Information transmission method, communication device, program product and storage medium

Abstract

The invention provides an information transmission method, a communication device, a program product and a storage medium, in the information transmission method, an echo signal is measured, first perception information is obtained, and the first perception information is transmitted through a first transmission unit in an NAS message. A special transmission unit is adopted to transmit the sensing information, and a mechanism for comprehensively and accurately transmitting the sensing information is provided. And the sensing information is transmitted through the first transmission unit, so that the sending end can quickly transmit the sensing information, and the sending end can quickly and accurately analyze the first sensing information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to an information transmission method, communication device, program product and storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] Sensing can be used to detect parameters of targets (or target objects) in the physical environment, such as the target's position and / or velocity. For example, in the sensing process, a transmitter can detect a target by emitting radio waves (i.e., sensing signals) and analyzing the radio waves reflected, scattered, refracted, or diffracted from the target (such as echo signals). Because sensing can detect the parameters of targets in the physical environment, it has been introduced into cellular communication to improve its performance. For instance, sensing can detect the location of a target, and the network side can select a communication path that is more conducive to signal transmission based on the target's location. However, the sensing process involves a large amount of sensing-related information, such as the parameters of the target obtained through sensing, but there is currently no corresponding solution for how to transmit this information. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides an information transmission method, communication device, program product, and storage medium for providing a mechanism for reporting information.

[0004] Firstly, embodiments of this application provide an information transmission method. This method can be applied to a first device side. The first device side can be the first device itself, a module within the first device, or a logic module or software capable of implementing some or all of the functions of the first device. The first device can also be called a sensing node, which has sensing capabilities (or functions). The first device side can be, for example, a network device side or a terminal device side. The network device side can be the network device itself (e.g., a base station), a module within the network device, or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the network device. Modules within the network device can be, for example, processors, communication modules, or circuits, chips, or central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), etc., responsible for communication functions. Chips can be, for example, modem chips, or system-on-chip (SoC) chips containing modem cores, or system-in-package (SIP) chips, etc. The terminal device side can be the terminal device itself (e.g., a mobile phone), a module within the terminal device, or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the terminal device. Modules in a terminal device may include, for example, a processor, a communication module, or a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions. Chips may include modem chips, or SoC chips or SIP chips containing a modem core. For simplicity, the following description uses the application of this method to a first device as an example.

[0005] The method includes: measuring the echo signal, obtaining first sensing information (or, as can be described, determining the first sensing information based on the echo signal), and transmitting the first sensing information, wherein the first sensing information is carried (or transmitted) in a first transmission unit of a non-access stratum (NAS) message, and the first transmission unit is a dedicated transmission unit for transmitting sensing-related information. Optionally, the first transmission unit may be a pre-configured or pre-defined transmission unit dedicated to transmitting sensing information, such as one predefined by a protocol.

[0006] In this embodiment, the sensed information can be transmitted through a dedicated transmission unit, providing a mechanism for transmitting sensed information. Under this mechanism, the transmitting end (such as the first device) can transmit the first sensed information quickly, accurately, and more comprehensively according to the first transmission unit. Correspondingly, the receiving end (such as the second device) can identify that it carries sensed information based on the first transmission unit, facilitating the receiving end to quickly and intuitively analyze the first sensed information.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the first transmission unit is a message, information cell, container, or field. Messages, information cells, containers, and fields can also serve as levels, types, or categories of transmission units. As standards evolve, the first transmission unit can also be a transmission unit with more levels (or types, or categories), without specific limitations. Thus, the implementation methods of transmission units carrying or bearing the first sensed information are more diverse.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the first transmission unit and the second transmission unit are two transmission units at the same level, with the second transmission unit being a transmission unit within the NAS message and specifically dedicated to transmitting location information; alternatively, the first transmission unit is a sub-transmission unit within a third transmission unit, which also transmits location information. The first and second transmission units are at the same level, for example, both the first and second transmission units may be messages or information cells. Regardless of the implementation, the location information and the first sensing information can be sent synchronously or asynchronously; no specific limitation is made in this regard.

[0009] Thus, the first and second transmission units can have a certain correlation or connection, facilitating the parsing of positioning and sensing information. Furthermore, if the first and second transmission units are at the same level, then there is no need to modify the second transmission unit, reducing implementation costs. If the first transmission unit is a sub-transmission unit within the third transmission unit, then there is no need to add an additional transmission unit parallel to the third transmission unit in the NAS message, which helps control the resources occupied by the NAS message, such as the number of bits used.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the first transmission unit and the second transmission unit are two transmission units at the same level, including: the first transmission unit and the second transmission unit are two independent transmission units in the NAS message; or, the first transmission unit and the second transmission unit are two sub-transmission units in the fourth transmission unit of the NAS message.

[0011] This provides multiple possible implementations of the second transmission unit, enhancing its flexibility. If the first and second transmission units are two independent transmission units in the NAS message, the second transmission unit can be implemented without modification, reducing implementation costs. If the first and second transmission units are two sub-transmission units in the fourth transmission unit of the NAS message, it facilitates the receiving end (such as the second device) in associating and parsing positioning and sensing information based on the fourth transmission unit.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the location information includes: location information transmitted by the terminal device to the location network element; or, location information transmitted by the access network device to the location network element. Thus, two methods of providing location information are provided. Furthermore, a mechanism applicable to both terminal devices and access network devices uploading sensing information and location information is provided; that is, this implementation is applicable to both terminal devices and access network devices uploading sensing information and location information, meaning that this implementation has good applicability and universality.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the positioning information is location-related information obtained by measuring the echo signal. The information included in the first sensing information is different from the information included in the positioning information. The first transmission unit also carries a positioning task identifier corresponding to the positioning information. The positioning task identifier is used to obtain some or all of the information in the positioning information.

[0014] This minimizes redundancy between location information and initial sensing information, reducing the amount of information transmitted by the system. Furthermore, it allows the location information and initial sensing information to be associated through a location task identifier, enabling the receiving end to retrieve the necessary sensing information from the location information based on the location task identifier.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the first sensing information is used to enhance positioning; and / or, the positioning information is used to enhance sensing. This is beneficial for improving positioning performance and / or enhancing sensing performance.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the first sensing information includes at least one type of information, wherein: the first sensing information is carried in the first transmission unit of the non-access stratum (NAS) message, including: at least one type of information is carried in at least one sub-transmission unit of the first transmission unit respectively.

[0017] In this way, at least one type of information can be carried more specifically, facilitating the accurate transmission of that information. For the receiving end, it also allows for more intuitive parsing of that information. Optionally, the first device can also flexibly add or remove sub-transmission units in the first transmission unit based on the type of sensing information to be transmitted, improving the flexibility of transmitting the first sensing information and minimizing unnecessary transmission overhead while accurately transmitting the first sensing information.

[0018] In one possible implementation, at least one type of information includes: sensing measurement data determined based on the echo signal; and / or, sensing results determined based on the echo signal. There are various other ways to classify the at least one type of information included in the first sensing information, and no specific limitation is made here. Thus, providing at least one type of information in the implementation of the first sensing information facilitates a more comprehensive reporting of the first sensing information.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving first information, the first information being used to request the reporting of sensing information, the reporting of sensing information including reporting at least one type of information.

[0020] Thus, the first device can report the first sensing information when the second device needs it, reducing invalid reporting. Furthermore, the second device can specify the type of sensing information to be reported, enabling the first device to report sensing information more specifically and reducing unnecessary reporting.

[0021] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide an information transmission method. This method can be applied to a second device. The second device can be the second device itself, a module within the second device, or a logic module or software capable of implementing some or all of the functions of the second device. The second device can also be referred to as a sensing network element, etc., which has the ability (or function) to acquire, manage, or control sensing information. The second device can be, for example, a sensing management function (SMF), a sensing function (SF), a location management function (LMF), or a sensing management control (SMC), etc., and its implementation is not specifically limited. The method includes: receiving first sensing information, where the first sensing information is sensing-related information obtained by measuring echo signals, and the first sensing information is carried in a first transmission unit of a non-access stratum (NAS) message, wherein the first transmission unit is a dedicated transmission unit for transmitting sensing-related information.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the first transmission unit is a message, cell, container, or field.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the first transmission unit and the second transmission unit are two transmission units at the same level, wherein the second transmission unit is a transmission unit in the NAS message and is a transmission unit dedicated to transmitting location information; or, the first transmission unit is a sub-transmission unit in the third transmission unit, wherein the third transmission unit is also used to transmit location information.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the first transmission unit and the second transmission unit are two transmission units at the same level, including: the first transmission unit and the second transmission unit are two independent transmission units in the NAS message; or, the first transmission unit and the second transmission unit are two sub-transmission units in the fourth transmission unit of the NAS message.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving location information from a terminal device; or receiving location information from an access network device.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the positioning information is location-related information obtained by measuring the echo signal, and the first transmission unit also carries a positioning task identifier corresponding to the positioning information; the method further includes: acquiring some or all of the information in the positioning information based on the positioning task identifier; and sensing targets in the environment based on the first sensing information and some or all of the information in the positioning information.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the positioning information is location-related information obtained by measuring echo signals; the method further includes: acquiring some or all of the information in the first sensing information; and locating the device in the environment based on the positioning information and some or all of the information in the first sensing information.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: enhancing localization based on first sensing information; and / or enhancing perception based on localization information.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the first sensing information is carried in the first transmission unit of the non-access stratum (NAS) message, including: at least one type of information of the first sensing information is carried in at least one sub-transmission unit of the first transmission unit.

[0030] In one possible implementation, at least one type of information includes: sensing measurement data determined based on echo signals; and / or, sensing results determined based on echo signals.

[0031] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending first information, the first information being used to request the reporting of sensing information, the reporting of sensing information including the reporting of at least one type of information.

[0032] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device. The communication device includes a processing unit (sometimes also called a processing module) and a communication unit (sometimes also called a communication module). The communication unit is used to perform transmit and receive operations, such as functions related to sending and receiving; the communication unit may be called a transceiver unit; optionally, the communication unit includes a receiving unit and a sending unit. The processing unit is used to perform processing operations. Alternatively, the communication unit may be a transmitter and a receiver, or a transmitter and a receiver. Optionally, the communication device also includes a storage unit (sometimes also called a storage module).

[0033] The communication device can be the first device side in the first aspect described above, for example, it can be the first device itself, or a module (e.g., a chip system) configured in the first device, or a device capable of implementing some or all of the functions of the second device. The communication device includes corresponding means or modules for performing the first aspect described above or any possible implementation. For example, a processing unit is used to measure the echo signal to obtain first sensing information, and a communication unit is used to transmit the first sensing information.

[0034] Optionally, the communication device may also implement any of the possible implementations in the first aspect described above, which will not be listed one by one here.

[0035] In one possible design, the communication device is a communication chip, the processing unit can be one or more processors or processor cores, and the communication unit can be the input / output circuit or input / output interface of the communication chip.

[0036] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device. For example, the communication device includes a processing unit (sometimes also called a processing module) and a communication unit (sometimes also called a communication module). The communication unit is used to perform transmit and receive operations, such as functions related to sending and receiving; the communication unit may be called a transceiver unit; optionally, the communication unit includes a receiving unit and a sending unit. The processing unit is used to perform processing operations. Alternatively, the communication unit may be a transmitter and a receiver, or a transmitter and a receiver. Optionally, the communication device also includes a storage unit (sometimes also called a storage module).

[0037] The communication device may be the second device described in the second aspect above, for example, it may be a second device, or a module (e.g., a chip system) configured in the second device, or a device capable of implementing some or all of the functions of the second device. The communication device includes corresponding means or modules for performing the second aspect above or any possible implementation. For example, a communication unit is used to receive first sensing information.

[0038] Optionally, the communication device may also implement any of the possible embodiments in the second aspect described above, which will not be listed one by one here.

[0039] In one possible design, the communication device is a communication chip, the processing unit can be one or more processors or processor cores, and the communication unit can be the input / output circuit or input / output interface of the communication chip.

[0040] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication system. The communication system includes a first device and a second device, the first device being, for example, any of the first devices described in the third aspect and possible embodiments, and the second device being, for example, any of the second devices described in the fourth aspect and possible embodiments.

[0041] For example, a first device is used to measure an echo signal to obtain first sensing information, and a second device receives the first sensing information from the first device.

[0042] Optionally, the first device may also implement the contents of any possible implementation of the first aspect described above, and the second device may also implement the contents of any possible implementation of the second aspect described above, which will not be listed one by one here.

[0043] Sixthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device. The communication device includes one or more processors. The one or more processors are capable of executing computer programs or instructions stored in a memory, which, when executed, cause the communication device to implement the methods described in the first aspect, any possible implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, or any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0044] Optionally, the communication device may include a memory, in which case the memory may be coupled to one or more processors, or the memory may be configured relatively independently of one or more processors. Alternatively, the memory may exist independently of the communication device.

[0045] In one possible design, the communication device may further include an interface circuit, wherein the processor is used to communicate with other devices or components through the interface circuit.

[0046] The aforementioned communication device may be a terminal device, or a communication module within a terminal device, or a chip in the terminal responsible for communication functions, such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip), or a SoC or SIP chip containing a modem module. Alternatively, the aforementioned communication device may be an access network device, or a module within an access network device.

[0047] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication device. The communication device includes a processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is used to receive signals from other communication devices besides the communication device and transmit them to the processor, or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices besides the communication device. The processor, through logic circuits or executable code instructions, is used to implement the method as described in the first aspect, any possible implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, or any possible implementation of the second aspect. The number of processors can be one or more, and is not limited thereto.

[0048] In the specific implementation process, the communication device can be a chip, and the processor can be a transistor, gate circuit, flip-flop, and various logic circuits, etc. The specific implementation method of the processor is not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0049] In one implementation, the communication device can be a wireless sensing device, i.e., a computer device that supports wireless communication functions. Specifically, the wireless sensing device can be a terminal device such as a smartphone, or a network device such as a wireless access network device (e.g., a base station).

[0050] In another implementation, the communication device can be a component of a wireless sensing device, such as an integrated circuit product like a system-on-chip (SoC) or communication chip. A SoC can also be called a System-on-Chip (SoC). The communication chip can include a baseband processing chip and a radio frequency (RF) processing chip. The baseband processing chip is sometimes referred to as a modem or baseband chip. The RF processing chip is sometimes referred to as an RF transceiver or RF chip. In physical implementation, some or all of the communication chip can be integrated within the SoC. For example, the baseband processing chip is integrated into the SoC, while the RF processing chip is not integrated. The interface circuit can be the RF processing chip in the wireless sensing device, and the processor can be the baseband processing chip in the wireless sensing device. The interface circuit can be an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, or related circuit on the chip or chip system. The processor can also be a processing circuit or logic circuit.

[0051] In another implementation, the communication device can be a chip system, which may consist of chips or include chips and other discrete devices. Chip systems may include, for example, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), system-on-a-chip (SoCs), CPUs, network processors (NPs), digital signal processors (DSPs), microcontroller units (MCUs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), or other integrated chips.

[0052] Eighthly, embodiments of this application provide a chip system. The chip system includes a processor. Optionally, the chip system may further include an interface (such as a communication interface). The processor can be used to implement any of the methods described in the first aspect and possible implementations to the fourth aspect and possible implementations. Optionally, the chip system also includes a memory. The memory is used to store a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions). The processor is used to call and run the computer program from the memory, causing a device equipped with the chip system to perform the methods described in the first aspect, any possible implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, or any possible implementation of the second aspect. Implementations of the chip system can be referred to the content of the chip system discussed above, and will not be listed here.

[0053] Ninthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium. This computer-readable storage medium is used to store a computer program or instructions that, when executed, implement the methods as described in the first aspect, any possible implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, or any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0054] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product. When the computer program product is executed, it causes a processor to perform a method as described in the first aspect, any possible implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, or any possible implementation of the second aspect. The computer program product includes a computer program and / or instructions, etc.

[0055] Regarding the beneficial effects of any of the technical solutions in the second to tenth aspects mentioned above, please refer to the discussion of the beneficial effects of the corresponding technical solutions in the first aspect, which will not be listed here again. Attached Figure Description

[0056] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a wireless communication system to which the embodiments of this application apply;

[0057] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the perceived scene;

[0058] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a communication and sensing integrated system to which the embodiments of this application apply;

[0059] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a communication system provided for the implementation of this application;

[0060] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a communication system applicable to an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a communication system applicable to an embodiment of this application;

[0062] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the architecture of an open wireless access network system provided in this application embodiment;

[0063] Figure 8 A schematic diagram illustrating an information transmission method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0064] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first transmission unit provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0065] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the structure of the first transmission unit and the second transmission unit provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0066] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the structure of the first transmission unit and the second transmission unit provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0067] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first transmission unit and the fifth transmission unit provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0068] Figure 13 and Figure 14 Schematic diagrams of two information transmission methods provided in embodiments of this application;

[0069] Figures 15 to 17 The following are schematic diagrams of the structures of three communication devices provided in the embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0070] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as 5th generation (5G) mobile communication systems (e.g., new radio (NR) systems), future communication systems, integrated sensing and communication systems, short-range wireless communication systems (e.g., side link, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, etc.), long-range radio (LoRa) communication systems, wired networks, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication systems, device-to-device (D2D) communication systems, satellite communication systems, or vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication systems, or integrated systems of at least two of the above communication systems, or other similar communication systems, etc., without limitation.

[0071] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a wireless communication system to which embodiments of this application apply. Figure 1As shown, the communication system 1000 includes an access network 100. Optionally, the communication system may also include a core network 200 and an Internet 300. The access network 100 may include at least one network device, such as... Figure 1 110a and 110b may also include at least one terminal device, such as Figure 1 The series consists of 120a to 120j. Specifically, 110a is a base station, 110b is a micro-station, 120a, 120e, 120f, and 120j are mobile phones, 120b is a car, 120c is a fuel dispenser, 120d is a home access point (HAP) deployed indoors or outdoors, 120g is a laptop, 120h is a printer, and 120i is a drone. The same terminal device or network device can provide different functions in different application scenarios. For example... Figure 1 The mobile phones included are 120a, 120e, 120f, and 120j. Mobile phone 120a can access base station 110a, connect to car 120b, communicate directly with mobile phone 120e, and access HAP. Car 120b can access HAP and communicate directly with mobile phone 120a. Mobile phone 120f can connect to micro-station 110b, connect to laptop 120g, and connect to printer 120h. Mobile phone 120j can control drone 120i.

[0072] A network device is a network-side device with wireless transceiver capabilities. A network device can be a device or module located on the network side of a communication system and possessing corresponding communication functions. Network devices typically contain communication modules, circuits, or chips that perform the corresponding communication functions. They also contain program instructions for performing these functions, as well as the corresponding program instructions themselves. A network device can be a device in a radio access network (RAN) that provides wireless communication functions to terminal devices; this is called a RAN device. The RAN can be an access network in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), such as 4G, 5G, or future-oriented communication networks. The RAN can also be an open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a communication network combining two or more of these.

[0073] RAN equipment can also be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB) in a 5G mobile communication system, a base station in a future evolved communication system, a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system, etc.

[0074] RAN equipment can also be modules or units that perform some of the functions of a base station. For example, it can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), or a radio unit (RU). The CU performs the functions of the base station's Radio Resource Control (RRC) 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 (RAN) and Medium Access Control (MAC) layers, and can also perform some or all of the physical layer functions. For specific descriptions of the above protocol layers, please refer to the relevant 3GPP technical specifications. The CU and DU can be set up separately or included in the same network element, such as in a baseband unit (BBU). The RU can be included in radio equipment or radio units, such as in a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH). In different systems, CU, DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, and RU can also be called O-RU. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules. RA equipment can be a macro base station (such as...) Figure 1 110a in the text), can also be a micro base station or an indoor station (such as... Figure 1 In 110b), it can also be a relay node or a donor node, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the network equipment.

[0075] In the embodiments of this application, the functions of the network device can be executed by modules (such as chips) within the network device, or by a control subsystem that includes the functions of the network device. This control subsystem, which includes the functions of the network device, can be a control center in the aforementioned application scenarios such as smart grids, industrial control, intelligent transportation, and smart cities.

[0076] A terminal device is a user-side device with wireless transceiver capabilities. Terminal devices can also be called terminals, user equipment (UE), mobile stations, mobile terminals, etc. They are widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), the Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, and smart cities. Terminal devices can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, drones, helicopters, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, etc. Terminal devices typically contain communication modules, circuits, or chips that perform the corresponding communication functions. They can also be configured with program instructions to perform these functions. In the embodiments of this application, the device for implementing the functions of the terminal device can be the terminal device itself, or it can be any device that supports the terminal device in implementing the functions, such as a chip system or a combination of devices or components that can implement the functions of the terminal device. This device can be installed in the terminal device. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the terminal device.

[0077] In this embodiment of the application, the functions of the terminal device can also be performed by modules (such as chips or modems) in the terminal device, or by a device containing the functions of the terminal device.

[0078] Network devices and terminal devices can be fixed in location or mobile. They can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can also be deployed in the air on airplanes, balloons, and artificial satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios of the network devices and terminal devices.

[0079] The roles of network devices and terminal devices can be relative, for example, Figure 1The helicopter or drone 120i can be configured as a mobile network device. For terminal devices 120j that access the wireless access network 100 via 120i, terminal device 120i is a network device; however, for network device 110a, 120i is a terminal device, meaning that 110a and 120i communicate via a wireless air interface protocol. Of course, 110a and 120i can also communicate via a network device-to-network device interface protocol; in this case, 120i is also a network device relative to 110a. Therefore, both network devices and terminal devices can be collectively referred to as communication devices. Figure 1 110a and 110b can be referred to as communication devices with network equipment functions. Figure 1 The 120a-120j in the text can be referred to as communication devices with terminal equipment functions.

[0080] It also proposes incorporating sensing into communication systems (such as wireless communication systems). For ease of understanding, sensing will be introduced first below.

[0081] Sensing, also known as detection, is a term without limitation. Sensing can be used to detect parameters of targets (or target objects) in the physical environment, such as the target's position and / or velocity. During sensing, targets are detected by emitting radio waves (i.e., sensing signals) and analyzing the radio waves reflected, scattered, refracted, or diffracted from the target (i.e., echo signals).

[0082] A sensing signal is a signal with sensing capabilities, or in other words, a sensing signal used for sensing. Sensing signals are also called detection signals, linear frequency modulated signals, radar signals, radar sensing signals, radar detection signals, or environmental sensing signals, etc., and their names are not limited. Besides sensing, sensing signals can also have other functions, such as communication functions; in this case, the sensing signal can also be called a fusion signal. For example, a sensing signal can be a pulse signal or a signal used in wireless communication; for instance, a sensing signal can be a reference signal used for sensing.

[0083] The echo signal can also have other names, such as received sensing information, reflected signal, etc., without limitation. The echo signal can be understood as the signal generated by the sensing signal after reflection, scattering, refraction, or diffraction by the target. The echo signal and / or the sensing signal can reflect the parameters of the target. For example, the time delay of the echo signal relative to the sensing signal can reflect the distance of the target relative to the transmitter, and the Doppler shift of the echo signal relative to the sensing signal can reflect the velocity of the target. Where the sensing signal has other functions, the echo signal can also have other functions; for example, if the sensing signal has a communication function, then the echo signal also has a communication function.

[0084] A target can be referred to as a sensed target, a detected target, a sensed object, a sensed device, or a sensed object, without limitation. A target can be any object in the environment capable of reflecting electromagnetic waves, such as mountains, forests, or buildings, and can also include mobile objects such as vehicles, drones, people, and terminal devices. Based on the different ways a target processes the sensed signal, it can also be classified into different types. For example, if a target scatters the sensed signal, it can be considered a scatterer. Conversely, if a target reflects the sensed signal, it can be considered a reflector.

[0085] In terms of sensing, depending on the sender and receiver of the sensing signal, the sensing mode can be divided into two types: single-station sensing and dual-station sensing. The two sensing modes are introduced below.

[0086] Single-station sensing mode, also known as self-transmitting and self-receiving mode or A-transmitting and A-receiving mode, refers to the same device that transmits the sensing signal and receives the echo signal reflected by the target.

[0087] For example, please refer to Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the perceived scene. Figure 2 Zhong (1) and Figure 2 (2) shows a single-sensor mode.

[0088] like Figure 2 As shown in Figure (1), the device that transmits the sensing signal and the device that receives the echo signal are both the same base station. For example, the sensing signal transmitted by the base station is reflected by a target (such as a vehicle), and the base station receives the echo signal of the sensing signal. The echo signal and the sensing signal can reflect the parameters of the target. For example, the time delay of the echo signal relative to the sensing signal can reflect the distance of the target relative to the transmitter, and the Doppler shift of the echo signal relative to the sensing signal can reflect the speed of the target.

[0089] like Figure 2 As shown in Figure (2), the device that sends the sensing signal and the device that receives the echo signal are the same UE. For example, the sensing signal sent by the UE is reflected by a target (such as a vehicle), and the UE receives the echo signal of the sensing signal.

[0090] Dual-station sensing mode, also known as A-transmit B-receive mode or self-transmitting-other-receiving mode, refers to a mode where the device that transmits the sensing signal and the device that receives the sensing signal reflected by the target are different devices.

[0091] Continue to refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 Middle (3) to Figure 2 The middle (6) diagram illustrates the dual-station sensing mode.

[0092] like Figure 2 As shown in Figure (3), the device that sends the sensing signal is base station 1, and the device that receives the echo signal is base station 2. For example, the sensing signal sent by base station 1 is reflected by a target (such as a vehicle), and base station 2 receives the echo signal of the sensing signal.

[0093] like Figure 2 As shown in (4), the device that sends the sensing signal is UE1, and the device that receives the echo signal is UE2. For example, the sensing signal sent by UE1 is reflected by a target (such as a vehicle), and UE2 receives the echo signal of the sensing signal.

[0094] like Figure 2 As shown in Figure (5), the device that sends the sensing signal is a base station, and the device that receives the echo signal is a UE. For example, the sensing signal sent by the base station is reflected by a target (such as a vehicle), and the UE receives the echo signal of the sensing signal.

[0095] like Figure 2 As shown in Figure (6), the device that sends the sensing signal is the UE, and the device that receives the echo signal is the base station. For example, the sensing signal sent by the UE is reflected by a target (such as a vehicle), and the base station receives the echo signal of the sensing signal.

[0096] A communication system (or wireless communication system) incorporating sensing can be called an integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) system, a communication-sensing fusion system, or a synergistic sensing fusion system. The following section will combine... Figure 3 A schematic diagram of an integrated communication and sensing system is shown and introduced. Figure 3 This includes network devices and multiple UEs (such as UE1, UE2, and UE3).

[0097] like Figure 3 As shown, UE1 and the network device adopt a dual-site sensing mode. UE1 sends a sensing signal, which is reflected by target 1, and the network device receives the signal reflected by target 1 (i.e., the echo signal). UE3 and the network device also adopt a dual-site sensing mode. The network device sends a sensing signal, which is reflected by target 2, and UE3 receives the signal reflected by target 2 (i.e., the echo signal). The network device and UE2 can communicate (e.g., wirelessly) and can transmit communication signals.

[0098] Figure 3 The diagram also illustrates a single-site sensing mode, where the network device senses targets 3 through 5 in a single-site sensing mode. For example, the network device sends a sensing signal, which is then reflected by the target (such as target 3, target 4, or target 5). The network device then receives the reflected signal (i.e., the echo signal).

[0099] Figure 3 Using targets 1 and 3 as drones, targets 2 and 4 as vehicles, and target 5 as a person as examples, the form of achieving the targets is not limited.

[0100] The following is combined Figure 4 This document presents a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 4 The illustration shows a first device, a second device, and a third device. The first device can communicate with the second and third devices respectively. The devices involved in the various embodiments of this application can be understood as equipment, software or hardware modules within equipment, or logic modules, etc., and are not specifically limited thereto. Furthermore, the device can also be replaced by a communication device, network element, equipment, entity, or node, etc., and its name is not specifically limited.

[0101] For example, the first device has sensing capabilities, such as the ability to acquire sensing information (also known as sensing-related information) based on the sensing. For instance, in a single-station sensing mode, the first device can send a sensing signal; after the sensing signal is reflected, scattered, refracted, or diffracted by the target, the first device receives the echo signal of the sensing signal, and can then obtain sensing information based on the echo signal. As another example, in a dual-station sensing mode, a third device can send a sensing signal; after the sensing signal is reflected, scattered, refracted, or diffracted by the target, the first device receives the echo signal of the sensing signal, and can then obtain sensing information based on the echo signal. The first device can report the sensing information to the second device.

[0102] In one possible implementation, the first device is, for example, a network device, or a component of a network device, such as a chip or chip system disposed in the network device, and the third device is, for example, a terminal device, or a component of a terminal device, such as a chip or chip system disposed in the terminal device.

[0103] In another possible implementation, both the first device and the third device are network devices, or components of network devices, such as chips or chip systems disposed in network devices. For example, the first device is a base station and the third device is a micro station.

[0104] In another possible implementation, the first device is, for example, a terminal device, or a component of the terminal device, such as a chip or chip system disposed in the terminal device, and the third device is, for example, a network device, or a component of the network device, such as a chip or chip system disposed in the network device.

[0105] Optionally, the first device may include at least one TRP, or in other words, the first device may be configured with or associated with at least one TRP. Different TRPs may produce different results when measuring the echo signal.

[0106] The second device has the ability to transmit sensing information and may also have the ability to process (e.g., manage, control, or calculate) the sensing information. The second device can be a core network element, core network functional unit, or core network entity. For example, the second device can be a sensing management function (SMF), sensing mobile management (SMM), sensing function (SF), location management function (LMF) (or location management device, or location management network element, location server, location center, location network element, location function network element, or location management function, etc.), or sensing management control (SMC) (also called control network element, edge sensing function network element, edge control network element, or edge control node; the name is not limited), or a module within these network elements. Alternatively, the second device can also be a server (e.g., a third-party server) or a module within a server (e.g., a software module or hardware module). This application does not limit the specific implementation form of the second device.

[0107] Please refer to Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a communication system applicable to an embodiment of this application. Figure 5 It illustrates the terminal equipment, RAN (including one or more access network devices), and some core network elements. Figure 5 The illustrated core network elements include AMF and LMF. Figure 5 It also illustrates SMF or SF. Optionally, SMF or SF can also be deployed in the core network, that is, belong to the core network elements.

[0108] Figure 5 One of the terminal devices and access network devices shown in the illustration can be used as an example of a first device, and the other device in the terminal device and access network device can be used as an example of a third device. Figure 5 The SMF / SF involved can be used as an example of a second device.

[0109] Access network devices can communicate with each other via the Xn interface. The access network devices included can be of the same type, such as all gNBs or next-generation (NG)-eNBs (i.e., ng-eNBs). An ng-eNB is a Long Term Evolution (LTE) base station and can include one or more transmission points (TPs). A gNB is an NR base station and can include one or more transmission points (TRPs). ng-eNBs and gNBs can communicate with each other via the Xn interface. Alternatively, the access network devices included can be of different types. For example, some access network devices may be ng-eNBs, and others may be gNBs.

[0110] Terminal devices communicate with the access network via Uu links. For example, a terminal device can communicate with an ng-eNB via LTE-Uu and with a gNB via an NR-Uu link. The access network communicates with the AMF via the NG-C interface. The AMF acts as a router for communication between the access network and the LMF, as well as between the access network and the SMF / SF. The AMF and the LMF communicate via NLs (such as NL1) interfaces.

[0111] Optional, Figure 5 In this context, the SMF / SF and LMF can be the same network element, or in other words, the SMF / SF and LMF can be integrated together. In this case, the integration result of the LMF and SMF can serve as an example of a second device.

[0112] Optionally, the SMF can be an architecture where the user plane and control plane are not separated. In practical applications, the user plane and control plane of the SMF can also be separated, with the SMF comprising a sensing function-control plane (SF-C) and a sensing function-user plane (SF-U).

[0113] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a communication system applicable to an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the communication system includes terminal equipment, RAN (including one or more access network devices), SMC, and SMF / SF. The details of the access network devices can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 5 The content discussed herein pertains to access network equipment. Each SMC connects to different access network devices via interfaces. Access network devices can also connect to different SMCs. Optionally, the SMF / SF can communicate with the SMC.

[0114] Figure 6One of the terminal devices and access network devices shown in the illustration can be used as an example of a first device, and the other device in the terminal device and access network device can be used as an example of a third device. Figure 6 The SMF / SF involved can be used as an example of a second device, or Figure 6 The SMC involved can be used as an example of a second device.

[0115] Figure 6 The SMF shown is an example of an implementation where the user plane and control plane are not separated. In practical applications, the user plane and control plane of the SMF can also be separated; the SMF includes SF-C and SF-U. Similarly, the SMC can have a user plane and control plane that are not separated or separated. If the SMC is separated, then the SMC can be divided into SM-C and SM-U. SM-C can communicate with SF-C, and SM-U can communicate with SF-U.

[0116] Figure 7 This diagram illustrates the architecture of an O-RAN system according to an embodiment of this application. O-RAN defines the architectural connections and interface standardization between various modules within the RAN, allowing such a RAN to be decomposed into multiple modules. Because of the standardized interfaces, it can be assembled from modules provided by different equipment vendors.

[0117] like Figure 7 As shown, O-RAN can include O-CU, O-DU, and O-RU. O-CU includes O-CU-CP and O-CU-UP. The system architecture can also include an open cloud (O-cloud), a service management and orchestration framework (SMO), an open eNB (O-eNB), and a RANintelligent controller (RIC), including near-real-time (RT) RICs (which can be abbreviated as Near-RT RICs) and non-real-time (non-RT) RICs (which can be abbreviated as non-RT RICs). Figure 7 The O-RAN system shown, or one or more modules included in the O-RAN system, can be used as an example of a first or second device.

[0118] SMO functions similarly to a network manager, operating, maintaining, and managing cloud infrastructure.

[0119] Non-RT RICs are used to implement non-real-time intelligent management of RAN functions, such as enabling AI / ML workflows including model training and model updates, and guiding applications / functions within the Near-RT RIC based on policies. Non-RT RICs can reside within the SMO.

[0120] Near-RT RIC is used to achieve near real-time intelligent management of the RAN. Through data collection and related operations on the E2 interface, it enables near real-time control and optimization of O-RAN modules and resources.

[0121] The O-CU is used to implement the Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer, Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) layer, and other control functions in the 3GPP standard. The O-CU includes O-CU-CP and O-CU-UP.

[0122] O-CU-CP, similar to CU-CP in the NR system, is used to implement the functions of the RRC layer and the control plane functions of the PDCP layer.

[0123] O-CU-UP, similar to CU-UP in the NR system, is used to implement the functions of the SDAP layer and the user plane functions of the PDCP layer.

[0124] O-DU, based on low-layer function segmentation, is used to implement the radio link control (RLC) layer, media access control (MAC) layer, and higher physical layer (Higher PHY) layer in the 3GPP standard. Among them, the higher physical layer functions include one or more of the following: forward error correction (FEC) encoding / decoding, scrambling / descrambling, or modulation / demodulation.

[0125] O-RU, based on low-layer function segmentation, is used to implement lower physical layer (PHY) functions and radio frequency (RF) functions in the 3GPP standard. Low PHY functions include one or more of the following: Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) / Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (iFFT), digital beamforming, or extraction and filtering of the physical random access channel (PRACH). It is similar to the Transmission Reception Point (TRP) or Remote Radio Head (RRH) in 3GPP, but includes low PHY functions such as FFT / iFFT or PRACH extraction.

[0126] O-Cloud, as a cloud computing platform, includes physical infrastructure nodes for hosting O-RAN functions such as RIC and O-DU, as well as supporting software components (such as operating systems, virtual machine monitoring, container runtimes), management, and orchestration functions.

[0127] The following is about Figure 7 The interfaces involved will be introduced.

[0128] The A1 interface serves as the interface between the Non-RT RIC and the Near-RT RIC, enabling intelligent and dynamic control of radio resources within the O-RAN. The Non-RT RIC provides policies, rich information, and ML model updates to the Near-RT RIC via the A1 interface, while the Near-RT RIC provides policy feedback to the Non-RT RIC via the A1 interface.

[0129] The E2 interface is an open interface between two endpoints used to connect the Near-RT RIC and the RAN node. RAN nodes include, for example, CU and DU in 5G, O-RAN compatible eNB in ​​4G, O-CU (O-CU-CP and / or O-CU-UP) in O-RAN, and / or O-DU, etc. The RIC can obtain data collection and feedback from the RAN node through the E2 node, and the RAN node can obtain control feedback from the Near-RT RIC through the E2 node.

[0130] The O1 interface is the interface between the management entity in the SMO and the O-RAN module, used for operation management. This interface enables FCAPS management, software management, and file management. The O2 interface is the interface between the SMO and the infrastructure management framework that supports O-RAN virtual network functions.

[0131] The Open Front Haul Control User and Synchronization (FHCUS) plane interface includes a control plane (C-Plane), a user plane (U-Plane), and a synchronization plane (S-Plane). The control plane is used for real-time control between the O-DU and O-RU, such as transmitting beamforming weights from the O-DU to the O-RU or performing power control from the O-DU to the O-RU. The user plane is used to transmit communication data between the DU and RU for access network devices and terminals. The synchronization plane is used by the O-DU to provide clock synchronization for the O-RU.

[0132] The NG interface is the interface between NR RAN equipment (such as base stations, CUs, CU-CPs, or CU-UPs) and the NR core network. NG-u is the user plane NG interface, and NG-c is the control plane NG interface. The Xn interface is the interface between NR RAN equipment (such as base stations, CUs, CU-CPs, or CU-UPs). Xn-u is the user plane Xn interface, and Xn-c is the control plane Xn interface.

[0133] The X2 interface is used between LTE RAN devices. X2-u is the user plane X2 interface, and X2-c is the control plane X2 interface. In NR, the X2 interface is mainly used in E-UTRA-NR dual connectivity (evolved universal terrestrial radio access dual connectivity, EN-DC) scenarios, where the master station is an LTE RAN device connected to the LTE core network via the X2 interface. The E1 interface is used between CU-CP and CU-UP. The F1-C interface is used between CU-CP and DU. The F1-U interface is used between CU-UP and DU.

[0134] In the O-RAN architecture, the module that receives the reported difference between the twin channel and the measurement channel may be a CU, RT RIC, or Non-RT RIC, etc. The DU is responsible for receiving signals, signal processing, multipath measurement, channel difference calculation, etc.

[0135] Figure 7 The names of the interfaces and the connection methods of the units shown are examples. In actual applications, the O-RAN system may include more or fewer interfaces, or more or fewer units.

[0136] The network architecture and business scenarios described in this application are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0137] The introduction of sensing technology into cellular communication systems enables these systems to offer more services. However, there is currently no solution for how to report sensing-related information within cellular communication systems.

[0138] One possible implementation involves using some existing information to carry a portion of the perceived information; for example, location information can carry position information, which is part of the perceived information. However, the specifications for this existing information are already defined by the protocol, so only specific types of information can be reported. Naturally, the content of the reported perceived information is limited and not suitable for reporting perceived information in future communication systems.

[0139] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide an information transmission scheme. This scheme mainly designs a dedicated transmission unit, namely a first transmission unit, for transmitting sensing-related information (i.e., sensing information). When transmitting sensing information, the sensing information can be carried and transmitted within this first transmission unit. Thus, a mechanism for transmitting sensing information is provided. This allows sensing information to be carried comprehensively and systematically based on the first transmission unit, improving the comprehensiveness of reported sensing information. Furthermore, the receiving end can quickly and intuitively parse the sensing information based on this first transmission unit.

[0140] Here, some of the terms used in the embodiments of this application are explained. Unless otherwise specified, these explanations are provided to support the meaning of certain terms and to make the embodiments of this application easier to understand, and should not be regarded as strict limitations on the terminology within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0141] 1. Reference signals, such as demodulation reference signals (DMRS), sounding reference signals (SRS), phase tracking reference signals (PTRS), channel state information-reference signals (CSI-RS), cell-specific reference signals (C-RS / CRS), or positioning reference signals (P-RS / PRS). DMRS may include, for example, DMRS for demodulating the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) (referred to as DMRS for PUCCH) and DMRS for demodulating the physical uplink share channel (PUSCH) (referred to as DMRS for PUCCH).

[0142] 2. A transmission unit, also known as a unit, data unit, or information, can be understood as a unit used to transmit / carry / encapsulate information. Transmission units include, but are not limited to, messages, information elements (IEs), containers, or fields. Messages, information elements, containers, or fields can also be considered different levels (or different types) of transmission units. Levels can be viewed as types or categories; units at the same level belong to the same category, while units at different levels belong to different categories.

[0143] A message is a unit of communication, including data and / or control information to be transmitted. A message can include one or more containers, or one or more cells. A container can be understood as a structure that encapsulates data; a container can contain one or more cells. A field is a component of a data structure used to carry specific information; fields can be of fixed or variable length. A cell is a data unit used for high-speed data transmission; the size of a cell can be fixed, and it can include a header and a payload, with the header containing control information. A cell can include one or more fields. Optionally, the message hierarchy is higher than the container hierarchy, the container hierarchy is higher than the cell hierarchy, and the cell hierarchy is higher than the field hierarchy.

[0144] A transmission unit can be divided into one or more sub-transmission units (or transmission sub-units or instances). A sub-transmission unit simply indicates that it belongs to a transmission unit, but a sub-transmission unit and its parent transmission unit may belong to the same level of transmission unit, or the sub-transmission unit may be at a lower level than its parent transmission unit. For example, if the transmission unit is a cell, then one or more sub-transmission units included in a transmission unit can be one or more cells, or one or more fields. Similarly, if the transmission unit is a message, then one or more sub-transmission units included in a transmission unit can be one or more messages, one or more cells, one or more containers, or may include one or more fields. Likewise, if the transmission unit is a container, then one or more sub-transmission units included in a transmission unit can be one or more cells, or one or more fields.

[0145] In the case of a transmission unit comprising multiple sub-transmission units, the hierarchical levels of these sub-transmission units may be the same or different, without specific limitations. For example, if a transmission unit is a message, then the transmission unit may include containers, information cells, fields, etc., without specific limitations.

[0146] The first transmission unit, second transmission unit, etc. involved in the various embodiments of this application can all be examples of transmission units. The first transmission unit and second transmission unit involved in the various embodiments of this application may be transmission units at the same level, such as both being information cells, or they may belong to transmission units at different levels, such as one transmission unit being an information cell and the other being a field, etc., and there is no specific limitation in this regard.

[0147] In this application embodiment, the number of nouns, unless otherwise specified, refers to "singular nouns or plural nouns," that is, "one or more." "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 mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the related objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B means: A or B. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c means: a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0148] In the embodiments of this application, the words "exemplarily," "for example," and "for instance" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design scheme described as an "example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. Specifically, the use of the word "example" is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner. In the embodiments of this application, "of," "corresponding, relevant," and "corresponding" may sometimes be used interchangeably, and it should be noted that their intended meanings are consistent unless their distinction is emphasized.

[0149] In this application embodiment, "instruction" can include direct instruction, indirect instruction, explicit instruction, and implicit instruction. When describing a certain instruction information to indicate A, it can be understood that the instruction information carries A, directly indicates A, or indirectly indicates A. In this application, the information indicated by the instruction information is called the information to be instructed. In the specific implementation process, there are many ways to indicate the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly indicating the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index. It can also indirectly indicate the information to be instructed by indicating other information, wherein there is an association between the other information and the information to be instructed. It can also indicate only a part of the information to be instructed, while the other parts of the information to be instructed are known or agreed upon in advance. For example, the instruction of specific information can also be achieved by using the arrangement order of various information in advance (e.g., protocol stipulation), thereby reducing the instruction overhead to a certain extent. In addition, the information to be instructed can be sent as a whole or divided into multiple sub-information to be sent separately, and the sending period and / or sending time of these sub-information can be the same or different.

[0150] In the embodiments of this application, "send" and "receive" indicate the direction of signal transmission. For example, "send information to XX" can be understood as the destination of the information being XX, which may include direct transmission via the air interface or indirect transmission by other units or modules via the air interface. "Receive information from YY" can be understood as the source of the information being YY, which may include direct reception from YY via the air interface or indirect reception from YY by other units or modules via the air interface. "Send" can also be understood as the "output" of the chip interface, and "receive" can also be understood as the "input" of the chip interface. In other words, sending and receiving can occur between devices, such as between network devices and terminal devices, or within a device, such as between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within the device via a bus, wiring, or interface.

[0151] The sensing method provided in the embodiments of this application is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings corresponding to the various embodiments of this application, all steps indicated by dashed lines are optional steps.

[0152] The first device involved in the various embodiments of this application is, for example, Figure 1 Any network device involved (such as a base station), Figure 2 Any base station involved, etc. Figure 3 The network equipment involved Figure 4 The first device involved Figure 5 The access network equipment involved, or Figure 6 The access network equipment involved, or Figure 7 The O-RAN system or modules within the O-RAN system (such as CU or DU) involved, as well as the third device involved in the various embodiments of this application, for example, are... Figure 1 Any of the terminal devices involved Figure 2 Any UE involved, etc. Figure 3 The UE involved Figure 4 The third device involved Figure 5 The terminal equipment involved, or Figure 6 The terminal devices involved, etc. Alternatively, the first device involved in the various embodiments of this application may be, for example, the terminal devices involved in ... Figure 1 Any of the terminal devices involved Figure 2 Any UE involved, etc. Figure 3 The UE involved Figure 4 The first device involved Figure 5 The terminal equipment involved, or Figure 6 The terminal devices involved, and the third devices involved in the various embodiments of this application, are, for example, Figure 1 Any network device involved (such as a base station), Figure 2 Any base station involved, etc. Figure 3 The network equipment involved Figure 4 The third device involved Figure 5 The access network equipment involved, or Figure 6 The access network equipment involved, or Figure 7 The O-RAN system involved or at least one of the modules in the O-RAN system (such as CU, DU, or RIC (specifically Near-RT RIC and / or non-RT RIC)).

[0153] Furthermore, the second device involved in the various embodiments of this application is, for example, Figure 4 The second device involved Figure 5 The SMF or SF involved, or Figure 6The SMC or SMF involved. And, the positioning network elements involved in the various embodiments of this application, for example, are... Figure 5 The LMF involved may also refer to a location service center or location server, etc. As the standard continues to evolve, the name and / or function of the device may change, but this is not a limitation.

[0154] Please refer to Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of an information transmission method provided in an embodiment of this application. The following is a description of... Figure 8 The steps involved will be described.

[0155] S801, The first device measures the echo signal and obtains the first sensing information.

[0156] The content of the echo signal can be referred to the echo signal content discussed above, and will not be listed here again. Optionally, the first device can determine the first resource for receiving the echo signal based on the configuration information of the core network element (such as SMF, SF, or SMC). The resource includes time-domain resources and / or frequency-domain resources. Optionally, the first device can also determine the second resource for reporting the first sensing information. This method can be applied when the first device is an access network device.

[0157] Alternatively, the first device may receive information about the first resource from other devices (such as access network equipment). Optionally, the first device may also receive information about the second resource from other devices (such as access network equipment). In this case, the information about the first resource from other devices (such as access network equipment) may also be determined based on the configuration information of core network elements. This method is applicable when the first device is a terminal device.

[0158] Configuration information can be used to indicate at least one of the following: sensing mode, data format, reporting time, or measurement configuration. Sensing mode, for example, is single-site sensing mode or dual-site sensing mode. Data format refers to the format and / or type of the first sensing information being reported; the format can be, for example, a bit string, enumeration, or index. The type of first sensing information refers to which types of first sensing information are being reported. Reporting time refers to the time at which the first sensing information is reported; for example, the reporting period, activation time, or activation indicator, at least one of these. The activation indicator is used to indicate the start of sensing information reporting. For example, the reporting period for the first sensing information is 200 milliseconds (ms).

[0159] The measurement configuration indicates the time-domain and / or frequency-domain resources for receiving or measuring echo signals, or in other words, the time-domain and / or frequency-domain resources for transmitting or transmitting sensed signals. For example, the measurement configuration may carry an identifier of a first resource for measuring the echo signal. The time-domain resources include measurement time information, specifically including at least two of the start time, duration, or end time of the measured echo signal. Optionally, the measured echo signal may be performed periodically; in this case, the time-domain resources may also include the measurement period of the measured echo signal, such as 100 ms.

[0160] The process by which the first device measures (or receives, or acquires) the echo signal differs depending on the sensing mode. These differences will be described in detail below.

[0161] A1, Single-station sensing mode.

[0162] The first device can independently transmit sensing signals. These signals, after being reflected, refracted, or diffracted by the target, form echo signals, which the first device receives on the first resource. The content of the sensing signals and the target can be referenced respectively to the content of the sensing signals and the target discussed above, and are not specifically limited thereto.

[0163] A2, Dual-station sensing mode.

[0164] The third device can send a sensing signal. After being reflected, refracted, or diffracted by the target, the sensing signal forms an echo signal, which is received by the first device.

[0165] The first device receives an echo signal on a first resource to obtain first sensing information. The first sensing information refers to information related to the current sensing, such as information related to the current sensing task or sensing signal. For example, the first device can process the echo signal, such as performing conversion and / or channel estimation based on the echo signal, to obtain the first sensing information. Alternatively, the first device can also send the echo signal to other devices, allowing those devices to process the echo signal to obtain the first sensing information. This is an example of how the first device determines sensing measurement data; however, the actual embodiments of this application do not limit the method by which the first device determines sensing measurement data. The first sensing information may include the contents shown in B1 and / or B2 below, which will be described separately.

[0166] B1. The first type of sensing information includes sensing measurement information / sensing measurement data. Sensing measurement data can also be called sensing measurement information, etc., and its name is not specifically limited.

[0167] The sensing measurement data includes, for example, at least one of B1-1 to B1-6 below.

[0168] B1-1. Measurement information of at least one path. The at least one path is a communication path for transmitting sensing signals. The at least one path may correspond to a TRP of the first device. For example, each path in the at least one path corresponds to one of the at least one TRPs of the first device. In this case, the at least one path may be replaced by at least one TRP of the first device.

[0169] The measurement information for at least one path includes at least one of the following items: B1-1-1 to B1-1-6.

[0170] B1-1-1. Identification (ID) (or index, number, or sequence number, etc.) of the sensed signal transmitted along at least one path. For example, if the sensed signal is a reference signal, then the identifier of the sensed signal can be the identifier of the reference signal.

[0171] B1-1-2, Identifiers of resources that transmit sensing signals via at least one path, for example, including the identifiers of at least one TRP.

[0172] B1-1-3. Energy for at least one path, such as the signal strength for at least one path, specifically the received strength of the sensed signal. When the sensed signal is a reference signal, the signal strength could be, for example, the reference signal receiving power (RSRP).

[0173] B1-1-4. Time delay information for at least one path. For example, when the sensed signal is a reference signal, the time delay information for at least one path can be the reference signal time difference (RSTD) for at least one path.

[0174] B1-1-5. Phase information for at least one path. For example, when the sensed signal is the reference signal, the phase information for at least one path is, for example, the carrier phase differential (CPD) for at least one path.

[0175] B1-1-6. Measurement accuracy for at least one path, for example, including at least one of the following: signal strength measurement accuracy, time measurement accuracy, energy measurement accuracy, or phase measurement accuracy for at least one path.

[0176] Measurement information for at least one path may also include other measurement information, without specific limitations.

[0177] B1-2. Time information, also known as timestamps. Time information includes, for example, the time when at least one path receives the sensing signal, and / or the time when at least one path sends the sensing signal. Time information can be identified using, for example, a system frame number (SFN), or it can be represented using coordinated universal time (UTC). There are no restrictions on the specific form of the time information.

[0178] B1-3. Raw data from at least one path. Raw data from at least one path may include, for example, the amplitude and phase of the echo signal received from at least one path, and / or the channel information corresponding to the echo signal. The channel information corresponding to the echo signal may include at least one of the following: the complex result of the channel response, the amplitude of the channel response, the signal matrix, the phase of the channel response, the in-phase (I) path corresponding to the echo signal, the quadrature (Q) path corresponding to the echo signal, or the result of correlation operations of at least two of the above.

[0179] When the first sensing information includes sensing measurement data, the first device can perform processing such as conversion or channel estimation on the echo signal to obtain the sensing measurement data. Alternatively, the first device can also send the echo signal to other devices, allowing those other devices to process the echo signal to obtain the sensing measurement data. This is an example of how the first device determines the sensing measurement data; however, the actual embodiments of this application do not limit the method by which the first device determines the sensing measurement data.

[0180] The following example illustrates the contents of the signal matrix.

[0181] The signal matrix is ​​defined as follows: SEQUENCE {maxtrixSize (octet string), maxtrixData (octet string), subtype (enumerated) {raw, channel}}. In this example, the signal matrix includes at least one of the following: matrix size, matrix data, and matrix subtype. This is just one example of a signal matrix, and its specific content is not limited. In the various embodiments of this application, "A::=B" indicates that one possible implementation of A is B, or that B can be understood as an expansion of the specific content of A.

[0182] B1-4. Perception Mode Corresponding to the Perception Result. The perception mode corresponding to the perception result refers to the perception mode under which the perception result corresponds. For example, the perception result may be a single-site perception mode or a dual-site perception mode. Specifically, depending on the first device, the perception mode can be further subdivided into single-site perception mode where the UE transmits and receives data, single-site perception mode where the base station transmits and receives data, dual-site perception mode where the base station transmits data to the UE, dual-site perception mode where the UE transmits data to the base station, dual-site perception mode where one base station transmits data to another, or dual-site perception mode where one UE transmits data to another, etc. There are no specific limitations on this.

[0183] B1-5. Identifiers of the destination device and / or source device for the first sensing information. The destination device refers to the target device receiving the first sensing information, such as a second device. The source device refers to the device sending the first sensing information, such as a first device. The device identifier can be, for example, the device's equipment identifier or device address, specifically, the device's media access control (MAC) address, subscription permanent identifier (SUPI), or other identifiers, without specific limitations.

[0184] B1-6. Transaction ID, also known as perception task ID. A transaction ID represents a perception process or perception task; that is, a perception task or a perception process can be identified by a transaction ID.

[0185] The following example illustrates the content of sensing measurement data. The example uses the sensing signal as the reference signal and the sensing measurement data carried within the measurement element (measElement).

[0186] Example 1: measElement ::= Sequence { timestamp (optional), Reference Signal Identifier (RS-ID) (optional), Reference Signal Resource Identifier (RS-ResourceID) (optional), Reference Signal Time Difference (RSTD) (optional), Timing Quality (optional), Reference Signal Carrier Phase Differential (RSCPD) (optional), Phase Quality (optional), Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) (optional), Power Quality (optional), Additional PathList (optional), Additional Measurements (optional) optional), raw signal (rawsignal) - raw signal optional, channel information (channellinfo) - signal matrix in channel information optional}.

[0187] In this example, the sensing measurement data includes at least one of the following: timestamp, reference signal identifier, reference signal resource identifier, time measurement accuracy, reference signal carrier phase differential, phase measurement accuracy, RSRP, energy measurement accuracy, attached path list, raw signal, or channel information. The raw signal can be the original data of at least one of the paths mentioned above.

[0188] Example 1 is an example of the content of perceptual measurement data, but it does not actually limit the specific content of perceptual measurement data.

[0189] Example 2: Sensing measurement information: := Sequence { Sensing mode enumerated {BSaa,BSab,UEaa,UEa,…} — Sensing modes are optional, measurement list}. In this example, the sensing measurement information includes the sensing mode and the measurement information corresponding to the echo signal, i.e., the measurement list.

[0190] Optional, the measurement list (measList) ::= sequence (SEQUENCE) { size (1,..., maximum number of TRPs under new air (nrMaxTRPs)) of meas element (measurement element)}.

[0191] Example 2 is an example of the content of perceptual measurement data, but it does not actually limit the specific content of perceptual measurement data.

[0192] B2. The first sensing information includes sensing information / sensing results. Sensing results, also known as sensing estimation results, refer to the results determined based on echo signals or sensing measurement data. Sensing results include, for example, at least one of the following B2-1 to B2-5.

[0193] B2-1. Time information, or sensing reference time. For example, the reception time of the echo signal and / or the transmission time of the sensing signal.

[0194] B2-2. Location Information. Location information indicates the target's position, such as the target's location coordinates.

[0195] The following example uses a point as the scattering point to illustrate the content of the location coordinates of a scattering point.

[0196] Location coordinates: := options (CHOICE) {scatter point, point cloud sequence (SIZE)(1,..., maxPointNumber)) of scatter point, polygon ...}. In this example, the location coordinates of the scatter point include the number of points in the point cloud data, as well as polygon data. This is just one example of the content of the location coordinates of the scatter point; the specific content of the location coordinates is not actually limited.

[0197] B2-3. Velocity Information: Velocity information represents the target's speed. It may include the target's speed, its identifier, and its current coordinates.

[0198] B2-4. Map Information. Map information includes, for example, at least one map type and information about targets within each map, specifically, the coordinates of various targets in the environment. Map types (or formats) may include, for example, MPC, Grid, or PSD. Maps may include, for example, radio frequency maps (RadioFreqMaps) (or electromagnetic maps). When map information indicates multiple maps, these multiple maps can be referred to as a map list.

[0199] The following are examples of map information content.

[0200] Maplist::= Sequence(SEQUENCE)(Size(SIZE)(1,…,Maximum number of maps under version 16(maxMAPs-r16)))OF Mapelement(Mapelement) Mapelement::= Sequence(SEQUENCE){map Type Enumeration(ENUMERATED){mpc,grid,psd}, set of grid type maps(gridNumber intefer)(0,…,gridNumber), list of grid type map information sequence(gridinfolist SEQUENCE)(SIZE(0,…,gridNumber}of gridinfo}. In this example, the map information includes the total number of maps, the types of maps included, and the number and information of each type of map, etc. This is an example of the content of the location coordinates of the scattering point; in reality, the specific content of the location coordinates is not limited.

[0201] The following provides examples of the information content for grid-type maps.

[0202] The information for a grid-type map (Gridinfo) is: := Sequence {Multipathinfo (OmnipathInfo) – octet byte string optional, scalarInfo (OmnipathInfo) optional, vectorInfo (OmnipathInfo) optional}. In this example, the grid-type map information includes multipath information used for transmitting sensing signals, the map's corresponding scalar information, and the map's corresponding vector information. This is just one example of the content of grid-type map information; the specific content of grid-type map information is not actually limited.

[0203] B2-5, Perceiving intermediate data.

[0204] Intermediate perception data may include at least one of the following: point data (such as reflection point data), point cloud data, or polygon data. Point data may include at least one of the following: point coordinates (or location coordinates), power, or time difference. Coordinate data may include geographic coordinates (such as longitude, latitude, and altitude) and / or Cartesian coordinates. Point cloud data may include a collection of data on points on the target surface, including point coordinates and brightness. Polygon data refers to the data of several points that make up a polygon within the target, essentially representing data on some or all of the points in the target.

[0205] The following example uses a specific point as the scattering point to illustrate the content of the scattering point data.

[0206] Scatter point ::= Sequence {latitude range (0,...,8388607), longitude range (-8388608,...,-8388607), altitude range (-32767,...,32767), energy range (0,...,65528), time delay range (0,...,524224)}. In this example, the scatter point data includes the longitude, latitude, altitude, energy, and time delay of the scatter point. The units for latitude and longitude can be degrees (°), and the units for energy can be decibels (dBm), milliwatts (mW), watts (W), or joules (J). The unit for time delay can be microseconds (μs). This is just one example of the content of scatter point data; the specific content of scatter point data is not actually limited.

[0207] The following are examples illustrating the content of the perception results.

[0208] SensingResult::= Sequence {SensingReferenceTime (timestampOptional), LocationCoordinates (locationCoordinatesOptional), Velocity (velocityOptional), MapList (maplistOptional)}. In this example, the sensing result can include at least one of the following: sensing reference time, location coordinates, velocity, and maplist. This is just one example of the content of the sensing result; the specific content of the sensing result is not actually limited.

[0209] The information shown in B1 or B2 above can also be considered as one type of information included in the first perceived information. That is, the first perceived information can include at least one type of information, which is the information shown in B1 and / or B2 above.

[0210] S802, the first device sends first sensing information to the second device. Correspondingly, the second device receives the first sensing information from the first device. The first sensing information is carried in the first transmission unit of the NAS message.

[0211] The first device can directly send the first sensing information to the second device, or send the first sensing information to the second device through other devices. For example, if the first device is a base station and the second device is an SMF (Smart Filter), then the base station can directly send the first sensing information to the SMF, or send the first sensing information to the SMF through an AMF (Anti-Morphological Filter). As another example, if the first device is a UE (User Equipment) and the second device is an SMF, then the UE can send the first sensing information to the SMF through the base station.

[0212] NAS messages can refer to messages transmitted through the NAS layer. The first transmission unit is dedicated to transmitting sensing information (or sensing-related information), or specifically to providing sensing information. The first transmission unit can be, for example, a message providing sensing information, or a cell providing sensing information. In this case, the device (such as the first device) will by default use the first transmission unit to transmit sensing information. For example, the first transmission unit can be predefined or preconfigured specifically for transmitting sensing-related information; for instance, the first transmission unit can be a transmission unit predefined by the protocol specifically for transmitting sensing information. The first sensing information discussed above can be considered a concrete example of sensing information.

[0213] The content of the first transmission unit can refer to the content of the transmission units discussed above, and repeated details will not be listed again. The first transmission unit can be a message, such as a message in a NAS message. In this case, the first transmission unit can also be called a first message, a message providing sensing information, or a sensing message, etc. The first transmission unit can also be an information cell, such as an information cell in a NAS message. In this case, the first transmission unit can also be called a first information cell, a sensing information cell, or a sensing information cell, etc. The first transmission unit can also be a container, such as a container in a NAS message. In this case, the first transmission unit can also be called a first container, a container providing sensing information, or a sensing container, etc. The first transmission unit can be a field, such as a field in a NAS message. In this case, the first transmission unit can also be called a first field, a field providing sensing information, or a sensing field, etc. In summary, the various embodiments of this application do not specifically limit the hierarchy of the first transmission unit or its name. For example, the first transmission unit can be a providing sensing information information cell, a providing sensing information message, a providing sensing information container, or a providing sensing information field, etc.

[0214] In one possible implementation, the first transmission unit may include (or be configured or divided into) at least one sub-transmission unit, each sub-transmission unit being used to carry at least one type of information included in the first sensing information. The content of the sub-transmission unit can refer to the content of the sub-transmission units discussed above, and repetitions will not be listed again. Optionally, the information shown in B1 and / or B2 above is an example of at least one type of information; in reality, there can be multiple ways to divide the at least one type of information included in the first sensing information, and no specific limitation is made therein.

[0215] For example, the first sensing information includes sensing measurement data and sensing results, and the first transmission unit may include sub-transmission unit 1 and sub-transmission unit 2. Sub-transmission unit 1 may be used to carry (or transmit) sensing measurement data, and sub-transmission unit 2 may be used to carry (or transmit) sensing results.

[0216] In one possible design, if there is no need to transmit a certain type of information, the first transmission unit may not include the sub-transmission unit corresponding to that type of information. For example, if the first sensed information includes N types of information, where N is a positive integer, then the first device can determine the sub-transmission units corresponding to each of these N types of information to obtain N sub-transmission units corresponding to the first transmission unit, and then use these N sub-transmission units to transmit the N types of information respectively. In this way, the structure of the first transmission unit is more flexible, and it is also easier for the second device to parse the first sensed information, which helps to save transmission overhead.

[0217] For example, if the first sensing information only includes the sensing result, then the first device can determine that the first transmission unit only includes the sub-transmission unit 2, and use the sub-transmission unit 2 to transmit the sensing result.

[0218] In another possible design, the structure of the first transmission unit can be fixed. For example, the first transmission unit includes sub-transmission unit 1 and sub-transmission unit 2. If the first sensing information does not include sensing measurement data, then the information carried by sub-transmission unit 1 is empty; or if the first sensing information does not include sensing results, then the information carried by sub-transmission unit 2 is empty.

[0219] Figure 9 This diagram illustrates the structure of the first transmission unit provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 9 Figures (1) to (6) illustrate the first transmission unit with different structures.

[0220] Figure 9 Figure (1) illustrates the first transmission unit that does not include sub-transmissions. For example... Figure 9 As shown in (1), the first transmission unit is a transmission unit in the NAS message, and the first transmission unit carries the first sensing information.

[0221] Figure 9 Middle (2) to Figure 9 Figure (6) illustrates the case where the first transmission unit includes at least one sub-transmission unit. Figure 9 Neutralize (3) Figure 9 Figure (4) illustrates the case where the structure of the first transmission unit is not fixed. Figure 9 Zhong (5) and Figure 9 Figure (6) illustrates the case where the structure of the first transmission unit is fixed.

[0222] like Figure 9 As shown in (2), the first transmission unit is a transmission unit in the NAS message. The first transmission unit includes a sub-transmission unit 1 and a sub-transmission unit 2. The sub-transmission unit 1 carries the sensing measurement data in the first sensing information, and the sub-transmission unit 2 carries the sensing result in the first sensing information.

[0223] like Figure 9As shown in (3), the first transmission unit is a transmission unit in the NAS message. The first transmission unit includes a sub-transmission unit 1, which carries the sensing measurement data in the first sensing information.

[0224] like Figure 9 As shown in (4), the first transmission unit is a transmission unit in the NAS message. The first transmission unit includes a sub-transmission unit 2, which carries the perception result in the first perception information.

[0225] like Figure 9 As shown in (5), the first transmission unit is a transmission unit in the NAS message. The first transmission unit includes sub-transmission unit 1 and sub-transmission unit 2. Sub-transmission unit 1 carries the sensing measurement data in the first sensing information. Since the first sensing information only includes sensing measurement data, the information carried by sub-transmission unit 2 is empty.

[0226] like Figure 9 As shown in (6), the first transmission unit is a transmission unit in the NAS message. The first transmission unit includes sub-transmission unit 1 and sub-transmission unit 2. Since the first sensing information only includes the sensing result, the information carried by sub-transmission unit 1 is empty, and the information carried by sub-transmission unit 2 is the sensing result.

[0227] In actual communication, the sensing task (or sensing function) may be related to the positioning task (or positioning function). For example, the positioning task (or positioning function) may be a part of the sensing task (or sensing function), or the positioning task (or positioning function) may be relatively independent of the sensing task (or sensing function), but the two can assist each other. To facilitate the transmission of the first sensing information and the information related to the positioning task (hereinafter referred to as positioning information), in one possible implementation, the first transmission unit is associated with (or related to) the transmission unit used to carry the positioning information.

[0228] The following is a description of the location information. The location information includes the location information shown in C1 or C2 below.

[0229] C1. Location information sent by the terminal device, or location information originating from the terminal device.

[0230] Location information can be location-related information obtained by measuring a reference signal (such as a location reference signal). If the sensed signal is the reference signal, then the location information can also be location-related information obtained by measuring the echo signal.

[0231] Location information may include the device's location information, specifically, the device's location coordinates. Various technologies can be used by the terminal device to determine its location, such as enhanced cell identity (ECID), assisting-global navigation satellite system (A-GNSS), observed time difference of arrival (OTDOA), uplink (UL) time difference of arrival (TDOA) positioning technology, or positioning technology based on channel state information (CSI) and time difference, etc., without specific limitations. Optionally, the location information may also include measurement information for at least one path. This at least one path may be the transmission path of a reference signal (such as a positioning reference signal) between the terminal device and the network device. The content of the measurement information for at least one path can refer to the content of the measurement information for at least one path mentioned in B1 above. Optionally, the sensing signal and the positioning reference signal involved in S801 may be the same signal.

[0232] For example, location information can be location information sent by the terminal device through the Long Term Evolution (LTE) positioning protocol (LPP). In this case, the location information can be carried in a ProvideLocationInformation message (or simply a location information message), or in other words, carried in a ProvideLocationInformation cell.

[0233] C2. Location information sent by the access network device, or location information originating from the access network device. The content of the location information can be referred to in C1, and any repetitions will not be listed here. The location information shown in C2 can be location information sent via NR positioning protocol a (NRPPa). In this case, the location information can be carried in the Measurement Response message or in the Measurement Response cell.

[0234] The following sections describe the possible relationships between the first transmission unit and the transmission unit used to carry positioning information, in different scenarios.

[0235] D1. The first transmission unit and the transmission unit dedicated to transmitting location information (referred to here as the second transmission unit) are two transmission units of the same level (or type). In this case, both the first transmission unit and the second transmission unit can be messages, cells, containers, or fields, for example.

[0236] The second transmission unit can differ depending on the first device. For example, if the first device is a terminal device, the second transmission unit could be a ProvideLocationInformation message or a ProvideLocationInformation cell. As another example, if the first device is an access network device, the second transmission unit could be a MeasurementResponse message or a MeasurementResponse cell. This application does not limit the name of the second transmission unit in its embodiments.

[0237] D1 can be further divided into two cases: D1-1 and D1-2, which will be explained below.

[0238] D1-1, the first transmission unit and the second transmission unit are two independent transmission units in the NAS message. Alternatively, the first transmission unit and the second transmission unit are two parallel transmission units in the NAS message. For example, the first transmission unit and the second transmission unit are both two messages, or two information cells, or two containers, or two fields, etc., within the NAS message. The content of the second transmission unit can refer to the content of the second transmission unit discussed above; repetitions will not be repeated here. Optionally, the first transmission unit may include at least one sub-transmission unit, which is used to carry at least one type of information of the first sensing information. The content of the at least one sub-transmission unit and the content of the at least one type of information can refer to the content of the at least one sub-transmission unit and the content of the at least one type of information discussed above, respectively.

[0239] Under D1-1, a transmission unit for the corresponding sensing information is defined. This transmission unit is parallel to the second transmission unit used for transmitting positioning information, which makes the first transmission unit more flexible and supports carrying different types of sensing information, and can widely support future communication sensing processes.

[0240] The following example illustrates how the first sensing information is transmitted using a sensing protocol (SP), and how the first transmission unit provides sensing information (e.g., a sensing protocol message) and the second transmission unit provides location information (e.g., a Long Term Evolution protocol message).

[0241] The perception protocol message (SP-Message) ::= sequence (SEQUENCE) { transaction ID (transactionID) — perception protocol transaction ID optional (SP-TransactionID OPTIONAL), perception protocol message body (sp-MessageBody) — perception protocol message body optional (SP-MessageBody OPTIONAL), ...,}. In this example, the perception protocol message includes the transaction ID and / or the perception message body.

[0242] The sensing protocol message body (SP-MessageBody) ::= Options (CHOICE) {c1 CHOICE {ProvideSensingInformation)}}. In this example, the sensing protocol body includes providing sensing information. Specifically, ProvidingSensingInformation ::= Sequence (SEQUENCE) {...,}. The content of the providing sensing information can be referenced from the content of the first sensing information mentioned earlier; it is not elaborated here.

[0243] Long Term Evolution (LPP) Message::= Sequence {Transaction ID (transactionID) - LPP TransactionID OPTIONAL, LPP Message Body (lpp-MessageBody) - LPP Message Body OPTIONAL, ...,}.

[0244] Long Term Evolution (LPP) MessageBody::= Options (CHOICE){c1 CHOICE{provideLocationInformation}}.

[0245] The following example illustrates how the first transmission unit provides sensing information (e.g., a sensing protocol message), and the second transmission unit provides a measurement response message.

[0246] Provide Sensing Information: SEQUENCE{...,}. The content and structure of the provided sensing information can be found in the previous discussion of the content and structure of provided sensing information, and will not be listed here again.

[0247] Measurement Response::= Sequence {protocolIEs ProtocolIE-Container {{Measurement Response-IEs}},...}.

[0248] The Measurement Response (MER) is structured as follows: `NRPPA - Protocol - IES:: = {{ID id - LMF - Measurement - ID Critical Rejection Type Measurement ID Mandatory} | {ID id - RAN - Measurement - ID Critical Rejection Type Measurement ID Mandatory} | {ID id - TRP - Measurement Response List Critical Rejection Type Measurement ID Mandatory} | {ID id - Critical Diagnostics Critical Ignore Type Type Critical Diagnostics Optional}`. The critical rejection type refers to the conditions under which a measurement is rejected; for example, certain measurements reaching a threshold can be rejected. The critical ignore type refers to the conditions under which a measurement is ignored. Critical diagnosis refers to determining whether certain values ​​have reached a threshold or critical value.

[0249] For example, please refer to Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first transmission unit and the second transmission unit provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 10 Middle (1) to Figure 10 Figure (3) shows three structural diagrams of the first transmission unit and the second transmission unit. Figure 10 Zhong (2) and Figure 10 (3) can be used as Figure 10 Two specific examples of (1).

[0250] like Figure 10 As shown in (1), the first transmission unit and the second transmission unit can be two parallel transmission units in the NAS message. The first transmission unit carries the first sensing information, and the second transmission unit carries the positioning information.

[0251] Figure 10 In (2), the first transmission unit provides sensing information cells, and the second transmission unit provides positioning information cells. The sensing information cells are used to carry the first sensing information, and the positioning information cells are used to carry the positioning information. This example can be applied to the case where the first device is a terminal device.

[0252] Figure 10 In (3), the first transmission unit is a sensing information cell, and the second transmission unit is a measurement response cell. The sensing information cell is used to carry the first sensing information, and the measurement response cell is used to carry the positioning information. This example can be applied to the case where the first device is an access network device.

[0253] D1-2, the first transmission unit, and the second transmission unit are two sub-transmission units within the fourth transmission unit of the NAS message. Compared to D1-1, the first and second transmission units in D1-2 are transmission units at the same level, but they also belong to the fourth transmission unit.

[0254] The first and second transmission units may belong to the same level as the fourth transmission unit, or they may be transmission units at a lower level than the fourth transmission unit; there is no specific limitation in this regard. For example, the fourth transmission unit may be a message, and both the first and second transmission units may be messages, or both the first and second transmission units may be cells or containers, etc. Another example is that the fourth transmission unit may be a cell, and both the first and second transmission units may be cells, or both the first and second transmission units may be fields, etc.

[0255] The fourth transmission unit may be a message that provides ISAC information, such as an ISAC-message, or a cell that provides ISAC information.

[0256] For example, please refer to Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first transmission unit and the second transmission unit provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 11 Middle (1) to Figure 11 Figure (3) shows three structural diagrams of the first transmission unit and the second transmission unit. Figure 11 Zhong (2) and Figure 11 (3) can be used as Figure 11 Two specific examples of (1).

[0257] like Figure 11 As shown in Figure (1), the NAS message includes a fourth transmission unit, which in turn includes a first transmission unit and a second transmission unit. The first transmission unit and the second transmission unit can be two parallel transmission units in the fourth transmission unit of the NAS message. The first transmission unit carries the first sensing information, and the second transmission unit carries the positioning information.

[0258] Figure 11 In (2), the fourth transmission unit is a communication-sensing integrated message, the first transmission unit is a sensing information cell, and the second transmission unit is a positioning information cell. The sensing information cell is used to carry the first sensing information, and the positioning information cell is used to carry the positioning information. This example can be applied to the case where the first device is a terminal device.

[0259] Figure 11 In (3), the fourth transmission unit is a communication-sensing integrated message, the first transmission unit is a sensing information cell, and the second transmission unit is a measurement response cell. The sensing information cell is used to carry the first sensing information, and the measurement response cell is used to carry the positioning information. This example can be applied to the case where the first device is an access network device.

[0260] Optionally, the first transmission unit may include at least one sub-transmission unit, which is used to carry at least one type of information of the first sensing information. The content of the at least one sub-transmission unit and the content of the at least one type of information can be referred to the content of the at least one sub-transmission unit and the content of the at least one type of information discussed above, respectively.

[0261] In D1-2, a transmission unit for reporting sensing information is defined, which together with the transmission unit for reporting positioning information forms a new transmission unit for information reporting. This scheme can better associate positioning information and sensing information, and does not require modification of the second transmission unit. This scheme has strong applicability and requires minimal modification.

[0262] Example a: Taking the fourth transmission unit as the integrated communication sensing information message, the first transmission unit as the information element providing sensing information, and the second transmission unit as the information element providing location information as examples.

[0263] The ISAC-message is defined as follows: SEQUENCE {Transaction ID (ISAC-Transaction ID optional), ISAC-messageBody (ISAC-messageBody optional), ...,}. In this example, the ISAC-message includes both a transaction ID and a ISAC-message body.

[0264] The ISAC-messageBody is defined as follows: := Sequence {c1 choice {provideISACInformation}. In this example, the ISAC-messageBody includes the element that provides ISACInformation.

[0265] The communication sensing integrated information (provideISACInformation) ::= sequence {ProvideSensingInformation (ProvideSensingInformationoptional), ProvideLocationInformation (ProvideLocationInformationoptional)}. In this example, the communication sensing integrated information element includes the providing sensing information element and the providing location information element.

[0266] Provide Sensing Information ::= Sequence { Sensing Result (SensingInformation / Sensingresult) — Sensing Result optional (SensingInformationoptional), Sensing Measurement Data (SensingMeasurementInformation / SensingMeasurementdata) — Sensing Measurement Data optional (SensingMeasurementInformationoptional), ...,}. In this example, the provided sensing information elements include the sensing result and the sensing measurement data.

[0267] ProvideLocationInformation: := Sequence { CHOICE { c1 CHOICE { provideLocationInformation-r9 for version 9, provideLocationInformation-r9-IEs, spare3NULL, spare2NULL, spare1NULL}, future CHOICE Sequence {}}}. In this example, the ProvideLocationInformation message includes the ProvideLocationInformation IEs and other content. The spareX IEs represent reserved IEs or fields that can be used to carry information in the future. X indicates which IE or field is reserved.

[0268] In version 9, the `provideLocationInformation-r9-IEs` element contains the sequence `{nr-DL-ProvideLocationInformation-r16 based on Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA)-ProvideLocationInformation-r16 optional (TDOA-ProvideLocationInformation-r16 optional)`, ...,}. In this example, the `provideLocationInformation` element includes the time difference of arrival (TDOA) provided location information under version 16. The time difference of arrival (TDOA) provided location information under version 16 is an example of location information.

[0269] Example b: Taking the fourth transmission unit as the integrated communication sensing information message, the first transmission unit as the Provide Sensing Information information element, and the second transmission unit as the Measurement Response information element as examples.

[0270] The communication sensing integrated information (provideISACInformation) ::= sequence {ProvideSensingInformation (ProvideSensingInformation optional), MeasurementResponse (MeasurementResponse optional)}. In this example, the communication sensing integrated information element includes a providing sensing information element and a measurement response element.

[0271] The content of the provided sensing information can be found in example a above, and will not be listed here again.

[0272] Measurement Response ::= Sequence {protocolIEs protocolIEs protocolIE-container{{measurement response elements(MeasurementResponse-IEs))}},…,}. This measurement response message includes measurement response elements.

[0273] Measurement Response - Information Elements (IEs) NRPPA - Protocol - IES::={{Identifier (ID) id-LMF-Measurement (Measurement)-ID Critical Rejection Type Measurement ID Mandatory}|{ID id-RAN-Measurement-ID Critical Rejection Type Measurement ID Mandatory}|{ID id-TRP-MeasurementResponseList Critical Rejection Type Measurement ID Mandatory}|{ID id-CriticismDiagnostics Critical Ignore Type (TYPE) Critical Diagnostics (optional)}. This lists the contents of the measurement response information elements. The content regarding critical rejection types, critical neglect types, and borderline diagnoses can be found in the previous sections on critical rejection types, critical neglect types, and borderline diagnoses, and will not be listed here again.

[0274] Examples b and a are examples of the first transmission unit carrying the first sensing information, but in reality, the specific content of the first sensing information carried by the first transmission unit is not limited.

[0275] D2. The first transmission unit and the third transmission unit are two transmission units at different levels. In other words, the first transmission unit and the third transmission unit are transmission units of different types in the NAS message.

[0276] For example, one of the first transmission unit and the second transmission unit is a message in a NAS message, and the other is an information cell, container, or field, etc. Optionally, the first transmission unit may include at least one sub-transmission unit, which is used to carry at least one type of information of the first sensing information. The content of the at least one sub-transmission unit and the content of the at least one type of information can be referred to respectively as the content of the at least one sub-transmission unit and the content of the at least one type of information discussed above.

[0277] D2 can be further divided into two cases, as shown in D2-1 and D2-2 below. These will be described separately.

[0278] D2-1, the third transmission unit is a sub-transmission unit of the first transmission unit. In this case, the positioning information can be used as part of the sensing information.

[0279] The third transmission unit refers to a transmission unit dedicated to transmitting location information. In this case, the content of the third transmission unit can refer to the content of the second transmission unit mentioned in D1 above, and will not be listed here again. The third transmission unit can be different depending on the first device. For example, if the first device is a terminal device, the third transmission unit can be a ProvideLocationInformation message or a ProvideLocationInformation information element. As another example, if the first device is an access network device, the third transmission unit can be a MeasurementResponse message or a MeasurementResponse information element. The embodiments of this application do not limit the name of the third transmission unit.

[0280] For example, the first transmission unit is a message, and the third transmission unit is a cell, field, or container, etc. Or, for another example, the first transmission unit is a cell, and the third transmission unit is a field or container of the first transmission unit, etc.

[0281] D2-2. The first transmission unit is a sub-transmission unit of the third transmission unit. In this case, the third transmission unit is used to transmit both sensing information and positioning information.

[0282] In D2-2, the third transmission unit can be a message, container, cell, or field, etc., without specific limitations. The first transmission unit may be at a lower level than the third transmission unit. For example, the third transmission unit may be a message, and the first transmission unit may contain cells, fields, or containers under that message. Or, the third transmission unit may be a cell, and the first transmission unit may contain a field under that cell.

[0283] The third transmission unit can differ depending on the first device. For example, if the first device is a terminal device, the third transmission unit could be a ProvideLocationInformation message or a ProvideLocationInformation information element. As another example, if the first device is an access network device, the third transmission unit could be a MeasurementResponse message or a MeasurementResponse information element. The embodiments of this application do not limit the name of the third transmission unit.

[0284] Optionally, the third transmission unit may also include a fifth transmission unit. The fifth transmission unit and the first transmission unit are two transmission units at the same level. The fifth transmission unit is used to transmit or carry positioning information, and the first transmission unit is used to transmit or carry sensing information (such as first sensing information). For example, the fifth transmission unit may provide a location information field for the downlink angle of departure (DL-AOD).

[0285] For example, please refer to Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first transmission unit and the third transmission unit provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 12 Middle (1) to Figure 12 Figure (3) shows three structural diagrams of the first transmission unit and the third transmission unit, respectively. Figure 12 Zhong (2) and Figure 12 (3) can be used as Figure 12 Two specific examples of (1).

[0286] like Figure 12 As shown in Figure (1), the NAS message includes a third transmission unit, which in turn includes a first transmission unit and a fifth transmission unit. The first transmission unit and the fifth transmission unit can be two parallel transmission units within the third transmission unit. The first transmission unit carries the first sensing information, and the fifth transmission unit carries the positioning information.

[0287] Figure 12 In (2), the first transmission unit provides sensing information cells, the third transmission unit provides positioning information messages, and the fifth transmission unit provides positioning information cells. The sensing information cells are used to carry the first sensing information, and the positioning information cells are used to carry the positioning information. This example can be applied to situations where the first device is a terminal device.

[0288] Figure 12 In example (3), the first transmission unit provides sensing information cells, the third transmission unit provides measurement response messages, and the fifth transmission unit provides measurement response cells. The sensing information cells are used to carry the first sensing information, and the measurement response cells are used to carry the positioning information. This example can be applied to situations where the first device is an access network device.

[0289] The first example is to illustrate this by taking the third transmission unit as the information cell that provides location information and the first transmission unit as a sub-transmission unit belonging to the third transmission unit.

[0290] Length Time Evolution (LTP) Message::= Sequence {Transaction ID (transactionID) – LPP TransactionID OPTIONAL, LPP Message Body (lpp-MessageBody) – LPP Message Body OPTIONAL, ...,}. In this example, the LPP message includes the transaction ID and the LPP message body.

[0291] LTE MessageBody::=CHOICE {c1 CHOICE {provideLocationInformation}}. In this example, the LTE MessageBody includes a ProvideLocationInformation message.

[0292] ProvideLocationInformation: := Sequence { CHOICE { c1 CHOICE { provideLocationInformation-r9 for version 9, provideLocationInformation-r9-IEs, spare3NULL, spare2NULL, spare1NULL}, future criticalExtensionsFuture Sequence {}}}. In this example, the ProvideLocationInformation message includes the ProvideLocationInformation IEs and some other content. The content of the spareX-spaces can be referred to the previously discussed spareX-spaces, and will not be listed here again.

[0293] In version 9, the location information information elements (provideLocationInformation-r9-IEs) are::= sequence (SEQUENCE) {ProvideSensingInformation—ProvideSensingInformation optional, downlink angle of departure (DL-AOD-ProviedeLocationInformation-r16)—downlink angle of departure (DL-AOD-ProviedeLocationInformation-r16 optional), nr-DL-ProvideLocationInformation based on time difference of arrival (TDOA-ProviedeLocationInformation-r16)—ProvideLocationInformation based on time difference of arrival (TDOA-ProviedeLocationInformation-r16optional) in version 16,…,}. In this example, the location information information elements include location information based on time difference of arrival in version 16, location information based on departure angle in version 16, and sensing information, etc. Version 16 provides location information based on the time difference of arrival and / or provides location information based on the departure angle as an example of positioning information.

[0294] Provide Sensing Information ::= Sequence { Sensing Result (SensingInformation / Sensingresult) — Sensing Result optional (SensingInformationoptional), Sensing Measurement Data (SensingMeasurementInformation / SensingMeasurementdata) — Sensing Measurement Data optional (SensingMeasurementInformationoptional), ...,}. In this example, the provided sensing information elements include the sensing result and the sensing measurement data.

[0295] The second example is illustrated by the case of the third transmission unit providing the Measurement Response message and the first transmission unit being a sub-transmission unit belonging to the third transmission unit.

[0296] Measurement Response: := Sequence {protocolIEs}, protocolIE-container{{Measurement Response-IEs}}, optional, ProvideSensingInformation (optional), ...,}. This measurement response message includes measurement response elements and provide sensing information elements. The content of the provide sensing information element can be referred to the content of the provide sensing information in the first example above, and will not be listed here.

[0297] Measurement Response - Information Elements (IEs) NRPPA - Protocol - IES::={{Identifier (ID) id-LMF-Measurement (Measurement)-ID Critical Rejection Type Measurement ID Mandatory}|{ID id-RAN-Measurement-ID Critical Rejection Type Measurement ID Mandatory}|{ID id-TRP-MeasurementResponseList Critical Rejection Type Measurement ID Mandatory}|{ID id-CriticismDiagnostics Critical Ignore Type (TYPE) Critical Diagnostics (optional)}. This lists the contents of the measurement response information elements. The content regarding critical rejection types, critical neglect types, and borderline diagnoses can be found in the previous sections on critical rejection types, critical neglect types, and borderline diagnoses, and will not be listed here again.

[0298] The first and second examples illustrate how the first transmission unit carries the first sensing information, but they do not actually limit the specific content of the first sensing information carried by the first transmission unit.

[0299] In one possible implementation, the first device can send or report first sensing information to the second device after the second device is triggered. For example, the first device receiving first information from the second device is equivalent to the second device triggering the first device to report the first sensing information to the second device. The first information is used to request the reporting of sensing information. Optionally, requesting the reporting of sensing information includes requesting the reporting of at least one type of information, such as requesting the reporting of the content shown in B1 and / or B2 above. In this way, the first device can clearly identify the type of sensing information required by the second device, and thus report the first sensing information to the second device in a targeted manner. The first device can send the first sensing information on a second resource, and the content of the second resource can refer to the content of the second resource discussed above, which will not be listed here.

[0300] Optionally, before the second device sends the first information, the second device may also acquire the capability information of the first device, so that the second device can request the content of the sensing information that the first device can acquire. This capability information may, for example, indicate the type of sensing information that the first device can determine.

[0301] When both positioning information and sensing information are derived from echo signals—for example, positioning information is location-related information obtained by measuring echo signals, and the first sensing information is sensing-related information obtained by measuring echo signals—there may be some redundancy between the positioning and sensing information. In one possible implementation, when the first device sends the first sensing information to the second device, it may not need to carry some or all of the same information as the positioning information; that is, the information included in the first sensing information should be different from the information included in the positioning information. This can minimize the amount of information transmitted in the system.

[0302] After receiving the first sensing information, the second device can perceive targets in the environment based on the first sensing information, or in other words, it can directly identify targets in the environment based on the first sensing information. Optionally, the second device can also adjust the communication strategy of the first device based on the targets in the environment, thereby improving the communication quality of the first device.

[0303] When the first transmission unit carries a positioning task identifier corresponding to the positioning information, the second device can also obtain some or all of the information in the positioning information associated with the first sensing information according to the positioning task identifier, and based on the first sensing information and some or all of the information in the positioning information, perceive the target in the environment, or obtain more comprehensive sensing information.

[0304] For example, taking the first transmission unit as a sensing information cell, the content of the first sensing information will be illustrated.

[0305] SensingInformation::= Sequence {sensingReferenceTime (timestamp optional), locationCoordinates (locationCoordinates optional), velocity (velocity optional), mapList (mapList optional)}. In this example, the sensing information element can include the sensing reference time, location coordinates, velocity, and map list.

[0306] Location Coordinates::= Options {LocationInformationTransactionID, ScatterPoint, PointCloudSequence (SIZE, maxPointNumber)) OFscatterPoint, Polygon, ...}. In this example, the location coordinates may not carry specific location coordinates, but instead carry the transaction identifier corresponding to the location information. This transaction identifier corresponding to the location information is an example of a location task identifier.

[0307] For example, consider a first transmission unit providing sensing information, a fifth transmission unit providing location information (DL-AOD-ProvideLocationInformation-r16) for the downlink angle of departure, a third transmission unit providing location information, and a first and fifth transmission unit being sub-transmission units within the third transmission unit.

[0308] The downlink angle of departure (DL-AOD-ProviedeLocationInformation-r16) information cell includes location information, such as signal strength and delay information for each multipath of multiple TRPs obtained by the UE based on echo signals, and measured UE location information. Therefore, the first sensing information does not need to carry the signal strength and delay information for each multipath of multiple TRPs, nor the measured UE location information. The second device can determine the signal strength and delay information for each multipath of multiple TRPs from the fifth transmission unit based on the positioning task identifier, and obtain more comprehensive sensing information based on this information and the first sensing information.

[0309] Optionally, the first device may also acquire some or all of the information in the first sensing information, and based on the positioning information and some or all of the information in the first sensing information, locate the device in the environment, or obtain more comprehensive positioning information.

[0310] Regardless of whether the first sensing information and the positioning information include the same information, the second device may optionally enhance the positioning based on the first sensing information. For example, the second device may enhance the positioning accuracy based on target speed information, etc., in the first sensing information.

[0311] Optionally, the second device can enhance perception based on positioning information. For example, the second device can obtain potential environmental information based on at least one of the location information, the RSRP of the echo signal, or the angle of arrival in the positioning information, to assist in building a wireless map, etc.

[0312] Since the first device is different, the interactions between the various devices will also differ. The following will combine... Figure 13 and Figure 14 The diagrams illustrating the information transmission methods are given with examples. Figure 13 and Figure 14 The second device is always used as an example, with SMF as the case study.

[0313] The following is about Figure 13 The methods involved will be introduced. Figure 13 The illustration uses UE1 as an example of the first device.

[0314] S1301, UE2, or the base station transmits a sensing signal. The sensing signal undergoes reflection, scattering, or refraction by the target. UE2 or the base station can be considered as an example of a third device. The content of the sensing signal and the content of transmitting the sensing signal can be referred to the preceding text. Figure 8 The content of the sensing signal and the content of the transmitted sensing signal discussed in the text will not be listed here.

[0315] S1302 and UE1 receive echo signals. The content of the echo signal and the content of the received echo signal can be found in the preceding text. Figure 8 The content of the echo signal and the content of receiving the echo signal discussed in the previous article will not be listed here.

[0316] S1301-S1302 are examples of a dual-station sensing mode.

[0317] S1303 and UE1 transmit sensing signals. These signals are affected by target reflection, scattering, or refraction. The content of the sensing signals and the content of transmitting the sensing signals can be found in the preceding text. Figure 8 The content of the sensing signal and the content of the transmitted sensing signal discussed in the text will not be listed here.

[0318] S1304, UE1 receives echo signals. The content of the echo signal and the content of the received echo signal can be found in the preceding text. Figure 8 The content of the echo signal and the content of receiving the echo signal discussed in the previous article will not be listed here.

[0319] S1303-S1304 are examples of single-station sensing modes.

[0320] S1301-S1302 and S1303-S1304 are two different situations, and one of them may be executed during the actual sensing process. Figure 13 The dashed lines in the middle indicate S1301-S1302 and S1303-S1304.

[0321] S1305 and UE1 measure the echo signal to obtain the first sensing information. The content of the echo signal, the content of the first sensing information, and the content of obtaining the first sensing information can be referred to in the preceding text. Figure 8 The content of the echo signal, the content of the first sensing information, and the content of obtaining the first sensing information will not be listed here.

[0322] S1306, UE1 sends the first sensing information to the SMF. Correspondingly, the SMF receives the first sensing information from UE1. The first sensing information is carried in the first transmission unit of the NAS message.

[0323] The content of the first sensing information sent by the UE and the content of the first sensing information received by the SMF can be referred to in the previous text. Figure 8 The content of the first sensing information sent by the UE and the content of the first sensing information received by the SMF are discussed, and will not be listed here.

[0324] For example, the first transmission unit and the second transmission unit can be two parallel messages or information elements in a NAS message. For instance, the second transmission unit might be a "ProvideLocationInformation" information element, and the first transmission unit might be a "ProvideSensingInformation" information element. The remaining content of the first and second transmission units can be referred to the preceding text respectively. Figure 8 The remaining contents of the first transmission unit and the remaining contents of the second transmission unit under D1-1 in the diagram.

[0325] Alternatively, the first and second transmission units can be two parallel information elements in the ProvideISAC Information message of the NAS message. For example, the second transmission unit could be a ProvideLocationInformation information element, and the first transmission unit could be a ProvideSensingInformation information element. The remaining content of the first and second transmission units can be referred to the preceding text respectively. Figure 8 The remaining contents of the first transmission unit and the remaining contents of the second transmission unit under D1-2 in the diagram.

[0326] Alternatively, the first transmission unit may be a sub-transmission unit within the third transmission unit. The third transmission unit is a ProvideLocationInformation message or a ProvideLocationInformation information cell. The contents of the first and third transmission units can be found in the preceding text. Figure 8 The contents of the first transmission unit and the third transmission unit under D2-2 in the diagram.

[0327] The above is an example of the first transmission unit. For further details regarding the first transmission unit, please refer to the preceding text. Figure 8 The contents of the first transmission unit discussed will not be listed one by one here.

[0328] The following is about Figure 14 The methods involved will be introduced. Figure 14 The diagram uses the first device, base station 1, as an example.

[0329] S1401, UE or base station 2 transmits a sensing signal. The sensing signal is affected by target reflection, scattering, or refraction. UE or base station 2 can be used as an example of a third device. The content of the sensing signal and the content of transmitting the sensing signal can be referred to the preceding text respectively. Figure 8 The content of the sensing signal and the content of the transmitted sensing signal discussed in the text will not be listed here.

[0330] S1402, Base Station 1 receives the echo signal. The content of the echo signal and the content of the received echo signal can be referred to the preceding text respectively. Figure 8 The content of the echo signal and the content of receiving the echo signal discussed in the previous article will not be listed here.

[0331] S1401-S1402 are examples of a dual-station sensing mode.

[0332] S1403, Base Station 1 transmits a sensing signal. The sensing signal is affected by target reflection, scattering, or refraction. The content of the sensing signal and the content of the transmitted sensing signal can be referred to the preceding text. Figure 8 The content of the sensing signal and the content of the transmitted sensing signal discussed in the text will not be listed here.

[0333] S1404, Base Station 1 receives the echo signal. The content of the echo signal and the content of the received echo signal can be referred to the preceding text respectively. Figure 8 The content of the echo signal and the content of receiving the echo signal discussed in the previous article will not be listed here.

[0334] S1403-S1404 are examples of single-station sensing modes.

[0335] S1401-S1402 and S1403-S1404 are two different situations, and one of them may be executed during the actual sensing process. Figure 14 The dashed lines in the middle indicate S1401-S1402 and S1403-S1404.

[0336] S1405, Base Station 1 measures the echo signal to obtain the first sensing information. The content of the echo signal, the content of the first sensing information, and the content of obtaining the first sensing information can be referred to the preceding text respectively. Figure 8 The content of the echo signal, the content of the first sensing information, and the content of obtaining the first sensing information will not be listed here.

[0337] S1406, Base Station 1 sends first sensing information to SMF. Correspondingly, SMF receives the first sensing information from Base Station 1. The first sensing information is carried in the first transmission unit of the NAS message.

[0338] The content of the first sensing information sent by base station 1 and the content of the first sensing information received by SMF can be referred to in the previous text. Figure 8 The content of the first sensing information sent by the UE and the content of the first sensing information received by the SMF are discussed, and will not be listed here.

[0339] For example, the first transmission unit and the second transmission unit can be two parallel messages or cells in a NAS message. For instance, the second transmission unit could be a Measurement Response cell, and the first transmission unit could be a Provide Sensing Information cell. The remaining content of the first and second transmission units can be referred to the preceding text respectively. Figure 8 The remaining contents of the first transmission unit and the remaining contents of the second transmission unit under D1-1 in the diagram.

[0340] Alternatively, the first and second transmission units can be two parallel information elements in the ProvideISAC Information message of the NAS message. For example, the second transmission unit could be a Measurement Response information element, and the first transmission unit could be a ProvideSensing Information information element. The remaining content of the first and second transmission units can be referred to the preceding text respectively. Figure 8 The remaining contents of the first transmission unit and the remaining contents of the second transmission unit under D1-2 in the diagram.

[0341] Alternatively, the first transmission unit may be a sub-transmission unit within the third transmission unit. The third transmission unit is a Measurement Response message or Measurement Response cell. The contents of the first and third transmission units can be found in the preceding text. Figure 8 The contents of the first transmission unit and the third transmission unit under D2-2 in the diagram.

[0342] The above is an example of the first transmission unit. For further details regarding the first transmission unit, please refer to the preceding text. Figure 8 The contents of the first transmission unit discussed will not be listed one by one here.

[0343] Based on the same inventive concept, embodiments of this application provide a communication device. The following describes... Figures 15 to 17 The following describes any of the illustrated communication devices. This communication device may be, for example, the first or second device discussed above, or a module within these devices, etc., without specific limitation.

[0344] like Figure 15As shown, the communication device 1500 may include modules or units for implementing the methods described in the embodiments above. In one possible design, the communication device 1500 includes a processing unit 1510 and a communication unit 1520. The communication unit 1520 is used to perform transmit and receive operations, such as functions related to sending and receiving; the communication unit 1520 may be referred to as a transceiver unit; optionally, the communication unit 1520 includes a receiving unit and a sending unit. The processing unit 1510 is used to perform processing operations. Alternatively, the communication unit 1520 may be a transmitter and a receiver, or the communication unit 1520 may be a transmitter and a receiver. Optionally, the communication device 1500 may also include a storage unit 1530. The storage unit 1530 is used to store the device's program code or data. Figure 15 The dashed box in the image indicates that storage unit 1530 is an optional unit.

[0345] In the first embodiment, the communication device 1500 can be as described above. Figure 8 The first device in the method embodiment shown, the modules in the first device (such as communication modules, circuits, or chips), or the device that implements the function of the first device, can be... Figure 13 In the method embodiment shown, UE1, modules in UE1 (such as communication modules, circuits, or chips), or devices that implement the functions of UE1 can also be... Figure 14 The method embodiment shown includes base station 1, modules (such as communication modules, circuits or chips) in base station 1, or devices that implement the functions of base station 1.

[0346] In the above embodiment, the processing unit 1510 is used to measure the echo signal and obtain the first sensing information, and the communication unit 1520 is used to transmit the first sensing information.

[0347] Communication device 1500 can also achieve the above-mentioned Figure 8 The first device in the method embodiment shown, Figure 13 UE1 in the method embodiment shown, or Figure 14 Other steps performed by base station 1 in the method embodiment shown will not be listed here one by one.

[0348] In the second embodiment, the communication device 1500 can be as described above. Figure 8 The second device in the method embodiment shown, the modules in the second device (such as communication modules, circuits, or chips), or the functions that implement the second device, can be... Figure 13 or Figure 14 The SMF in the method embodiment shown, the modules in the SMF (such as communication modules, circuits or chips), or the devices that implement the functions of the SMF, etc.

[0349] In the above embodiment, the communication unit 1520 is used to receive the first sensing information.

[0350] Communication device 1500 can also achieve the above-mentioned Figure 8 The second device in the method embodiment shown, Figure 13 or Figure 14 Other steps performed by the SMF in the method embodiments shown are not listed here.

[0351] In one possible design, when the communication device 1500 is a terminal device, a communication module within a terminal device, an access network device, or a communication module within an access network device, the function of the processing unit 1510 can be implemented by one or more processors. Specifically, the processor may include a modem chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core. The function of the communication unit 1520 can be implemented by transceiver circuitry.

[0352] In one possible design, when the communication device 1500 is a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions in a terminal device, or a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions in an access network device, such as a modem chip or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip or SIP chip containing a modem core, the function of the processing unit 1510 can be implemented by a circuit system in the aforementioned chip that includes one or more processors or processor cores. The function of the communication unit 1520 can be implemented by the interface circuit or data transceiver circuit on the aforementioned chip.

[0353] It is understood that the division of units in the above-described device is merely a logical functional division. Each function can correspond to a functional unit, or two or more functions can be integrated into one functional unit. In actual implementation, all or some units can be integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be distributed across different physical entities. Furthermore, the aforementioned functional units can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both. Whether a function is executed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0354] In one example, the functional unit in any of the above devices may be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the above methods, such as: one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more microcontroller units (MCUs), one or more DSPs, or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or a combination of at least two of these integrated circuit forms.

[0355] In one example, storage unit 1530 may include random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory or electrically erasable programmable memory and / or registers, etc.

[0356] The following is about Figure 16 The communication device shown is described below. Figure 16 As shown, the communication device 1600 includes a processor 1610. Optionally, the communication device 1600 also includes an interface circuit 1620 and a memory 1630. The processor 1610 and the interface circuit 1620 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the interface circuit 1620 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. The memory 1630 is used to store instructions executed by the processor 1610, or to store input data required by the processor 1610 to execute instructions, or to store data generated after the processor 1610 executes instructions. The interface circuit 1620 and the memory 1630 are optional modules. Figure 16 The image is indicated by a dashed box. Additionally... Figure 16 The example given is a processor 1610 and a memory 1630, but in reality, there is no limit to the number of processors 1610 and memory 1630.

[0357] Communication device 1600 is used to implement the above. Figure 8 , Figure 13 or Figure 14 Other steps performed by the first device in the illustrated method embodiment will not be listed here one by one. Optionally, the processor 1610 is used to implement the functions of the processing unit 1510, and the interface circuit 1620 is used to implement the functions of the communication unit 1520.

[0358] For example, communication device 1600 can be used to implement Figure 8 The function of the first device involved in the method embodiment shown, Figure 13 The function of UE1 involved in the method embodiment shown, or Figure 14The function of base station 1 in the method embodiment shown, or its implementation Figure 8 The function of the second device involved in the method embodiment shown, or Figure 13 or Figure 14 The SMF functionality involved in the illustrated method embodiments.

[0359] When the communication device 1600 described above is a chip applied to a device (such as the terminal device or network device mentioned above), the device chip implements the functions of the device in the above method embodiments. The device chip receives information from other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the device, the information being sent to the device by other devices; or, the device chip sends information to other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the device, the information being sent to other devices by the device. Here, the communication device 1600 can be a baseband chip of a device, or a DU or other modules. The DU here can be a DU under an open radio access network (O-RAN) architecture.

[0360] The processor 1610 can be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. Furthermore, the memory involved in the various embodiments of this application can include volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM). The memory can also include non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, hard disk drives (HDDs), or solid-state drives (SSDs).

[0361] The following is about Figure 17 The communication device shown is described below. Figure 17As shown, the communication device 1700 includes a processor 1710 and a transceiver 1730. The processor 1710 can also be referred to as a processing unit, processing board, processing module, or processing device. The implementation of the processor 1710 can be found in the preceding text. Figure 16 The contents of processor 1610 are described. Transceiver 1730 can also be called a transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver device, etc. Transceiver 1730 includes transmitter 1731, receiver 1732, and antenna 1733. Optionally, transceiver 1730 may also include radio frequency circuitry and input / output devices, etc., without specific limitations.

[0362] Optionally, the device in transceiver 1730 used to implement the receiving function is considered a receiving module, and the device in transceiver 1730 used to implement the transmitting function is considered a transmitting module. That is, transceiver 1730 includes a receiver and a transmitter. A transceiver may also be called a transceiver unit, transceiver module, or transceiver circuit, etc. A receiver may also be called a receiver unit, receiving module, or receiving circuit, etc. A transmitter may also be called a transmitter, transmitting module, or transmitting circuit, etc.

[0363] Optionally, the communication device 1700 may also include a memory 1720, which may store computer program code and / or data.

[0364] The processor 1710 is mainly used for processing communication protocols and data, controlling the communication device 1700, executing software programs, and processing software program data. The memory 1720 is mainly used for storing software programs and data. The radio frequency (RF) circuit is mainly used for converting baseband signals to RF signals and processing RF signals. The antenna 1733 is mainly used for transmitting and receiving RF signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. Input / output devices, such as touchscreens, displays, and keyboards, are mainly used for receiving user input data and outputting data to the user.

[0365] When data needs to be transmitted, the processor 1710 performs baseband processing on the data to be transmitted and outputs a baseband signal to the radio frequency (RF) circuit. The RF circuit then processes the baseband signal and transmits it outward as an electromagnetic wave through the antenna. When data is sent to the communication device 1700, the RF circuit receives the RF signal through the antenna, converts it into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor 1710. The processor 1710 converts the baseband signal back into data and processes the data. For ease of explanation, Figure 17Only one memory 1720, processor 1710, and transceiver 1730 are shown in the diagram. In actual terminal products, there may be one or more processors 1710 and one or more memories 1720. The memory 1720 may also be referred to as a storage medium or storage device. The memory 1720 may be set up independently of the processor 1710 or integrated with the processor 1710; there is no limitation on this.

[0366] In this embodiment, the antenna and radio frequency circuit with transceiver functions are considered as communication units of the communication device 1700, and the processor with processing functions is considered as processing units of the communication device 1700. The processor 1710 is used to execute implementations... Figure 8 The processing actions of the first device involved in the method embodiment shown, Figure 13 The processing actions of UE1 involved in the method embodiments shown, or Figure 14 The processing actions of base station 1 in the method embodiment shown, or the implementation of... Figure 8 The processing actions of the second device involved in the method embodiment shown, or Figure 13 or Figure 14 The transceiver 1730 is used to execute the SMF processing actions involved in the method embodiments shown above. Figure 8 The transmitting and receiving operations of the first device involved in the method embodiment shown, Figure 13 The method embodiments shown involve the transmission and reception actions of UE1, or Figure 14 The transmitting and receiving actions of base station 1 in the method embodiment shown, or the implementation of... Figure 8 The transmitting and receiving operations of the second device involved in the method embodiment shown, or Figure 13 or Figure 14 The method embodiment shown involves the transmission and reception operations of SMF.

[0367] When the communication device 1700 is a chip, the chip includes a processor and a transceiver. The transceiver can be an input / output circuit or a communication interface; the processor can be a processing module integrated on the chip, a microprocessor, or an integrated circuit. Optionally, the chip may also include a memory. In the above method embodiments, the transmitting operation of the terminal device or network device can be understood as the output of the chip, and the receiving operation of the terminal device or network device in the above method embodiments can be understood as the input of the chip.

[0368] Based on the same inventive concept, embodiments of this application provide a communication system. The communication system includes a first device and a second device. Optionally, the system may further include a third device.

[0369] The first device can achieve Figure 8 The function of the first device shown in the method embodiment is as follows: Figure 13The function of UE1 involved in the method embodiment shown, or Figure 14 The method embodiment shown illustrates the function of base station 1. The second device can implement... Figure 8 The function of the second device in the method embodiment shown, or Figure 13 or Figure 14 The method embodiment shown illustrates the function of the SMF. The third device can implement... Figure 8 The function of the third device in the method embodiment shown, or Figure 13 The functions of UE2 or base station in the illustrated embodiments, or Figure 14 The functions of the UE or base station 2 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0370] Based on the same inventive concept, embodiments of this application provide a chip system comprising a processor and an interface. The processor is used to call and execute instructions from the interface, and when the processor executes the instructions, it implements the aforementioned... Figure 8 , Figure 13 or Figure 14 The method embodiment shown.

[0371] Based on the same inventive concept, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium for storing computer programs or instructions that, when executed, implement the above-described functionality. Figure 8 , Figure 13 or Figure 14 The method embodiment shown.

[0372] Based on the same inventive concept, embodiments of this application provide a program product, which, when executed, enables the processor to implement the above-described... Figure 8 , Figure 13 or Figure 14 The method embodiment shown. The program product is, for example, a computer program product, specifically, a computer program and / or instructions. The processor is, for example, a processor running in a computer.

[0373] 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.

[0374] 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.

[0375] 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 based on its function and internal logic.

Claims

1. An information transmission method, characterized in that, The method includes: Measure the echo signal to obtain the first sensing information; The first sensing information is sent, and the first sensing information is carried in the first transmission unit of the non-access stratum (NAS) message, wherein the first transmission unit is a transmission unit dedicated to transmitting sensing-related information.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first transmission unit is a message, cell, container, or field.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first transmission unit and the second transmission unit are two transmission units at the same level, wherein the second transmission unit is the transmission unit in the NAS message, and is a transmission unit dedicated to transmitting location information; or, The first transmission unit is a sub-transmission unit in the third transmission unit, wherein the third transmission unit is also used to transmit positioning information.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first transmission unit and the second transmission unit are two transmission units at the same level, including: The first transmission unit and the second transmission unit are two independent transmission units in the NAS message; or, The first transmission unit and the second transmission unit are two sub-transmission units in the fourth transmission unit of the NAS message.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The location information includes: The location information transmitted by the terminal device to the positioning network element; or, Location information transmitted from access network devices to location network elements.

6. The method according to any one of claims 3-5, characterized in that, The positioning information is location-related information obtained by measuring the echo signal. The information included in the first sensing information is different from the information included in the positioning information, wherein: The first transmission unit also carries a positioning task identifier corresponding to the positioning information, which is used to obtain some or all of the information in the positioning information.

7. The method according to any one of claims 3-5, characterized in that, The first sensing information is used to enhance positioning; and / or, The location information is used to enhance perception.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The first perceived information includes at least one type of information, wherein: The first sensing information is carried in the first transmission unit of the non-access stratum (NAS) message, including: the at least one type of information is carried in at least one sub-transmission unit of the first transmission unit.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The at least one type of information includes: Sensing measurement data determined based on the echo signal; and / or, The sensing result determined based on the echo signal.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive first information, the first information being used to request the reporting of sensing information, the reported sensing information including the reporting of at least one type of information.

11. An information transmission method, characterized in that, The method includes: Receive first sensing information, which is sensing-related information obtained by measuring echo signals. The first sensing information is carried in the first transmission unit of the non-access stratum (NAS) message, wherein the first transmission unit is a transmission unit dedicated to transmitting sensing-related information.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first transmission unit is a message, cell, container, or field.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The first transmission unit and the second transmission unit are two transmission units at the same level, wherein the second transmission unit is the transmission unit in the NAS message, and is a transmission unit dedicated to transmitting location information; or, The first transmission unit is a sub-transmission unit in the third transmission unit, wherein the third transmission unit is also used to transmit positioning information.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first transmission unit and the second transmission unit are two transmission units at the same level, including: The first transmission unit and the second transmission unit are two independent transmission units in the NAS message; or, The first transmission unit and the second transmission unit are two sub-transmission units in the fourth transmission unit of the NAS message.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive the location information from the terminal device; or, Receive the location information from the access network device.

16. The method according to any one of claims 13-15, characterized in that, The positioning information is location-related information obtained by measuring the echo signal, and the first transmission unit also carries a positioning task identifier corresponding to the positioning information; the method further includes: Based on the location task identifier, obtain some or all of the information in the location information; Based on the first sensing information and some or all of the information in the positioning information, a target in the environment is perceived.

17. The method according to any one of claims 13-15, characterized in that, The positioning information is location-related information obtained by measuring the echo signal; the method further includes: Obtain some or all of the information from the first sensed information; Based on the location information, and some or all of the information in the first sensing information, the device in the environment is located.

18. The method according to any one of claims 13-15, characterized in that, The method further includes: Based on the first perceived information, enhance positioning; and / or, Enhanced perception is achieved based on the location information.

19. The method according to any one of claims 11-18, characterized in that, The first sensing information is carried in the first transmission unit of the non-access stratum (NAS) message, including: At least one type of information of the first sensing information is carried in at least one sub-transmission unit of the first transmission unit.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The at least one type of information includes: Sensing measurement data determined based on the echo signal; and / or, The sensing result determined based on the echo signal.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a first message, the first message being used to request the reporting of sensing information, the reported sensing information including the reporting of at least one type of information.

22. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes one or more processors, said one or more processors for executing computer programs or instructions in memory, causing the communication device to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-10, or to implement the method as described in any one of claims 11-21.

23. A computer program product, characterized in that, When the computer program product is executed, it causes the processor to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-10, or the method as described in any one of claims 11-21.

24. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a communication device, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-10, or perform the method as described in any one of claims 11-21.

Images