can be sent from the SF network element to network device A (or network device B), and then further sent by network device A (or network device B) to UE-1 (or UE-2).

[0227] Figure 11 This is a signaling interaction diagram of a sensing method according to the fifth embodiment of this disclosure. The description here mainly focuses on the differences between the third embodiment and any of the above embodiments.

[0228] This specific implementation can be applied to any sensing scenario in both multi-station sensing and collaborative sensing modes. The following section will use sensing scenario 7 as an example to elaborate on the solution of this specific implementation.

[0229] In specific implementations, in the sensing methods provided in steps (S) 500 to S507 below, the actions performed by the UE can be executed by a chip with communication or sensing functions in the UE, or by a baseband chip in the UE. The actions performed by the network device can be executed by a chip with communication or sensing functions in the network device, or by a baseband chip in the network device. The actions performed by the SF network element can be executed by a chip with communication or sensing functions in the SF network element, or by a baseband chip in the SF network element.

[0230] In this specific implementation, combined with Figure 12The network devices include network device A (denoted as gNB-A), network device B1 (denoted as gNB-B1), network device B2 (denoted as gNB-B2), network device B3 (denoted as gNB-B3), and network device B4 (denoted as gNB-B4). Network device A is the sensing initiator in the sensing scenario, and network devices B1-B4 are the sensing receivers. Both the UE and the SF network element are independent third-party devices separate from the sensing transceivers. The handover of the sensing scenario requires permission from the SF network element to be triggered or completed.

[0231] Specifically, refer to Figure 11 The sensing method described in this implementation scheme may include the following steps:

[0232] S500, network device A sends a sensing signal.

[0233] S501, network device B1 sends a sensing report to network device A, which includes the sensing results.

[0234] More specifically, network device A and network device B1 originally used a dual-site sensing mode for sensing. The sensing signal sent by network device A was applied to the sensing target (e.g., Figure 12 The drone a) shown generates an echo signal. Network device B1 receives the echo signal, processes it to obtain the perception result, and generates a perception report based on the perception result and feeds it back to network device A.

[0235] In response to a received perception report indicating that the signal quality of the perception result is below a preset threshold, network device A determines that a switching perception scenario is needed (e.g., switching to perception scenario 7). Accordingly, network device A executes S502, sending a request message to the SF network element. The request message includes the requested perception scenario 7.

[0236] In some embodiments, network device A can determine the required sensing nodes in the requested sensing scenario 7. Accordingly, the request information may also include the identifiers of candidate sensing nodes. For example, the request information may include the identifiers of network devices B1, B2, B3, and B4.

[0237] In some embodiments, network device A may submit only a handover request and the desired sensing scenario, and the SF network element may determine a suitable candidate sensing node based on the real-time network load.

[0238] Continue to refer to Figure 11 The sensing method described in this implementation scheme may include the following steps:

[0239] S503, the SF network element sends a sensing request to one or more candidate sensing nodes based on the requested sensing scenario. In this example, the SF network element sends sensing requests to network devices B1, B2, B3, and B4 respectively.

[0240] Furthermore, the perception request can indicate information such as the perception scene and the perception target, so that the candidate perception node can determine whether to respond to the perception request.

[0241] Continue to refer to Figure 11 The sensing method described in this implementation scheme may include the following steps:

[0242] In step S504, network devices B1, B2, B3, and B4 each send response information to the SF network element. Correspondingly, the SF network element receives response information from at least one candidate sensing node. The response information can indicate whether the sensing request is accepted or rejected.

[0243] Upon receiving the response information, the SF network element can determine the appropriate sensing scenario based on the response information and indicate or confirm it through the indication information.

[0244] For example, assuming network devices B1, B2, B3, and B4 all accept the sensing request, the SF network element confirms that these four network devices are all sensing nodes and the sensing scenario is sensing scenario 7. Accordingly, the SF network element can send an indication message to network device A to confirm that the sensing scenario is sensing scenario 7.

[0245] For example, suppose network device B2 rejects the sensing request, while the other three network devices accept the sensing request. The SF network element then confirms the sensing scenario as sensing scenario 7, and network devices B1, B3, and B4 are sensing nodes. Accordingly, the SF network element can send an indication message to network device A to confirm that the sensing scenario is sensing scenario 7.

[0246] For example, assuming that only network device B3 accepts the sensing request, the SF network element confirms that the sensing scenario 7 requested by network device A cannot be satisfied. The indication information sent by the SF network element to network device A can indicate a new sensing scenario (such as sensing scenario 4).

[0247] This embodiment uses the example of network devices B1, B2, B3, and B4 all accepting a sensing request to illustrate the concept in detail.

[0248] Specifically, continue to refer to Figure 11 The sensing method described in this implementation scheme may include the following steps:

[0249] In S505, the SF network element sends configuration information to each network device (i.e., network device A, network device B1, network device B2, network device B3, and network device B4). Correspondingly, each network device (i.e., network device A, network device B1, network device B2, network device B3, and network device B4) receives the configuration information. The configuration information includes the transmission configuration for at least one sensing time unit under sensing scenario 7.

[0250] Upon receiving the configuration information (and indication information), network device A determines that the SF network element agrees to continue sensing UAV a using sensing scenario 7. (Continue to refer to...) Figure 11 The sensing method described in this implementation scheme may include the following steps:

[0251] S506, Network device A sends a sensing signal.

[0252] S507, each network device (i.e., network device B1, network device B2, network device B3 and network device B4) sends a perception report to network device A.

[0253] Furthermore, in response to receiving configuration information, each network device can also send configuration information to the UE it is communicating with. In response to receiving configuration information, the UE cancels communication with the corresponding network device at least once within a sensing time unit. For details, please refer to the relevant description in the first embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0254] Figure 12 Two possible timeslot structure configurations are illustrated, denoted as Example 22 and Example 23. In Example 23, the timeslot structure for communication between network device A and the UE is DXU, and the sensing time periods of network devices A, B1, B2, B3, and B4 are embedded at the end of the downlink receiving time period. Network device A transmits in the DS direction (sending sensing signals) during the sensing time period, while network devices B1, B2, B3, and B4 transmit in the US direction (receiving echo signals) during the sensing time period. In Example 24, the timeslot structure for communication between network device A and the UE is DXU, and the sensing time periods of network devices A, B1, B2, B3, and B4 are embedded at the end of the uplink transmitting time period. Network device A transmits in the DS direction (sending sensing signals) during the sensing time period, while network devices B1, B2, B3, and B4 transmit in the US direction (receiving echo signals) during the sensing time period.

[0255] Therefore, this implementation scheme allows network devices to proactively trigger the sensing scenario switching process at appropriate times (such as when the current sensing effect is unsatisfactory). Furthermore, the switching of sensing scenarios is uniformly managed by SF network elements, ensuring that requests from sensing scenario switching requesters receive timely and reliable responses. This, in turn, contributes to achieving better sensing results.

[0256] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a sensing device 6 according to the sixth embodiment of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the sensing device 6 described in this embodiment can be used to implement the above-described... Figures 3 to 12 The method described in the embodiments. The sensing device 6 can be the UE mentioned above.

[0257] Specifically, refer to Figure 13 The sensing device 6 may include: a receiving module 61, used to receive configuration information, the configuration information being used to indicate a sensing scenario and configure the transmission configuration of at least one sensing time unit under the sensing scenario; and a processing module 62, used to perform corresponding operations in the at least one sensing time unit according to the sensing scenario.

[0258] For more information on the working principle and operation mode of the sensing device 6, please refer to the above. Figures 3 to 12 The relevant descriptions in the text will not be repeated here.

[0259] In specific implementation, the aforementioned sensing device 6 may correspond to a chip in the UE that has sensing and communication functions, or to a chip that has data processing functions, such as a system-on-a-chip (SOC), a baseband chip, etc.; or to a chip module in the UE that includes chips with sensing and communication functions; or to a chip module that has chips with sensing and communication functions; or to the UE.

[0260] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a sensing device 7 according to the seventh embodiment of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the sensing device 7 described in this embodiment can be used to implement the above-described... Figures 3 to 12 The method described in the embodiment. The sensing device 7 can be the network device mentioned above.

[0261] Specifically, refer to Figure 14 The sensing device 7 may include: a receiving module 71 for receiving indication information, the indication information being used to indicate or confirm a sensing scenario; and a sending module 72 for sending configuration information, the configuration information being used to indicate the sensing scenario and configure the transmission configuration of at least one sensing time unit under the sensing scenario.

[0262] For more information on the working principle and operation mode of the sensing device 7, please refer to the above. Figures 3 to 12The relevant descriptions in the text will not be repeated here.

[0263] In specific implementations, the aforementioned sensing device 7 may correspond to a chip in a network device that has sensing and communication functions, or to a chip that has data processing functions, such as a system-on-a-chip (SOC), a baseband chip, etc.; or to a chip module in a network device that includes chips with sensing and communication functions; or to a chip module that includes chips with sensing and communication functions; or to a network device.

[0264] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a sensing device 8 according to the eighth embodiment of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the sensing device 8 described in this embodiment can be used to implement the above-described... Figures 3 to 12 The method described in the embodiment. The sensing device 8 can be the SF network element mentioned above.

[0265] Specifically, refer to Figure 15 The sensing device 8 may include: a sending module 81, used to send indication information, the indication information being used to indicate or confirm the sensing scene.

[0266] For more information on the working principle and operation mode of the sensing device 8, please refer to the above. Figures 3 to 12 The relevant descriptions in the text will not be repeated here.

[0267] In specific implementation, the aforementioned sensing device 8 may correspond to a chip with sensing and communication functions in an SF network element, or to a chip with data processing functions, such as a system-on-a-chip (SOC), a baseband chip, etc.; or to a chip module in an SF network element that includes chips with sensing and communication functions; or to a chip module with chips with sensing and communication functions; or to an SF network element.

[0268] In specific implementation, the modules / units included in the various devices and products described in the above embodiments can be software modules / units, hardware modules / units, or a combination of both.

[0269] For example, for various devices and products applied to or integrated into a chip, each module / unit can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits, or at least some modules / units can be implemented using software programs that run on a processor integrated within the chip, while the remaining (if any) modules / units can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits; for various devices and products applied to or integrated into a chip module, each module / unit can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits, and different modules / units can be located in the same component (e.g., chip, circuit module, etc.) or different components of the chip module, or at least some modules / units can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits. The components can be implemented using software programs that run on the processor integrated within the chip module. The remaining (if any) modules / units can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits. For various devices and products applied to or integrated into the terminal, each of its components / units can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits. Different modules / units can be located in the same component (e.g., chip, circuit module, etc.) or in different components within the terminal. Alternatively, at least some modules / units can be implemented using software programs that run on the processor integrated within the terminal, while the remaining (if any) modules / units can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits.

[0270] This application embodiment also provides a computer-readable storage medium, which is a non-volatile storage medium or a non-transient storage medium, on which a computer program is stored. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the above-mentioned... Figures 3 to 12 The steps of the sensing method provided in the illustrated embodiment are performed.

[0271] In the embodiments of this application, the storage medium may include non-volatile memory or non-transitory memory, and may also include optical disks, hard disk drives, solid-state drives, etc.

[0272] This application also provides a computer program product, including a computer program / instructions, which, when executed by a processor, implements the above-described functionality. Figures 3 to 12 The steps of the method provided in the illustrated embodiment.

[0273] The UE in this application embodiment is a device with wireless communication capabilities, and may be referred to as a terminal, user, user terminal, terminal equipment, mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), access terminal equipment, vehicle-mounted terminal equipment, industrial control terminal equipment, UE unit, UE station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal equipment, mobile device, UE terminal equipment, wireless communication equipment, UE agent, or UE device, etc. The user terminal can be fixed or mobile. It should be noted that the user terminal can support at least one wireless communication technology, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) or New Radio (NR). For example, user terminals can be mobile phones, tablets, desktop computers, laptops, all-in-one computers, in-vehicle terminals, virtual reality (VR) terminal devices, augmented reality (AR) terminal devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, wearable devices, terminal devices in future mobile communication networks, or terminal devices in future evolved public land mobile networks (PLMNs), etc. In some embodiments of this application, the user terminal may also be a device with transceiver functions, such as a chip system. The chip system may include a chip, and may also include other discrete components.

[0274] In this application embodiment, the network equipment includes devices that provide wireless communication functions for user terminals, and may also be referred to as access network equipment, radio access network (RAN) equipment, or access network elements. The network equipment can support at least one wireless communication technology, such as LTE, NR, etc. For example, the network equipment includes, but is not limited to: next-generation base stations (gNB), evolved node B (eNB), radio network controllers (RNC), node B (NB), base station controllers (BSC), base transceiver stations (BTS), home base stations (e.g., home evolved node B, or home node B (HNB)), baseband units (BBU), transmitting and receiving points (TRP), transmitting points (TP), mobile switching centers, etc., in a 5th-generation (5G) mobile communication system. Network devices can also be radio controllers, centralized units (CUs), and / or distributed units (DUs) in cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenarios, or access network devices can be relay stations, access points, vehicle-mounted devices, terminal devices, wearable devices, and network devices in future mobile communications or future evolved PLMNs. In some embodiments, network devices can also be apparatuses that provide wireless communication capabilities to user terminals, such as chip systems. For example, a chip system may include chips, and may also include other discrete devices.

[0275] The core network elements in this embodiment can also be referred to as core network equipment, which are network elements deployed in the core network, such as core network control plane network elements or core network user plane network elements. The core network in this embodiment can be an evolved packet core (EPC), a 5G core network, or a new type of core network in future communication systems. For example, a 5G core network consists of a group of network elements that implement functions such as access and mobility management (AMF), user plane functions such as packet routing and forwarding and QoS (Quality of Service) management, and session management functions such as session management, IP address allocation and management. The EPC can consist of a mobility management entity (MME) that provides mobility management and gateway selection, a serving gateway (S-GW) that provides packet forwarding, and a PDN gateway (P-GW) that provides terminal address allocation and rate control. For Multicast Broadcast Service (MBS), the core network can include several new network elements to implement functions such as packet forwarding, MBS conference management, QoS management, and transmission mode switching (switching between unicast and multicast / broadcast transmission modes). Alternatively, these functions can be implemented by existing core network elements.

[0276] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps in the various methods of the above embodiments can be performed by a program instructing related hardware. The program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, which may include ROM, RAM, disk, or optical disk, etc.

[0277] The embodiments described in this application are described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (devices), and computer program products according to embodiments of this application. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, generate instructions for implementing the flowchart illustrations. Figure One One or more processes and / or boxesFigure One A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0278] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure One One or more processes and / or boxes Figure One The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0279] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable equipment to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable equipment for implementing the process. Figure One One or more processes and / or boxes Figure One The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0280] It should also be noted that in the embodiments of this application, "at least one" refers to one or more, and "more than one" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent the existence of A alone, the simultaneous existence of A and B, or the existence of B alone. A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" and similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of singular or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, and c can represent: a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0281] In this application, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0282] This application can be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, that are executed by a computer. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., that perform a specific task or implement a specific abstract data type. This application can also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices connected via a communication network. In distributed computing environments, program modules can reside in local and remote computer storage media, including storage devices.

[0283] The various embodiments in this application are described in a progressive manner. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to mutually. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments. In particular, the device embodiments are basically similar to the method embodiments, so the description is relatively simple; relevant parts can be referred to the descriptions of the method embodiments.

[0284] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps described in the embodiments of this application can be implemented using electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0285] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the devices, apparatuses, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0286] While the above disclosure is provided, it is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art may make various alterations and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure; therefore, the scope of protection of this disclosure shall be determined by the scope defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A perception method, comprising: Comprising: receiving configuration information, the configuration information being used for indicating a sensing scenario and configuring transmission configuration of at least one sensing time unit under the sensing scenario; performing corresponding operation in the at least one sensing time unit according to the sensing scenario.

2. The perception method of claim 1, wherein, The sensing scenario comprises any one of the following: single-station sensing mode and the sensing node being a network device; double-station sensing mode and the sensing nodes both being network devices; multi-station sensing mode and the sensing nodes both being network devices; cooperative sensing mode and the sensing nodes both being network devices; The performing corresponding operation in the at least one sensing time unit according to the sensing scenario comprises canceling communication in the at least one sensing time unit.

3. The perception method of claim 2, wherein, The configuration information comprises: first information used for configuring initial transmission direction of at least one communication time unit; second information used for indicating one or more time units in the at least one communication time unit as the sensing time unit or for rate matching.

4. The perception method of claim 3, wherein, Further comprising: communicating in the communication time unit not indicated as the sensing time unit according to the configured initial transmission direction.

5. The perception method of claim 3, wherein, In response to all the sensing nodes under the sensing scenario being network devices, the number of the first information and the second information is multiple and each is received from a corresponding network device as the sensing node.

6. The perception method of claim 5, wherein, The initial transmission direction of the communication time unit corresponding to the same time unit in each of the first information is the same.

7. The perception method of claim 1, wherein, The sensing scenario comprises single-station sensing mode and the sensing node being a terminal, the configuration information comprises transmission direction and / or transmission indication of at least one sensing time unit, and the performing corresponding operation in the at least one sensing time unit according to the sensing scenario comprises: in response to itself being the sensing node, sensing in the at least one sensing time unit according to the corresponding transmission direction; in response to itself not being the sensing node, keeping silent or reducing transmission power in the at least one sensing time unit according to the corresponding transmission indication.

8. The perception method of claim 7, wherein, The configuration information comprises: third information used for configuring transmission direction of at least one sensing time unit; or fourth information used for indicating corresponding communication time unit in the at least one sensing time unit keeping silent or reducing transmission power.

9. The perception method of claim 1, wherein, The sensing scenario comprises at least one of the following: double-station sensing mode and one of the sensing nodes being a terminal and the other being a network device; multi-station sensing mode and the sensing nodes at least comprising a terminal; cooperative sensing mode and the sensing nodes at least comprising a terminal; The performing corresponding operation in the at least one sensing time unit according to the sensing scenario comprises sensing in the at least one sensing time unit according to the configured transmission direction.

10. The perception method of claim 9, wherein, The configuration information comprises: first information used for configuring initial transmission direction of at least one communication time unit; fifth information used for indicating one or more time units in the at least one communication time unit as the sensing time unit and configuring transmission direction of the sensing time unit.

11. The perception method of any one of claims 1-10, wherein, The configuration information is received from a network device or a sensing function network element.

12. A perception method comprising: Comprising: receiving indication information, the indication information being used for indicating or confirming a sensing scenario; transmit configuration information, the configuration information being used for indicating the sensing scenario and configuring transmission configuration of at least one sensing time unit under the sensing scenario.

13. The perception method of claim 12, wherein, Further comprising: transmit request information, the request information including a requested sensing scenario.

14. The perception method of claim 13, wherein, The request information is triggered in response to a signal quality of a sensing result under a current sensing scenario being lower than a preset threshold.

15. The perception method of any one of claims 12-14, wherein, Further comprising: perform a corresponding operation in the at least one sensing time unit according to the sensing scenario.

16. A perception method comprising: comprising: transmit indication information, the indication information being used for indicating or confirming a sensing scenario.

17. The perception method of claim 16, wherein, Further comprising: transmit configuration information, the configuration information being used for configuring transmission configuration of at least one sensing time unit under the sensing scenario.

18. The perception method of claim 16 or 17, wherein, Further comprising: receive request information, the request information including a requested sensing scenario; transmit a sensing request to one or more candidate sensing nodes according to the requested sensing scenario; receive response information of the at least one candidate sensing node.

19. A perception device, comprising: comprising: a receiving module, configured to receive configuration information, the configuration information being used for indicating a sensing scenario and configuring transmission configuration of at least one sensing time unit under the sensing scenario; a processing module, configured to perform a corresponding operation in the at least one sensing time unit according to the sensing scenario.

20. A perception device, comprising: comprising: a receiving module, configured to receive indication information, the indication information being used for indicating or confirming a sensing scenario; a transmitting module, configured to transmit configuration information, the configuration information being used for indicating the sensing scenario and configuring transmission configuration of at least one sensing time unit under the sensing scenario.

21. A perception device, comprising: comprising: a transmitting module, configured to transmit indication information, the indication information being used for indicating or confirming a sensing scenario.

22. A computer-readable storage medium, which is a non-volatile storage medium or a non-transitory storage medium, on which a computer program is stored, characterized in that, The computer program, when executed by the processor, performs the steps of the method of any one of claims 1 to 18.

23. A computer program product comprising computer programs / instructions, characterized in that, The computer program / instructions, when executed by the processor, implement the steps of the method of any one of claims 1 to 18.

24. A perception device comprising a memory and a processor, the memory having stored thereon a computer program executable on the processor, the computer program comprising the steps of: The processor, when executing the computer program, performs the steps of the method of any one of claims 1 to 18.

Images