Communication method and device

Abstract

The invention provides a communication method and device. The method comprises the following steps: acquiring first information; wherein the first information may include a first time parameter and a time offset parameter. The first time parameter may be used to indicate the time at which the perceived signal is received, and the time offset parameter may be used to indicate an offset of the time at which the perceived signal is transmitted relative to the time at which the perceived signal is received. Alternatively, the first time parameter may be used to indicate the time at which the sensing signal is transmitted, and the time offset parameter may be used to indicate the offset of the time at which the sensing signal is received relative to the time at which the sensing signal is transmitted. And sending and / or receiving a sensing signal according to the first information. According to the method, the time parameter for receiving the sensing signal or sending the sensing signal and the corresponding time offset parameter are configured; and configuring the time for sending the sensing signal and the time for receiving the sensing signal by the air interface for the network equipment. Therefore, the network equipment can receive the sensing signal more accurately, and unnecessary time and resource overhead during receiving are reduced.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Embodiments of the present application relate to the field of wireless communication, and in particular, to a communication method and apparatus. BACKGROUND

[0002] In current communication systems, the functions of a base station can be split to obtain multiple logical units. Different logical units are used to implement different communication protocol functions in the base station. For example, a base station is split into a baseband unit (BBU) and a remote radio unit (RRU) for deployment. Alternatively, a base station is split into a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU) for deployment. The CU can also be referred to as a centralized unit.

[0003] For a sensing communication scenario, if the uplink sensing signal is received according to the transmission timing of the downlink sensing signal, the time window for receiving the sensing signal is too large, and the buffer capacity of the network device is required to be higher. SUMMARY

[0004] The present application provides a communication method and apparatus, so that the network device can more accurately receive the sensing signal and reduce unnecessary time and resource consumption during reception.

[0005] To achieve the above object, the present application adopts the following technical solutions:

[0006] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided. The method is applied to a first network side apparatus. The first network side apparatus can be a network device, a component (such as a processor, a circuit, a chip, or a chip system) of the network device, or a logical module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the network device. For example, the first network side apparatus can be a radio unit (RU). The method can include obtaining first information. The sensing signal is transmitted and / or received according to the first information. The first information can include a first time parameter and a time offset parameter. The first time parameter can be used to indicate the time of receiving the sensing signal, and the time offset parameter can be used to indicate the offset of the time of transmitting the sensing signal relative to the time of receiving the sensing signal. Alternatively, the first time parameter can be used to indicate the time of transmitting the sensing signal, and the time offset parameter can be used to indicate the offset of the time of receiving the sensing signal relative to the time of transmitting the sensing signal.

[0007] This application configures the timing parameters for receiving or transmitting sensing signals, along with the corresponding time offset parameters, to configure the timing for transmitting and receiving sensing signals over the air interface for network devices. This allows network devices to receive sensing signals more accurately and reduces unnecessary time and resource overhead during reception.

[0008] In one possible design, the first information can be determined by sensing the target location information and the quality of service (QoS) requirements information related to the sensing service.

[0009] This application can combine the location information of the sensed target and / or QoS requirement information related to the sensed service to determine the first information. This allows for more accurate configuration of transmission and reception times for different sensed signals.

[0010] In one possible design, where the first time parameter is used to indicate the time of receiving the sensing signal and the time offset parameter is used to indicate the offset of the time of sending the sensing signal relative to the time of receiving the sensing signal, sending and / or receiving the sensing signal according to the first information may include: receiving the sensing signal according to the first time parameter, and / or sending the sensing signal according to the first time parameter and the time offset parameter.

[0011] This application can accurately determine the time of transmitting the sensing signal by combining the time offset parameter, provided that the first time parameter indicates the time of receiving the sensing signal.

[0012] In one possible design, where a first time parameter is used to indicate the time of transmitting the sensing signal and a time offset parameter is used to indicate the offset of the time of receiving the sensing signal relative to the time of transmitting the sensing signal, transmitting and / or receiving the sensing signal according to the first information may include: transmitting the sensing signal according to the first time parameter, and / or receiving the sensing signal according to the first time parameter and the time offset parameter.

[0013] This application can accurately determine the time of receiving the sensing signal by combining the time offset parameter, provided that the first time parameter indicates the time of transmitting the sensing signal.

[0014] In one possible design, the first information may include N first time parameters and one time offset parameter, where N is a positive integer. The time offset parameter can be associated with the N first time parameters.

[0015] This application can configure multiple first time parameters to share a single time offset parameter, which can reduce signaling overhead while accurately configuring the time for receiving or transmitting sensing signals.

[0016] In one possible design, the first information may include N first time parameters and M time offset parameters, where M is a positive integer less than N. Any one of the M time offset parameters may be associated with some of the N first time parameters.

[0017] This application allows for the configuration of multiple time offset parameters, with each time offset parameter corresponding to one or more first time parameters. This not only ensures flexible configuration of the time for receiving or transmitting sensing signals but also saves some signaling overhead.

[0018] In one possible design, the first information may include N first time parameters and N time offset parameters. There is a one-to-one correspondence between the N time offset parameters and the N first time parameters.

[0019] This application allows for a one-to-one correspondence between the first time parameter and the time offset parameter, thereby enabling more flexible configuration of the time for receiving or transmitting sensing signals.

[0020] In one possible design, the first information may further include a cyclic prefix (CP) length parameter. This CP length parameter can be used to indicate the CP length corresponding to the sensing signal. When the first time parameter is used to indicate the time of receiving the sensing signal, and the time offset parameter is used to indicate the offset of the time of transmitting the sensing signal relative to the time of receiving the sensing signal, transmitting the sensing signal according to the first time parameter and the time offset parameter may include: transmitting the sensing signal according to the first time parameter, the CP length parameter, and the time offset parameter. Alternatively, when the first time parameter is used to indicate the time of transmitting the sensing signal, and the time offset parameter is used to indicate the offset of the time of receiving the sensing signal relative to the time of transmitting the sensing signal, receiving the sensing signal according to the first time parameter and the time offset parameter may include: receiving the sensing signal according to the first time parameter, the CP length parameter, and the time offset parameter.

[0021] This application can accurately determine the time of transmitting or receiving a sensing signal by combining the CP length and time offset parameters, in the case where the first time parameter indicates the time of receiving or transmitting a sensing signal, while avoiding interference between symbols.

[0022] In one possible design, the first information may include a CP length parameter. A CP length parameter can be associated with N first time parameters.

[0023] This application can configure multiple first-time parameters to share a single CP length parameter, which can accurately configure the timing of sensing signals or the timing of transmitting sensing signals while avoiding interference between symbols, and also reduces signaling overhead.

[0024] In one possible design, the first information may include P CP length parameters, where P is a positive integer less than N. Any one of the P CP length parameters is associated with a portion of the N first time parameters.

[0025] This application allows for the configuration of multiple CP length parameters, with each CP length parameter corresponding to one or more first time parameters. This enables flexible configuration of various CP lengths while accurately configuring the timing of receiving or transmitting sensing signals. Furthermore, it reduces signaling overhead associated with CP length configuration.

[0026] In one possible design, the first information may include N CP length parameters. There is a one-to-one correspondence between the N CP length parameters and the N first time parameters.

[0027] This application allows for a one-to-one correspondence between the first time parameter and the CP length parameter. While accurately configuring the time for receiving or sending sensing signals, the CP can be flexibly configured to avoid interference between symbols.

[0028] In one possible design, the time offset parameter can be represented in any of the following ways: a first number of frames, subframes, time slots, or symbols; a first duration, wherein the first duration can be determined based on sub-carrier spacing (SCS); a preset duration; a second duration, wherein the second duration can be determined based on a duration threshold; or, a third duration, wherein the third duration can be determined based on timing advance (TA).

[0029] This application provides multiple methods for indicating time offset parameters, so as to accurately indicate time offset parameters in different scenarios using appropriate methods.

[0030] In one possible design, the first duration can be the reciprocal of the SCS. Alternatively, the first duration can be K times the reciprocal of the SCS, where K is an integer.

[0031] This application provides multiple methods for determining the time offset parameter based on the subcarrier interval, thereby improving system compatibility.

[0032] In one possible design, the first time parameter may include any of the following parameters: a time-domain resource parameter; a first index, wherein the first index can be used to indicate a frame format, and the frame format can be used to indicate a time slot used by the sensing signal; a second index, wherein the second index is used to indicate a time slot format, and the time slot format can be used to indicate a symbol used by the sensing signal; or, a bitmap, wherein the value of the first bit in the bitmap can be used to indicate whether the frame, subframe, time slot, or symbol corresponding to the first bit is used for the sensing signal, and the first bit can be any bit in the bitmap.

[0033] This application provides multiple representations of the first time parameter to accurately indicate the first time parameter in different scenarios using appropriate forms.

[0034] In one possible design, the time-domain resource parameters may include: one or more time unit identifiers; or, one or more time unit identifiers, and a first identifier and / or a first period parameter; or, a start time unit identifier and a fourth duration; or, a start time unit identifier and a second period parameter; or, a start time unit identifier, a fourth duration, and a second period parameter. The first identifier may be used to indicate a first time-domain resource. This first time-domain resource may include time units corresponding to one or more time unit identifiers. The first period parameter may be used to indicate the period corresponding to one or more time unit identifiers. The start time unit identifier may be used to indicate the starting position of the second time-domain resource. The fourth duration may be the duration of the second time-domain resource. The second period parameter may be used to indicate the period corresponding to the second time-domain resource.

[0035] This application provides multiple methods for indicating time-domain resource parameters, so as to accurately indicate time-domain resource parameters in different scenarios using appropriate methods.

[0036] Secondly, a communication method is provided, applied to a second network-side device. This second network-side device can be a network device, a component of the network device (e.g., a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the network device's functions. For example, the second network-side device can be a DU (Distributed Unit). The method can include: determining first information; and transmitting the first information. The first information can include a first time parameter and a time offset parameter. The first time parameter can be used to indicate the time of receiving a sensing signal, and the time offset parameter can be used to indicate the offset of the time of transmitting the sensing signal relative to the time of receiving the sensing signal. Alternatively, the first time parameter can be used to indicate the time of transmitting the sensing signal, and the time offset parameter can be used to indicate the offset of the time of receiving the sensing signal relative to the time of transmitting the sensing signal.

[0037] In one possible design, determining the first information may include receiving second information. The second information may include the location information of the sensing target and QoS requirement information related to the sensing service. One or more pieces of the first information are determined based on the location information of the sensing target and the QoS requirement information related to the sensing service.

[0038] In one possible design, the first information may include N first time parameters and one time offset parameter, where N is a positive integer. The time offset parameter can be associated with the N first time parameters.

[0039] In one possible design, the first information may include N first time parameters and M time offset parameters, where M is a positive integer less than N. Any one of the M time offset parameters may be associated with some of the N first time parameters.

[0040] In one possible design, the first information may include N first time parameters and N time offset parameters. There is a one-to-one correspondence between the N time offset parameters and the N first time parameters.

[0041] In one possible design, the first information may also include a CP length parameter. This CP length parameter can be used to indicate the CP length corresponding to the sensing signal.

[0042] In one possible design, the first information may include a CP length parameter. A CP length parameter can be associated with N first time parameters.

[0043] In one possible design, the first information may include P CP length parameters, where P is a positive integer less than N. Any one of the P CP length parameters is associated with a portion of the N first time parameters.

[0044] In one possible design, the first information may include N CP length parameters. There is a one-to-one correspondence between the N CP length parameters and the N first time parameters.

[0045] In one possible design, the time offset parameter can be represented in any of the following ways: a first number of frames, subframes, time slots, or symbols; a first duration, wherein the first duration can be determined based on SCS; a preset duration; a second duration, wherein the second duration can be determined based on a duration threshold; or, a third duration, wherein the third duration can be determined based on TA.

[0046] In one possible design, the first duration can be the reciprocal of the SCS. Alternatively, the first duration can be K times the reciprocal of the SCS, where K is an integer.

[0047] In one possible design, the first time parameter may include any of the following parameters: a time-domain resource parameter; a first index, wherein the first index can be used to indicate a frame format, and the frame format can be used to indicate a time slot used by the sensing signal; a second index, wherein the second index is used to indicate a time slot format, and the time slot format can be used to indicate a symbol used by the sensing signal; or, a bitmap, wherein the value of the first bit in the bitmap can be used to indicate whether the frame, subframe, time slot, or symbol corresponding to the first bit is used for the sensing signal, and the first bit can be any bit in the bitmap.

[0048] In one possible design, the time-domain resource parameters may include: one or more time unit identifiers; or, one or more time unit identifiers, and a first identifier and / or a first period parameter; or, a start time unit identifier and a fourth duration; or, a start time unit identifier and a second period parameter; or, a start time unit identifier, a fourth duration, and a second period parameter. The first identifier may be used to indicate a first time-domain resource. This first time-domain resource may include time units corresponding to one or more time unit identifiers. The first period parameter may be used to indicate the period corresponding to one or more time unit identifiers. The start time unit identifier may be used to indicate the starting position of the second time-domain resource. The fourth duration may be the duration of the second time-domain resource. The second period parameter may be used to indicate the period corresponding to the second time-domain resource.

[0049] Thirdly, a communication device is provided, which may be a first network-side device (such as a network device that implements the corresponding functions of the first network-side device), or a communication module in a network device that implements the corresponding functions of the first network-side device, or a chip responsible for communication functions in a network device that implements the corresponding functions of the first network-side device, such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip) or a system-on-chip (SoC) or system-in-package (SIP) chip containing a modem module. It may also be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first network-side device.

[0050] The communication device may include a processing unit for acquiring first information. The processing unit is further configured to control a transceiver unit to transmit and / or receive sensing signals based on the first information. The first information may include a first time parameter and a time offset parameter. The first time parameter may be used to indicate the time of receiving the sensing signal, and the time offset parameter may be used to indicate the offset of the time of transmitting the sensing signal relative to the time of receiving the sensing signal. Alternatively, the first time parameter may be used to indicate the time of transmitting the sensing signal, and the time offset parameter may be used to indicate the offset of the time of receiving the sensing signal relative to the time of transmitting the sensing signal.

[0051] In one possible design, the first information can be determined by sensing the target location information and the QoS requirement information related to the sensing service.

[0052] In one possible design, where the first time parameter is used to indicate the time of receiving the sensing signal and the time offset parameter is used to indicate the offset of the time of transmitting the sensing signal relative to the time of receiving the sensing signal, the processing unit is further configured to: control the transceiver unit to receive the sensing signal according to the first time parameter, and / or control the transceiver unit to transmit the sensing signal according to the first time parameter and the time offset parameter.

[0053] In one possible design, where the first time parameter is used to indicate the time of transmitting the sensing signal and the time offset parameter is used to indicate the offset of the time of receiving the sensing signal relative to the time of transmitting the sensing signal, the processing unit is further configured to: control the transceiver unit to transmit the sensing signal according to the first time parameter, and / or control the transceiver unit to receive the sensing signal according to the first time parameter and the time offset parameter.

[0054] In one possible design, the first information may include N first time parameters and one time offset parameter, where N is a positive integer. The time offset parameter can be associated with the N first time parameters.

[0055] In one possible design, the first information may include N first time parameters and M time offset parameters, where M is a positive integer less than N. Any one of the M time offset parameters may be associated with some of the N first time parameters.

[0056] In one possible design, the first information may include N first time parameters and N time offset parameters. There is a one-to-one correspondence between the N time offset parameters and the N first time parameters.

[0057] In one possible design, the first information may further include a CP length parameter. This CP length parameter can be used to indicate the CP length corresponding to the sensing signal. When the first time parameter is used to indicate the time of receiving the sensing signal, and the time offset parameter is used to indicate the offset of the time of transmitting the sensing signal relative to the time of receiving the sensing signal, the processing unit is further configured to: control the transceiver unit to transmit the sensing signal based on the first time parameter, the CP length parameter, and the time offset parameter. Alternatively, when the first time parameter is used to indicate the time of transmitting the sensing signal, and the time offset parameter is used to indicate the offset of the time of receiving the sensing signal relative to the time of transmitting the sensing signal, the processing unit is further configured to: control the transceiver unit to receive the sensing signal based on the first time parameter, the CP length parameter, and the time offset parameter.

[0058] In one possible design, the first information may include a CP length parameter. A CP length parameter can be associated with N first time parameters.

[0059] In one possible design, the first information may include P CP length parameters, where P is a positive integer less than N. Any one of the P CP length parameters is associated with a portion of the N first time parameters.

[0060] In one possible design, the first information may include N CP length parameters. There is a one-to-one correspondence between the N CP length parameters and the N first time parameters.

[0061] In one possible design, the time offset parameter can be represented in any of the following ways: a first number of frames, subframes, time slots, or symbols; a first duration, wherein the first duration can be determined based on SCS; a preset duration; a second duration, wherein the second duration can be determined based on a duration threshold; or, a third duration, wherein the third duration can be determined based on TA.

[0062] In one possible design, the first duration can be the reciprocal of the SCS. Alternatively, the first duration can be K times the reciprocal of the SCS, where K is an integer.

[0063] In one possible design, the first time parameter may include any of the following parameters: a time-domain resource parameter; a first index, wherein the first index can be used to indicate a frame format, and the frame format can be used to indicate a time slot used by the sensing signal; a second index, wherein the second index is used to indicate a time slot format, and the time slot format can be used to indicate a symbol used by the sensing signal; or, a bitmap, wherein the value of the first bit in the bitmap can be used to indicate whether the frame, subframe, time slot, or symbol corresponding to the first bit is used for the sensing signal, and the first bit can be any bit in the bitmap.

[0064] In one possible design, the time-domain resource parameters may include: one or more time unit identifiers; or, one or more time unit identifiers, and a first identifier and / or a first period parameter; or, a start time unit identifier and a fourth duration; or, a start time unit identifier and a second period parameter; or, a start time unit identifier, a fourth duration, and a second period parameter. The first identifier may be used to indicate a first time-domain resource. This first time-domain resource may include time units corresponding to one or more time unit identifiers. The first period parameter may be used to indicate the period corresponding to one or more time unit identifiers. The start time unit identifier may be used to indicate the starting position of the second time-domain resource. The fourth duration may be the duration of the second time-domain resource. The second period parameter may be used to indicate the period corresponding to the second time-domain resource.

[0065] Fourthly, a communication device is provided. This communication device can be a second network-side device (such as a network device implementing the corresponding functions of the second network-side device), or a communication module within the network device implementing the corresponding functions of the second network-side device, or a chip responsible for communication functions within the network device implementing the corresponding functions of the second network-side device, such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip) or a SoC or SIP chip containing a modem module. It can also be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second network-side device. The communication device may include: a processing unit for determining first information; and a transceiver unit for transmitting the first information. The first information may include a first time parameter and a time offset parameter. The first time parameter may be used to indicate the time of receiving a sensing signal, and the time offset parameter may be used to indicate the offset of the time of transmitting the sensing signal relative to the time of receiving the sensing signal. Alternatively, the first time parameter may be used to indicate the time of transmitting the sensing signal, and the time offset parameter may be used to indicate the offset of the time of receiving the sensing signal relative to the time of transmitting the sensing signal.

[0066] In one possible design, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive second information. The second information may include the location information of the sensing target and QoS requirement information related to the sensing service. The processing unit is further configured to determine one or more pieces of first information based on the location information of the sensing target and the QoS requirement information related to the sensing service.

[0067] In one possible design, the first information may include N first time parameters and one time offset parameter, where N is a positive integer. The time offset parameter can be associated with the N first time parameters.

[0068] In one possible design, the first information may include N first time parameters and M time offset parameters, where M is a positive integer less than N. Any one of the M time offset parameters may be associated with some of the N first time parameters.

[0069] In one possible design, the first information may include N first time parameters and N time offset parameters. There is a one-to-one correspondence between the N time offset parameters and the N first time parameters.

[0070] In one possible design, the first information may also include a CP length parameter. This CP length parameter can be used to indicate the CP length corresponding to the sensing signal.

[0071] In one possible design, the first information may include a CP length parameter. A CP length parameter can be associated with N first time parameters.

[0072] In one possible design, the first information may include P CP length parameters, where P is a positive integer less than N. Any one of the P CP length parameters is associated with a portion of the N first time parameters.

[0073] In one possible design, the first information may include N CP length parameters. There is a one-to-one correspondence between the N CP length parameters and the N first time parameters.

[0074] In one possible design, the time offset parameter can be represented in any of the following ways: a first number of frames, subframes, time slots, or symbols; a first duration, wherein the first duration can be determined based on SCS; a preset duration; a second duration, wherein the second duration can be determined based on a duration threshold; or, a third duration, wherein the third duration can be determined based on TA.

[0075] In one possible design, the first duration can be the reciprocal of the SCS. Alternatively, the first duration can be K times the reciprocal of the SCS, where K is an integer.

[0076] In one possible design, the first time parameter may include any of the following parameters: a time-domain resource parameter; a first index, wherein the first index can be used to indicate a frame format, and the frame format can be used to indicate a time slot used by the sensing signal; a second index, wherein the second index is used to indicate a time slot format, and the time slot format can be used to indicate a symbol used by the sensing signal; or, a bitmap, wherein the value of the first bit in the bitmap can be used to indicate whether the frame, subframe, time slot, or symbol corresponding to the first bit is used for the sensing signal, and the first bit can be any bit in the bitmap.

[0077] In one possible design, the time-domain resource parameters may include: one or more time unit identifiers; or, one or more time unit identifiers, and a first identifier and / or a first period parameter; or, a start time unit identifier and a fourth duration; or, a start time unit identifier and a second period parameter; or, a start time unit identifier, a fourth duration, and a second period parameter. The first identifier may be used to indicate a first time-domain resource. This first time-domain resource may include time units corresponding to one or more time unit identifiers. The first period parameter may be used to indicate the period corresponding to one or more time unit identifiers. The start time unit identifier may be used to indicate the starting position of the second time-domain resource. The fourth duration may be the duration of the second time-domain resource. The second period parameter may be used to indicate the period corresponding to the second time-domain resource.

[0078] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, which may be a first network-side device (such as a network device that implements the corresponding functions of the first network-side device), or a communication module in a network device that implements the corresponding functions of the first network-side device, or a chip responsible for communication functions in a network device that implements the corresponding functions of the first network-side device, such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip) or a SoC or SIP chip containing a modem module. It may also be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first network-side device.

[0079] The communication device may include: a processor for executing a computer program (or computer-executable instructions) stored in a memory, and / or causing the device to perform the methods as described in the first aspect and various possible implementations of the first aspect via logic circuitry.

[0080] In one possible implementation, the device also includes a memory.

[0081] In one possible implementation, the processor and memory are integrated together.

[0082] In another possible implementation, the aforementioned memory is located outside the communication device.

[0083] In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes a communication interface for communicating with other devices, such as transmitting or receiving data and / or signals. Exemplarily, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, or other type of communication interface.

[0084] Sixthly, a communication device is provided. This communication device can be a second network-side device (such as a network device implementing the corresponding functions of the second network-side device), or a communication module within a network device implementing the corresponding functions of the second network-side device, or a chip responsible for communication functions within a network device implementing the corresponding functions of the second network-side device, such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip) or a SoC or SIP chip containing a modem module. It can also be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second network-side device. The communication device may include: a processor for determining first information; and a transceiver for transmitting the first information. The first information may include a first time parameter and a time offset parameter. The first time parameter may be used to indicate the time of receiving a sensing signal, and the time offset parameter may be used to indicate the offset of the time of transmitting the sensing signal relative to the time of receiving the sensing signal. Alternatively, the first time parameter may be used to indicate the time of transmitting the sensing signal, and the time offset parameter may be used to indicate the offset of the time of receiving the sensing signal relative to the time of transmitting the sensing signal.

[0085] The communication device may include: a processor for executing a computer program (or computer-executable instructions) stored in a memory, and / or causing the device to perform the methods as described in the second aspect and various possible implementations of the second aspect via logic circuitry.

[0086] In one possible implementation, the device also includes a memory.

[0087] In one possible implementation, the processor and memory are integrated together.

[0088] In another possible implementation, the aforementioned memory is located outside the communication device.

[0089] In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes a communication interface for communicating with other devices, such as transmitting or receiving data and / or signals. Exemplarily, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, or other type of communication interface.

[0090] In a seventh aspect, a communication system is provided, the system comprising: a first network-side device and a second network-side device, the first network-side device being configured to execute the methods of the first aspect and various possible implementations thereof, and the second network-side device being configured to execute the methods of the second aspect and various possible implementations thereof.

[0091] Eighthly, a chip is provided, comprising interface circuitry and one or more processors. The one or more processors are coupled to a memory. The memory stores part or all of a computer program or instructions necessary for implementing the functions described in the first and second aspects. The one or more processors are executable to carry out the computer program or instructions, which, when executed, cause the communication device to implement the methods in any possible design or implementation of the first and second aspects. The interface circuitry is used to implement communication functions within the communication device and / or communication functions between the communication device and other devices or components.

[0092] Ninthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided. The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions; when the computer instructions are executed on a computer, the computer causes the computer to perform a communication method as designed in any of the foregoing aspects.

[0093] A tenth aspect provides a computer program product. The computer program product includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform a communication method as designed in any of the foregoing aspects.

[0094] The beneficial effects of the methods in any of the second to tenth aspects mentioned above can be referred to the description of the beneficial effects of the methods in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0095] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system used in an embodiment of this application;

[0096] Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating the functional segmentation of the communication protocol between a BBU and an RRU, provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0097] Figure 3 This application provides a schematic diagram of a wireless access network architecture.

[0098] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another wireless access network architecture provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0099] Figure 5 This application provides a schematic diagram illustrating the functional division of an access network device.

[0100] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a sensing scene provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0101] Figure 7 This is another schematic diagram of a sensing scene provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0102] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating uplink and downlink latency references for embodiments of this application.

[0103] Figure 9 This application provides a schematic diagram of a communication scenario.

[0104] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of a network architecture provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0105] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0106] Figure 12 A time-domain schematic diagram of transmitting and receiving sensing signals provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0107] Figure 13 A time-domain schematic diagram of another method for transmitting and receiving sensing signals provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0108] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0109] Figure 15This is a schematic diagram of another communication scenario provided by an embodiment of this application;

[0110] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of another network architecture provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0111] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0112] Figure 18 A schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0113] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0114] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system 1000 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 As shown, the communication system 1000 includes a radio access network (RAN) 100, wherein the RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (e.g., Figure 1 110a and 110b, collectively referred to as 110, may also include at least one terminal (such as...). Figure 1 RAN100, denoted as RAN100, comprises RAN nodes 120a-120j, collectively referred to as RAN120. RAN100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay equipment and / or wireless backhaul equipment. Figure 1 (Not shown in the image). Terminal 120 is wirelessly connected to RAN node 110. Terminals and RAN nodes can be interconnected via wired or wireless means. Communication system 1000 may also include core network 200. RAN node 110 is connected to core network 200 via wireless or wired means. The core network equipment in core network 200 and RAN node 110 in RAN 100 can be independent physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating the logical functions of core network equipment and RAN node. Communication system 1000 may also include Internet 300.

[0115] RAN100 can be an evolved universal terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA) system, a new radio (NR) system, a future communications network, or a future radio access system as defined in the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP). RAN100 can also include two or more of the above-mentioned different radio access systems. RAN100 can also be an open RAN (O-RAN).

[0116] RAN nodes, also known as radio access network equipment, RAN entities, or access nodes, are used to help terminals access communication systems wirelessly. In one application scenario, an RAN node can be a base station (BS), an evolved NodeB (eNodeB / eNB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a generation NodeB (gNB) in a 5th generation (5G) mobile communication system, a future base station in a future communication network, or a base station in a future mobile communication system. RAN nodes can also be macro base stations (such as...) Figure 1 110a in the text), can also be a micro base station or an indoor station (such as... Figure 1 110b in the table can also be a relay node or a master node.

[0117] In another application scenario, multiple RAN nodes can collaborate to help terminals achieve wireless access, with different RAN nodes implementing different functions of the base station. For example, a RAN node can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), or a radio unit (RU). An RU can also be called a radio frequency unit. Here, the CU performs the functions of the base station's radio resource control protocol and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP), and can also perform the functions of the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP). The DU performs the functions of the base station's radio link control layer and medium access control (MAC) layer, and can also perform some or all of the physical layer functions. For specific descriptions of these protocol layers, refer to the relevant 3GPP technical specifications. The RU can be used to implement radio frequency signal transmission and reception. The CU and DU can be two independent RAN nodes, or they can be integrated into the same RAN node, such as within a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio frequency equipment, such as remote radio units (RRUs) or active antenna units (AAUs). CUs can be further divided into two types of RAN nodes: CU-control plane and CU-user plane.

[0118] In different systems, RAN nodes may have different names. For example, in an open radio access network (O-RAN) system, a CU can be called an open CU (O-CU), a DU can be called an open DU (O-DU), and an RU can be called an open RU (O-RU). The RAN nodes in the embodiments of this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules. For example, an RAN node can be a server loaded with the corresponding software modules. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the RAN nodes. For ease of description, a base station is used as an example of a RAN node in the following description.

[0119] A terminal is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities, capable of sending signals to or receiving signals from a base station. Terminals can also be called terminal equipment, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. Terminals can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, etc. Terminals can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the terminal.

[0120] In some examples, the core network 200 may include any core network device such as the access and mobility management function (AMF) entity, the session management function (SMF) entity, the user plane function (UPF) entity, the sensing service control function (SSCF), the sensing data processing function (SDPF), and the unified data management (UDM).

[0121] Base stations and terminals can be fixed 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 be deployed on aircraft, balloons, and satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios of the base stations and terminals.

[0122] The roles of base stations and terminals can be relative, for example, Figure 1The helicopter or drone 120i can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 120j accessing the wireless access network 100 via 120i, terminal 120i is a base station; however, for base station 110a, 120i is a terminal, meaning that 110a and 120i communicate via a wireless air interface protocol. Of course, 110a and 120i can also communicate via a base station-to-base station interface protocol; in this case, 120i is also a base station relative to 110a. Therefore, both base stations and terminals can be collectively referred to as communication devices. Figure 1 The 110a and 110b in the text can be referred to as communication devices with base station functions. Figure 1 The 120a-120j in the text can be referred to as communication devices with terminal functions.

[0123] Communication between base stations and terminals, between base stations, and between terminals can be conducted using licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, or both simultaneously. Communication can be conducted using spectrum below 6 GHz, spectrum above 6 GHz, or both simultaneously. The embodiments of this application do not limit the spectrum resources used for wireless communication.

[0124] In the embodiments of this application, the functions of the base station can be executed by modules (such as chips) within the base station, or by a control subsystem that includes base station functions. This control subsystem, including base station functions, can be a control center in the aforementioned application scenarios such as smart grids, industrial control, intelligent transportation, and smart cities. Similarly, the functions of the terminal can be executed by modules (such as chips or modems) within the terminal, or by a device that includes terminal functions.

[0125] In a wireless communication system, communication devices are included, and these devices can communicate wirelessly using air interface resources. These communication devices can include network devices and terminal devices; network devices can also be called base station devices, i.e., the wireless access network devices mentioned above. Air interface resources can include at least one of time-domain resources, frequency-domain resources, code resources, and spatial resources. These communication devices can also be called communication apparatuses.

[0126] The solutions provided in this application can be applied to wireless communication between communication devices. Wireless communication can include: wireless communication between network devices and terminals, wireless communication between network devices, and wireless communication between terminals. In this application, the term "wireless communication" can also be simply referred to as "communication," and the term "communication" can also be described as "data transmission," "information transmission," or "transmission."

[0127] In global system for mobile communications (GSM), wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), long term evolution (LTE), and 5G systems, base stations can be deployed by dividing them into two functional entities: a base unit (BBU) and a radio frequency unit (RRU), according to a bottom-layer partitioning method. This bottom-layer partitioning method can be a partitioning of the physical layer and the radio frequency (RF) portion. It is understood that in the various embodiments of this application, "partitioning" and "division" can be used interchangeably. The BBU is connected to one or more RRUs via optical fiber, metallic cabling, or microwave links. The BBU primarily performs centralized upper-layer processing of baseband signals. The RRU primarily performs baseband signal reception and transmission, as well as RF signal modulation and demodulation, data processing, and power amplification. The RRU is closer to the antenna, resulting in lower feeder loss. In some cases, the RRU can also be called an RU or an AAU. The interface between the BBU and RRU can be called a fronthaul interface or a bottom-layer partitioning interface.

[0128] refer to Figure 2 The diagram illustrates a functional division of the communication protocol between a BBU and an RRU. In related technologies, the interface between the BBU and RRU can use the Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI) protocol for communication. The CPRI protocol defines the key communication interface specifications for communication between radio equipment control (REC) and radio equipment (RE) in a wireless communication network. For example, the REC can be considered the aforementioned BBU, and the radio equipment can be considered the aforementioned RRU. Figure 2As can be seen, the CPRI interface allocates the radio frequency (RF) layer functions to RRU 1, and the physical (PHY) layer and above protocol layer functions to BBU 1. The PHY layer can be further divided into high PHY and low PHY. High PHY can also be called High PHY, and low PHY can also be called Low PHY. Protocol layer functions above the PHY layer can include the radio resource control (RRC) layer, SDAP layer, PDCP layer, radio link control (RLC) layer, and MAC layer.

[0129] The amount of data transmitted between the BBU's PHY layer and the RRU's RF layer is directly related to the antenna array size. The splitting method specified by the CPRI protocol results in excessively large data volumes on the fronthaul interface, making it unsuitable for scenarios with large-scale antenna arrays. For example, suppose a 9.8 gigabits per second (Gbps) fiber carries two 4-transmit, 4-receive (4T4R) antennas on a CPRI-compliant fronthaul interface, along with a cell with a 20 MHz wireless bandwidth. Then, for a cell with 64 antennas and a 100 MHz bandwidth, approximately 32 9.8 Gbps fibers would need to be deployed on the CPRI interface.

[0130] Some proposals have suggested an evolution of the CPRI protocol, namely an enhanced CPRI protocol, denoted as eCPRI. (See also...) Figure 2 The eCPRI protocol further refines the communication protocol for wireless networks, such as dividing the PHY layer into a higher PHY layer and a lower PHY layer. The lower PHY layer is deployed in the RRU, while the higher PHY layer is deployed in the BBU. Furthermore, the interface specification between the BBU and RRU, i.e., between the higher and lower PHY layers, has been redefined. The eCPRI protocol transforms the interface between the BBU and RRU from the RF layer-PHY layer interface specified in the CPRI protocol to an interface between the higher and lower PHY layers. This converts the original fiber optic communication between the RF layer and PHY layer into communication within the RRU's internal board or field-programmable gate array (FPGA) chip. Moreover, the data dimension of the communication between the BBU's higher PHY layer and the RRU's lower PHY layer is reduced, no longer directly related to the antenna array size on the RRU.

[0131] The splitting method used in the aforementioned CPRI or eCPRI interfaces allows the BBU to process baseband signals in a highly centralized manner. This enables centralized deployment of computing resources, resulting in high resource utilization and low deployment costs. However, it also places a significant demand on fronthaul link bandwidth, leading to higher fiber optic deployment costs.

[0132] refer to Figure 3 The diagram illustrates a novel RAN architecture potentially applicable to communication systems. This architecture reclassifies base station functions into RU functions, radio network area (RNA) functions, and RNA automation functions. The RNA and RU functions communicate via a low-layersplit (LLS) interface, and the RU function can establish a RAN-UE interface for communication with the terminal. The RNA function communicates with the core network (CN) via the RAN-CN interface. The RAN automation function manages the RU and RNA functions through a network function (NF) management interface. The RAN automation function is controlled through network management. In this architecture, the RU function can be viewed as the aforementioned RRU or AAU, and the RNA function as the aforementioned BBU.

[0133] In related technologies, to reduce the pressure on fronthaul link bandwidth and deployment costs caused by lower-level segmentation methods, 3GPP has proposed a base station function partitioning method. For example, for gNBs in 5G, a higher-level segmentation method is adopted, splitting the base station into two functional entities such as CU and DU. The midhaul link between CU and DU has lower network bandwidth requirements. Figure 4 The illustrated radio access network is divided into CU and DU. For example, an access network device can be a gNB, which can consist of CU and DU. Of course, DU can include one or more, but this embodiment does not limit this. The gNB can communicate with the core network elements of the 5G core network (5GC) through the next generation (NG) interface. Different gNBs can communicate with each other through the Xn interface, for example, through the Xn-control (C) interface. The CU can communicate with different DUs through the F1 interface.

[0134] In this case, the functional decomposition between CU and DU in access network equipment can be achieved using a static decomposition method, with a fixed division based on the functional granularity of the protocol stack. For example... Figure 5As shown, the protocol stacks such as the RLC layer, MAC layer, and PHY layer can be located in the DU of the access network device. The MAC layer can also be called Media Access Control, etc., which is not limited to this embodiment. The protocol stacks such as the RRC layer, SDAP layer, and PDCP layer can be located in the CU of the access network device. RRC implements air interface radio resource and air interface connection control, belonging to the control plane (CP) protocol; SDAP performs the mapping between quality of service flow (QoS-flow) and data radio bearer (DRB), belonging to the user plane (UP) protocol. QoS-flow represents a service data flow with specific quality of service (QoS) requirements.

[0135] pass Figure 5 It can be seen that for the DU, both the control plane protocol stack and the user plane protocol stack involve RLC, MAC, and PHY. For the CU, PDCP is applicable to both the control plane protocol stack and the user plane protocol stack, RRC corresponds to the control plane protocol stack, and SDAP corresponds to the user plane protocol stack. For executing control plane protocol stack functions, the CU and DU can communicate via the F1-C interface; for executing user plane protocol stack functions, the CU and DU can communicate via the F1-user (user)U interface. Based on the separation of CU and DU, the CU of the access network device can also have separate CP and UP units. The CP of the CU of the access network device can be denoted as gNB-CU-CP, and the UP of the CU of the access network device can be denoted as gNB-CU-UP. The PDCP layer protocol exists in both the gNB-CU-CP and gNB-CU-UP units, while the RRC layer is located above the PDCP layer in the gNB-CU-CP unit, and the SDAP layer is located above the PDCP layer in the gNB-CU-UP unit.

[0136] The RLC layer can provide transparent data transmission as well as non-deterministic and deterministic data transmission modes. The MAC layer is primarily responsible for controlling and connecting the physical media of the physical layer. The PHY layer is responsible for the transmission of bits or groups of bits over the physical medium, including encoding the transmitted information and decoding the received information.

[0137] In scenarios involving integrated communication and sensing (or communication-sensing integration, communication-sensing integration, or synergy-sensing integration), device A can send both communication and sensing signals. For sensing signals, there are two scenarios: self-transmission and self-reception, and self-transmission and external reception. For example, device B can receive sensing signals sent by device A, or device B can receive the echo signal of a sensing signal sent by device A, in order to sense and identify possible objects in the surrounding environment. Figure 6 As shown, taking gNB1 sending a sensing signal as an example, the receiver of the sensing signal can be a terminal or gNB2. Alternatively, device A can receive the echo of its own transmitted sensing signal and perform signal processing on the echo to sense and identify possible objects in the surrounding environment. Figure 7 As shown, taking gNB3 transmitting sensing signals as an example, the receiver of the sensing signals can still be gNB3. This is understandable. Figure 6 , Figure 7 This example only illustrates the scenario where a network device sends a sensing signal. In other examples, a terminal may also send a sensing signal. The network device may receive the sensing signal sent by the terminal, or it may receive the echo signal of the sensing signal sent by the terminal.

[0138] For communication signals, the RU can transmit and / or receive communication signals according to the uplink and downlink resource configurations in a specific frame structure. For example, frame identifiers, subframe identifiers, slot identifiers, symbol identifiers, and resource block (RB) identifiers can be used to instruct the RU to transmit downlink sensing signals and / or receive uplink sensing signals (or echo signals of sensing signals) on the time-frequency resources indicated by the aforementioned identifiers. For example, the frame structure can represent the time-domain resource location used by the RU to transmit signals over the air interface. A frame structure can consist of multiple subframes, slots, and / or symbols. Assuming a subframe is configured as a unit, uplink subframes, downlink subframes, and special subframes can be set. Among them, special subframes can be some subframes that can be dynamically configured as uplink or downlink subframes according to actual conditions. Of course, in other examples, resources can also be configured using units such as symbols, frames, and slots, which can be set according to actual conditions. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0139] refer to Figure 8 As shown, the access network equipment may include DU and RU as an example. Of course, it may also include CU, but this embodiment does not limit it. The fronthaul link between DU and RU has communication delays, such as T12 and T34. And these delays fluctuate. Furthermore, the data processing within the RU also has certain delays, such as T2a and Ta3. These delays may also fluctuate.Figure 8 Assuming the location of the DU sending data is R1 and the location of the RU receiving data is R2, the transmission delay of the DU sending data to the RU can be denoted as T12. Similarly, the location of the RU sending data is R3 and the location of the DU receiving data is R4. The transmission delay of the RU sending data to the DU can be denoted as T34. Due to the fluctuation of these delays, the data in the fronthaul link between the RU and DU cannot be received at a fixed time. Therefore, in related technologies, the O-RAN and eCPRI 2.0 protocols propose a delay management model for the fronthaul interface to ensure that the DU and RU can accurately receive the data sent on the fronthaul interface.

[0140] The aforementioned delay management model typically uses the antenna interface Ra of the RU as a reference point. The air interface reception time of the uplink signal at Ra is used as the reference time for uplink signal processing, and the air interface transmission time of the downlink signal at Ra is used as the reference time for downlink signal processing. The arrival time of data at other locations such as R1, R2, R3, and R4 can be the time corresponding to Ra. T1a represents the time interval from when the DU transmits data at R1 until it transmits the data (such as the downlink signal obtained after internal processing by the RU) to the air interface at Ra. T1a can be equal to the sum of T12 and T2a. T2a can be considered the time interval after the RU receives data at R2, processes the data internally, and transmits the processed downlink signal at Ra. Similarly, Ta3 can be considered the time interval after the RU receives the uplink signal at Ra, processes the uplink signal internally, and transmits the processed data at R3. Ta4 is similar to T1a; Ta4 can be equal to the sum of Ta3 and T34. Ta4 represents the time interval from when the RU receives the uplink signal at Ra until the DU receives the data obtained after processing the uplink signal inside the RU at R4.

[0141] Referring to Table 1, the possible parameters corresponding to each delay in uplink and downlink are given.

[0142] Table 1

[0143]

[0144] Table 1 uses O-DU and O-RU in the O-RAN scenario, as well as the eCPRI protocol, as examples. Other examples can also be applied to non-O-RAN scenarios such as DU and RU; this application's embodiments are not limited to these.

[0145] The above configuration is typically for communication signals. During the transmission of communication signals, the timing of downlink communication signal transmission over the air interface and the timing of uplink communication signals from the air interface can usually be configured in this way. However, in sensing scenarios, uplink sensing signals may be echoes of downlink sensing signals. Network devices cannot accurately control when this echo signal is received, therefore, unlike communication signals, the time-domain resources for receiving uplink sensing signals cannot be configured independently. In some cases, if the time-domain resources used for downlink sensing signal transmission are considered for receiving uplink sensing signals, the reception time window will be too large. This is generally understood as the time-domain resources having the same identifier, not necessarily the same time-domain resources used for transmitting downlink sensing signals. For example, if the RU transmits a downlink sensing signal at symbol #3, the RU can receive the uplink sensing signal at the next symbol #3. Therefore, the period between symbol #3 when the RU transmits the downlink sensing signal and symbol #3 when the RU receives the uplink sensing signal can be considered the uplink reception window. An excessively large window will increase the buffer requirements of the RU. Furthermore, this will cause the RU fronthaul link to send data in an excessively large time window, and consequently increase the buffering requirements of the RU as the sending side in the fronthaul link.

[0146] If the echo signal of the sensing signal takes longer to reach the RU, then if the uplink sensing signal is received according to the time domain resources of the downlink sensing signal transmission, there is a possibility that the RU cannot accurately receive the uplink sensing signal, which will affect the subsequent sensing results.

[0147] Therefore, this application provides a communication method that configures time parameters for receiving or transmitting sensing signals, as well as corresponding time offset parameters, to configure the time for transmitting and receiving sensing signals over the air interface for network devices. This allows network devices to receive sensing signals more accurately and reduces unnecessary time and resource overhead during reception.

[0148] The communication method and apparatus will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is understood that the embodiments of this application use the first and second logic units as examples of the execution entities in the interactive illustration, but this application does not limit the execution entities in the interactive illustration. For example, the first and second logic units can be network devices. The method executed by the network device in this application can also be implemented by modules (e.g., circuits, processors, chips, or chip systems) in the network device, or by logic nodes, logic modules, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the network device.

[0149] In the embodiments of this application, the term "wireless communication" can also be abbreviated as "communication", and the term "communication" can also be described as "data transmission", "information transmission" or "transmission".

[0150] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a communication scenario provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0151] like Figure 9 As shown, the access network device can be divided into multiple logical units such as RU 210, DU 220, and CU 230. Of course, the access network device may include one or more RU 210, one or more DU 220, and one or more CU 230. CU 230 is connected to 5GC 240 and is used to realize communication with the core network device. In various embodiments of this application, the core network device may also be referred to as a core network element.

[0152] Among them, 5GC 240 can be connected to multiple CU 230, one CU 230 can be connected to multiple DU 220, and one DU 220 can be connected to multiple RU 210.

[0153] The access network device can be a gNB. The access network device provides NR user plane and control plane protocol endpoints to the terminal and communicates with the 5GC 240 via the NG interface. The access network device is used to provide wireless network connectivity between the terminal and the core network.

[0154] The CU 230 can manage the RRC, SDAP, and PDCP layer protocols of access network devices and control one or more DU operations. The CU 230 communicates with the DU 220 via the F1 interface.

[0155] The DU 220 can host the RLC, MAC, and PHY layers of access network devices, and its operation is controlled by the CU 230. One DU 220 can support one or more cells, and one cell supports one DU 220.

[0156] The RU 210 can be referred to as a wireless unit, radio frequency unit, or radio frequency remote unit. Its main functions include receiving and transmitting baseband signals, as well as modulation and demodulation of radio frequency signals, data processing, and power amplification. The RU can be deployed close to the antenna, resulting in low feeder loss.

[0157] 5GC 240 may include one or more possible core network elements such as AMF entity, SMF entity, UPF entity, UDM entity, etc. 5GC and RAN together constitute the 5G network, providing users with service channels to connect to data networks and servers. Of course, 5GC 240 can also be replaced by the core network of future communication systems; this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0158] The RAN provides wireless network connectivity between the UE and the core network. The RAN can include access network equipment, such as gNBs. In some cases, "access network equipment" can refer to the entire RAN. RAN deployment can include centralized RAN (CRAN) and distributed RAN (DRAN). CRAN uses a separate BBU and RRU architecture, with each BBU located in a central equipment room, forming a BBU pool. It communicates with the RRUs via the fronthaul network. DRAN uses a distributed deployment of BBUs and RRUs. Each BBU is deployed separately in a rack, while the RRUs can be deployed together in the rack with the BBUs, or the RRUs can be deployed close to the antenna on a tower.

[0159] In some examples, RU 210, DU 220, and CU 230 can be deployed on the same physical device or on different physical devices. Alternatively, some logic units in RU 210, DU 220, and CU 230 may be deployed on the same physical device, while other logic units may be deployed on different physical devices. This embodiment of the application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0160] It is understandable that access network equipment can also include cases where it is split into two logical units. For example, if CU 230 and DU 220 are deployed on the same physical device, CU 230 and DU 220 can be regarded as a single logical unit. Alternatively, if DU 220 and RU 210 are deployed on the same physical device, DU 220 and RU 210 can be regarded as a single logical unit.

[0161] Of course, this application is not limited to the 5G network architecture; the embodiments of this application are also applicable to LTE networks and other possible future network architectures such as future communication networks. It should be understood that the embodiments of this application can be applied to any network architecture with communication connectivity capabilities.

[0162] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a network architecture provided for an embodiment of this application.

[0163] like Figure 10As shown, the embodiments of this application can be applied to this network architecture. This network architecture may include a first core network element and a second core network element located in the core network. For example, the first core network element can be used to handle sensing services. For instance, it may have functions such as initiating sensing services, basic configuration of sensing services, collection and processing of sensing data, and opening sensing service functions. The first core network element can be called a sensing function (SF) element. Alternatively, the first core network element can also be called a sensing function node, a sensing service function server, etc., which are not limited in the embodiments of this application. The second core network element can be an AMF (Awareness, Function, and Faith).

[0164] The network architecture may further include a first network-side device, a second network-side device, a third network-side device, and a fourth network-side device located in the access network. For example, the first network-side device may be the aforementioned RU, or gNB-RU, or RAN-RU. The second network-side device may be the aforementioned DU, or gNB-DU, or RAN-DU. The third network-side device may be the aforementioned CU, or gNB-CU, or RAN-CU. Of course, the BBU and RRU partitioning method shown in the foregoing examples can also be referenced, such as integrating the first and third network-side devices together. Alternatively, the CU and DU partitioning method can be used, i.e., integrating the first and second network-side devices together. The embodiments in this application are not limited herein.

[0165] In some examples, the fourth network-side device can be an access network device or logical unit used to provide services. For instance, the fourth network-side device is used to implement processing functions for sensing services or sensing signals, such as channel estimation of sensing signals and range-velocity-angle (RVA) spectrum estimation of sensing signals. The fourth network-side device can be called a service unit (SU), or an SU node, sensing service node, sensing service functional entity, etc. The name of the fourth network-side device is not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0166] pass Figure 10 It can be seen that the fourth network-side device has a communication interface for signal transmission with the first network-side device; for example, this interface can be called the S1 interface. The fourth network-side device has a data plane and / or control plane interface with the first core network element. In some examples, the fourth network-side device may also have a communication interface for signal transmission with the second network-side device; for example, this interface can be called the S2 interface. The fourth network-side device may also have a communication interface for signal transmission with the third network-side device. The third network-side device may have a data plane and / or control plane interface with the second core network element.

[0167] In some examples, the first network-side device and the second network-side device can communicate via LLS. The first network-side device and the third network-side device can have an F1 interface.

[0168] In various embodiments of this application, the network-side device may also be referred to as a logical unit, functional entity, logical entity, network-side device, etc., and the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto.

[0169] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided for an embodiment of this application.

[0170] This communication process may be applicable to, but is not limited to, the following: Figure 1 , Figure 9 In the communication scenario shown, and applicable to... Figure 10 The network architecture shown is illustrated. This method can be applied to LTE, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, LTE TDD, 5G systems, or NR systems, as well as future communication systems (such as future communication systems), and V2X. V2X can include vehicle-to-network (V2N), vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P), long-term evolution-vehicle (LTE-V), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), MTC, IoT, long-term evolution-machine (LTE-M), machine-to-machine (M2M), and device-to-device (D2D) wireless communication scenarios. The first, second, third, and fourth network-side devices involved in the embodiments of this application can be access network devices. The first network-side device, the second network-side device, the third network-side device, and / or the fourth network-side device can be deployed on the same access network device or on different access network devices; this application embodiment does not impose such a limitation. The first core network element and / or the second core network element can be deployed on the same core network device or on different core network devices; this application embodiment does not impose such a limitation.

[0171] The following embodiments of this application will be described using the example of a first network-side device RU, a second network-side device DU, a third network-side device CU, a fourth network-side device SU, a first core network element SF, and a second core network element AMF.

[0172] The method may include the following steps:

[0173] S101, the second network-side device determines the first information.

[0174] For example, the first information may include a first time parameter and a time offset parameter. For instance, the first time parameter may be used to indicate the moment when the sensing signal is received; this moment could be referred to as the second moment. The time offset parameter may be used to indicate the offset between the moment when the sensing signal is transmitted and the moment when the sensing signal is received. For example, if the moment when the sensing signal is transmitted can be referred to as the first moment, then the time offset parameter may be used to indicate the offset between the first moment and the second moment. Alternatively, the first time parameter may be used to indicate the moment when the sensing signal is transmitted, i.e., the first moment. The time offset parameter may be used to indicate the offset between the moment when the sensing signal is received and the moment when the sensing signal is transmitted. That is, in this case, the time offset parameter may be used to indicate the offset between the second moment and the first moment.

[0175] Understandably, the timing of transmitting / receiving signals in the various embodiments of this application can also be referred to as the time of transmitting / receiving signals.

[0176] In various embodiments of this application, the time offset parameter may also be referred to as offset or time offset (timeoffset), etc.

[0177] In some cases, receiving a sensing signal can be considered as receiving an uplink sensing signal. This uplink sensing signal can be the echo signal of the sensing signal.

[0178] In some embodiments, the third network-side device may send second information to the second network-side device. Correspondingly, the second network-side device may receive the second information from the third network-side device. For example, the second information may include sensing target location information and quality of service (QoS) requirement information related to the sensing service. The QoS requirement information may also be referred to as QoS demand information, sensing QoS requirements, sensing QoS requirements, etc., and is not limited thereto in this embodiment. The sensing target location information can be used to indicate the location of the sensing target corresponding to a certain sensing service, such as parameters like area identifier, cell identifier, coordinates, latitude and longitude. The QoS requirement information related to the sensing service may include requirements such as resolution, accuracy, and / or latency.

[0179] In various embodiments of this application, the identifier can be an identifier (ID) or an index.

[0180] In other examples, the second information may also include sensing resource information, such as communication resources for transmitting sensing signals. For instance, sensing resource information may include one or more of time-domain resources, frequency-domain resources, power-domain resources, spatial-domain resources, and code-domain resources. This information is used to instruct the RU to transmit and / or receive sensing signals at the corresponding resource locations. As another example, in a sensing scenario, if the sensing target is a terminal, the second information may also include timing advance (TA) information. This TA information can be considered as ensuring that the network device receives the uplink signal at the correct time; the terminal needs to transmit the uplink signal in advance of the time corresponding to the TA. For specific meanings, determination, and configuration methods related to TA, please refer to relevant technologies; these will not be elaborated further in this application.

[0181] The second network-side device can determine one or more pieces of first information based on the second information. For example, the second network-side device can determine one or more pieces of first information based on the location information of the sensing target and / or QoS requirement information related to the sensing service. For instance, the second network-side device can determine first information corresponding to different distances based on the distance between the location of the sensing target and its own device; and / or, the second network-side device can determine first information for different QoS requirements based on different QoS requirement information. It can be understood that, given that both the location information of the sensing target and the QoS requirement information related to the sensing service are referenced simultaneously, and there exist location 1, location 2, QoS requirement 1, and QoS requirement 2, there can be four different combinations, and the second network-side device determines the corresponding first information for each combination.

[0182] For example, the second network-side device can determine one or more first pieces of information based on one or more of the following: target location information, QoS requirements related to the sensing service, sensing resource information, and TA information. Similar to the previous example, the second network-side device can determine first information for different sensing resources based on different sensing resource information. Or, the second network-side device can determine the first information corresponding to each TA based on different TA information. Likewise, if the second network-side device determines the first information by referring to one or more of the target location information, QoS requirements related to the sensing service, sensing resource information, and TA information, then these one or more pieces of information can be arbitrarily combined, and the corresponding first information can be determined for each combination.

[0183] For example, the first information determined in the above example includes a first time parameter and a time offset parameter. That is, each combination can correspond to a first time information and a time offset parameter. Alternatively, different combinations can correspond to the same first time information, but each combination corresponds to a different time offset parameter. This application does not limit the scope of the embodiments.

[0184] It is understood that although the second information includes sensing resource information, when the sensing resource information includes time-domain resources, this time-domain resource can be considered a relatively broad one. For example, for a sensing signal, the second information can indicate the time-domain resources used by the sensing signal, while the first information can determine the time-domain resources of each sensing symbol in the sensing signal. Alternatively, the second information can indicate the total time-domain resources of multiple sensing signals. This application does not limit the scope of the embodiments described herein.

[0185] The embodiments of this application can combine the location information of the sensed target and / or QoS requirement information related to the sensed service to determine the first information. This enables more accurate transmission and reception timing to be configured for different sensed signals.

[0186] In some examples, the sensing signal may include multiple sensing symbols, such as N sensing symbols, where N is a positive integer. Then, the aforementioned one or more first pieces of information can be a single first piece of information, meaning that N sensing symbols share this single first piece of information. Alternatively, the aforementioned one or more first pieces of information can be M first pieces of information, where M is a positive integer less than N. This means that N sensing symbols share these M first pieces of information. For example, the N sensing symbols can be divided into M groups, with each group sharing one first piece of information. Different groups of sensing symbols use different first pieces of information. The number of sensing symbols included in different groups can be the same or different; this embodiment does not limit this. Furthermore, the aforementioned one or more first pieces of information can be N first pieces of information, meaning that each sensing symbol uses one first piece of information.

[0187] S102, the second network-side device sends first information to the first network-side device. Correspondingly, the first network-side device receives the first information from the second network-side device.

[0188] In some examples, the first information can also be pre-stored in the first network-side device, which can directly retrieve the pre-stored first information. In this case, S101 does not need to be executed. Therefore, S101 can be considered an optional step.

[0189] S103, the first network-side device sends and / or receives sensing signals according to the first information.

[0190] For example, the first network-side device can transmit a sensing signal at a first moment and / or receive a sensing signal at a second moment, based on the first information received in S101 or by retrieving pre-stored first information. The first moment can be considered the moment when the first network-side device transmits the sensing signal. The second moment can be considered the moment when the first network-side device receives the sensing signal (or the echo signal of the sensing signal).

[0191] In some examples, if a first time parameter is used to indicate the time when the sensing signal is transmitted, and a time offset parameter is used to indicate the offset of the time when the sensing signal is received relative to the time when the sensing signal is transmitted, then the first network-side device can transmit the sensing signal according to the first time parameter, such as the first time parameter indicating a first moment, so that the first network-side device transmits the sensing signal at the first moment. And / or, the first network-side device can receive the sensing signal according to the first time parameter and the time offset parameter. For example, if the first time parameter indicates a first moment, a second moment is determined by the first moment and the offset relative to the first moment, so that the first network-side device receives the sensing signal at the second moment. For example, the second moment can be the first moment plus the offset relative to the first moment to obtain the second moment.

[0192] In other examples, if the first time parameter is used to indicate the time of receiving the sensing signal, and the time offset parameter is used to indicate the offset of the time of transmitting the sensing signal relative to the time of receiving the sensing signal, then the first network-side device can transmit the sensing signal according to the first time parameter and the time offset parameter. For example, if the first time parameter indicates a second time, the first time is determined by the second time and the offset relative to the second time, so that the first network-side device transmits the sensing signal at the first time. For instance, the first time can be obtained by subtracting the offset relative to the second time from the second time. And / or, the first network-side device can receive the sensing signal according to the first time parameter. For example, if the first time parameter indicates a second time, the first network-side device receives the sensing signal at the second time.

[0193] In this application embodiment, whether the first time parameter indicates the time of receiving the sensing signal or the time of sending the sensing signal, the time offset parameter can be combined to accurately determine the time of sending the sensing signal or the time of receiving the sensing signal.

[0194] This application embodiment configures the time parameters for receiving or transmitting sensing signals, as well as the corresponding time offset parameters, to configure the network device for transmitting and receiving sensing signals over the air interface. This allows the network device to receive sensing signals more accurately and reduces unnecessary time and resource overhead during reception.

[0195] In the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application, there may be different combinations of the first time parameter and the time offset parameter included in the first information. The following will describe in more detail the scenarios corresponding to different combinations of the first time parameter and the time offset parameter.

[0196] Case 1: The first information includes N first time parameters and one time offset parameter.

[0197] In this scenario, one time offset parameter is associated with N first time parameters. That is, different first time parameters share the same time offset parameter. Assuming each first time parameter indicates the first moment of a sensing symbol, the second moment of each sensing symbol can be determined using the first time parameter corresponding to that sensing symbol and the same time offset parameter. Assuming there are 10 sensing symbols, the first time parameters indicate the first moment, and the first information can include 10 first time parameters and 1 time offset parameter. The 10 first time parameters can include first time parameter 1, first time parameter 2, ..., first time parameter 10. Then, for sensing symbol 1, the first network-side device can determine the first moment corresponding to sensing symbol 1 using first time parameter 1, and determine the second moment corresponding to sensing symbol 1 using first time parameter 1 and the time offset parameter. Similarly, the first network-side device can determine the first moment corresponding to sensing symbol 2 using first time parameter 2, and determine the second moment corresponding to sensing symbol 2 using first time parameter 2 and the time offset parameter. This process continues, determining the first and second moments for each of the 10 sensing symbols. Of course, the first time parameter can be used to indicate the second time, and a similar method can be used to determine the first time. The embodiments of this application will not be described in detail here.

[0198] This application embodiment can configure multiple first time parameters to share a single time offset parameter, which can reduce signaling overhead while accurately configuring the time for receiving or sending sensing signals.

[0199] Case 2: The first information includes N first time parameters and M time offset parameters.

[0200] In this scenario, any one of the M time offset parameters is related to a portion of the N first time parameters. That is, each time offset parameter corresponds to a portion of the N first time parameters. We can consider dividing the N first time parameters into M groups, each group containing one or more first time parameters, and each group corresponding to a time offset parameter. In other words, one or more first time parameters in a group correspond to the time offset parameters of that group. Assuming each first time parameter indicates the first moment of a sensing symbol, the second moment of each sensing symbol can be determined using the first time parameter corresponding to that sensing symbol and the time offset parameter corresponding to that first time parameter. Assuming there are 10 sensing symbols, and the first time parameters indicate the first moment, the first information can include 10 first time parameters and 5 time offset parameters. The 10 first time parameters can include first time parameter 1, first time parameter 2, ..., first time parameter 10. The 5 time offset parameters can include time offset parameter 1, time offset parameter 2, ..., time offset parameter 5. Assume that every two first time parameters correspond to one time offset parameter. For example, first time parameter 1 and first time parameter 2 correspond to time offset parameter 1, and first time parameter 3 and first time parameter 4 correspond to time offset parameter 2, and so on. Therefore, for sensing symbol 1, the first network-side device can determine the first moment corresponding to sensing symbol 1 using first time parameter 1, and determine the second moment corresponding to sensing symbol 1 using first time parameter 1 and time offset parameter 1. Similarly, the first network-side device can determine the first moment corresponding to sensing symbol 2 using first time parameter 2, and determine the second moment corresponding to sensing symbol 2 using first time parameter 2 and time offset parameter 1. Similarly, for sensing symbol 3, the first network-side device can determine the first moment corresponding to sensing symbol 3 using first time parameter 3, and determine the second moment corresponding to sensing symbol 3 using first time parameter 3 and time offset parameter 2. Likewise, the first network-side device can determine the first moment corresponding to sensing symbol 4 using first time parameter 4, and determine the second moment corresponding to sensing symbol 4 using first time parameter 4 and time offset parameter 2. This process is repeated for each of the 10 sensing symbols to determine its corresponding first and second moments. Of course, if the first time parameter is used to indicate the second moment, a similar method can be used to determine the first moment, which will not be elaborated further in this embodiment.

[0201] This application embodiment configures multiple time offset parameters, and each time offset parameter corresponds to one or more first time parameters, which not only ensures flexible configuration of the time for receiving or sending sensing signals, but also saves some signaling overhead.

[0202] Case 3: The first information includes N first time parameters and N time offset parameters.

[0203] In this case, there is a one-to-one correspondence between the N time offset parameters and the N first time parameters. That is, each first time parameter corresponds to one time offset parameter. The time offset parameters corresponding to different first time parameters can be the same or different, which is not limited in this embodiment. In this case, each first time parameter is independently configured with a time offset parameter. Assuming that each first time parameter is used to indicate the first moment of a sensing symbol, the second moment of each sensing symbol can be determined by the first time parameter corresponding to the sensing symbol and the time offset parameter corresponding to the sensing symbol. Assuming there are 10 sensing symbols, the first time parameters are used to indicate the first moment, and the first information can include 10 first time parameters and 10 time offset parameters. The 10 first time parameters can include first time parameter 1, first time parameter 2, ..., first time parameter 10. The 10 time offset parameters can include time offset parameter 1, time offset parameter 2, ..., time offset parameter 10. For sensing symbol 1, the first network-side device can determine the first time corresponding to sensing symbol 1 using the first time parameter 1, and determine the second time corresponding to sensing symbol 1 using the first time parameter 1 and the time offset parameter 1. Similarly, the first network-side device can determine the first time corresponding to sensing symbol 2 using the first time parameter 2, and determine the second time corresponding to sensing symbol 2 using the first time parameter 2 and the time offset parameter 2. This process continues, determining the first and second times for each of the 10 sensing symbols. Of course, if the first time parameter is used to indicate the second time, a similar method can be used to determine the first time, which will not be elaborated further in this embodiment.

[0204] The embodiments of this application can be configured to correspond one-to-one with the first time parameter and the time offset parameter, so as to configure the time for receiving or sending the sensing signal more flexibly.

[0205] In the communication method provided in this application embodiment, considering the need to avoid mutual interference between different symbols during the transmission of sensing symbols, a cyclic prefix (CP) can be introduced. That is, a CP is added before each symbol to avoid crosstalk between symbols. For details regarding the setting method and value of CP, please refer to related technologies; these details will not be elaborated upon here. When CP is introduced, the first information mentioned above may also include a CP length parameter. This CP length parameter indicates the CP length corresponding to the sensing signal. For example, the CP length parameter may include the CP length corresponding to each sensing symbol.

[0206] In some examples, if the first time parameter is used to indicate the time when the sensing signal is transmitted, and the time offset parameter is used to indicate the offset of the time when the sensing signal is received relative to the time when the sensing signal is transmitted, then the first network-side device can receive the sensing signal based on the first time parameter, the CP length parameter, and the time offset parameter. That is, the first network-side device can determine the second time based on the first time parameter, the CP length parameter, and the time offset parameter, and receive the sensing signal based on that second time. For example, the first time parameter indicates the first time; the second time can be obtained by adding the CP length parameter to the first time and then adding the time offset parameter.

[0207] In other examples, if the first time parameter is used to indicate the moment of receiving the sensing signal, and the time offset parameter is used to indicate the offset of the moment of transmitting the sensing signal relative to the moment of receiving the sensing signal, then the first network-side device can transmit the sensing signal based on the first time parameter, the CP length parameter, and the time offset parameter. That is, the first network-side device can determine a first moment based on the first time parameter, the CP length parameter, and the time offset parameter, and transmit the sensing signal based on that first moment. For example, if the first time parameter indicates a second moment, the first moment can be obtained by subtracting the CP length parameter from the second moment and then subtracting the time offset parameter.

[0208] In this application embodiment, when the first time parameter indicates the time of receiving the sensing signal or the time of sending the sensing signal, the timing of sending the sensing signal or receiving the sensing signal can be accurately determined by combining the CP length and time offset parameters, while avoiding interference between symbols.

[0209] In some embodiments, the first information may include a CP length parameter. This CP length parameter can then be associated with N first time parameters. Similar to Case 1 above, different first time parameters share the same CP length parameter. Combining Case 1, where different first time parameters share the same CP length parameter and the same time offset parameter, the difference from Case 1 is the introduction of the CP length parameter. Therefore, determining the first or second moment for each sensing symbol based on its corresponding first time parameter and the shared time offset parameter can be replaced by determining the first or second moment based on the sensing symbol's corresponding first time parameter, the shared CP length parameter, and the shared time offset parameter. For details, please refer to the corresponding description in Case 1; this embodiment will not be repeated here.

[0210] In other examples, the first information includes a CP length parameter, which can also be applied to cases 2 and 3, similar to the method applied to case 1 described above. The embodiments of this application will not be repeated here.

[0211] The embodiments of this application can configure multiple first time parameters to share a single CP length parameter, which can accurately configure the time for receiving or sending sensing signals while avoiding interference between symbols, and also reduces signaling overhead.

[0212] In some embodiments, the first information may include P CP length parameters. Then, any one of the P CP length parameters can be associated with a portion of the N first time parameters. Here, P is a positive integer less than N. Similar to case 2 above, each CP length parameter corresponds to a portion of the N first time parameters. It can be considered that the N first time parameters are divided into P groups, each group including one or more first time parameters, and each group corresponds to one CP length parameter. That is, one or more first time parameters in a group correspond to the CP length parameter of that group. It can be understood that the values ​​of P and M are independent of each other and do not have a strict size relationship. Assuming N is 10 and M is 5, P can be 2 or 8. Or P can also be 5. Even if P and M are the same, the corresponding sensing symbols (or first time parameters) are not necessarily the same. For example, sensing symbol 1 corresponds to first time parameter 1, sensing symbol 2 corresponds to first time parameter 2, and sensing symbol 3 corresponds to first time parameter 3. Sensing symbol 1 and sensing symbol 2 can correspond to time offset parameter 1, while sensing symbol 1 and sensing symbol 3 can correspond to CP length parameter 1. Of course, the above-mentioned values ​​of P, M, and N are only exemplary descriptions, and the embodiments of this application are not limited here.

[0213] The difference from Case 2 lies in the introduction of the CP length parameter. Therefore, determining the first or second moment for each sensing symbol based on its corresponding first time parameter and time offset parameter can be replaced by determining the first or second moment based on its corresponding first time parameter, CP length parameter, and time offset parameter. For details, please refer to the corresponding description in Case 2; this embodiment will not be repeated here.

[0214] In other examples, the first information includes P CP length parameters, which can also be applied to cases 1 and 3, similar to the above-described application to case 2. The embodiments of this application will not be described again here.

[0215] This application embodiment can configure multiple CP length parameters, and each CP length parameter corresponds to one or more first time parameters. This allows for flexible configuration of various CP lengths while accurately configuring the time for receiving or transmitting sensing signals. Furthermore, it can save on signaling overhead related to CP length configuration.

[0216] In some other embodiments, the first information may include N CP length parameters. There is a one-to-one correspondence between the N CP length parameters and the N first time parameters. Similar to case 3 above, each first time parameter is configured with a separate CP length parameter. Combining case 3, each first time parameter corresponds to a separate CP length parameter and a time offset parameter. The difference from case 3 is the introduction of CP length parameters. Therefore, determining the first or second moment for each sensing symbol based on its corresponding first time parameter and time offset parameter can be replaced by determining the first or second moment based on its corresponding first time parameter, CP length parameter, and time offset parameter. For details, please refer to the corresponding description in case 3; this embodiment will not be repeated here.

[0217] In other examples, the first information includes N CP length parameters, which can also be applied to Case 1 and Case 2, similar to the above-described application to Case 3. The embodiments of this application will not be described again here.

[0218] The embodiments of this application can be applied to scenarios where the first time parameter and the CP length parameter correspond one-to-one, so as to more accurately determine the time of receiving the sensing signal or the time of sending the sensing signal in such scenarios.

[0219] In the communication method provided in this application embodiment, the time offset parameter mentioned above can be represented in various forms. That is, the first information can indicate the time offset parameter through the following parameters.

[0220] In some embodiments, the time offset parameter can be represented by a first number of frames, subframes, time slots, or symbols. For example, the time offset parameter can indicate 5 frames, 10 symbols, or 3 time slots, etc., to represent the length of time that needs to be offset. The first number can be any positive integer.

[0221] In other embodiments, the time offset parameter can be represented by a first duration. For example, the first duration can be determined based on the sub-carrier spacing (SCS). The time offset parameter can be the reciprocal of the SCS, or it can be K times the reciprocal of the SCS. Therefore, the first duration can be considered related to the SCS, or to the reciprocal of the SCS. This application provides various methods for determining the time offset parameter based on the sub-carrier spacing, improving system compatibility.

[0222] In some other embodiments, the time offset parameter can be represented by a preset duration. For example, the time offset parameter can directly indicate a fixed duration. This fixed duration can be pre-configured or predefined by the protocol. Alternatively, a duration of 1 can be pre-configured or predefined by the protocol, and this preset duration is a multiple of duration 1, such as a preset duration of X times duration 1. Here, X is a positive real number.

[0223] In some embodiments, the time offset parameter can be represented by a second duration. For example, the second duration can be determined based on a duration threshold. For instance, a duration threshold can be pre-configured. The time offset parameter can be any value less than or equal to this duration threshold. The second network-side device can dynamically determine the time offset parameter based on information such as the perceived target location and perceived QoS requirements. However, it is necessary to ensure that the duration indicated by the time offset parameter is less than or equal to the duration threshold. Similarly, the time offset parameter can also be any value greater than or equal to the duration threshold, which will not be elaborated further in this application.

[0224] In other embodiments, the time offset parameter can be represented by a third duration. This third duration is determined based on the time interval (TA). For example, when the sensing target is a terminal, the time offset parameter can be determined based on the TA. For instance, the time offset parameter could be twice the TA.

[0225] In some other embodiments, the time offset parameter can be represented by a fourth duration. For example, the fourth duration is Y times the unit duration. The unit duration can be the duration of a symbol, time slot, subframe, or frame. That is, the fourth duration can be Y times the duration of a single symbol, time slot, subframe, or frame. Here, Y can be a positive real number.

[0226] This application provides various methods for indicating time offset parameters, so as to accurately indicate time offset parameters in different scenarios by using appropriate methods.

[0227] In the communication method provided in this application embodiment, the first time parameter mentioned above can be represented in various forms. That is, the first information can indicate the first time parameter through the following parameters.

[0228] In some embodiments, the first timing parameter can be represented by a time-domain resource parameter. For example, the time-domain resource parameter may include one or more time unit identifiers. These one or more time unit identifiers indicate the time-domain location where a sensed signal needs to be transmitted or received. In some examples, a time unit may include at least one of the following possible time units: a symbol, a time slot, a subframe, a frame, etc.

[0229] For example, time-domain resource parameters may include one or more time unit identifiers, and a first identifier. The first identifier can be used to indicate a first time-domain resource. This first time-domain resource may include the time units corresponding to the one or more time unit identifiers mentioned above. For instance, a time unit identifier can be a symbol identifier. One or more symbol identifiers can indicate one or more symbols. Then, the first identifier can indicate a frame, subframe, time slot, etc., containing the one or more symbols. The first identifier can be a frame identifier, time slot identifier, subframe identifier, etc.

[0230] For example, time-domain resource parameters may include one or more time unit identifiers and a first period parameter. The first period parameter can be used to indicate the period corresponding to one or more time unit identifiers. One or more time unit identifiers indicate one or more time units, and the first period parameter indicates the period corresponding to those one or more time units. This period can be called the first period. For example, if the time unit is a symbol, and assuming one or more symbol identifiers indicate symbol 1, symbol 3, and symbol 5, and the first period is one time slot, then sensing signals can be transmitted or received at the time-domain locations corresponding to symbols 1, 3, and 5, with one time slot as the period.

[0231] For example, time-domain resource parameters may include a start time unit identifier and a fourth duration. The start time unit identifier can indicate the starting position of the second time-domain resource. The fourth duration can be the duration of the second time-domain resource. For instance, the fourth duration can be represented by a certain number of time units. For example, the start time unit identifier indicates the starting symbol, and the fourth duration can indicate the number of continuous symbols. The second time-domain resource can be obtained from the starting symbol and the number of continuous symbols. This second time-domain resource can be a time-domain resource for transmitting or receiving sensed signals. Similarly, the start time unit identifier can also indicate the starting frame, subframe, time slot, etc., and correspondingly, the fourth duration can indicate the number of continuous frames, the number of continuous subframes, or the number of continuous time slots.

[0232] For example, time-domain resource parameters may include a start time unit identifier and a second period parameter. The second period parameter indicates the period corresponding to the second time-domain resource. This period can be referred to as the second period. In this case, the aforementioned fourth duration can be a pre-set or protocol-defined fixed duration. Therefore, the time-domain resource parameters may not need to indicate this fourth duration. For instance, according to the second period, the time-domain location of transmitting or receiving sensing signals within each period is determined by the starting symbol and the fixed duration.

[0233] For example, time-domain resource parameters may include a start time unit identifier, a fourth duration, and a second period parameter. The difference between this and the aforementioned time-domain resource parameters, which may include a start time unit identifier and a second period parameter, is that the fourth duration can be indicated separately. The implementation process is similar and will not be described in detail in this application's embodiments.

[0234] This application provides various methods for indicating time-domain resource parameters, so as to accurately indicate time-domain resource parameters in different scenarios using appropriate methods.

[0235] In other embodiments, the first time parameter can be represented by an absolute time value. This absolute time value can be a real-world time, such as a specific year, month, day, hour, minute, and second. The specific numerical precision can be selected according to the actual situation. This absolute time value can indicate the absolute time of transmitting or receiving the sensed signal.

[0236] In some other embodiments, the first timing parameter can be represented by a first index. This first index can be used to indicate the frame format. The frame format can be used to indicate the time slot used by the sensing signal. For example, the time slot location used by the sensing signal can be different in different frame formats. Different first indices correspond to different frame formats. Therefore, the time slot location used by the sensing signal can be indicated using less signaling.

[0237] In other embodiments, the first timing parameter can be represented by a second index. This second index can be used to indicate the time slot format. The time slot format can be used to indicate the symbols used by the sensing signal. For example, the symbol positions used by the sensing signal can be different in different time slot formats. Different second indices correspond to different time slot formats. Therefore, the symbol positions used by the sensing signal can be indicated using less signaling.

[0238] In some embodiments, the first timing parameter can be represented by a bitmap. The value of the first bit in the bitmap can indicate whether the frame, subframe, time slot, or symbol corresponding to that first bit is used for sensing signals. The first bit can be any bit in the bitmap. That is, each bit in the bitmap can indicate whether the frame, subframe, time slot, or symbol corresponding to that bit is used for sensing signals. For example, if the bitmap is 101101, with each bit corresponding to one symbol, assuming 1 indicates use for sensing signals and 0 indicates no use for sensing signals, then the bitmap can represent the symbols corresponding to the first, third, fourth, and sixth bits, used for transmitting or receiving sensing signals. The symbols corresponding to the remaining bits can be idle or used for transmitting or receiving other signals; this is not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0239] In this embodiment, if the parameters included in the first information cannot be adjusted after configuration, then the configuration of the first information is considered static. Alternatively, if the parameters included in the first information can be turned on or off after configuration, then the configuration of the first information is considered semi-static. Yet another example is that if the parameters included in the first information can be dynamically adjusted after configuration, then the configuration of the first information is considered dynamic.

[0240] For example, if a first-time parameter (or time-domain resource parameter) cannot be adjusted after being configured, then its configuration is considered static. Alternatively, if a first-time parameter (or time-domain resource parameter) can still be turned on or off after being configured, then its configuration is considered semi-static. And if a first-time parameter (or time-domain resource parameter) can be dynamically adjusted after being configured, then its configuration is considered dynamic.

[0241] For example, if the CP length parameter cannot be adjusted after being configured, then the configuration of the CP length parameter is considered static. Alternatively, if the CP length parameter can still be turned on or off after being configured, then the configuration of the CP length parameter is considered semi-static. Finally, if the CP can be dynamically adjusted after being configured, then the configuration of the CP length parameter is considered dynamic.

[0242] For example, if the time offset parameter cannot be adjusted after being configured, then the configuration of the time offset parameter is considered static. As another example, if the time offset parameter can still be turned on or off after being configured, then the configuration of the time offset parameter is considered semi-static. And if the time offset parameter can be dynamically adjusted after being configured, then the configuration of the time offset parameter is considered dynamic.

[0243] This application provides various representations of the first time parameter to accurately indicate the first time parameter in different scenarios using appropriate forms.

[0244] The aforementioned embodiments can also be applied to cross-DU scenarios, such as a sensing scenario where A transmits and B receives, where RUA and DU A have a communication connection, and RUB and DU B have a communication connection. Then, DU A and DU B can synchronize the first time parameter and time offset parameter via signaling. Optionally, the CP length parameter can also be synchronized to ensure that the sensing signal transmitted by RUA, or the echo signal of that sensing signal, can be accurately received by RUB.

[0245] The above scheme will now be described in conjunction with more specific embodiments.

[0246] refer to Figure 12As shown, the time-domain offset indicated by the time offset parameter between the first moment of transmitting the downlink sensing signal and the second moment of receiving the uplink sensing signal. Figure 12 Taking a symbol as the smallest unit in the time domain, a sensing signal can include multiple sensing symbols; that is, a sensing signal can be composed of multiple sensing symbols. Therefore, the first time step and the second time step of each sensing symbol can be determined. Figure 12 In the cases shown, it is assumed that the CP length is not considered, or that the CP length is not considered in the process of determining the first time point and the second time point. Figure 13 and Figure 12 Similarly, the difference lies in considering the CP length when determining the first and second time points. It can be seen that for each sensing symbol, the offset between the first and second time points includes the temporal offset corresponding to that symbol.

[0247] For specific implementation details, please refer to [the relevant documentation / reference]. Figure 14 The method shown.

[0248] This communication process may be applicable to, but is not limited to, the following: Figure 1 , Figure 9 In the communication scenario shown, and applicable to... Figure 10 The network architecture shown is illustrated. This method can be applied to LTE, LTE FDD, LTE TDD, 5G, or NR systems, as well as future communication systems (such as future communication systems), V2X (which can include V2N, V2V, V2I, V2P, etc.), LTE-V, vehicle-to-everything (V2X), MTC, IoT, LTE-M, M2M, D2D, and other wireless communication scenarios. This application embodiment uses a first network-side device RU, a second network-side device DU, a third network-side device CU, a fourth network-side device SU, a first core network element SF, and a second core network element AMF as an example for description. The method may include the following steps:

[0249] S201, SF sends a second message to AMF. Accordingly, AMF receives the second message from SF.

[0250] S202, the AMF sends a second message to the CU. Correspondingly, the CU receives the second message from the AMF.

[0251] For example, the SF can initiate a sensing service request (i.e., the second information) to the CU through the AMF. This sensing service request can carry the location of the sensing target, QoS requirement information corresponding to each sensing service, and sensing resource configuration information. The QoS requirement information can include required parameters such as the accuracy of the sensing results, the resolution of the sensing results, and the latency of the sensing services. In some examples, the QoS requirement information can also be called QoS demand information; this embodiment of the application does not limit this terminology.

[0252] S203, CU sends the second information to DU. Correspondingly, DU receives the second information from CU.

[0253] S204, DU determines the first information based on the second information.

[0254] For example, the DU can determine one or more first pieces of information based on information such as the perceived target location, perceived QoS requirements, perceived resource configuration, and optional TA information. For instance, the first pieces of information may include a first time parameter and a time offset parameter. The TA information can be provided to the DU by the CU, or it can be determined during the interaction between the DU and the terminal. The specific process of determining the TA can be found in relevant technical implementations, and will not be elaborated further in this embodiment.

[0255] For example, if the first time parameter indicates the first moment of transmitting the downlink sensing signal, then the time offset parameter can be used for receiving the uplink sensing signal. Similarly, if the first time parameter indicates the first moment of receiving the uplink sensing signal, then the time offset parameter can be used for transmitting the downlink sensing signal.

[0256] In some examples, the first timing parameter may include one or more symbol identifiers (such as symbol IDs) and optional information such as the frame ID, subframe ID, slot ID, and first period parameter to which the symbol belongs. For example, the first timing parameter may include a specific start time value, i.e., an absolute time value, for each symbol. Alternatively, the first timing parameter may include a frame format index to indicate the corresponding frame format. The frame format can be a protocol-defined frame format with different sensing slot ratios. Alternatively, the first timing parameter may include a slot format index to indicate the corresponding slot format. The slot format can be a protocol-defined slot format with different sensing symbol ratios.

[0257] For example, the first time parameter may include continuous time information at the frame, subframe, time slot, or symbol granularity (i.e., the fourth duration), or periodic continuous time information at the frame, subframe, time slot, or symbol granularity (i.e., the second period parameter). For instance, it may include the initial frame ID, subframe ID, time slot ID, or symbol ID, and the duration of the number of frames, subframes, time slots, or symbols. Alternatively, it may include the initial frame ID, subframe ID, time slot ID, or symbol ID, and the duration of the number of frames, subframes, time slots, or symbols, along with the second period. In some examples, the second period may also be represented by the duration of the number of frames, subframes, time slots, or symbols.

[0258] For example, the first time parameter may include a bitmap. Each bit, with a value of 0 or 1, can indicate whether the frame, subframe, time slot, or symbol corresponding to that bit is used to transmit sensing signals.

[0259] In some examples, the time offset parameter can be a time offset relative to the moment indicated by the first time parameter. In the air interface frame format, the transmission time of symbols in each frame, each subframe, and each time slot can be fixed. Therefore, determining the symbols used for the sensing signal can be equivalent to determining the transmission or reception time of the sensing signal.

[0260] In some examples, network devices can obtain the TA value through a random access procedure with the UE. The TA value can be understood as the signal transmission delay between the base station and the UE. Therefore, determining the time offset parameter of the sensing signal through the TA value is typically used in sensing service scenarios where the sensing target is a terminal.

[0261] In some embodiments, the DU can determine the number of symbols contained in the sensed signal, as well as multiple time offset parameters, in the following ways.

[0262] For example, the DU can predict the position of the sensed target over several symbol times and the distance between the sensed target and the network device based on the target's location movement information. The location movement information can be obtained through core network elements; specific implementation details can be found in relevant technologies, which will not be elaborated upon in this application. The DU knows its own location and can therefore determine the distance between itself and the sensed target based on its own position and the target's position. The DU can estimate the transmission time of the sensed signal based on the distance to the sensed target and the propagation speed of electromagnetic waves in the environment, thereby determining the time offset of the sensed signal reception time relative to the sensed signal transmission time. In some examples, the number of sensed symbols can be statically fixed, such as determined by a pre-defined frame format. Alternatively, the number of sensed symbols can be dynamically adjusted by the DU. For example, the DU can dynamically adjust the proportion of sensed symbols in the frame format based on QoS requirements such as the accuracy and resolution of the sensed task and the wireless resource usage of communication services. Alternatively, it can select a suitable time slot format (or frame format) from multiple pre-defined time slot formats (or frame formats) with different sensed symbol (or time slot) ratios as the transmission time slot (or frame) for the sensed signal, thereby determining the number of sensed symbols.

[0263] Of course, in scenarios considering CP (Content Addition), the first information includes the first time parameter, the CP length parameter, and the time offset parameter. The CP length parameter indicates the CP length, which is added to the front of the corresponding symbol (i.e., the beginning of the symbol) during the RU's CP addition function. The CP length can be dynamically adjusted according to requirements such as communication distance and communication loss. Specific adjustment methods can be found in related technologies, and will not be elaborated further in this application's embodiments.

[0264] In some cases, the sum of the CP of a later symbol and its time-domain offset can be greater than the time-domain offset of the earlier symbol. For example, the sum of the CP of symbol #1 and its time-domain offset can be greater than the time-domain offset of symbol #0. This effectively prevents the time-domain offset of the earlier symbol from interfering with the later symbol.

[0265] S205, DU sends the first message to RU. Correspondingly, RU receives the first message from DU.

[0266] For example, the DU can send the first information determined in S204 to the RU, that is, the first information may include a first time parameter and a time offset parameter, or the first information may include a first time parameter, a CP length parameter and a time offset parameter.

[0267] The RU can determine the first moment of transmitting the sensing signal and the second moment of receiving the sensing signal based on the first information. The second moment can be considered the time when the RU receives the earliest in-phase and quadrature (IQ) components of the sensing signal at the reference point and within the corresponding symbol of the sensing signal (i.e., the starting point of the CP if it exists). For example, if the first time parameter indicates the first moment, then the second moment can be equal to the first moment plus the value of the time offset parameter. Alternatively, if the first time parameter indicates the second moment, then the first moment can be equal to the second moment minus the value of the time offset parameter.

[0268] For cases where CP is not considered, the first information can include the following forms:

[0269] Format 1:

[0270] The first information may include N first time parameters and 1 time offset parameter. In this case, all first time parameters share the same time offset parameter.

[0271] Form 2:

[0272] The first information can include N first time parameters and M time offset parameters, where M is less than N. For example, if M is 2, the two time offset parameters can correspond to long-range sensing signals and short-range sensing signals, respectively. Alternatively, the M time offset parameters can be M time offset parameters for different sensing distances (or ranges).

[0273] In other words, multiple time offset parameters can be determined based on different sensing distances. In other examples, the time offset parameters for each parameter can also be determined based on different parameters such as the moving trajectory and speed of the sensed target. Specifically, appropriate parameters can be selected and configured according to the actual situation; this application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0274] Form 3:

[0275] The first information may include N first time parameters and N time offset parameters. That is, each time offset parameter corresponds to a different first time parameter. For example, the N time offset parameters may be time offset parameters for N different sensing distances (or ranges).

[0276] In some examples, the time offset parameter can be any value per unit time. For example, it can be denoted as Δt, which can be the duration of a symbol, slot, subframe, or frame. Alternatively, Δt can be equal to the reciprocal of the subcarrier spacing, or a multiple of the reciprocal of the subcarrier spacing. Or, Δt can also be other fixed time lengths, such as a fixed time value less than one symbol width, or equal to twice the TA value.

[0277] When considering CP, the first information can include the following forms:

[0278] Form 4:

[0279] The first information may include N first time parameters, one CP length parameter, and one time offset parameter. Similar to form 1, all first time parameters share the same CP length parameter.

[0280] Form 5:

[0281] The first information may include N first time parameters, P CP length parameters, and M time offset parameters, where P is less than N. For example, if P is 2, the two CP length parameters can be used to indicate the CP length added to the sensing symbol for long distances, and to indicate the CP length added to the sensing symbol for short distances, respectively. Alternatively, the P CP length parameters can be used to indicate the CP length added to the symbols for P different sensing distances.

[0282] It is understood that the values ​​of P and M are not related. P can be greater than, equal to, or less than M. For specific correspondences, please refer to the description in the foregoing embodiments, which will not be repeated in the embodiments of this application.

[0283] Form 6:

[0284] The first information may include N first time parameters, N CP length parameters, and N time offset parameters. Similar to Form 3, each CP length parameter corresponds to a different first time parameter. These N CP length parameters can be used to indicate the CP length added to the sensing symbols for N different sensing distances.

[0285] In some embodiments, when the first time parameter indicates a second time moment, the time offset parameter can serve as a pre-compensation time advance for transmitting the sensing signal. Since the sensing signal can also function as a communication signal, the terminal can be aware of this pre-compensation time advance, i.e., the time offset parameter, to receive the sensing signal at the correct time. In some examples, this time offset parameter can be carried in any of the following messages: RRC, PDCP protocol data unit (PDU), MAC control element (CE), or downlink control information (DCI).

[0286] In some examples, for a sensing scenario where A transmits and B receives, the DU can send first information related to a first moment to RU A. For instance, if the first time parameter indicates a first moment, the first information sent by the DU to RU A may include that first time parameter. Or, if the first time parameter indicates a second moment, the first information sent by the DU to RU A may include that first time parameter and a time offset parameter (optionally, also including a CP length parameter). The DU can also send first information related to a second moment to RU B. For instance, if the first time parameter indicates a second moment, the first information sent by the DU to RU B may include that first time parameter. Or, if the first time parameter indicates a first moment, the first information sent by the DU to RU B may include that first time parameter and a time offset parameter (optionally, also including a CP length parameter).

[0287] S206, RU sends and / or receives sensing signals based on the first information.

[0288] For example, the first time parameter indicates a first moment, and the RU can send downlink sensing signals according to the first moment indicated by the first time parameter. The RU can also determine a second moment based on the first time parameter and the time offset parameter (optionally, also including the CP length parameter). The uplink sensing signal is received at the second moment. For example, the second moment can be the sum of the first time parameter and the time offset parameter, or the sum of the first time parameter, the CP length parameter, and the time offset parameter.

[0289] In some examples, the RU can perform operations such as CP removal, fast fourier transformation (FFT), and resource element (RE) de-mapping on the received sensing signal to obtain processed sensing IQ data.

[0290] S207, RU sends third information to DU. Correspondingly, DU receives the third information from RU.

[0291] The third information may include the sensing IQ data determined in S206. For example, the RU may send the third information within the transmission time window of the fronthaul interface. Correspondingly, the DU may receive the third information according to the reception time window of the fronthaul interface. For example, the third information may include the sensing IQ data in S206 above.

[0292] exist Figure 12 to Figure 14 In the described embodiments, DU can also be replaced by SU or CU. The first information sent by the DU can also carry separate control plane signaling (such as O-RAN control plane messages) or separate management plane signaling (such as O-RAN management plane messages) sent by the DU to the RU.

[0293] In some embodiments, the configuration of the first information described above can be dynamic, such as configuring it separately for each sensing task. Alternatively, it can be static, such as sending and / or receiving sensing signals based on the first information at a certain period. Or, it can be semi-static, such as adjusting it at any time according to actual conditions based on static configuration, for example, indicating that sensing signals should no longer be sent. This application does not limit the scope of the embodiments described herein.

[0294] In this embodiment, the DU sends the first information indicating the transmission time and reception time of the sensing signal to the RU, so that the RU can accurately determine the uplink reception time of each sensing symbol at the reference point and accurately receive the uplink sensing symbol at that uplink reception time, thereby reducing the overhead of monitoring and receiving signals.

[0295] Furthermore, considering the varying processing times for CP removal within the RU for different symbols, a proposal is made to determine the uplink reception time for each sensing symbol based on the CP length. By setting the reception time after CP removal, the variation in processing time caused by the CP removal difference can be eliminated, resulting in a more accurate and reasonable timing for receiving uplink sensing signals.

[0296] Figure 15This is a schematic diagram of another communication scenario provided for an embodiment of this application.

[0297] Considering that the above-mentioned embodiments can also be applied to O-RAN network architectures, therefore, Figure 15 This illustrates a scenario under the O-RAN architecture. In the O-RAN architecture, access network devices can be divided into three functional entities: O-RU, O-DU, and O-CU. The O-RU is similar to the aforementioned RU, the O-DU to the aforementioned DU, and the O-CU to the aforementioned CU. The interfaces between these functional entities can be referred to the descriptions in the previous embodiments, and will not be repeated here. The O-RAN network architecture may also include a near-real-time RAN intelligent controller (RIC) and service management and orchestration (SMO).

[0298] The near real-time RIC is primarily used to collect network information and perform necessary optimization tasks. The near real-time RIC communicates with the O-CU and O-DU via the E2 interface. The near real-time RIC may include a QoS management module, a radio connection management module, an interference management module, and a mobility management module.

[0299] The SMO can include multiple functional modules, such as a non-real-time RIC, a configuration module, a policy module, a design module, and an inventory module. The main functions of the SMO can include operations, administration, and maintenance (OAM) of cloud infrastructure. For example, it can operate, maintain, and manage cloud infrastructure through the O2 interface. The SMO can also operate, maintain, and manage the RAN through the O1 interface. The SMO can also include a non-real-time RIC, such as one that combines artificial intelligence (AI) and big data analytics technologies to achieve non-real-time macro-control and intervention of the O-RAN through the A1 interface. Each functional entity in the O-RAN can function as an independent entity and communicate with the SMO independently using the O1 interface. In some examples, the SMO and near-real-time RIC can communicate through either the A1 or O1 interface; the appropriate communication path can be selected based on the actual situation, which will not be elaborated further in this embodiment.

[0300] Next, combine Figure 16 , Figure 17 This describes how to implement the above solution in an O-RAN scenario.

[0301] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of another network architecture provided for an embodiment of this application.

[0302] and Figure 10 Similarly, Figure 16 Taking an example where the first logical unit is O-RU, the second logical unit is O-DU, the third logical unit is O-CU, the first core network element is SF, and the second core network element is AMF, this architecture can also include... Figure 15 The near real-time RIC and SMO shown are illustrated. The SMO may include a non-real-time RIC. The specific interfaces between the various units can be found in the description of the foregoing embodiments; these will not be repeated here.

[0303] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of another communication method provided for an embodiment of this application.

[0304] This communication process may be applicable to, but is not limited to, the following: Figure 1 , Figure 9 In the communication scenario shown, and applicable to... Figure 15 , Figure 16 The network architecture shown is illustrated. This method can be applied to LTE, LTE FDD, LTE TDD, 5G systems, or NR systems, as well as future communication systems (such as future communication systems), V2X (where V2X can include V2N, V2V, V2I, V2P, etc.), LTE-V, vehicle-to-everything (V2X), MTC, IoT, LTE-M, M2M, D2D, and other wireless communication scenarios. The O-RU, O-DU, and O-CU involved in this application embodiment can be access network devices. The O-RU, O-DU, and / or O-CU can be deployed on the same access network device or on different access network devices; this application embodiment does not impose any limitations on this. The AMF and / or SF can be deployed on the same core network device or on different core network devices; this application embodiment does not impose any limitations on this.

[0305] The method may include the following steps:

[0306] S301, SF sends a second message to AMF. Correspondingly, AMF receives the second message from SF.

[0307] S302, the AMF sends a second message to the O-CU. Correspondingly, the O-CU receives the second message from the AMF.

[0308] The implementation process of S301-S302 is similar to that of S201-S202, except that CU is replaced by O-CU. The embodiments of this application will not be described in detail here.

[0309] S303, the O-CU sends a second message to the near real-time RIC or SMO. Correspondingly, the near real-time RIC or SMO receives the second message from the O-CU.

[0310] For example, the O-CU can forward the perception task request information (i.e., the second information) issued by the SF to the near real-time RIC through the E2 interface, or to the SMO (such as the non-real-time RIC in the SMO) through the O1 interface. Alternatively, the O-CU can first forward the request information to the near real-time RIC function through the E2 interface, and then the near real-time RIC can further forward it to the SMO or the non-real-time RIC function in the SMO through the A1 interface.

[0311] S304, near real-time RIC or SMO determines the first information based on the second information.

[0312] The implementation process of S304 is similar to that of S204, except that DU is replaced by near real-time RIC or SMO. The embodiments of this application will not be described in detail here.

[0313] The following sections will describe how the O-RU acquires the first information in different ways.

[0314] Method 1:

[0315] S305, the near real-time RIC or SMO sends the first message to the O-DU. Correspondingly, the O-DU receives the first message from the near real-time RIC or SMO.

[0316] S306, the O-DU sends the first message to the O-RU. Correspondingly, the O-RU receives the first message from the O-DU.

[0317] For example, when the first information is generated by the near real-time RIC, the near real-time RIC can send the first information to the O-DU via the E2 interface, and then the O-DU can send it to the O-RU via the LLS interface. Alternatively, the near real-time RIC can first send the first information to the O-CU via the E2 interface, and then the O-CU can forward it to the O-DU via the F1 interface, and the O-DU can forward it to the O-RU via the LLS interface.

[0318] For example, when the first information is generated by the SMO, the SMO sends the information directly to the O-DU via the O1 interface, and the O-DU then sends it to the O-RU via the LLS interface. Alternatively, the SMO sends the first information to the near real-time RIC via the A1 interface, the near real-time RIC forwards it to the O-DU via the E2 interface, and the O-DU then forwards it to the O-RU via the LLS interface. Or, the near real-time RIC can first send the first information to the O-CU via the E2 interface, then the O-CU forwards it to the O-DU via the F1 interface, and finally the O-DU forwards it to the O-RU via the LLS interface.

[0319] Method 2:

[0320] S307, the near real-time RIC or SMO sends the first message to the O-RU. Correspondingly, the O-RU receives the first message from the near real-time RIC or SMO.

[0321] For example, when the first information is generated by the SMO, the SMO sends the information to the O-RU through the O1 interface.

[0322] The LLS, O1, E2, and A1 interfaces in Methods 1 and 2 above can be referenced. Figure 15 , Figure 16 The architecture and interfaces shown.

[0323] S308, the O-RU sends and / or receives sensing signals based on the first information.

[0324] S309, the O-RU sends third information to the O-DU. Correspondingly, the O-DU receives the third information from the O-RU.

[0325] The implementation process of S308-S309 is similar to that of S206-S207, except that RU is replaced with O-RU and DU is replaced with O-DU. The embodiments of this application will not be described in detail here.

[0326] In some embodiments, the above solution can be implemented by functional modules such as the QoS management module, wireless connectivity management module, or interference management module in the near real-time RIC. Alternatively, the above solution can be implemented by non-real-time RIC functional modules, inventory modules, design modules, or configuration modules in the SMO. Descriptions of the relevant functional modules can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 16 The relevant descriptions are not repeated here in the embodiments of this application.

[0327] This application provides a method for configuring the transmission and reception times of sensing signals under an O-RAN architecture. By sending the first information to the O-DU and O-RU through a near real-time RIC or SMO, the O-DU and O-RU can accurately determine the transmission and reception times of each sensing symbol.

[0328] In the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application, it is considered that future network nodes may not only have transmission functions but also functions such as radar detection. Therefore, the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar network devices that, when sending detection signals, can flexibly configure the transmission and reception times of the signals to achieve accurate signal transmission and reception. This ensures that such signals do not need to be perfectly aligned with the transmission and reception times of communication signals. The embodiments of this application are not limited herein.

[0329] It is understood that each of the above embodiments of this application can be implemented independently or in combination with each other; there is no absolute subordinate relationship between the embodiments, and they can be combined with each other under any conditions to obtain the corresponding effect.

[0330] It is understood that, in order to achieve the functions in the above embodiments, the network device includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and method steps described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed in this application, 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 scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0331] Figure 18 and Figure 19 The diagram illustrates the possible structures of communication devices provided in embodiments of this application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of the first network-side device or the second network-side device in the above method embodiments, and thus also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments. In the embodiments of this application, the communication device can be as follows: Figure 1 The RAN node 110 shown can also be referred to as an access network device or a network device. This communication device can also be a module (such as a chip) used in network devices.

[0332] In this embodiment of the application, the device for implementing the function of the network device can be the network device itself, or it can be a device that enables the network device to implement the function, such as a chip system. The device can be installed in the network device or used in conjunction with the network device.

[0333] In this embodiment of the application, the chip system may be composed of chips, or it may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0334] like Figure 18 As shown, the communication device 1800 includes a processing unit 1810 and a transceiver unit 1820. The communication device 1800 is used to implement the above-mentioned... Figure 11 , Figure 14 , Figure 17The method embodiment shown illustrates the functionality of the network device.

[0335] When the communication device 1800 is used to implement Figure 11 In the method embodiment shown, the first network-side device functions as follows: the processing unit 1810 is used to acquire first information. The processing unit 1810 is also used to control the transceiver unit 1820 to send and / or receive sensing signals based on the first information.

[0336] When the communication device 1800 is used to implement Figure 11 In the method embodiment shown, the function of the second network-side device is as follows: the processing unit 1810 is used to determine the first information. The transceiver unit 1820 is used to send the first information.

[0337] For a more detailed description of the aforementioned processing unit 1810 and transceiver unit 1820, please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 11 , Figure 14 , Figure 17 The following is a description of the method embodiments shown.

[0338] like Figure 19 As shown, the communication device 1900 includes a processor 1910 and an interface circuit 1920. The processor 1910 and the interface circuit 1920 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the interface circuit 1920 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, the communication device 1900 may also include a memory 1930 for storing instructions executed by the processor 1910, or storing input data required by the processor 1910 to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor 1910 executes instructions. Sometimes, the interface circuit 1920 can also be understood as part of the processor 1910, in which case the communication device 1900 includes the processor 1910.

[0339] When the communication device 1900 is used to achieve Figure 11 , Figure 14 , Figure 17 In the method shown, the processor 1910 is used to implement the functions of the processing unit 1810, and the interface circuit 1920 is used to implement the functions of the transceiver unit 1820.

[0340] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip applied to an access network device, the access network device chip implements the functions of the access network device in the above method embodiments. The access network device chip receives information from a terminal or core network device, which can be understood as the information being first received by other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the access network device, and then sent to the access network device chip by these modules. The access network device chip sends information to a terminal or core network device, which can be understood as the information being sent down to other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the terminal or core network device, and then sent back to the terminal or core network device by these modules.

[0341] In this application, entity A sends information to entity B, either directly or indirectly through other entities. Similarly, entity B receives information from entity A, either directly or indirectly through other entities. Entities A and B can be RAN nodes or terminals, or modules within RAN nodes or terminals. Information transmission and reception can be between RAN nodes and terminals, such as between a base station and a terminal; between two RAN nodes, such as between a CU and a DU; or between different modules within a single device, such as between a terminal chip and other modules of the terminal, or between a base station chip and other modules of the base station.

[0342] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application can be a central processing unit (CPU), or one or more of other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), microprocessor units (MPUs), microcontroller units (MCUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), artificial intelligence processors (AI processors), or neural processing units (NPUs); or, the processor mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components (or parts), or any combination thereof. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc.

[0343] The method steps in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or in software instructions executable by a processor. The software instructions can consist of corresponding software modules, which can be stored in memory, such as volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory can be flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). The volatile memory can be a cache or random access memory (RAM). For example, RAM can be used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, RAM includes a variety of forms, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM). The memory can also be in registers, hard disks, portable hard disks, compact disc (CD) ROMs, or any other form of storage medium well known in the art.

[0344] It should be noted that when the processor is a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA, or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, or discrete hardware component, the memory (storage module) can be integrated into the processor. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. The storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and storage medium can reside in an ASIC. Alternatively, the ASIC can reside in a base station or terminal. The processor and storage medium can also exist as discrete components in a base station or terminal.

[0345] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are performed entirely or partially. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user equipment, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program or instructions can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a digital video optical disc; or it can be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive. The computer-readable storage medium may be a volatile or non-volatile storage medium, or may include both types of storage media.

[0346] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0347] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means 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. In the textual description of this application, the character " / " generally indicates an "or" relationship between the preceding and following related objects; in the formulas of this application, the character " / " indicates a "division" relationship between the preceding and following related objects. "Including at least one of A, B, and C" can mean: including A; including B; including C; including A and B; including A and C; including B and C; including A, B, and C.

[0348] It is understood that the various numerical designations used in the embodiments of this application are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the process numbers described above does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic.

[0349] The network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of 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.

[0350] The terms "first" and "second," etc., used in the specification and drawings of the embodiments of this application are used to distinguish different objects or to distinguish different processing of the same object. The terms "first" and "second," etc., can distinguish identical or similar items with substantially the same function and effect. For example, "first device" and "second device" are merely to distinguish different devices and do not limit their order. Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "first" and "second," etc., do not limit the quantity or execution order, and that "first" and "second," etc., do not necessarily imply that they are different.

[0351] Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, used in the description of the embodiments of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the steps or units listed, but may optionally include other steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices.

[0352] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner to facilitate understanding.

[0353] It is understood that the term "embodiment" used throughout the specification means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic related to an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the embodiments of this application. Therefore, the various embodiments throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, these specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. It is understood that in the various embodiments of the embodiments of this application, the sequence number of each process does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0354] It is understood that in the embodiments of this application, "...when" and "if" both refer to the corresponding processing that will be carried out under certain objective circumstances, and are not limited to a time, nor do they require a judgment action during implementation, nor do they imply any other limitations.

[0355] It is understood that some optional features in the embodiments of this application can be implemented independently in certain scenarios without relying on other features, such as the current solution on which they are based, to solve the corresponding technical problems and achieve the corresponding effects. Alternatively, they can be combined with other features as needed in certain scenarios. Correspondingly, the apparatus given in the embodiments of this application can also implement these features or functions, which will not be elaborated here.

[0356] In the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified, the same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. In the various embodiments of this application, and in the various implementation methods / methods / implementations within each embodiment, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terminology and / or descriptions between different embodiments and between the various implementation methods / methods / implementations within each embodiment are consistent and can be mutually referenced. The technical features in different embodiments and the various implementation methods / methods / implementations within each embodiment can be combined to form new embodiments, implementation methods, methods, or implementation approaches based on their inherent logical relationships. The following descriptions of the embodiments of this application do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method comprises: obtaining first information, the first information comprising a first time parameter and a time offset parameter; the first time parameter is used to indicate a time of receiving a sensing signal, and the time offset parameter is used to indicate an offset of a time of sending the sensing signal relative to the time of receiving the sensing signal; or, the first time parameter is used to indicate a time of sending a sensing signal, and the time offset parameter is used to indicate an offset of a time of receiving the sensing signal relative to the time of sending the sensing signal; sending and / or receiving the sensing signal according to the first information.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first information is determined by sensing target position information and quality of service (QoS) requirement information related to a sensing service.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein: the first time parameter is used to indicate a time of receiving a sensing signal, and the time offset parameter is used to indicate an offset of a time of sending the sensing signal relative to the time of receiving the sensing signal; the sending and / or receiving the sensing signal according to the first information comprises: receiving the sensing signal according to the first time parameter, and / or sending the sensing signal according to the first time parameter and the time offset parameter; or, the first time parameter is used to indicate a time of sending a sensing signal, and the time offset parameter is used to indicate an offset of a time of receiving the sensing signal relative to the time of sending the sensing signal; and the sending and / or receiving the sensing signal according to the first information comprises: sending the sensing signal according to the first time parameter, and / or receiving the sensing signal according to the first time parameter and the time offset parameter.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first information further comprises a cyclic prefix (CP) length parameter, and the CP length parameter is used to indicate a CP length corresponding to the sensing signal. the first time parameter is used to indicate a time of receiving a sensing signal, and the time offset parameter is used to indicate an offset of a time of sending the sensing signal relative to the time of receiving the sensing signal; the sending the sensing signal according to the first time parameter and the time offset parameter comprises: sending the sensing signal according to the first time parameter, the CP length parameter and the time offset parameter; or, the first time parameter is used to indicate a time of sending a sensing signal, and the time offset parameter is used to indicate an offset of a time of receiving the sensing signal relative to the time of sending the sensing signal; and the receiving the sensing signal according to the first time parameter and the time offset parameter comprises: receiving the sensing signal according to the first time parameter, the CP length parameter and the time offset parameter.

5. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method comprises: determining first information, the first information comprising a first time parameter and a time offset parameter; the first time parameter is used to indicate a time of receiving a sensing signal, and the time offset parameter is used to indicate an offset of a time of sending the sensing signal relative to the time of receiving the sensing signal; or the first time parameter is used to indicate a time of sending a sensing signal, and the time offset parameter is used to indicate an offset of a time of receiving the sensing signal relative to the time of sending the sensing signal; sending the first information.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, The determination of the first information comprises: receiving second information, the second information comprising sensing target position information and quality of service (QoS) requirement information related to a sensing service; determining one or more of the first information according to the sensing target position information and the QoS requirement information related to the sensing service.

7. The method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The first information further comprises a cyclic prefix (CP) length parameter, and the CP length parameter is used to indicate a CP length corresponding to the sensing signal.

8. The method according to claim 4 or 7, characterized in that, The first information further comprises one CP length parameter, wherein N is a positive integer; and one CP length parameter is associated with N first time parameters.

9. The method according to claim 4 or 7, characterized in that, The first information further comprises P CP length parameters, wherein P is a positive integer smaller than N; and any one of the P CP length parameters is associated with part of the N first time parameters.

10. The method according to claim 4 or 7, characterized in that, The first information further comprises N CP length parameters, wherein N is a positive integer; and the N CP length parameters are in one-to-one correspondence with the N first time parameters.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, The first information comprises N first time parameters and one time offset parameter, wherein N is a positive integer; and one time offset parameter is associated with N first time parameters.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, The first information comprises N first time parameters and M time offset parameters, wherein M is a positive integer smaller than N; and any one of the M time offset parameters is associated with part of the N first time parameters.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, The first information comprises N first time parameters and N time offset parameters, wherein N is a positive integer; and the N time offset parameters are in one-to-one correspondence with the N first time parameters.

14. The method of any of claims 1-13, wherein, The time offset parameter is represented in any of the following ways: a first number of frames, subframes, slots, or symbols; a first time length, which is determined based on a subcarrier spacing (SCS); a preset time length; a second time length, which is determined based on a time length threshold; or a third time length, which is determined based on a time advance (TA).

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, The first time length is the reciprocal of the SCS, or the first time length is K times the reciprocal of the SCS, wherein K is an integer.

16. The method of any one of claims 1-15, wherein, The first time parameter comprises any of the following parameters: a time domain resource parameter; a first index, which is used to indicate a frame format used to indicate a slot used by the sensing signal; a second index, the second index being used for indicating a slot format, the slot format being used for indicating symbols used by the sensing signal; or a bitmap, a value of a first bit in the bitmap being used for indicating whether a frame, a subframe, a slot or a symbol corresponding to the first bit is used for the sensing signal, wherein the first bit is any bit in the bitmap.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein, The time domain resource parameter comprises: one or more time unit identifiers; or the one or more time unit identifiers, and a first identifier and / or a first periodicity parameter; or a start time unit identifier and a fourth time length; or the start time unit identifier and a second periodicity parameter; or the start time unit identifier, the fourth time length and the second periodicity parameter. The first identifier is used for indicating a first time domain resource, the first time domain resource comprising time units corresponding to the one or more time unit identifiers, the first periodicity parameter is used for indicating a period corresponding to the one or more time unit identifiers, the start time unit identifier is used for indicating a start position of a second time domain resource, the fourth time length is a duration of the second time domain resource, and the second periodicity parameter is used for indicating a period corresponding to the second time domain resource.

18. A communications device, characterized by A module for performing the method of any one of claims 1-17.

19. A communications device, characterized by A processor and an interface circuit, the interface circuit being used for receiving signals from other communication devices and transmitting signals to the processor or sending signals from the processor to other communication devices, the processor being used for implementing the method of any one of claims 1-17 through a logic circuit and / or an execution code instruction.

20. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores a computer program or an instruction, when the computer program or the instruction is executed by a communication device, the method of any one of claims 1-17 is implemented.

21. A computer program product comprising computer programs or instructions, characterized in that, The computer program or the instruction is executed by a communication device, the method of any one of claims 1-17 is implemented.

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