Communication method and device

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of communication, and discloses a communication method and device. The method comprises the following steps: a first communication device obtains position information of first network equipment and position information of first terminal equipment; wherein the first terminal equipment is used for receiving a first sensing signal sent by the first network equipment, or the first network equipment is used for receiving a second sensing signal sent by the first terminal equipment; and sensing a sensing target of the first sensing signal or the second sensing signal according to the position information of the first network device and the position information of the first terminal device. Thus, the position information of the first network equipment and the position information of the first terminal equipment are concentrated in the first communication device, so that the first communication device can sense the sensing target according to the position information of the first network equipment and the position information of the first terminal equipment, and smooth double-base sensing is facilitated.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Wireless sensing technology analyzes changes in wireless signals during propagation to obtain the characteristics of the signal propagation space (channel), enabling scene perception. Integrated sensing and communications (ISAC) combines communication and sensing functions, giving future communication systems both communication and sensing capabilities. While transmitting information over a wireless channel, the physical characteristics of the surrounding environment are sensed by analyzing the channel's features, thus achieving mutual enhancement of communication and sensing functions.

[0003] Currently, the main sensing modes include mono-static sensing (also known as self-transmitting and self-receiving) and bi-static sensing (also known as self-transmitting and other-receiving). Mono-static sensing involves one sensing device, which transmits a sensing signal, which is reflected by the target and then received by the sensing device. Bi-static sensing involves two sensing devices: one device transmits a sensing signal, which is reflected by the target, and the other device receives the sensing signal.

[0004] However, how to achieve basic sensory perception still requires further research. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that enables dual-base sensing to be carried out smoothly by centralizing the location information of network devices and the location information of terminal devices on a single device / network element.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication method. This method can be applied to a first communication device, such as being executed by the first communication device. Unless otherwise specified, the "first communication device" in this application can refer to a first communication equipment (e.g., a first network device, a first terminal, a SeMF network element, a SeMF-LMF network element, etc.), a component within the first communication device (e.g., a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first communication device. For example, in the method provided in the first aspect, the first communication device acquires the location information of the first network device and the location information of the first terminal; wherein, the first terminal is used to receive a first sensing signal sent by the first network device, or the first network device is used to receive a second sensing signal sent by the first terminal; based on the location information of the first network device and the location information of the first terminal, the sensing target of the first sensing signal or the second sensing signal is sensed.

[0007] By using the above method, the location information of the first network device and the location information of the first terminal are concentrated in the first communication device, enabling the first communication device to perceive the target based on the location information of the first network device and the location information of the first terminal, thereby facilitating the smooth implementation of dual-base perception.

[0008] In one possible design, the method further includes: acquiring sensing auxiliary data, the sensing auxiliary data including time delay information and angle information measured based on the first sensing signal or the second sensing signal; sensing the sensing target of the first sensing signal or the second sensing signal based on the location information of the first network device and the location information of the first terminal, including: sensing the sensing target based on the location information of the first network device, the location information of the first terminal, the time delay information and the angle information.

[0009] In one possible design, obtaining the location information of the first network device and the location information of the first terminal includes: sending a first location information request to the location management function (LMF) network element; receiving a response to the first location information request, wherein the response to the first location information request includes the location information of N terminals, wherein the N terminals include the first terminal, and N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0010] In one possible design, the first location information request includes the identifiers of M terminals, where the N terminals are some or all of the M terminals, and M is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0011] In one possible design, the method further includes: receiving a sensing service request, the sensing service request being used to request the initiation of a sensing service, the sensing service request including area information, the area information being used to indicate a sensing area; wherein, the first location information request includes the area information, and the N terminals are located within the sensing area.

[0012] In one possible design, the first location information request includes the identifiers of P network devices; the response to the first location information request also includes the location information of Q network devices, wherein the Q network devices include the first network device; wherein the Q network devices are some or all of the P network devices, and P and Q are integers greater than or equal to 1.

[0013] In one possible design, the identifiers of the P network devices are located in a first identifier set, and the location information of the Q network devices is located in a first location information set; P equals Q; the i-th identifier in the first identifier set is the identifier of the first network device, and the i-th location information in the first location information set is the location information of the first network device, where i is an integer greater than or equal to 1; or, the response to the first location information request further includes a second identifier set, the i-th identifier in the second identifier set is the first identifier of the first network device, and the i-th location information in the first location information set is the location information of the first network device; the j-th identifier in the first identifier set is the second identifier of the first network device, where j is an integer greater than or equal to 1; i is not equal to j, and / or, the first identifier is different from the second identifier.

[0014] In one possible design, obtaining the location information of the first network device and the location information of the first terminal includes: sending a second location information request to the first network device; and receiving a response to the second location information request, wherein the response to the second location information request includes the location information of the first network device.

[0015] In one possible design, the method further includes: sending an authorization request to the first terminal, the authorization request being used to request authorization for the location information of the first terminal to be used for sensing services; and receiving a response to the authorization request, the response being used to confirm the authorization.

[0016] In this way, by sending an authorization request to the terminal to request authorization for the terminal's location information to be used for sensing services, the terminal's location information can be used for sensing services only after the terminal confirms the authorization, which is conducive to protecting user privacy.

[0017] In one possible design, the method further includes receiving sensing mode information, the sensing mode information being used to indicate a bistatic sensing mode.

[0018] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method that can be applied to, for example, executed by, a second communication device. Unless otherwise specified, the "second communication device" in this application can refer to a second communication equipment (e.g., an LMF network element), a component within that second communication equipment (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second communication equipment. For example, in the method provided in this second aspect, the second communication device receives a first location information request from a Sensing Management Function (SeMF) network element; and sends a response to the first location information request, the response including location information of N terminals.

[0019] In one possible design, the method further includes: if the number of valid terminal location information stored in the LMF network element is less than or equal to a threshold, then the terminal location process is triggered.

[0020] In this way, by triggering the terminal's positioning process, the LMF network element can obtain the location information of more terminals, making it easier to select N terminals reasonably.

[0021] In one possible design, the first location information request may further include the identifier and region information of the at least one terminal, the region information being used to indicate a sensing region, wherein the N terminals are located within the sensing region.

[0022] In one possible design, the method further includes: selecting the location information of N terminals from the valid terminal location information stored in the LMF network element based on the identifiers of the M terminals and the area information, wherein the N terminals are some or all of the M terminals.

[0023] In one possible design, the method further includes: if there are M terminals among the at least one terminal that have not been located, then triggering a location process for the M terminals; and / or, if there are N terminals among the at least one terminal that have been located but whose location information is invalid, then triggering a location process for the N terminals; wherein M and N are integers greater than or equal to 1.

[0024] In one possible design, the first location information request includes the identifiers and area information of P network devices, the area information being used to indicate a sensing area, and the response to the first location information request includes the location information of Q network devices located within the sensing area, the Q network devices being some or all of the P network devices.

[0025] In one possible design, the identifiers of the P network devices are located in a first identifier set, and the location information of the Q network devices is located in a first location information set; P equals Q; the i-th identifier in the first identifier set is the identifier of the first network device, and the i-th location information in the first location information set is the location information of the first network device, where i is an integer greater than or equal to 1; or, the response to the first location information request further includes a second identifier set, the i-th identifier in the second identifier set is the first identifier of the first network device, and the i-th location information in the first location information set is the location information of the first network device; the j-th identifier in the first identifier set is the second identifier of the first network device, where j is an integer greater than or equal to 1; i is not equal to j, and / or, the first identifier is different from the second identifier.

[0026] In one possible design, the at least one terminal includes a first terminal, and the method further includes: sending an authorization request to the first terminal, the authorization request being used to request authorization for the location information of the first terminal to be used for sensing services; and receiving a response to the authorization request, the response being used to confirm the authorization.

[0027] Thirdly, this application provides a communication device that performs the functions described in the first or second aspect above. For example, the communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the operations described in the first or second aspect above. The functions, units, or means can be implemented by software, hardware, or hardware executing corresponding software.

[0028] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processing unit and a communication unit, wherein the communication unit can be used to transmit and receive signals to enable communication between the communication device and other devices; the processing unit can be used to perform some internal operations of the communication device. The functions performed by the processing unit and the communication unit can correspond to the operations involved in the first or second aspect described above.

[0029] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processor that can be coupled to a memory. The memory can store necessary computer programs or instructions for implementing the functions described in the first or second aspect above. The processor can execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory, causing the communication device to implement the methods in any possible design or implementation of the first or second aspect above, when the computer programs or instructions are executed.

[0030] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processor and a memory, the memory of which may store necessary computer programs or instructions for implementing the functions involved in the first or second aspect described above. The processor may execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory, and when the computer programs or instructions are executed, cause the communication device to implement the methods in any possible design or implementation of the first or second aspect described above.

[0031] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processor and an interface circuit, wherein the processor is configured to communicate with other devices via the interface circuit and to perform the methods in any possible design or implementation of the first or second aspect described above.

[0032] Understandably, in the third aspect described above, the processor can be implemented in hardware or software. When implemented in hardware, the processor can be a logic circuit, integrated circuit, etc.; when implemented in software, the processor can be a general-purpose processor that reads software code stored in memory. Furthermore, there can be one or more processors, and one or more memories. The memory can be integrated with the processor or separated from it. In specific implementations, the memory can be integrated with the processor on the same chip or disposed on different chips. This application does not limit the type of memory or the arrangement of the memory and processor.

[0033] Fourthly, this application provides a communication system that may include a first communication device, a first network device, and a first terminal device. The first communication device is used to perform the method described in the first aspect. Optionally, the communication system may further include a second communication device, which is used to perform the method described in the second aspect.

[0034] Fifthly, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program (or computer-readable instructions) in which, when a computer reads and executes some or all of the computer-readable instructions, the method in any of the possible designs in the first or second aspect described above is executed.

[0035] For example, a computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access. This includes, but is not limited to, non-transient computer-readable media, random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), CD-ROM or other optical disc storage, magnetic disk storage media, or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer.

[0036] Sixthly, this application provides a computer program product that, when read and executed by a computer, causes the method in any of the possible designs of the first or second aspect described above to be performed.

[0037] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a chip (or chip system) including a processor coupled to a memory storing a computer program; the processor is configured to invoke part or all of the computer program in the memory, such that the method in any of the possible designs in the first or second aspect described above is executed. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Figure 1A This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application;

[0039] Figure 1B This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of another communication system to which the embodiments of this application apply;

[0040] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of basic sensory perception.

[0041] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of single-base sensing;

[0042] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0043] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in embodiment 1 of this application.

[0044] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in embodiment 1 of this application.

[0045] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in embodiment 2 of this application.

[0046] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in embodiment 3 of this application.

[0047] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in embodiment 4 of this application.

[0048] Figure 10 This is an exemplary block diagram of the apparatus involved in the embodiments of this application;

[0049] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0050] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. This application will focus on various aspects, embodiments, or features of a system that may include multiple devices, components, modules, etc. It should be understood and appreciated that each system may include additional devices, components, modules, etc., and / or may not include all the devices, components, modules, etc. discussed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, combinations of these solutions may also be used.

[0051] In the embodiments of this application, the words "exemplarily," "for example," etc., are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design scheme described as an "example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. Specifically, the use of the word "example" is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner. In the embodiments of this application, "of," "corresponding, relevant," and "corresponding" may sometimes be used interchangeably, and it should be noted that their intended meanings are consistent unless their distinction is emphasized. "Network side" or "network device" may include "network equipment," network-side chips, or network-side components, etc.; "terminal side" or "terminal" may include "terminal equipment," terminal-side chips, or terminal-side components, etc.

[0052] The technical solutions of this application can be applied to various wireless communication systems, such as Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), short-range wireless communication systems (such as sidelink, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, etc.), wired networks, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication systems, device-to-device (D2D) communication systems, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication systems, 4th generation (4G) mobile communication systems (such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems), LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) systems, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) systems, Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) communication systems, 5G mobile communication systems (such as New Radio (NR) systems), Future Communications systems, or other similar communication systems, and are not limited thereto. The embodiments of this application use... Figure 1A and Figure 1B The communication system shown is used as an example for description. When the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application are applied to other communication systems, the devices, components, modules, etc. in the embodiments can be replaced with corresponding devices, components, modules in other communication systems without limitation.

[0053] Figure 1A This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system used in the embodiments of this application. Figure 1A As shown, the communication system includes an access network 100 and a core network 200. The access network 100 may include at least one network device, such as... Figure 1A 110a and 110b may also include at least one terminal device, such as Figure 1A The series consists of 120a-120j. Specifically, 110a is a base station, 110b is a micro-station, 120a, 120e, 120f, and 120j are mobile phones, 120b is a car, 120c is a fuel dispenser, 120d is a home access point (HAP) deployed indoors or outdoors, 120g is a laptop, 120h is a printer, and 120i is a drone. The same terminal device or network device can provide different functions in different application scenarios. For example... Figure 1A The mobile phones included are 120a, 120e, 120f, and 120j. Mobile phone 120a can access base station 110a, connect to car 120b, communicate directly with mobile phone 120e, and access HAP. Car 120b can access HAP and communicate directly with mobile phone 120a. Mobile phone 120f can connect to micro-station 110b, connect to laptop 120g, and connect to printer 120h. Mobile phone 120j can control drone 120i.

[0054] (1) Network equipment

[0055] A network device is a network-side device with wireless transceiver capabilities. A network device can be a device in a radio access network (RAN) that provides wireless communication capabilities to terminal devices; this is called RAN equipment. The RAN can be an access network within the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), such as 4G, 5G, or future networks. The RAN can also be an open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a communication network combining two or more of these.

[0056] RAN equipment can also be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB) in a 5G mobile communication system, a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system, etc.

[0057] RAN equipment can also be modules or units that perform some of the functions of a base station. For example, it can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), or a radio unit (RU). The CU performs the functions of the radio resource control (RRC) and PDCP protocols of the base station, and can also perform the functions of the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP). The CU can be further divided into a CU control plane (CP) (i.e., CU-CP) and a CU user plane (UP) (i.e., CU-UP). The DU performs the functions of the RLC and MA layers of the base station, and can also perform some or all of the physical layer functions. For specific descriptions of the above protocol layers, please refer to the relevant 3GPP technical specifications. CU and DU can be set up separately, or they can be included in the same network element, such as in a baseband unit (BBU). The RU can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as in a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radiohead (RRH). In different systems, CU, DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, and RU can also be called O-RU. Any of the CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU units in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules. RA equipment can be a macro base station (such as...) Figure 1A 110a in the text), can also be a micro base station or an indoor station (such as... Figure 1A In 110b), it can also be a relay node or a donor node, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the network equipment.

[0058] In the embodiments of this application, the functions of the network device can be executed by modules (such as chips) within the network device, or by a control subsystem that includes the functions of the network device. This control subsystem, which includes the functions of the network device, can be a control center in the aforementioned application scenarios such as smart grids, industrial control, intelligent transportation, and smart cities.

[0059] (2) Terminal equipment

[0060] A terminal device is a user-side device with wireless transceiver capabilities. Terminal devices can also be called terminals, user equipment (UE), mobile stations, mobile terminals, etc. Terminal devices can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), the Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, intelligent transportation, and smart cities. Terminal devices can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, drones, helicopters, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, etc. In the embodiments of this application, the device used to implement the functions of the terminal device can be the terminal device itself, or it can be a device that supports the terminal device in implementing that function, such as a chip system or a combination of devices or components that can implement the functions of the terminal device. This device can be installed in the terminal device. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or specific device form used in the terminal device.

[0061] In this embodiment of the application, the functions of the terminal device can also be performed by modules (such as chips or modems) in the terminal device, or by a device containing the functions of the terminal device.

[0062] Network devices and terminal devices can be fixed in location or mobile. They can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can also be deployed in the air on airplanes, balloons, and artificial satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios of the network devices and terminal devices.

[0063] The roles of network devices and terminal devices can be relative, for example, Figure 1A The helicopter or drone 120i can be configured as a mobile network device. For terminal devices 120j that access the wireless access network 100 via 120i, terminal device 120i is a network device; however, for network device 110a, 120i is a terminal device, meaning that 110a and 120i communicate via a wireless air interface protocol. Of course, 110a and 120i can also communicate via a network device-to-network device interface protocol; in this case, 120i is also a network device relative to 110a. Therefore, both network devices and terminal devices can be collectively referred to as communication devices. Figure 1A110a and 110b can be referred to as communication devices with network equipment functions. Figure 1A The 120a-120j in the text can be referred to as communication devices with terminal equipment functions.

[0064] For example, the above Figure 1A The illustrated communication system can be a communication-sensing integrated system. In this case, the core network of the aforementioned communication system may include sensing management function (SeMF) network elements and location management function (LMF) network elements; the SeMF or LMF network elements can communicate with network devices or terminal devices. Optionally, it may also include access and mobility management function (AMF) network elements. In this case, the SeMF or LMF network elements can communicate with network devices or terminal devices through the AMF network elements. See [link to documentation]. Figure 1B As shown. It is understood that the above communication system may also include other possible network elements, without specific limitations.

[0065] The SeMF network element is used for centralized storage, management, distribution, and computation of scattering point information in the spatial environment. The LMF network element is used for locating terminal devices and storing their location information. The AMF network element is mainly responsible for the access and mobility management of terminal devices, such as maintaining the status of terminal devices, managing their reachability, forwarding non-access-stratum (MM NAS) messages, and forwarding session management (SM) N2 messages. In addition to communication functions, network devices are also responsible for sensing functions; terminal devices are mainly responsible for collecting bi-base sensing data and undertaking some scattering calculations.

[0066] This application embodiment uses "SeMF network element and LMF network element as core network elements in the core network" as an example. In other examples, SeMF network element and LMF network element can also be network elements in non-core networks. The network element / functional entity in this application embodiment can be a network element in a hardware device, a software function running on dedicated hardware, or a virtualized function instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). Optionally, the above-mentioned network element or functional entity can be implemented by one device, or by multiple devices, or can be different functional modules within one device. This application embodiment does not specifically limit this. In actual deployment, the above-mentioned network elements can be deployed separately or combined. For example, SeMF network element and LMF network element can be deployed separately, or SeMF network element and LMF network element can be deployed combined, that is, deploying the function of LMF network element on SeMF network element, or deploying the function of SeMF network element on LMF network element. In this application embodiment, "SeMF-LMF network element" will be used to represent the combined deployment of SeMF network element and LMF network element. Furthermore, interactions between different network elements / devices can be achieved through direct interfaces or by relaying through other intermediate network elements, without any specific limitation. The number of devices / network elements in the above architecture is also not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0067] The network architecture and business scenarios described in this application are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0068] The following is an explanation of the relevant terms used in the embodiments of this application. Unless otherwise specified, these explanations are provided to support the meaning of the relevant terms and to make the embodiments of this application easier to understand, and should not be regarded as a strict limitation of the relevant terms within the scope of protection claimed by this application.

[0069] (1) Integrated communication and sensing

[0070] Communication-sensing integration combines communication and sensing functions, enabling future communication systems to simultaneously possess both capabilities. While transmitting information over a wireless channel, it actively recognizes and analyzes channel characteristics to perceive the physical features of the surrounding environment, thus achieving mutual enhancement of communication and sensing functions. Communication refers to the transmission of information between two or more communication devices. Sensing refers to detecting parameters of the physical environment based on communication signals, such as ranging and speed measurement.

[0071] Integrated communication and sensing employs a signal that simultaneously meets the requirements of both communication and sensing, such as an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signal. The transmitter sends an OFDM signal to the target to be sensed (hereinafter also referred to as a scatterer; the target and scatterer are interchangeable). The OFDM signal is reflected by the target, generating an echo signal, which has a time delay compared to the transmitted signal. At the receiver, a range profile is obtained by performing time-domain or frequency-domain digital signal processing on the echo and transmitted signals. Then, a time delay estimate is obtained by searching for peak values ​​in the range profile. Finally, the distance to the target is determined based on the time delay estimate.

[0072] (2) Perception Mode

[0073] Perception is divided into two-base perception and one-base perception. Two-base perception involves two sensing devices (or sensing nodes; the terms "sensing device" and "sensing node" are interchangeable in this text). One sensing device emits a sensing signal, which is reflected by the sensing target, and the other sensing device receives the signal. One-base perception involves one sensing device. The sensing device emits a sensing signal, which is reflected by the sensing target, and the sensing device receives the signal.

[0074] The schematic diagram of dual-base sensing can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 2 To understand. Figure 2 (a) shows that the sensing target within the sensing area is a car, the sensing device transmitting the signal is a base station, and the sensing device receiving the signal is a UE. After the base station transmits the signal, it is reflected by the car to obtain the reflected signal, which is then received by the UE. Figure 2 (b) shows that the sensing target within the sensing area is a car, the sensing device transmitting the signal is the UE, and the sensing device receiving the signal is the base station. After the UE transmits the signal, it is reflected by the car to obtain the reflected signal, which is then received by the base station. Figure 2 (c) shows that the target being sensed within the sensing area is a car, the sensing device transmitting the signal is base station 1, and the sensing device receiving the signal is base station 2. After base station 1 transmits the signal, it is reflected by the car to obtain the reflected signal, which is then received by base station 2. Figure 2 (d) in the diagram shows that the target within the sensing area is a car, the sensing device transmitting the signal is UE1, and the sensing device receiving the signal is UE2. After UE1 transmits the signal, it is reflected by the car to obtain a reflected signal, which is then received by UE2. The embodiments of this application will be described below using... Figure 2 The bibasic perception shown in (a) and (b) is used as an example for description.

[0075] A schematic diagram of single-base sensing can be found in [reference]. Figure 3 To understand. Figure 3(a) shows that the target being sensed within the sensing area is a car, and the sensing device is a base station. After the base station transmits a signal, the signal is reflected by the car to obtain a reflected signal, which is then received by the base station again. Figure 3 (b) shows that the sensing target within the sensing area is a car, and the sensing device is a UE. After the UE transmits a signal, the signal is reflected by the car to obtain a reflected signal, which is then received by the UE again.

[0076] (3) Perceiving the target

[0077] The sensing target can be a scatterer, also known as a reflector, diffractor, reflection point, or diffraction point. Scatters are passive devices that cannot transmit or receive signals, but can reflect, diffract, or scatter signals. Scatterers can be vehicles, trees, animals, etc. This is merely an example and not a specific limitation. Any target that receives a sensing signal from a sensing device and then directly reflects (or scatters, diffracts) it to the current sensing device or other sensing devices is considered a scatterer as mentioned in this application.

[0078] It should be noted that the scatterer can be flexibly configured. For example, Figure 2 or Figure 3 In this context, a car can be viewed as a whole as a scattering body, or its parts can be treated as separate scattering bodies, with each of the car's four wheels considered a different scattering body. For example, when perception is used for localization, the car can be treated as a whole as a scattering body; when perception is used for reconstruction, different parts of the car can be treated as separate scattering bodies to reconstruct the car's outline.

[0079] Regarding the above Figure 2 In the bistatic sensing illustrated in (a) or (b), to determine the location information of the scatterer (or sensing target), the required information includes: the location information of the base station, the location information of the UE, angle information, and latency information. The angle information includes the angle of arrival (AoA) or the angle of departure (AoD).

[0080] For example, regarding Figure 2 The basic senses shown in (a), i.e., the downlinked basic senses, can be constructed using the following formula (referred to as Formula 1):

[0081] |PA|+|PB|=c*T

[0082] ∠PAY=AoD

[0083] For Figure 2 The basic perception shown in (b), i.e., ascending basic perception, can be constructed using the following formula (referred to as Formula 2):

[0084] |PA|+|PB|=c*T

[0085] ∠PAY=AoA

[0086] Where c represents the speed of light and T represents the time delay. For downlink bistatic sensing, angle information and time delay information can be obtained by measuring the downlink reference signal (i.e., the sensing signal sent by the base station); for uplink bistatic sensing, angle information and time delay information can be obtained by measuring the uplink reference signal (i.e., the sensing signal sent by the UE).

[0087] However, under the traditional 5G positioning service framework, in order to protect user privacy, the UE's location information is managed by the LMF network element and is not disclosed to the base station; and in order to protect commercial security, the location information of the operator's base station cannot reach the UE. That is, the base station and the UE usually cannot obtain each other's location information, which brings challenges to dual-base perception.

[0088] Based on this, embodiments of this application provide a communication method and apparatus that enables dual-base sensing to proceed smoothly by centralizing the location information of network devices and the location information of terminal devices onto a single device / network element.

[0089] The methods provided in this application involve at least one communication device, such as a first communication device. Unless otherwise specified, the "first communication device" in this application may refer to a first communication equipment (e.g., network equipment, terminal equipment, SeMF network element, or SeMF-LMF network element), or a component in the first communication equipment (e.g., processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first communication equipment.

[0090] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 4 As shown, the method may include:

[0091] S401, the first communication device obtains the location information of the first network device and the location information of the first terminal device.

[0092] Here, the first terminal device is used to receive a first sensing signal sent by the first network device, i.e., downlink bi-base sensing; or, the first network device is used to receive a second sensing signal sent by the first terminal device, i.e., uplink bi-base sensing.

[0093] For example, the first communication device can receive a sensing service request from a requester of the sensing service. The sensing service request is used to initiate the sensing service, and then the first communication device can obtain the location information of the first network device and the location information of the first terminal device according to the sensing service request. Alternatively, the first communication device is the requester of the sensing service, and when it determines to initiate the sensing service, the first communication device obtains the location information of the first network device and the location information of the first terminal device.

[0094] The perception service request includes area information and / or perception mode information.

[0095] The area information is used to indicate the sensing area requested by the sensing service request. The first network device is a network device within the sensing area, and the first terminal device is a terminal device within the sensing area. For example, the area information may include part or all of the geographical location information (such as latitude and longitude, altitude, etc.), or it may include part or all of the information used by the operator network to identify the area, such as cell information, tracking area information, etc.

[0096] The sensing mode information is used to indicate either a single-base sensing mode or a dual-base sensing mode. When the sensing mode information indicates a dual-base sensing mode, the first communication device can obtain the location information of the first network device and the location information of the first terminal device according to a sensing service request; in this case, the sensing mode information can further indicate either an uplink dual-base sensing mode or a downlink dual-base sensing mode. When the sensing mode information indicates a single-base sensing mode, the specific implementation of the first communication device can refer to existing technologies.

[0097] It is understandable that the above example uses regional information or sensing mode information carried in a sensing service request. In other examples, regional information or sensing mode information may also be carried in other possible messages, without any specific limitations.

[0098] S402, the first communication device senses the sensing target of the first sensing signal or the second sensing signal based on the location information of the first network device and the location information of the first terminal device.

[0099] For example, the first communication device acquires sensing auxiliary data, which includes time delay information and angle information measured based on the first sensing signal or the second sensing signal; then, the first communication device senses the sensing target based on the location information of the first network device, the location information of the first terminal device, the time delay information and the angle information, for example, the first communication device calculates the location information of the sensing target using Formula 1 or Formula 2 mentioned above.

[0100] Optionally, the first communication device may send the sensing results (such as the location information of the sensing target) to the requester of the sensing service.

[0101] By using the above method, the location information of the first network device and the location information of the first terminal device are concentrated in the first communication device, enabling the first communication device to perceive the target based on the location information of the first network device and the location information of the first terminal device, thereby facilitating the smooth implementation of dual-base perception.

[0102] Figure 4 The first communication device in the process can be a network device, a terminal device, a SeMF network element, or a SeMF-LMF network element, based on Figure 4 Following the introduction, the following describes some more specific implementation processes in conjunction with scenarios 1 to 4.

[0103] (1) Scenario 1: The first communication device is located in the core network, such as in the SeMF network element.

[0104] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in embodiment 1 of this application. Figure 5 As shown, taking the first communication device as a SeMF network element as an example, the method may include:

[0105] S501, the sensing service requesting direction sends a sensing service request to the SeMF network element, which is used to request the initiation of the sensing service; accordingly, the SeMF network element receives the sensing service request.

[0106] For example, the requester of the sensing service can be terminal device a, network device a, AMF network element, or gateway mobile location center (GMLC). Specifically, when the requester of the sensing service is terminal device a or network device a, terminal device a or network device a can send a sensing service request to the SeMF network element through the AMF network element. Terminal device a can be a first terminal device or other possible terminal devices; network device a can be a first network device or other possible network devices.

[0107] The perception service request is used to request the initiation of a perception service. The perception service request may include area information and / or perception mode information, which can be referred to the description above. In this embodiment, the example of a perception service request including area information and perception mode information, where the perception mode information indicates a dual-base perception mode, is used for description.

[0108] S502, the SeMF network element sends location information request 1 to the LMF network element according to the sensing service request; correspondingly, the LMF network element receives location information request 1.

[0109] Location information request 1 includes P identifiers of network devices (such as first identifiers). The first identifier of a network device can be an identifier used to identify the network device within the operator's network. The second identifier of a network device, as described below, can be a temporary identifier reassigned to the network device by the LMF network element. Optionally, location information request 1 also includes M identifiers of terminal devices (such as first identifiers). The first identifier of a terminal device can be an identifier used to identify the terminal device within the operator's network. The second identifier of a terminal device, as described below, can be a temporary identifier reassigned to the terminal device by the LMF network element.

[0110] Specifically, a SeMF network element can store the first identifiers of P network devices capable of providing sensing services. Upon receiving a sensing service request, the SeMF network element can obtain the first identifiers of the P network devices. For example, location information request 1 includes a set of first identifiers, which includes the first identifiers of P network devices, such as {gNB ID1, gNB ID2, gNB ID3, gNB ID4}, i.e., P = 4.

[0111] The SeMF network element can also store the first identifiers of M terminal devices that can provide sensing services; after receiving a sensing service request, the SeMF network element can obtain the first identifiers of the M terminal devices. For example, location information request 1 also includes a third identifier set, which includes the first identifiers of the M terminal devices, such as the third identifier set being {UEID1, UE ID2, UE ID3, UE ID4}, i.e., M=4.

[0112] Among them, P network devices include a first network device, for example, the first identifier of the first network device is gNB ID1; M terminal devices include a first terminal device, for example, the first identifier of the first terminal device is UE ID1.

[0113] It is understood that "location information request" in the embodiments of this application can be replaced with "position information for sensing request"; correspondingly, "response to location information request" can be replaced with "position information for sensing response".

[0114] S503, the LMF network element sends a location information request 2 to the first network device according to the location information request 1. The location information request 2 is used to request the location information of the first network device; correspondingly, the first network device receives the location information request 2.

[0115] S504, the first network device sends a response to location information request 2 to the LMF network element; correspondingly, the LMF network element receives the response to location information request 2.

[0116] For example, the LMF network element obtains the location information of the P network devices based on the first identifiers of the P network devices carried in the location information request 1. For instance, taking the first network device among the P network devices as an example, the LMF network element can send a location information request 2 to the first network device based on the first identifier of the first network device, and then the first network device can send a response to the LMF network element for the location information request 2, which includes the location information of the first network device.

[0117] Furthermore, after the LMF network element obtains the location information of P network devices, it can determine which of the P network devices are located within the sensing area based on the area information carried in Location Information Request 1. For example, if Q of the P network devices are located within the sensing area, then the response to Location Information Request 1 below will include the location information of these Q network devices. The Q network devices can be some or all of the P network devices.

[0118] Optionally, the LMF network element can also send an authorization request to the first network device. This authorization request requests authorization for the location information of the first network device to be used for sensing services. Correspondingly, the first network device sends an authorization response to the LMF network element, confirming the authorization. For example, if the first network device belongs to a first network (e.g., a network deployed by operator A), and the SeMF network element belongs to a second network (e.g., a network deployed by operator B), then the authorization request requests authorization for the location information of the first network device to be used for sensing services in the second network. It is understood that the first network device can also refuse authorization. This embodiment describes the process using the first network device confirming authorization as an example. The authorization request can be carried in the same message as the location information request 2, or in different messages; or the location information request 2 can also be used to request authorization for the location information of the first network device to be used for sensing services, without specific limitations. If the first network device and the SeMF belong to the same operator's network, the above authorization process is unnecessary.

[0119] S505, the LMF network element requests 1 and selects N terminal devices based on location information.

[0120] As one possible implementation, if location information request 1 includes the first identifiers of M terminal devices, and the LMF network element determines that there are M1 terminal devices (M1 less than or equal to M) among the M terminal devices that have not been located, then the LMF network element triggers a location process for the M1 terminal devices (the specific implementation of the location process can refer to existing technologies) to obtain the location information of the M1 terminal devices; and / or, if the LMF network element determines that there are at least M2 terminal devices (M2 less than or equal to M) among the terminal devices that have been located but whose location information is invalid, then it triggers a location process for the M2 terminal devices to obtain the location information of the M2 terminal devices. Wherein, for terminal devices that have been located and whose location information is valid, the LMF network element can directly obtain the stored location information of that terminal device.

[0121] Because terminal devices are mobile, their location information is time-sensitive. If the interval between the time the terminal device's location information was acquired and the current time is greater than a preset time threshold, the location information is invalid; if the interval between the time the terminal device's location information was acquired and the current time is less than or equal to the preset time threshold, the location information is valid. It is understood that in other examples, the location information of the terminal device may also become invalid due to other possible reasons, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0122] For example, after obtaining the location information of M terminal devices, the LMF network element can determine which of the M terminal devices are located within the sensing area based on the area information carried in location information request 1. For instance, if N of the M terminal devices are located within the sensing area, the LMF network element can select these N terminal devices. The N terminal devices can be some or all of the M terminal devices.

[0123] As another possible implementation, if location information request 1 does not include the first identifiers of M terminal devices, the LMF network element triggers the terminal device positioning process if it determines that the number of valid terminal device location information stored within the LMF network element is less than or equal to a quantity threshold. For example, if the LMF network element stores location information for 5 terminal devices, of which 3 are valid and the other two are invalid, and the aforementioned quantity threshold is 5, then the number of valid terminal device location information stored within the LMF network element is less than the quantity threshold. Alternatively, if the LMF network element determines that it has not recently executed a positioning process (e.g., the LMF network element has not executed a positioning process within a certain period of time), resulting in insufficient understanding of the location information of surrounding terminal devices, then the terminal device positioning process is triggered.

[0124] For example, after the LMF network element executes the positioning process, it can obtain the location information of multiple terminal devices. Then, the LMF network element can determine which of these multiple terminal devices are located within the sensing area based on the area information carried by the location information request 1, and then select N terminal devices located within the sensing area from the multiple terminal devices.

[0125] S506, the LMF network element sends an authorization request to the first terminal device among N terminal devices. The authorization request is used to request authorization for the location information of the first terminal device to be used for sensing services; accordingly, the first terminal device receives the authorization request.

[0126] In this application embodiment, the authorization request can be a position information private authorization request; correspondingly, the authorization response can be a position information private authorization response.

[0127] S507, the first terminal device sends an authorization response to the LMF network element according to the authorization request. The authorization response is used to confirm the authorization; accordingly, the LMF network element receives the authorization response.

[0128] For example, the authorization response includes an Enable_Authorization field, which may include 1 bit. If the value of this field is 0, it means that authorization is denied or prohibited. If the value of this field is 1, it means that authorization is confirmed. Or conversely, if the value of this field is 1, it means that authorization is denied or prohibited. If the value of this field is 0, it means that authorization is confirmed.

[0129] It is understandable that the first terminal device may also refuse authorization. In this embodiment of the application, the first terminal device confirms authorization as an example.

[0130] S508, the LMF network element sends a response to the location information request 1 to the SeMF network element; correspondingly, the SeMF network element receives the response to the location information request 1.

[0131] For example, the response to location information request 1 includes location information of Q network devices and location information of N terminal devices (all N terminal devices confirm authorization).

[0132] (1) Location information for network devices:

[0133] Taking Q=P as an example, in one instance, the location information of P network devices can be located in a first location information set, such as {location information a1, location information a2, location information 3, location information a4}. Location information a1 is the location information of network device 1 (the first identifier of network device 1 is gNB ID1), location information a2 is the location information of network device 2 (the first identifier of network device 2 is gNB ID2), location information a3 is the location information of network device 3 (the first identifier of network device 3 is gNB ID3), and location information a4 is the location information of network device 4 (the first identifier of network device 4 is gNB ID4). That is, the i-th identifier in the first identifier set is the first identifier of network device i, and the i-th location information in the first location information set is the location information of network device i. In this case, after receiving the response to location information request 1, the SeMF network element can determine the location information of each of the P network devices based on the first identifier set and the first location information set in the response. Thus, the response to location information request 1 carries the first set of location information without carrying the first identifier of the network device, thereby facilitating the security of the location information of the network device being transmitted.

[0134] In another example, the location information of Q network devices can be located in a first location information set, such as {location information a1, location information a2, location information a3, location information a4}. The response to location information request 1 also includes a second identifier set, which includes the identifiers (e.g., second identifiers) of the Q network devices, such as {gNB ID1', gNB ID2', gNB ID3', gNB ID4'}. gNB ID1' is the temporary identifier corresponding to gNB ID1, gNB ID2' is the temporary identifier corresponding to gNB ID2, gNB ID3' is the temporary identifier corresponding to gNB ID3, and gNB ID4' is the temporary identifier corresponding to gNB ID4. That is, the i-th identifier in the first identifier set is the first identifier of network device i, the i-th identifier in the second identifier set is the second identifier of network device i, and the i-th location information in the first location information set is the location information of network device i. In this scenario, after receiving the response to Location Information Request 1, the SeMF network element can determine the location information of each of the P network devices based on the first location information set and the second identifier set contained in the response. Thus, the response to Location Information Request 1 carries the first location information set and the second identifier set, thereby facilitating the security of transmitting the network device location information.

[0135] In some examples, the j-th identifier in the first identifier set is the first identifier of network device j, the ith identifier in the second identifier set is the second identifier of network device i, and the ith location information in the first location information set is the location information of network device i, where i is not equal to j, meaning the order in the first identifier set can be different from the order in the second identifier set. For example, the first identifier set is {gNB ID1, gNB ID2, gNB ID3, gNB ID4}, the second identifier set is {gNB ID4', gNB ID3', gNB ID2', gNB ID1'}, and the first location information set is {location information a4, location information a3, location information a2, location information a1}.

[0136] In other examples, the second identifier set includes the first identifiers of Q network devices. For example, the first identifier set is {gNB ID1, gNB ID2, gNB ID3, gNB ID4}, the second identifier set is {gNB ID4, gNB ID3, gNB ID2, gNB ID1}, and the first location information set is {location information a4, location information a3, location information a2, location information a1}.

[0137] (2) Location information for terminal devices:

[0138] As one possible implementation, assume that location information request 1 includes the first identifiers of M terminal devices, N=M. In one example, the location information of the M network devices can be located in a second location information set, such as {location information b1, location information b2, location information b3, location information b4}. Location information b1 is the location information of terminal device 1 (the first identifier of terminal device 1 is UE ID1), location information b2 is the location information of terminal device 2 (the first identifier of terminal device 2 is UE ID2), location information b3 is the location information of terminal device 3 (the first identifier of terminal device 3 is UE ID3), and location information b4 is the location information of terminal device 4 (the first identifier of terminal device 4 is UE ID4). That is, the i-th identifier in the third identifier set is the first identifier of terminal device i, and the i-th location information in the second location information set is the location information of terminal device i. In this case, after receiving the response to location information request 1, the SeMF network element can determine the location information of each of the M terminal devices based on the third identifier set and the second location information set in the response. Thus, the response to location information request 1 carries a second set of location information without carrying the first identifier of the terminal device, thereby facilitating the security of the location information of the transmitting terminal device.

[0139] In another example, the location information of the M terminal devices can be located in a second location information set, for example, the second location information set is {location information b1, location information b2, location information b3, location information b4}; the response to location information request 1 also includes a fourth identifier set, which includes the identifiers of the M terminal devices (such as the second identifier), for example, the fourth identifier set is {UE ID1', UE ID2', UE ID3', UE ID4'}. UE ID1' is the temporary identifier corresponding to UE ID1, UE ID2' is the temporary identifier corresponding to UE ID2, UE ID3' is the temporary identifier corresponding to UE ID3, and UE ID4' is the temporary identifier corresponding to UE ID4. That is, the i-th identifier in the third identifier set is the first identifier of terminal device i, the i-th identifier in the fourth identifier set is the second identifier of terminal device i, and the i-th location information in the second location information set is the location information of terminal device i. In this case, after receiving the response to location information request 1, the SeMF network element can determine the location information of each of the M terminal devices based on the second location information set and the fourth identifier set in the response. Thus, the response to location information request 1 carries a second set of location information and a fourth set of identifiers, thereby facilitating the security of the location information of the transmitting terminal device.

[0140] The implementations of the third identifier set, the fourth identifier set, and the second location information set can be referred to the descriptions of the first identifier set, the second identifier set, and the first location information set, and will not be repeated here.

[0141] As another possible implementation, if location information request 1 does not include the first identifier of M terminal devices, the response to location information request 1 includes a second location information set and a fourth identifier set, the description of which can be found above.

[0142] S509, the SeMF network element acquires sensing auxiliary data, and based on the sensing auxiliary data, the location information of the first network device and the location information of the first terminal device, it senses the sensing target, such as determining the location information of the sensing target.

[0143] For example, for downlink bistatic sensing, the first terminal device receives a first sensing signal sent by the first network device, and can measure angle information 1 and delay information 1 based on the first sensing signal, and then send sensing auxiliary data 1 to the SeMF network element. The sensing auxiliary data 1 includes angle information 1 and delay information 1. For uplink bistatic sensing, the first network device receives a second sensing signal sent by the first terminal device, and can measure angle information 2 and delay information 2 based on the second sensing signal, and then send sensing auxiliary data 2 to the SeMF network element. The sensing auxiliary data 2 includes angle information 2 and delay information 2.

[0144] S510, the SeMF network element sends a response to the requester of the sensing service request; correspondingly, the requester of the sensing service receives the response to the request.

[0145] The response to the perception service request includes the perception result, such as the location information of the perceived target.

[0146] For example, when the requester of the sensing service is terminal device a or network device a, the SeMF network element can send a response to the requester of the sensing service through the AMF network element.

[0147] Using the above Figure 5 As illustrated, the location information of the first network device and the first terminal device can be centralized on the SeMF network element, thus facilitating dual-base sensing. Furthermore, since the LMF network element sends the terminal device's location information to the SeMF network element only with the terminal device's authorization, user privacy is better protected.

[0148] For Figure 5 In some possible examples of the illustrated process, the SeMF network element can store the identifier and location information of the network device capable of providing sensing services. In this case, the SeMF network element does not need to request the location information of the network device. For example, the location information request 1 mentioned above does not need to carry the identifier of the network device, S503 and S504 do not need to be executed, and the response to location information request 1 does not need to carry the location information of the network device.

[0149] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in embodiment 1 of this application. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the method may include:

[0150] S601, the requesting party for the sensing service sends a sensing service request to the SeMF network element. The sensing service request is used to request the initiation of the sensing service; correspondingly, the SeMF network element receives the sensing service request.

[0151] S602, the SeMF network element sends a location information request 3 to the first network device according to the sensing service request. The location information request 3 is used to request the location information of the first network device. Accordingly, the first network device receives the location information request 3.

[0152] S603, the first network device sends a response to location information request 3 to the SeMF network element; correspondingly, the SeMF network element receives the response to location information request 3.

[0153] For example, the SeMF network element can store identifiers (such as a first identifier) ​​of multiple network devices capable of providing sensing services. After receiving a sensing service request, the SeMF network element can obtain the identifiers of the multiple network devices and, based on the identifiers, obtain the location information of the multiple network devices. Taking the first network device among the multiple network devices as an example, the SeMF network element can send a location information request 3 to the first network device based on the first identifier of the first network device. Then, the first network device can send a response to the SeMF network element regarding the location information request 3, which includes the location information of the first network device.

[0154] Optionally, the SeMF network element can also send an authorization request to the first network device. This authorization request requests authorization for the location information of the first network device to be used for sensing services. Correspondingly, the first network device sends an authorization response to the SeMF network element, confirming the authorization. For example, if the first network device belongs to a first network (e.g., a network deployed by operator A), and the SeMF network element belongs to a second network (e.g., a network deployed by operator B), then the SeMF network element can send an authorization request to the first network device through other network elements. This authorization request requests authorization for the location information of the first network device to be used for sensing services in the second network. It is understood that the first network device can also refuse authorization. This embodiment describes the process using the first network device confirming authorization as an example. The authorization request can be carried in the same message as the location information request 3, or in different messages; or the location information request 3 can also be used to request authorization for the location information of the first network device to be used for sensing services, without specific limitations.

[0155] S604, the SeMF network element sends a location information request 4 to the LMF network element according to the sensing service request; correspondingly, the LMF network element receives the location information request 4.

[0156] The location information request 4 may include the identifiers of M terminal devices (such as the first identifier), or it may not include the identifiers of M terminal devices.

[0157] For example, the SeMF network element may store the first identifiers of M terminal devices capable of providing sensing services; after receiving a sensing service request, the SeMF network element can obtain the first identifiers of the M terminal devices. For instance, location information request 4 includes a third identifier set, which includes the first identifiers of the M terminal devices.

[0158] S605, the LMF network element requests 4 based on location information and selects N terminal devices.

[0159] S606, the LMF network element sends an authorization request to the first terminal device among N terminal devices. The authorization request is used to request authorization for the location information of the first terminal device to be used for sensing services; accordingly, the first terminal device receives the authorization request.

[0160] S607, the first terminal device sends an authorization response to the LMF network element according to the authorization request. The authorization response is used to confirm the authorization; accordingly, the LMF network element receives the authorization response.

[0161] S608, the LMF network element sends a response to the location information request 4 to the SeMF network element; correspondingly, the SeMF network element receives the response to the location information request 4.

[0162] For example, the response to location information request 4 includes location information of N terminal devices. Here, N terminal devices are some or all of the M terminal devices. For instance, the response to location information request 4 includes a fourth identifier set and a second location information set, as detailed below. Figure 5 The relevant description in the document.

[0163] S609, the SeMF network element acquires sensing auxiliary data and, based on the sensing auxiliary data, the location information of the first network device, and the location information of the first terminal device, senses the sensing target.

[0164] S610, the SeMF network element sends a response to the requester of the sensing service request; correspondingly, the requester of the sensing service receives the response to the request.

[0165] Understandable, Figure 6 The process shown is Figure 5 The differences between the indicated processes are: Figure 5 In this context, the LMF network element obtains the location information of multiple network devices by sending location information requests to these devices and then sends this information to the SeMF network element; while Figure 6 In this context, SeMF network elements obtain the location information of multiple network devices by sending location information requests to these devices. Aside from this difference, the two can be referenced interchangeably.

[0166] For Figure 6 In some possible examples, the SeMF network element can store the identifier and location information of network devices capable of providing sensing services. In this case, the SeMF network element does not need to request the location information of the network devices. For example, S602 and S603 do not need to be executed.

[0167] (2) Scenario 2: The first communication device is located in the core network, for example, the first communication device is located in the SeMF-LMF network element.

[0168] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in embodiment 2 of this application. Figure 7 As shown, taking the first communication device as a SeMF-LMF network element as an example, the method may include:

[0169] S701, the sensing service requesting direction sends a sensing service request to the SeMF-LMF network element, which is used to request the initiation of the sensing service; accordingly, the SeMF-LMF network element receives the sensing service request.

[0170] S702, the SeMF-LMF network element sends a location information request 5 to the first network device according to the sensing service request. The location information request 5 is used to request the location information of the first network device; correspondingly, the first network device receives the location information request 5.

[0171] S703, the first network device sends a response to location information request 5 to the SeMF-LMF network element; correspondingly, the SeMF-LMF network element receives the response to location information request 5.

[0172] For example, a SeMF-LMF network element can store the identifiers of multiple network devices capable of providing sensing services. Upon receiving a sensing service request, the SeMF-LMF network element can obtain the identifiers of the multiple network devices and, based on these identifiers, obtain the location information of the multiple network devices. Taking the first network device among the multiple network devices as an example, the SeMF-LMF network element can send a location information request 5 to the first network device based on its first identifier. The first network device can then send a response to the SeMF-LMF network element containing the location information of the first network device.

[0173] S704, the SeMF-LMF network element selects N terminal devices based on the perception service request.

[0174] S705, the SeMF-LMF network element sends an authorization request to the first terminal device among N terminal devices. The authorization request is used to request authorization for the location information of the first terminal device to be used for sensing services; accordingly, the first terminal device receives the authorization request.

[0175] S706, the first terminal device sends an authorization response to the SeMF-LMF network element according to the authorization request. The authorization response is used to confirm the authorization; accordingly, the SeMF-LMF network element receives the authorization response.

[0176] S707, the SeMF-LMF network element acquires sensing auxiliary data, and based on the sensing auxiliary data, the location information of the first network device, and the location information of the first terminal device, it perceives the sensing target.

[0177] S708, the SeMF-LMF network element sends a response to the requester of the sensing service request; correspondingly, the requester of the sensing service receives the response to the request.

[0178] Understandable, Figure 7 The process shown is Figure 5 or Figure 6 The differences between the indicated processes are: Figure 5 or Figure 6 In this context, the SeMF network element and the LMF network element are two separate network elements, while Figure 7 In this configuration, the SeMF network element and the LMF network element are combined into a single network element. Aside from this difference, other details... Figure 7 You can refer to Figure 5 or Figure 6 The description in the text.

[0179] (3) Scenario 3: The first communication device is located on the network side, for example, the first communication device is located on the first network device.

[0180] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in embodiment 3 of this application. Figure 8 As shown, taking the first communication device as the first network device as an example, the method may include:

[0181] S801, the requesting party for the sensing service sends a sensing service request to the first network device; correspondingly, the first network device receives the sensing service request.

[0182] As mentioned above, the requester of the sensing service can be terminal device a, network device a, AMF network element, or GMLC. If the requester of the sensing service is network device a, and network device a is the first network device, then S801 and S808 do not need to be executed.

[0183] S802, the first network device sends a location information request 6 to the SeMF-LMF network element; correspondingly, the SeMF-LMF network element receives the location information request 6.

[0184] Location information request 6 is used to request the location information of the terminal devices. For example, location information request 6 includes area information, and optionally, location information request 6 also includes the identifiers of M terminal devices.

[0185] The S803 SeMF-LMF network element requests 6 and selects N terminal devices based on the location information.

[0186] For example, the specific implementation of S803 can be referred to the description of S505.

[0187] S804, the SeMF-LMF network element sends an authorization request to the first terminal device among N terminal devices. The authorization request is used to request authorization for the location information of the first terminal device to be used for sensing services, and to request authorization to inform the network device of the location information of the first terminal device; accordingly, the first terminal device receives the authorization request.

[0188] S805, the first terminal device sends an authorization response to the SeMF-LMF network element according to the authorization request. The authorization response is used to confirm the authorization; accordingly, the SeMF-LMF network element receives the authorization response.

[0189] S806, the SeMF-LMF network element sends a response to the location information request 6 to the first network device; correspondingly, the first network device receives the response to the location information request 6.

[0190] The response to location information request 6 includes the location information of N terminal devices.

[0191] S807, the first network device acquires sensing auxiliary data, and based on the sensing auxiliary data, the location information of the first network device, and the location information of the first terminal device, it senses the sensing target, such as determining the location information of the sensing target.

[0192] S808, the first network device sends a response to the requester of the sensing service request; correspondingly, the requester of the sensing service receives the response to the sensing service request.

[0193] Using the above Figure 8 As illustrated, the location information of the first network device and the first terminal device can be centralized on the first network device, thus facilitating dual-base sensing. Furthermore, since the SeMF-LMF network element sends the terminal device's location information to the first network device only with authorization from the terminal device, user privacy is better protected.

[0194] (4) Situation 4: The first communication device is located on the terminal side, such as the first terminal equipment.

[0195] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in embodiment 4 of this application. Figure 9 As shown, taking the first communication device as the first terminal device as an example, the method may include:

[0196] S901, the requesting party for the sensing service sends a sensing service request to the first terminal device; correspondingly, the first terminal device receives the sensing service request.

[0197] As mentioned above, the requester of the sensing service can be terminal device a, network device a, AMF network element, or GMLC. If the requester of the sensing service is terminal device a, and terminal device a is the first terminal device, then S901 and S907 do not need to be executed.

[0198] S902, the first terminal device sends a location information request 7 to the SeMF-LMF network element; correspondingly, the SeMF-LMF network element receives the location information request 7.

[0199] Location information request 7 is used to request the location information of the network device. For example, location information request 7 includes area information.

[0200] S903, the SeMF-LMF network element sends a location information request 8 to the first network device according to the location information request 7; correspondingly, the first network device receives the location information request 8.

[0201] S904, the first network device sends a response to location information request 8 to the SeMF-LMF network element; correspondingly, the SeMF-LMF network element receives the response to location information request 8. The response to location information request 8 includes the location information of the first network device.

[0202] For example, this example uses the SeMF-LMF network element to obtain the location information of the first network device. The SeMF-LMF network element can also obtain the location information of one or more other network devices, which will not be elaborated further.

[0203] S905, the SeMF-LMF network element sends a response to the location information request 7 to the first terminal device; correspondingly, the first terminal device receives the response to the location information request 7.

[0204] The response to location information request 7 includes the location information of Q network devices, and the Q network devices are located within the sensing area.

[0205] S906, the first terminal device acquires sensing auxiliary data, and based on the sensing auxiliary data, the location information of the first network device and the location information of the first terminal device, it senses the sensing target, such as determining the location information of the sensing target.

[0206] S907, the first terminal device sends a response to the requester of the sensing service to the requester of the sensing service; correspondingly, the requester of the sensing service receives the response to the request of the sensing service.

[0207] Using the above Figure 9 As shown in the diagram, the location information of the first network device and the location information of the first terminal device can be centralized on the first terminal device, thereby facilitating the implementation of dual-base sensing.

[0208] For Figure 9 In some possible examples, the SeMF-LMF network element can store the identification and location information of network devices capable of providing awareness services. In this case, the SeMF-LMF network element does not need to request the location information of the network devices. For example, it does not need to execute S903 and S904.

[0209] Regarding the above embodiments, it is understood that:

[0210] (1) The above focuses on describing the differences between different processes. In the various processes of this application, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terminology and / or descriptions of different processes are consistent and can be referenced from each other. In addition, different implementations or different examples can also be referenced from each other.

[0211] (2) The various numerical designations used in this application are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. The step numbers in the above flowcharts are only examples of the execution process and do not constitute a restriction on the order of execution of the steps. That is, the size of each step number does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each step should be determined by its function and internal logic. Furthermore, not all steps shown in the flowcharts are mandatory steps; some steps may be added or deleted based on actual needs.

[0212] The above primarily describes the solutions provided in the embodiments of this application from the perspective of device / network element interaction. It is understood that, to achieve the above functions, the device / network element may include corresponding hardware structures and / or software modules for executing each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, in conjunction with the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in the embodiments disclosed herein, the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware 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.

[0213] This application embodiment can divide the device / network element into functional units according to the above method example. For example, each function can be divided into a separate functional unit, or two or more functions can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0214] When using integrated units, Figure 10 A possible exemplary block diagram of the apparatus involved in an embodiment of this application is shown. For example... Figure 10As shown, the device 1000 may include a processing unit 1002 and a communication unit 1003. The processing unit 1002 is used to control and manage the operation of the device 1000. The communication unit 1003 is used to support communication between the device 1000 and other devices. Optionally, the communication unit 1003 is also called a transceiver unit, and may include a receiving unit and / or a sending unit, respectively used to perform receiving and sending operations. The device 1000 may also include a storage unit 1001 for storing the program code and / or data of the device 1000.

[0215] The device 1000 can be the first communication device in the above embodiments. The processing unit 1002 can support the device 1000 in performing the operations of the first communication device in the above method embodiments. Alternatively, the processing unit 1002 mainly performs the internal operations of the first communication device in the method embodiments, and the communication unit 1003 can support communication between the device 1000 and other devices.

[0216] For example, in one embodiment, the processing unit 1002 is configured to: acquire location information of a first network device and location information of a first terminal device; wherein the first terminal device is configured to receive a first sensing signal sent by the first network device, or the first network device is configured to receive a second sensing signal sent by the first terminal device; and to sense the sensing target of the first sensing signal or the second sensing signal based on the location information of the first network device and the location information of the first terminal device.

[0217] In one possible design, the processing unit 1002 is configured to: acquire sensing auxiliary data, the sensing auxiliary data including time delay information and angle information measured based on the first sensing signal or the second sensing signal; and perceive the sensing target of the first sensing signal or the second sensing signal based on the location information of the first network device and the location information of the first terminal device, including: perceiving the sensing target based on the location information of the first network device, the location information of the first terminal device, the time delay information, and the angle information.

[0218] In one possible design, the communication unit 1003 is used to: send a first location information request to the location management function (LMF) network element; and receive a response to the first location information request, wherein the response to the first location information request includes location information of N terminal devices, wherein the N terminal devices include the first terminal device, and N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0219] In one possible design, the first location information request includes the identifiers of M terminal devices, wherein the N terminal devices are some or all of the M terminal devices, and M is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0220] In one possible design, the communication unit 1003 is configured to: receive a sensing service request, the sensing service request being used to request the initiation of a sensing service, the sensing service request including area information, the area information being used to indicate a sensing area; wherein, the first location information request includes the area information, and the N terminal devices are located within the sensing area.

[0221] In one possible design, the first location information request includes the identifiers of P network devices; the response to the first location information request also includes the location information of Q network devices, wherein the Q network devices include the first network device; wherein the Q network devices are some or all of the P network devices, and P and Q are integers greater than or equal to 1.

[0222] In one possible design, the identifiers of the P network devices are located in a first identifier set, and the location information of the Q network devices is located in a first location information set; P equals Q; the i-th identifier in the first identifier set is the identifier of the first network device, and the i-th location information in the first location information set is the location information of the first network device, where i is an integer greater than or equal to 1; or, the response to the first location information request further includes a second identifier set, the i-th identifier in the second identifier set is the first identifier of the first network device, and the i-th location information in the first location information set is the location information of the first network device; the j-th identifier in the first identifier set is the second identifier of the first network device, where j is an integer greater than or equal to 1; i is not equal to j, and / or, the first identifier is different from the second identifier.

[0223] In one possible design, the communication unit 1003 is configured to: send a second location information request to the first network device; and receive a response to the second location information request, wherein the response to the second location information request includes the location information of the first network device.

[0224] In one possible design, the communication unit 1003 is configured to: send an authorization request to the first terminal device, the authorization request being used to request authorization for the location information of the first terminal device to be used for sensing services; and receive a response to the authorization request, the response being used to confirm the authorization.

[0225] In one possible design, the communication unit 1003 is used to: receive sensing mode information, the sensing mode information being used to indicate a bistatic sensing mode.

[0226] It should be understood that the division of units in the above device is merely a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, all units in the device can be implemented entirely through software calls from processing elements; all units can be implemented entirely in hardware; or some units can be implemented through software calls from processing elements, and some units can be implemented in hardware. For example, each unit can be a separate processing element, or it can be integrated into a chip within the device. Alternatively, it can be stored as a program in memory, called and executed by a processing element of the device. Moreover, these units can be fully or partially integrated together, or implemented independently. The processing element mentioned here can also be called a processor, which can be an integrated circuit with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, the operations of the above methods or the various units mentioned above can be implemented through integrated logic circuits in the processor element or through software calls from processing elements.

[0227] In one example, a unit in any of the above devices can be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the methods described above, such as one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or a combination of at least two of these forms of integrated circuits. As another example, when a unit in the device can be implemented in the form of a processing element scheduler, the processing element can be a processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU), or other processor capable of calling programs. Furthermore, these units can be integrated together and implemented as a System-on-a-Chip (SoC).

[0228] The receiving unit described above is an interface circuit of the device, used to receive signals from other devices. For example, when the device is implemented as a chip, the receiving unit is an interface circuit for the chip to receive signals from other chips or devices. The transmitting unit described above is an interface circuit of the device, used to transmit signals to other devices. For example, when the device is implemented as a chip, the transmitting unit is an interface circuit for the chip to transmit signals to other chips or devices.

[0229] Based on the above embodiments, this application also provides a communication device, see below. Figure 11As shown, the communication device 1100 may include a processor 1101. Optionally, the communication device 1100 may also include a memory 1102. The memory 1102 may be located inside the communication device 1100 or outside the communication device 1100.

[0230] Specifically, the processor 1101 may be a CPU, a network processor (NP), or a combination of a CPU and an NP. The processor 1101 may further include a hardware chip. The hardware chip may be an ASIC, a programmable logic device (PLD), or a combination thereof. The PLD may be a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), an FPGA, a generic array logic (GAL), or any combination thereof.

[0231] The processor 1101 and the memory 1102 are interconnected. Optionally, the processor 1101 and the memory 1102 are interconnected via a bus 1103; the bus 1103 can be a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus or an extended industry standard architecture (EISA) bus, etc. The bus can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For ease of representation, Figure 11 The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0232] In one optional implementation, the memory 1102 is used to store programs, etc. Specifically, the program may include program code, which includes computer operation instructions. The memory 1102 may include RAM, and may also include non-volatile memory, such as one or more disk storage devices. The processor 1101 executes the application program stored in the memory 1102 to achieve the above-mentioned functions, thereby realizing the functions of the communication device 1100.

[0233] For example, the communication device 1100 may be the first communication device in the above embodiments.

[0234] In one embodiment, when the communication device 1100 performs the functions of the first communication device in the above method embodiment, the transceiver 1101 can perform the transmit / receive operations executed by the first communication device in the above method embodiment; the processor 1101 can perform other operations besides the transmit / receive operations executed by the first communication device in the above method embodiment. Specific details can be found in the descriptions in the above embodiments, and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0235] The terms "system" and "network" in this application embodiment are used interchangeably. "At least one" refers to one or more, and "multiple" 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: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where 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" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, "at least one of A, B, and C" includes A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC. And, unless otherwise specified, the ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" mentioned in this application embodiment are used to distinguish multiple objects and are not used to limit the order, sequence, priority, or importance of multiple objects.

[0236] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this application can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this application can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0237] This application is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to this application. It should 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, create means for implementing the functions specified in one or more blocks of the flowchart illustrations and / or one or more blocks of the block diagrams.

[0238] 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 that implement the functions specified in one or more flowcharts and / or one or more block diagrams.

[0239] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions, which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus, provide steps for implementing the functions specified in one or more flowcharts and / or one or more block diagrams.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method comprises: obtaining position information of a first network device and position information of a first terminal; wherein the first terminal is configured to receive a first sensing signal transmitted by the first network device, or the first network device is configured to receive a second sensing signal transmitted by the first terminal; sensing a sensing target of the first sensing signal or the second sensing signal according to the position information of the first network device and the position information of the first terminal.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method further comprises: obtaining sensing assistance data, the sensing assistance data comprising time delay information and angle information measured according to the first sensing signal or the second sensing signal; sensing the sensing target of the first sensing signal or the second sensing signal according to the position information of the first network device and the position information of the first terminal comprises: sensing the sensing target according to the position information of the first network device, the position information of the first terminal, the time delay information and the angle information.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The obtaining of the position information of the first network device and the position information of the first terminal comprises: sending a first position information request to a location management function (LMF) network element; receiving a response to the first position information request, the response comprising position information of N terminals, the N terminals including the first terminal, N being an integer greater than or equal to 1.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, The first position information request comprises identifiers of M terminals, the N terminals being some or all of the M terminals, M being an integer greater than or equal to 1.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The method further comprises: receiving a sensing service request, the sensing service request being configured to request initiation of a sensing service, the sensing service request comprising area information configured to indicate a sensing area; wherein the first position information request comprises the area information, and the N terminals are located within the sensing area.

6. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that, The first position information request comprises identifiers of P network devices; the response to the first position information request further comprises position information of Q network devices, the Q network devices including the first network device; wherein the Q network devices are some or all of the P network devices, P and Q being integers greater than or equal to 1.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, The identifiers of the P network devices are located in a first identifier set, and the position information of the Q network devices is located in a first position information set; P is equal to Q. The i-th identifier in the first identifier set is an identifier of the first network device, and the i-th position information in the first position information set is position information of the first network device, i being an integer greater than or equal to 1; or the response to the first position information request further comprises a second identifier set, the i-th identifier in the second identifier set being a first identifier of the first network device, and the i-th position information in the first position information set being position information of the first network device; the j-th identifier in the first identifier set being a second identifier of the first network device, j being an integer greater than or equal to 1; i is not equal to j, and / or the first identifier is different from the second identifier.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The method further comprises: sending a second location information request to the first network device; receiving a response to the second location information request, the response comprising the location information of the first network device.

9. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The method further comprises: sending an authorization request to the first terminal, the authorization request being used to request authorization of the location information of the first terminal for a perception service; receiving a response to the authorization request, the response being used to confirm the authorization.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The method further comprises: receiving perception mode information, the perception mode information being used to indicate a dual-base perception mode.

11. A communications device, characterized by The method comprises a module or unit for performing the method of any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A communications device, characterized by The apparatus comprises a processor and a memory, the memory being coupled to the processor, and the memory storing a computer program; the processor is configured to invoke part or all of the computer program stored in the memory, so that the method of any one of claims 1 to 10 is performed.

13. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores a computer program, and when part or all of the computer program is executed by a computer, the method of any one of claims 1 to 10 is performed.

14. A computer program product, characterised in that, When the computer reads and executes the computer program product, the method of any one of claims 1 to 10 is performed.

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