Communication method and device, communication equipment, communication system and storage medium

Abstract

The invention relates to a communication method and device, communication equipment, a communication system and a storage medium. The method comprises: receiving first information sent by a second network element, the first information being used for providing device characteristics of a terminal, and the terminal being used for implementing immersive communication. Through the scheme of the invention, support for QoS processing of data streams of XR equipment with different types and capabilities can be provided.

Description

Communication methods and apparatus, communication equipment, communication systems and storage media Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and apparatus, communication equipment, communication system and storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of communication technology, immersive communication services, including mobile media services, online extended reality (XR), online games, and video-based remote control of machines or drones, are expected to contribute more and more traffic to communication networks.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure provides a communication method and apparatus, a communication device, a communication system, a storage medium, and a computer program product.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. The communication method is performed by a first network element. The communication method includes: receiving first information sent by a second network element, wherein the first information is used to provide device characteristics of a terminal, and the terminal is used to implement immersive communication.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. This communication method is performed by a second network element. The communication method includes: sending first information to a first network element, wherein the first information is used to provide device characteristics of a terminal, and the terminal is used to implement immersive communication.

[0007] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. This communication method is performed by a third network element. The communication method includes: receiving second information sent by a first network element, wherein the second information is used to determine quality of service (QoS) rules for a data stream to a terminal, and the terminal is used to implement immersive communication.

[0008] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. This communication method is performed by a third network element. The communication method includes: receiving third information sent by the third network element, wherein the third information is used for QoS processing of a data stream of a terminal, and the terminal is used to implement immersive communication.

[0009] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided. The communication device is disposed in a first network element. The communication device includes a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to receive first information transmitted by a second network element, wherein the first information is used to provide device characteristics of a terminal, and the terminal is used to implement immersive communication.

[0010] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided. The communication device is disposed in a second network element. The communication device includes a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to send first information to a first network element, wherein the first information is used to provide device characteristics of a terminal, and the terminal is used to implement immersive communication.

[0011] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided. The communication device is disposed in a third network element. The communication device includes a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to receive second information sent by a first network element, wherein the second information is used to determine QoS rules for a data stream of a terminal, and the terminal is used to implement immersive communication.

[0012] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided. The communication device is disposed in a third network element. The communication device includes a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to receive third information sent by the third network element, wherein the third information is used for QoS processing of a data stream of a terminal, and the terminal is used to implement immersive communication.

[0013] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes one or more processors and a memory storing instructions. When executed by the communication device, the instructions cause the communication device to implement the communication method as described in the first aspect.

[0014] According to a tenth aspect of this disclosure, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes one or more processors and a memory storing instructions. When executed by the communication device, the instructions cause the communication device to implement the communication method as described in the second aspect.

[0015] According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes one or more processors and a memory storing instructions. When executed by the communication device, the instructions cause the communication device to implement the communication method as described in the third aspect.

[0016] According to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes one or more processors and a memory storing instructions. When executed by the communication device, the instructions cause the communication device to implement the communication method as described in the fourth aspect.

[0017] According to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided. The communication system includes: a first network element for implementing the communication method as described in the first aspect; a second network element for implementing the communication method as described in the second aspect; a third network element for implementing the communication method as described in the third aspect; and a fourth network element for implementing the communication method as described in the fourth aspect.

[0018] According to a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided. The storage medium stores instructions. When executed on a communication device, the instructions cause the communication device to perform the communication method as described in any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0019] According to a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure, a program product is provided. When executed by a communication device, the program product causes the communication device to perform the communication method as described in any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0020] According to a sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program is provided. When the computer program is run on a computer, it causes the computer to perform the communication method as described in any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0021] According to a seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure, a chip or chip system is provided. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to perform the communication method as described in any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0022] The embodiments disclosed herein enable support for QoS processing of data streams from XR devices of different types and capabilities.

[0023] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings required for the description of the embodiments are introduced below. The following drawings are only some embodiments of this disclosure and do not impose specific limitations on the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0025] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of the architecture of one implementation of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 1C is a schematic diagram of the architecture of another implementation of the communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 2 is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 7A is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 7B is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 7C is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 8A is an interactive schematic diagram of an exemplary implementation of the communication method provided according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 8B is an interactive schematic diagram of an exemplary implementation of the communication method provided according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 10A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 10B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0041] This disclosure provides a communication method and apparatus, a communication device, a communication system, a storage medium, and a computer program product.

[0042] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method. This communication method is performed by a first network element. The communication method includes: receiving first information sent by a second network element, wherein the first information is used to provide device characteristics of a terminal, and the terminal is used to implement immersive communication.

[0043] According to this embodiment, the first network element can receive first information, and the first information is used to provide the device characteristics of the terminal. The provided device characteristics can be used to determine the QoS policy for the data stream of the terminal. In this way, QoS authorization, coordination and management can be implemented for the data stream related to the terminal, thereby enhancing the QoS effect of the data stream of the terminal and improving the user experience.

[0044] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may include at least one of the following: device type information, used to indicate the device type of the terminal; media capability information, used to indicate the media functions supported by the terminal; media configuration information, used to indicate the characteristics of the media supported by the terminal; priority information, used to indicate the priority of the quality of service configuration; capability enable information, used to indicate the enableable capabilities of the terminal; power management information, used to indicate whether the power management of the terminal is triggered; and pose type information, used to indicate the pose types supported by the terminal.

[0045] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the device type may include at least one of the following: lightweight augmented reality (AR) glasses; AR glasses; XR mobile phone; XR head-mounted display; vehicle supporting immersive communication services; television set supporting immersive communication services; projector supporting immersive communication services.

[0046] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the media function may include at least one of the following: capabilities corresponding to the device type of the terminal; video encoding / decoding capabilities; audio encoding / decoding capabilities; and scene description capabilities.

[0047] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the capabilities corresponding to the device type of the terminal may include at least one of the following: pose tracking capability; field of view configuration; reference space.

[0048] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the operation of receiving the first information sent by the second network element may include at least one of the following: receiving the first information directly from the second network element; or receiving the first information from the second network element through the seventh network element.

[0049] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the above method may further include: sending second information to a third network element, wherein the second information is used to determine a QoS policy for the data stream of the terminal.

[0050] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the second information may include a first rule, which is determined based on the first information.

[0051] In a second aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method. This communication method is executed by a second network element. The communication method includes: sending first information to a first network element, wherein the first information is used to provide device characteristics of a terminal, and the terminal is used to implement immersive communication.

[0052] According to this embodiment, the second network element can send first information, which provides the device characteristics of the terminal. The provided device characteristics can be used by the first network element to determine the QoS policy for the data stream of the terminal. In this way, QoS authorization, coordination, and management can be implemented for data streams related to the terminal, thereby enhancing the QoS effect of the data stream for the terminal and improving the user experience.

[0053] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following: device type information, used to indicate the device type of the terminal; media capability information, used to indicate the media functions supported by the terminal; media configuration information, used to indicate the characteristics of the media supported by the terminal; priority information, used to indicate the priority of the quality of service configuration; capability enable information, used to indicate the enableable capabilities of the terminal; power management information, used to indicate whether the power management of the terminal is triggered; and pose type information, used to indicate the pose types supported by the terminal.

[0054] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the device type may include at least one of the following: lightweight AR glasses; AR glasses; XR mobile phone; XR head-mounted display; vehicle supporting immersive communication services; television set supporting immersive communication services; projector supporting immersive communication services.

[0055] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the media function may include at least one of the following: capabilities corresponding to the device type of the terminal; video encoding and decoding capabilities; audio encoding and decoding capabilities; and scene description capabilities.

[0056] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the capabilities corresponding to the device type of the terminal may include at least one of the following: pose tracking capability; field of view configuration; reference space.

[0057] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the operation of sending the first information to the first network element may include at least one of the following: sending the first information directly to the first network element; or sending the first information to the first network element through the seventh network element.

[0058] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information can be used by the first network element to determine the first rule.

[0059] In a third aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method. This communication method is executed by a third network element. The communication method includes: receiving second information sent by a first network element, wherein the second information is used to determine QoS rules for a data stream of a terminal, and the terminal is used to implement immersive communication.

[0060] According to this embodiment, the third network element can receive second information, which is used to determine the QoS rules for the terminal's data stream. The second information can be obtained based on first information, which provides the terminal's device characteristics. Since the provided device characteristics can be used to determine the QoS policy for the terminal's data stream, the second information obtained based on the first information can be related to the terminal's device characteristics. In this way, QoS authorization, coordination, and management can be implemented for data streams related to the terminal, thereby enhancing the QoS effect of the terminal's data stream and improving the user experience.

[0061] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the second information may include a first rule, which is determined based on the first information, and the first information is used to provide device characteristics of the terminal.

[0062] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may include at least one of the following: device type information, used to indicate the device type of the terminal; media capability information, used to indicate the media functions supported by the terminal; media configuration information, used to indicate the characteristics of the media supported by the terminal; priority information, used to indicate the priority of the quality of service configuration; capability enable information, used to indicate the enableable capabilities of the terminal; power management information, used to indicate whether the power management of the terminal is triggered; and pose type information, used to indicate the pose types supported by the terminal.

[0063] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the device type may include at least one of the following: lightweight AR glasses; AR glasses; XR mobile phone; XR head-mounted display; vehicle supporting immersive communication services; television set supporting immersive communication services; projector supporting immersive communication services.

[0064] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the media function may include at least one of the following: capabilities corresponding to the device type of the terminal; video encoding and decoding capabilities; audio encoding and decoding capabilities; and scene description capabilities.

[0065] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the capabilities corresponding to the device type of the terminal may include at least one of the following: pose tracking capability; field of view configuration; reference space.

[0066] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the above method may further include: sending third information to a fourth network element, wherein the third information is used by the fourth network element to perform QoS processing on the data stream for the terminal.

[0067] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the third information may include a second rule, which is determined based on the second information.

[0068] In a fourth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method. This communication method is performed by a fourth network element. The communication method includes: receiving third information sent by a third network element, wherein the third information is used for QoS processing of a data stream of a terminal, and the terminal is used to implement immersive communication.

[0069] According to this embodiment, the fourth network element can receive third information, and the third information is used by the fourth network element to implement QoS processing for the data stream of the terminal. The third information is obtained based on the second information, which is obtained based on the first information. The first information is used to provide the device characteristics of the terminal. The provided device characteristics can be used to determine the QoS policy for the data stream of the terminal, so the obtained third information can be related to the device characteristics of the terminal. In this way, QoS authorization, coordination and management can be implemented for the data stream related to the terminal, thereby enhancing the QoS effect of the data stream of the terminal and improving the user experience.

[0070] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the third information may include a second rule, which is obtained at least based on the device characteristics of the terminal.

[0071] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the device characteristics of the terminal are provided by first information, which includes at least one of the following: device type information, used to indicate the device type of the terminal; media capability information, used to indicate the media functions supported by the terminal; media configuration information, used to indicate the characteristics of the media supported by the terminal; priority information, used to indicate the priority of the quality of service configuration; capability enable information, used to indicate the enableable capabilities of the terminal; power management information, used to indicate whether the power management of the terminal is triggered; and pose type information, used to indicate the pose types supported by the terminal.

[0072] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the device type may include at least one of the following: lightweight AR glasses; AR glasses; XR mobile phone; XR head-mounted display; vehicle supporting immersive communication services; television set supporting immersive communication services; projector supporting immersive communication services.

[0073] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the media function may include at least one of the following: capabilities corresponding to the device type of the terminal; video encoding and decoding capabilities; audio encoding and decoding capabilities; and scene description capabilities.

[0074] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the capabilities corresponding to the device type of the terminal may include at least one of the following: pose tracking capability; field of view configuration; reference space.

[0075] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the above method may further include: receiving a data stream from a terminal sent by a fifth network element; and performing QoS processing on the terminal's data stream based on third information.

[0076] In a fifth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device. The communication device is disposed in a first network element. The communication device includes a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to receive first information transmitted by a second network element, wherein the first information is used to provide device characteristics of a terminal, and the terminal is used to implement immersive communication.

[0077] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may include at least one of the following: device type information, used to indicate the device type of the terminal; media capability information, used to indicate the media functions supported by the terminal; media configuration information, used to indicate the characteristics of the media supported by the terminal; priority information, used to indicate the priority of the quality of service configuration; capability enable information, used to indicate the enableable capabilities of the terminal; power management information, used to indicate whether the power management of the terminal is triggered; and pose type information, used to indicate the pose types supported by the terminal.

[0078] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the device type may include at least one of the following: lightweight AR glasses; AR glasses; XR mobile phone; XR head-mounted display; vehicle supporting immersive communication services; television set supporting immersive communication services; projector supporting immersive communication services.

[0079] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the media function may include at least one of the following: capabilities corresponding to the device type of the terminal; video encoding and decoding capabilities; audio encoding and decoding capabilities; and scene description capabilities.

[0080] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the capabilities corresponding to the device type of the terminal may include at least one of the following: pose tracking capability; field of view configuration; reference space.

[0081] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module may be configured to perform at least one of the following: directly receiving first information from the second network element; or receiving first information from the second network element via the seventh network element.

[0082] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module may also be configured to: send second information to a third network element, wherein the second information is used to determine the QoS policy for the data stream of the terminal.

[0083] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the second information may include a first rule, which is determined based on the first information.

[0084] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device. The communication device is disposed in a second network element. The communication device includes a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to send first information to a first network element, wherein the first information is used to provide device characteristics of a terminal, and the terminal is used to implement immersive communication.

[0085] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following: device type information, used to indicate the device type of the terminal; media capability information, used to indicate the media functions supported by the terminal; media configuration information, used to indicate the characteristics of the media supported by the terminal; priority information, used to indicate the priority of the quality of service configuration; capability enable information, used to indicate the enableable capabilities of the terminal; power management information, used to indicate whether the power management of the terminal is triggered; and pose type information, used to indicate the pose types supported by the terminal.

[0086] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the device type may include at least one of the following: lightweight AR glasses; AR glasses; XR mobile phone; XR head-mounted display; vehicle supporting immersive communication services; television set supporting immersive communication services; projector supporting immersive communication services.

[0087] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the media function may include at least one of the following: capabilities corresponding to the device type of the terminal; video encoding and decoding capabilities; audio encoding and decoding capabilities; and scene description capabilities.

[0088] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the capabilities corresponding to the device type of the terminal may include at least one of the following: pose tracking capability; field of view configuration; reference space.

[0089] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module can be configured to perform at least one of the following: directly sending first information to the first network element; or sending first information to the first network element via the seventh network element.

[0090] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information can be used by the first network element to determine the first rule.

[0091] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device. The communication device is disposed in a third network element. The communication device includes a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to receive second information sent by a first network element, wherein the second information is used to determine QoS rules for a data stream for a terminal, and the terminal is used to implement immersive communication.

[0092] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the second information may include a first rule, which is determined based on the first information, and the first information is used to provide device characteristics of the terminal.

[0093] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may include at least one of the following: device type information, used to indicate the device type of the terminal; media capability information, used to indicate the media functions supported by the terminal; media configuration information, used to indicate the characteristics of the media supported by the terminal; priority information, used to indicate the priority of the quality of service configuration; capability enable information, used to indicate the enableable capabilities of the terminal; power management information, used to indicate whether the power management of the terminal is triggered; and pose type information, used to indicate the pose types supported by the terminal.

[0094] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the device type may include at least one of the following: lightweight AR glasses; AR glasses; XR mobile phone; XR head-mounted display; vehicle supporting immersive communication services; television set supporting immersive communication services; projector supporting immersive communication services.

[0095] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the media function may include at least one of the following: capabilities corresponding to the device type of the terminal; video encoding and decoding capabilities; audio encoding and decoding capabilities; and scene description capabilities.

[0096] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the capabilities corresponding to the device type of the terminal may include at least one of the following: pose tracking capability; field of view configuration; reference space.

[0097] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module may also be configured to: send third information to the fourth network element, wherein the third information is used by the fourth network element to perform QoS processing on the data stream for the terminal.

[0098] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the third information may include a second rule, which is determined based on the second information.

[0099] In an eighth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device. The communication device is disposed in a third network element. The communication device includes a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to receive third information sent by the third network element, wherein the third information is used for QoS processing of a data stream for a terminal, and the terminal is used to implement immersive communication.

[0100] In conjunction with some embodiments of the eighth aspect, in some embodiments, the third information may include a second rule, which is obtained at least based on the device characteristics of the terminal.

[0101] In conjunction with some embodiments of the eighth aspect, in some embodiments, the device characteristics of the terminal are provided by first information, which includes at least one of the following: device type information, used to indicate the device type of the terminal; media capability information, used to indicate the media functions supported by the terminal; media configuration information, used to indicate the characteristics of the media supported by the terminal; priority information, used to indicate the priority of the quality of service configuration; capability enable information, used to indicate the enableable capabilities of the terminal; power management information, used to indicate whether the power management of the terminal is triggered; and pose type information, used to indicate the pose types supported by the terminal.

[0102] In conjunction with some embodiments of the eighth aspect, in some embodiments, the device type may include at least one of the following: lightweight AR glasses; AR glasses; XR mobile phone; XR head-mounted display; vehicle supporting immersive communication services; television set supporting immersive communication services; projector supporting immersive communication services.

[0103] In conjunction with some embodiments of the eighth aspect, in some embodiments, the media function may include at least one of the following: capabilities corresponding to the device type of the terminal; video encoding / decoding capabilities; audio encoding / decoding capabilities; and scene description capabilities.

[0104] In conjunction with some embodiments of the eighth aspect, in some embodiments, the capabilities corresponding to the device type of the terminal may include at least one of the following: pose tracking capability; field of view configuration; reference space.

[0105] In conjunction with some embodiments of the eighth aspect, in some embodiments, the communication device described above may further include a processing module. The transceiver module may also be configured to receive a data stream from a terminal sent by a fifth network element; the processing module may be configured to perform QoS processing on the terminal's data stream based on third information.

[0106] In a ninth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device. The communication device includes one or more processors and a memory storing instructions. When executed by the communication device, the instructions cause the communication device to implement the communication method as described in any of the first aspect and its possible embodiments.

[0107] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device. The communication device includes one or more processors and a memory storing instructions. When executed by the communication device, the instructions cause the communication device to implement the communication method as described in any of the second aspect and its possible embodiments.

[0108] In an eleventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device. The communication device includes one or more processors and a memory storing instructions. When executed by the communication device, the instructions cause the communication device to implement the communication method as described in any of the third aspect and its possible embodiments.

[0109] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device. The communication device includes one or more processors and a memory storing instructions. When executed by the communication device, the instructions cause the communication device to implement the communication method as described in any of the fourth aspect and its possible embodiments.

[0110] In a thirteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system. The communication system includes at least one of the following: a first network element for implementing the communication method as described in any of the first aspect and its possible embodiments; a second network element for implementing the communication method as described in any of the second aspect and its possible embodiments; a third network element for implementing the communication method as described in any of the third aspect and its possible embodiments; and a fourth network element for implementing the communication method as described in any of the fourth aspect and its possible embodiments.

[0111] In a fourteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions. When executed on a communication device, the instructions cause the communication device to perform the communication method as described in any of the first to fourth aspects and their possible implementations.

[0112] In a fifteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product. When executed by a communication device, the program product causes the communication device to perform the communication method as described in any of the first to fourth aspects and their possible embodiments.

[0113] In a sixteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program (product). When the computer program is run on a computer, it causes the computer to perform the communication methods described in any of the first to fourth aspects and their possible implementations.

[0114] In a seventeenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to perform a communication method as described in any one of the first to fourth aspects and their possible embodiments.

[0115] It is understood that the aforementioned communication devices, communication equipment, communication systems, storage media, program products, computer programs, chips, and chip systems are all used to execute the communication methods provided in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0116] This disclosure provides a communication method and apparatus, a communication device, a communication system, a storage medium, and a computer program product. In some embodiments, terms such as communication method and information processing method can be used interchangeably; terms such as communication apparatus, communication device, and information processing apparatus can be used interchangeably; and terms such as information processing system and communication system can be used interchangeably.

[0117] This disclosure is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless contradictory, each step in a particular embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementations in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined. Moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined. For example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined. As another example, a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with optional implementations of other embodiments.

[0118] In each of the disclosed embodiments, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0119] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0120] In this embodiment of the disclosure, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a," "an," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "this," etc., can mean "one and only one," or "one or more," "at least one," etc. For example, when using articles such as "a," "an," "the," etc. in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as either a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0121] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0122] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0123] In some embodiments, the notation "at least one of A and B", "A and / or B", "A in one case, B in another", "in response to one case A, in response to another case B", etc., may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, both A and B are executed. The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0124] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions, depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execution of A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execution of B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0125] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. Similarly, if the object being described is "information", then "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0126] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0127] In some embodiments, the terms “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “if…”, “if…”, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0128] In some embodiments, the terms “greater than,” “greater than or equal to,” “not less than,” “more than,” “more than or equal to,” “not less than,” “higher than,” “higher than or equal to,” “not lower than,” and “above” can be used interchangeably, as can the terms “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not greater than,” “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not more than,” “lower than,” “lower than or equal to,” “not higher than,” and “below”.

[0129] In some embodiments, devices, etc., can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. Terms such as “device”, “equipment”, “circuit”, “network element”, “node”, “function”, “unit”, “section”, “system”, “network”, “chip”, “chip system”, “entity”, and “subject” can be used interchangeably.

[0130] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0131] In some embodiments, the terms "access network device (AN device)," "radio access network device (RAN device)," "base station (BS)," "radio base station," "fixed station," "node," "access point," "transmission point (TP)," "reception point (RP)," "transmission / reception point (TRP)," "panel," "antenna panel," "antenna array," "cell," "macro cell," "small cell," "femto cell," "pico cell," "sector," "cell group," "serving cell," "carrier," "component carrier," and "bandwidth part (BWP)" can be used interchangeably.

[0132] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal", "terminal device", "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal", "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", "subscriber station", "mobile unit", "subscriber unit", "wireless unit", "remote unit", "mobile device", "wireless device", "wireless communication device", "remote device", "mobile subscriber station", "access terminal", "mobile terminal", "wireless terminal", "remote terminal", "handset", "user agent", "mobile client", and "client" can be used interchangeably.

[0133] In some embodiments, access network devices, core network devices, or network devices can be replaced by terminals. For example, embodiments of this disclosure can also be applied to structures where communication between access network devices, core network devices, or network devices and terminals is replaced by communication between multiple terminals (e.g., device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, the structure can also be configured such that the terminal has all or part of the functions of the access network device. Furthermore, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can be replaced with terms corresponding to communication between terminals (e.g., "sidelink"). For example, uplink channel, downlink channel, etc., can be replaced with sidelink channel, and uplink link, downlink, etc., can be replaced with sidelink link.

[0134] In some embodiments, the terminal may be replaced by an access network device, a core network device, or a network device. In this case, the access network device, core network device, or network device may also be configured to have all or some of the functions of the terminal.

[0135] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0136] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0137] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0138] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1A, the communication system 100 includes a terminal 101, a first device 102, and a core network 103.

[0139] In some embodiments, terminal 101 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: mobile phone, wearable device, Internet of Things device, car with communication function, smart car, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal device in industrial control, wireless terminal device in self-driving, wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, wireless terminal device in smart grid, wireless terminal device in transportation safety, wireless terminal device in smart city, and wireless terminal device in smart home.

[0140] In some embodiments, the first device 102 may be an access network device. It is understood that the first device 102 may also be other devices or apparatuses such as terminal devices or core network devices, and this disclosure does not specifically limit them.

[0141] In some embodiments, the access network device is, for example, a node or device that connects a terminal to a wireless network. The access network device may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following in a 5G communication system: evolved Node B (eNB), next-generation eNB (ng-eNB), next-generation Node B (gNB), node B (NB), home node B (HNB), home evolved node B (HeNB), radio backhaul device, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), base band unit (BBU), mobile switching center, base station in a 6G communication system, open RAN, cloud RAN, base station in other communication systems, and access node in a Wi-Fi system.

[0142] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of this disclosure can be applied to Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) architectures. In this case, the interfaces between or within access network devices involved in the embodiments of this disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of Open RAN. The processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented by software or programs.

[0143] In some embodiments, the access network device may be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU may also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can separate the protocol layer of the access network device. Some protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining part or all protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU and centrally controlled by the CU. However, this is not the only possibility.

[0144] In some embodiments, the core network 103 may be a single device, including a first network element 1031, a second network element 1032, a third network element 1033, a fourth network element 1034, a fifth network element 1035, a sixth network element 1036, a seventh network element 1037, etc., or it may be multiple devices or a group of devices, each including all or some of the first network element 1031, the second network element 1032, the third network element 1033, the fourth network element 1034, the fifth network element 1035, the sixth network element 1036, the seventh network element 1037, etc. Network elements may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of an Evolved Packet Core (EPC), a 5G Core Network (5GCN), and a Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0145] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may be, for example, a control plane network function.

[0146] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may be, for example, a policy control function (PCF).

[0147] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can be used to support a unified policy framework and provide policy rules, the name of which is not limited thereto.

[0148] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 may be, for example, an application function (AF).

[0149] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 may be implemented by an application server and used to provide application services, and its name is not limited thereto.

[0150] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 may be, for example, a control plane network function.

[0151] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 may be, for example, a session management function (SMF).

[0152] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 can be used for functions such as session management, execution of PCF-issued control policies, selection of UPF, and allocation of UE's Internet Protocol (IP) address, and its name is not limited thereto.

[0153] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 may be a user plane network function.

[0154] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 may be, for example, a user plane function (UPF).

[0155] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 can be used to implement functions such as user plane (UP) data forwarding, session / flow-level billing statistics, bandwidth limiting, and UP QoS processing, and the name is not limited thereto.

[0156] In some embodiments, the fifth network element 1035 may be, for example, an application server (AS).

[0157] In some embodiments, the fifth network element 1035 may be used to provide support for user-subscribed services, and the name is not limited thereto.

[0158] In some embodiments, the sixth network element 1036 may be a control plane network function.

[0159] In some embodiments, the sixth network element 1036 may be, for example, an access and mobility management function (AMF).

[0160] In some embodiments, the sixth network element 1036 can be used to perform mobility management, non-access stratum mobility management (NAS MM) signaling processing, NAS session management (SM) signaling routing, security anchor point and security context management, etc., and the name is not limited thereto.

[0161] In some embodiments, the seventh network element 1037 may be, for example, a network exposure function (NEF).

[0162] In some embodiments, the seventh network element 1037 can be used to ensure the security of external applications to the 3GPP network, and provide external applications with QoS customization capabilities, mobility state time subscription, AF request distribution, etc., and the name is not limited thereto.

[0163] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 may be located outside the core network device 103 or inside the core network device 103, and this disclosure does not specifically limit this.

[0164] In some embodiments, the fifth network element 1035 may be located outside the core network device 103 or inside the core network device 103, and this disclosure does not specifically limit this.

[0165] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 and the fifth network element 1035 can be deployed centrally or independently, and this disclosure does not specifically limit this.

[0166] In some embodiments, the communication system 100 described above may be a 5G communication system. It should be noted that the communication system 100 may also be other communication systems, such as a 4G communication system or a 6G communication system, and this disclosure does not specifically limit the types of communication systems used.

[0167] In some embodiments, one or more of the first network element 1031, the second network element 1032, the third network element 1033, the fourth network element 1034, the fifth network element 1035, the sixth network element 1036, and the seventh network element 1037 in the communication system 100 may be a data plane network function or a computing plane network function.

[0168] Figures 1B and 1C illustrate the architecture of a communication system using a 5G communication system as an example. Here, terminal 101 can be a UE, and first device 102 can be a RAN.

[0169] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of the architecture of one implementation of the communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1B, the architecture of the 5G communication system is presented in the form of reference points. N1 is the reference point between the UE and AMF. N2 is the reference point between the RAN and AMF. N3 is the reference point between the RAN and UPF. N4 is the reference point between the SMF and UPF. N5 is the reference point between the PCF and AF. N6 is the reference point between the UPF and the data network (DN). N7 is the reference point between the SMF and PCF. N11 is the reference point between the AMF and SMF. N15 is the reference point between the SMF and PCF. Uu is the interface between the UE and the RAN. It should be noted that the NEF is not shown in Figure 1B. However, each network element in the communication system can interact with the NEF.

[0170] Figure 1C is a schematic diagram of the architecture of another implementation of the communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1C, the architecture of the 5G communication system is presented in a service-based interface manner. Namf is the service-based interface provided by AMF. Nsmf is the service-based interface provided by SMF. Nnef is the service-based interface provided by NEF. Npcf is the service-based interface provided by PCF. Naf is the service-based interface provided by AF.

[0171] It is understood that the communication system described in this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0172] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1A, or some of the main components in the communication system 100, but are not limited thereto. The main components shown in FIG1A are illustrative. The communication system 100 may include all or some of the main components in FIG1A, or may include other main components other than those in FIG1A. The number and form of each main component are arbitrary. Each main component may be physical or virtual. The connection relationship between the main components is illustrative. The main components may not be connected or may be connected. The connection may be in any way, such as direct connection or indirect connection, wired connection or wireless connection.

[0173] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR), New radio access (NX), Future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), and IEEE 802.20, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth (a registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) systems, systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems built upon them, etc. Furthermore, multiple systems can be combined (e.g., a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0174] In some cases, mobile media services, online AR / VR and other XR services, online games, and video-based remote control of machines or drones are expected to contribute increasingly higher traffic to communication networks. XR services involve multimodal data streams. Multimodal data describes data input from the same device or different devices (including sensors) for the same service / application, which may be output to one or more destination device terminals. The data streams in multimodal data often have a certain degree of correlation, or even a strong correlation, such as the synchronization of audio and video streams, or the synchronization of haptic and visual senses. The data streams of these media services themselves, the relationships between the data streams, and the network transmission requirements of these service data streams all share some common characteristics. Effective identification and utilization of these characteristics will be more conducive to network and service transmission and control, and will also contribute to service assurance and user experience.

[0175] In further scenarios, XRM services and eXtended Reality and interactive media services require communication systems to comprehensively consider the QoS characteristics of service data streams. These QoS characteristics include, for example, at least one of the following: whether parameters such as delay-sensitive guaranteed bit rate (GBR) data streams, guaranteed flow bit rate (GFBR), packet delay budget (PDB), and default maximum data burst volume (MDBV) can be simultaneously met and consistently maintained. This involves ensuring consistent QoS authorization and execution across multiple XRM data streams from a single terminal and across multiple terminals.

[0176] In some embodiments, the XRM service data flow (SDF) can be processed based on PDU sets, thereby enhancing QoS awareness and assurance of the SDF and improving the user's quality of experience (QoE).

[0177] In some embodiments, such as 4G, 5G, 6G, and V2X systems, the AF (Active Front-End) can provide PDU set QoS parameters and a protocol description. In some embodiments, the PDU set QoS parameters may include at least one of the following: PDU set delay budget (PSDB), PDU set error rate (PSER), and PDU set integrated handling information (PSIHI). Then, the SMF (Service Provider Framework) and UPF (User Provider Framework) can combine the protocol description and header extensions provided by the AF to extend the packet headers of the PDUs in the SDF's PDU set to carry PDU set information. The carried PDU information can be used by the access network for PDU set-based QoS control.

[0178] In some embodiments, the PDU set information may include at least one of the following: PDU set sequence number, the starting or ending PDU of the PDU set, the PDU sequence number within the PDU set, the number of PDUs within the PDU set, the importance of the PDU set, and the size of the PDU set. Here, the importance of the PDU set is used to characterize the importance of a PDU set relative to other PDU sets in the same QoS flow.

[0179] Understandably, the UPF performs SDF-to-QoS flow mapping based on the PDR and maps (or encapsulates) interrelated PDUs into a PDU set. Furthermore, the UPF can apply the same QoS policy to all PDU sets within the QoS flow. For example, the UPF can apply the same PDU set QoS parameters to all PDU sets within the QoS flow. In one example, the UPF can map the application flow to the QoS flow based on packet detection information in the PDR. Some PDUs in the QoS flow can be associated with media components (e.g., intra-coded frames and prediction frames), and the UPF classifies these PDUs as belonging to a PDU set and controls them accordingly. In some embodiments, the RAN can implement PDU set-based processing based on the PDU set-specific QoS features and protocol descriptions provided by 5GC and AF, as well as the enhanced headers identified and marked by the UPF.

[0180] With the continuous development of immersive communication services, the types and capabilities of devices implementing these services are becoming increasingly diverse. For data streams of immersive communication services from devices of different types and capabilities, corresponding QoS authorization, coordination, and management are required.

[0181] Figure 2 is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication method involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100. As shown in Figure 2, the communication method of the embodiment of the present disclosure includes steps S201 to S212.

[0182] In step S201, the second network element 1032 sends a first message to the seventh network element 1037.

[0183] In some embodiments, the seventh network element 1037 can receive the first message.

[0184] In some embodiments, the first message may include first information.

[0185] In some embodiments, the first information may be used to provide device characteristics of terminal 101.

[0186] In some embodiments, the first information may be used to determine the QoS policy of the data stream of terminal 101.

[0187] In some embodiments, terminal 101 may correspond to a first service. The first service implemented by terminal 101 may be an immersive communication service. The first information may be used to indicate the QoS requirements of the data stream for the first service.

[0188] In some embodiments, the name of the first information is not limited, and it may be, for example, demand information, instruction information, request information, etc.

[0189] In some embodiments, the first information may include at least one of the following: device type information, media capability information, media configuration information, priority information, capability enable information, power management information, and pose type information.

[0190] In some embodiments, device type information may be used to indicate the device type of terminal 101.

[0191] In some embodiments, the device type of terminal 101 may be a type related to immersive communication services. In some embodiments, terminal 101 may belong to a device type that supports immersive communication services.

[0192] In some embodiments, immersive communication services may be associated with at least one of the following: extended reality, augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality.

[0193] In some embodiments, the device type may include at least one of the following: thin AR glasses, AR glasses, XR mobile phone, XR head-mounted display (HMD), vehicle supporting immersive communication services, television set supporting immersive communication services, and projector supporting immersive communication services. In some examples, a vehicle supporting immersive communication services may include a vehicle supporting XR services, i.e., an XR vehicle. A television set supporting immersive communication services may include a television set supporting XR services, i.e., an XR television. A projector supporting immersive communication services may include a projector supporting XR services, i.e., an XR projector. It is understood that the device type may also include other types related to immersive communication services, and the embodiments disclosed herein are not specifically limited.

[0194] In some embodiments, terminal 101 may conform to one or more device types. In one example, the device type of terminal 101 may be AR glasses. In another example, the device type of terminal 101 may be an XR vehicle and an XR projector.

[0195] In some embodiments, media capability information may be used to indicate the media functions supported by terminal 101.

[0196] In some embodiments, media functions may include at least one of the following: capabilities corresponding to the device type of terminal 101, video encoding / decoding capabilities, audio encoding / decoding capabilities, and scene description capabilities.

[0197] In some embodiments, the capabilities corresponding to the device type of terminal 101 may include XR service capabilities and / or system capabilities related to the device type.

[0198] In some embodiments, the capabilities corresponding to the device type of terminal 101 may include at least one of the following: pose tracking capability, field of view configuration, and reference space.

[0199] In some embodiments, pose tracking can refer to estimating pose based on an image. In some embodiments, pose tracking capability can refer to the ability to perform pose tracking.

[0200] In some embodiments, pose may include at least one of the following: orientation and position. In some embodiments, pose tracking may include at least one of the following: orientation tracking and position tracking. In some embodiments, pose tracking capability may include at least one of the following: orientation tracking capability and position tracking capability.

[0201] In some embodiments, the view configuration may include at least one of the following: monoscopic and stereoscopic.

[0202] In some embodiments, the reference space can be used as a benchmark for spatial reasoning by applications implementing XR services on terminal 101.

[0203] In some embodiments, the reference space may include at least one of the following: view, local space, and stage. In some embodiments, the view, local space, and stage may constitute a set of reference spaces for implementing spatial reasoning.

[0204] In some embodiments, the video encoding / decoding capability may be a video encoding / decoding method supported by the terminal 101. In some embodiments, the video encoding / decoding capability may be the terminal 101's support for video encoding / decoding capabilities.

[0205] In some embodiments, video encoding capabilities may include at least one of the following: full HD encoding / decoding with Advanced Video Coding (AVC) (e.g., AVC-FullHD-Dec, AVC-FullHD-Dec-2, AVC-FullHD-Enc) or full HD encoding / decoding with High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) (e.g., HEVC-FullHD-Enc, HEVC-FullHD-Dec). It is understood that video encoding capabilities may also include other video encoding / decoding methods, and this disclosure does not specifically limit these methods.

[0206] In some embodiments, the audio codec capability can be an audio codec method supported by the terminal 101. In some embodiments, the audio codec capability can be the terminal 101's support for audio codec capabilities.

[0207] In some embodiments, audio can be understood to include speech.

[0208] In some embodiments, audio coding capabilities may include at least one of the following: enhanced voice services (EVS), immersive voice and audio services (IVAS), EVS-4, and advanced audio coding with enhanced low latency (ELD) (e.g., AAC-ELDv2-Enc, AAC-ELDv2-Dec, AAC-ELDv2-Dec-2). It is understood that audio coding capabilities may also include other audio codec methods, and this disclosure does not specifically limit these methods.

[0209] In some embodiments, the scene description capability may be the ability to implement scene description. In some embodiments, the scene description capability may be the terminal 101's support for implementing scene description capabilities.

[0210] In some embodiments, scene description capabilities may include at least one of the following: the ability to render graphics language transmission format (GLTF) using stable diffusion (SD) (e.g., SD rendering GLTF core capabilities, SD rendering GLTF extended file system (ext1) capabilities, SD rendering GLTF second extended file system (ext2) capabilities, and SD rendering GLTF interactive capabilities). It is understood that scene description capabilities may also include other scene description methods, and this disclosure does not specifically limit these methods.

[0211] In some embodiments, media configuration information may be used to indicate the characteristics of media supported by terminal 101.

[0212] In some embodiments, media configuration information may include parameters related to media data in the data stream of terminal 101.

[0213] In some embodiments, media configuration information may include at least one of the following: video encoder, video decoder, audio encoder, audio decoder, video resolution, frame rate, and bitrate. It is understood that media configuration information may also include other parameters related to media data, which are not specifically limited in this disclosure.

[0214] In some embodiments, priority information may be used to indicate the priority of QoS configuration.

[0215] In some embodiments, a device type may correspond to one or more QoS configurations. In some embodiments, a first device type may correspond to multiple QoS configurations. Priorities may exist among the multiple QoS configurations.

[0216] In some embodiments, the priority order of multiple QoS configurations may differ for different device types. In one example, for device types such as XR vehicles, XR TVs, and XR projectors, the QoS configuration corresponding to high bitrate may have high priority. In another example, for device types such as lightweight AR glasses, AR glasses, XR phones, and XR HMDs, the QoS configuration corresponding to low power consumption may have high priority. In yet another example, for device types such as XR vehicles, the QoS configuration corresponding to low latency may have high priority.

[0217] In some embodiments, capability enabling information can be used to indicate the enableable capabilities of terminal 101. In some embodiments, capability enabling information can be used to indicate that one or more capabilities of terminal 101 can be enabled. In some embodiments, capability enabling information can be used to indicate one or more capabilities available in terminal 101.

[0218] In some embodiments, power management information can be used to indicate whether power management of terminal 101 has been triggered.

[0219] In some embodiments, power management information can be used to indicate whether to trigger power management of terminal 101. In one example, terminal 101 may have power consumption requirements. For example, the device type of terminal 101 may be lightweight AR glasses, AR glasses, XR mobile phones, XR HMDs, etc. In this case, power management information can indicate whether to trigger power management of terminal 101. In one example, terminal 101 may not have power consumption requirements. For example, the device type of terminal 101 may be XR vehicles, XR televisions, XR projectors, etc. In this case, power management information can indicate whether to trigger power management of terminal 101.

[0220] In some embodiments, pose type information is used to indicate the pose types supported by terminal 101.

[0221] In some embodiments, the pose type may include 6DoF and 3DoF. In some embodiments, the pose type indicated by the pose type information may include at least one of 6DoF and 3DoF. It is understood that the pose type information may also indicate other pose types, and the embodiments disclosed herein are not specifically limited.

[0222] In some embodiments, 6DoF may include a position field and an orientation field. In one example, the position field may be used to indicate the position represented by the x, y, z dimensions. In another example, the orientation field may be used to indicate the orientation represented by the rx, ry, rz, rw dimensions.

[0223] In some embodiments, 3DoF may include a direction field. In one example, a position field may be used to indicate a direction represented in rx, ry, rz, rw dimensions. It is understood that 3DoF may not include a position field.

[0224] In some embodiments, the first message may further include at least one of the following: the identifier of the first service, the address and / or identifier of the terminal 101, the identifier of the second network element 1032, the application identifier of the first service, the flow description, the data network name (DNN), the single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI), and the QoS parameters.

[0225] In some embodiments, the identifier of the first service can be used to identify a data stream or a group of data streams of the first service. In some embodiments, the identifier of the first service can be a multimodal service identifier, which can then be used to identify all data streams in the service group. In some embodiments, the data stream or group of data streams of the first service can be a service data stream or a group of service data streams.

[0226] In some embodiments, the first message may further include QoS requirement information corresponding to the data stream of terminal 101. In some embodiments, the first information may be included in the QoS requirement information.

[0227] In some embodiments, the first message may be a request message.

[0228] In some embodiments, the first message may be a message from the Nnef_AFsessionWithQoS service. In one example, the request message may be a message from the Nnef_AFsessionWithQoS_Create service operation (or procedure). In another example, the request message may be a message from the Nnef_AFsessionWithQoS_Update service operation (or procedure).

[0229] In some embodiments, the first message may be an AF session resource request message. In one example, the AF session resource request message may be an Nnef_AFSessionWithQoS_Create request message or an Nnef_AFSessionWithQoS_Update request message.

[0230] In step S202, the seventh network element 1037 performs authorization.

[0231] In some embodiments, the seventh network element 1037 can authorize the first message. In some embodiments, the seventh network element 1037 can authorize the first information in the first message.

[0232] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 may be an unauthorized network element, in which case the seventh network element 1037 may authorize the first message from the second network element 1032.

[0233] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 may be an authorized network element, in which case the seventh network element 1037 may not need to authorize the first message from the second network element 1032. In other words, step S202 may be omitted.

[0234] In step S203, the seventh network element 1037 sends a second message to the first network element 1031.

[0235] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may receive a second message.

[0236] In some embodiments, the second message may include the first information.

[0237] In some embodiments, the second message may further include at least one of the following: the identifier of the first service, the address and / or identifier of the terminal 101, the identifier of the second network element 1032, the application identifier of the first service, the flow description, the DNN, the S-NSSAI, the QoS parameters, and the QoS requirement information.

[0238] In some embodiments, the seventh network element 1037 may send the first information in different ways. In some embodiments, the seventh network element 1037 may determine the method of sending the first information based on the first message received from the second network element 1032.

[0239] In some embodiments, the method by which the seventh network element 1037 sends the first information may include: sending it through the time-sensitive communication and time synchronization function (TSCTSF) or sending it directly.

[0240] In some embodiments, the seventh network element 1037 may determine to send first information to the first network element 1031 via the TCSTSF. In some embodiments, the second message may include a message sent by the seventh network element 1037 to the TCSTSF, and a message sent by the TCSTSF to the first network element 1031.

[0241] In some embodiments, the seventh network element 1037 can send the first information to the TSCTSF via the service-based interface Ntsftsf, and then the TSCTSF can send the first information to the first network element 1031 via the service-based interface Npcf. In one example, the seventh network element 1037 can send the first information to the TSCTSF via an Ntsctsf_QoSandTSCAssistance_Create request message or an Ntsctsf_QoSandTSCAssistance_Update request message, and then the TSCTSF can send the first information to the first network element 1031 via an Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Create request message or an Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Update request message.

[0242] In some embodiments, the seventh network element 1037 may determine to send the first information directly to the first network element 1031. In some embodiments, the second message may be sent by the seventh network element 1037 to the first network element 1031.

[0243] In some embodiments, the seventh network element 1037 can send the first information to the first network element 1031 through the service-based interface Npcf. In one example, the seventh network element 1037 can send the first information to the first network element 1031 through an Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Create request message or an Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Update request message.

[0244] It is understood that the first network element 1031 can obtain the first information from the second network element 1032 through steps S201 to S203. In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can obtain the first information through other means. In this case, steps S201 to S203 can be omitted. For example, the first network element 1031 can determine the first information based on operator operation and maintenance and management configuration, and / or local configuration.

[0245] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 can directly send the first information to the first network element 1031. In this case, the first information may not be processed by the seventh network element 1037. For example, the first information may be sent from the second network element 1032 to the first network element 1031 via transparent transmission. For example, the first information may not pass through the seventh network element 1037.

[0246] In step S204, the first network element 1031 performs a strategy decision.

[0247] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may execute a policy decision after receiving the second message.

[0248] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can determine the QoS policy of the data flow of the terminal 101 through policy decision-making. In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can determine the QoS policy of the data flow of the first service of the terminal 101 through policy decision-making.

[0249] In some embodiments, a QoS policy may include QoS characteristics, policies related to QoS processing of PDU sets, and spatial information policies.

[0250] In some embodiments, the QoS policy may include a first rule.

[0251] In some embodiments, the first rule may be determined after taking into account the first information.

[0252] In some embodiments, the first rule may be determined based on first information.

[0253] In some embodiments, the first rule can be used for the identification of the data stream of terminal 101.

[0254] In some embodiments, the first rule can be used for mapping or routing the data flow of terminal 101.

[0255] In some embodiments, the name of the first rule is not limited, and it may be, for example, a traffic mapping strategy, a traffic mapping rule, or a traffic mapping relationship.

[0256] In some embodiments, the first rule may include a policy and charging control (PCC) rule.

[0257] In some embodiments, the first rule may be new. In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may determine a new first rule based on the first information.

[0258] In some embodiments, the first rule may be updated. In some embodiments, based on the first information, the first network element 1031 may determine to update the existing first rule.

[0259] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can determine the second information.

[0260] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can authorize the SDF of the first service through a first rule. Through authorization, the first network element 1031 can obtain second information.

[0261] In some embodiments, the second information may be used to determine the QoS rules for the data stream of terminal 101.

[0262] In some embodiments, the second information can be used to implement QoS processing of the data stream of terminal 101.

[0263] In some embodiments, the second information may include at least a portion of the first information. In some embodiments, the second information may include at least one of the following: device type information, media capability information, media configuration information, priority information, capability enable information, power management information, and pose type information.

[0264] In some embodiments, the second information may be included in the first rule. In some embodiments, the first rule may be determined by the first network element 1031 taking into account the first information. It is understood that the second information may be independent of the first rule, and this disclosure does not specifically limit this aspect.

[0265] In step S205, the first network element 1031 sends a third message to the third network element 1033.

[0266] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 may receive a third message.

[0267] In some embodiments, a third message may be used to instruct a first rule.

[0268] In some embodiments, the third message may carry the second information.

[0269] In some embodiments, the second information can be sent to the third network element 1033 via the service-based interface NPCF.

[0270] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may initiate a Policy Association Modification (SAM) process to send the second information.

[0271] In some embodiments, the third message may be an Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify request message.

[0272] In some embodiments, the second information can be used by the third network element 1033 to determine the third information.

[0273] In some embodiments, the third information can be used by the fourth network element 1034 to perform QoS processing on the data stream of the terminal 101.

[0274] In some embodiments, the third information may be included in the second rule. In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 may determine the second rule based on the second information. In some embodiments, the second rule may include N4 rules. In some embodiments, N4 rules may include packet detection rules (PDR) and / or QoS parameters.

[0275] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 may further determine a third rule. In some embodiments, the third rule may be determined based on second information. In one example, the third rule may be determined according to a first rule. In some embodiments, the third rule may be used by the first device 102 to perform QoS processing on the data stream of the terminal 101. In some embodiments, the third rule may include QoS configuration (QoS profile) and / or QoS parameters.

[0276] In step S206, the third network element 1033 sends a fourth message to the fourth network element 1034.

[0277] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 can receive a fourth message.

[0278] In some embodiments, the fourth message may carry third information.

[0279] In some embodiments, the third information may include at least a portion of the first information. In some embodiments, the third information may include at least one of the following: device type information, media capability information, media configuration information, priority information, capability enable information, power management information, and pose type information.

[0280] In some embodiments, the fourth message may carry the second rule. In some embodiments, the second rule may contain third information.

[0281] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 can send third information through an N4 session.

[0282] In some embodiments, the fourth message may be an N4 Session Modification request message.

[0283] In step S207, the third network element 1033 sends a fifth message to the sixth network element 1036.

[0284] In some embodiments, the sixth network element 1036 can receive the fifth message.

[0285] In some embodiments, the fifth message may include at least a portion of the first information. In some embodiments, the fifth message may include at least one of the following: device type information, media capability information, media configuration information, priority information, capability enable information, power management information, and pose type information.

[0286] In some embodiments, the fifth message may carry a third rule.

[0287] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 can send a fifth message through the service-based interface Namf.

[0288] In some embodiments, the fifth message may be a message during the Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer process.

[0289] In step S208, the sixth network element 1036 sends a sixth message to the first device 102.

[0290] In some embodiments, the first device 102 may receive a sixth message.

[0291] In some embodiments, the sixth message may include at least a portion of the first information. In some embodiments, the sixth message may include at least one of the following: device type information, media capability information, media configuration information, priority information, capability enable information, power management information, and pose type information.

[0292] In some embodiments, the sixth message may carry a third rule.

[0293] In some embodiments, the sixth message may be an N2 message.

[0294] In step S209, the fifth network element 1035 sends a data stream to the fourth network element 1034.

[0295] In some embodiments, the fifth network element 1035 may send a downlink data stream for the terminal 101 to the fourth network element 1034. In some embodiments, the fifth network element 1035 may send a downlink data stream for a first service of the terminal 101 to the fourth network element 1034.

[0296] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 can receive downlink data streams of the first service in the user plane.

[0297] In step S210, the fourth network element 1034 performs QoS processing.

[0298] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 may perform QoS processing on the data stream from the fifth network element 1035 according to the fourth message.

[0299] In some embodiments, the QoS processing performed by the fourth network element 1034 may include at least one of the following: identification, detection, and traffic mapping.

[0300] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 may obtain third information from the fourth message and identify and / or detect the data flow of the first service based on the third information.

[0301] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 can perform traffic mapping on the data stream of the terminal 101. In one example, the fourth network element 1034 can map the data stream of the terminal 101 to a QoS stream based on third information.

[0302] In some embodiments, the data stream of terminal 101 may be the SDF of the first service.

[0303] It should be noted that in some cases, the data stream may be a non-service-specific data stream. In some embodiments, the data stream may be a data stream transmitted on the data plane (DP). In one example, the data stream may be a data stream transmitted on a data plane proposed in any network (e.g., a 6G network). The data stream transmitted on the data plane may be unrelated to any specific service.

[0304] In some embodiments, the traffic mapping performed by the fourth network element 1034 can be implemented by marking a QoS flow identifier (QFI) in the SDF data packet. In one example, after adding a QFI to the data packet, the data packet is mapped to the QoS flow corresponding to the added QFI.

[0305] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 may identify and / or detect data flows based on OAM operation and maintenance configuration, and / or operator policies, and / or local configuration. In some embodiments, if the fourth message does not carry third information (i.e., the fourth network element 1034 does not receive any third information), the data flow may be identified based on OAM operation and maintenance configuration, and / or operator policies, and / or local configuration. In some embodiments, if the fourth message does not carry a second rule (i.e., the fourth network element 1034 does not receive any second rule), the data flow may be identified based on OAM operation and maintenance configuration, and / or operator policies, and / or local configuration.

[0306] In some embodiments, data stream identification can be achieved through at least one of the following methods: matching of Real-Time Transport Protocol (RTP) / Secure Real-Time Transport Protocol (SRTP) headers and payloads; new RTP extension headers; information contained in the N6 encapsulation header; detection of traffic characteristics; and UPF implementation of non-standardized mechanisms.

[0307] In some embodiments, the data packets corresponding to the data stream identified by the fourth network element 1034 may include the following types: PDU set data packets and non-PDU set data packets.

[0308] In step S211, the fourth network element 1034 sends a data stream to the first device 102.

[0309] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 can send the data packets corresponding to the downlink data stream of the terminal 101 to the first device 102.

[0310] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 can send a data stream to the first device 102 via a QoS stream.

[0311] In some embodiments, the data stream may be sent to the first device 102 using the GTP-U protocol.

[0312] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 may carry pose information in the GTP-U header.

[0313] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 may carry information related to the PDU set in the GTP-U header.

[0314] In some embodiments, the relevant information of a PDU set may include at least one of the following: PDU set sequence number, start / end PDU of the PDU set, PDU sequence number within the PDU set, number of PDUs within the PDU set, importance of the PDU set, size of the PDU set, and end of a data burst.

[0315] In step S212, the first device 102 sends a data stream to the terminal 101.

[0316] In some embodiments, after receiving a data stream from the fourth network element 1034, the first device 102 may perform QoS processing on the data stream of the terminal 101 according to a third rule.

[0317] In some embodiments, the first device 102 may provide downlink data streams to the terminal 101.

[0318] In some embodiments, the data stream can be transmitted from the first device 102 to the terminal 101 via a wireless bearer.

[0319] The communication method of this embodiment can be realized through the above steps S201 to S212.

[0320] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S201 to S212. For example, step S201 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, step S203 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, step S205 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, step S206 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, a combination of steps S201 and S203 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, a combination of steps S205 and S206 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. It should be noted that the possible standalone embodiments composed of one or more steps S201 to S212 are not limited thereto.

[0321] In some embodiments, at least two of steps S201 to S212 may be executed in an alternate order or simultaneously. For example, steps S206 and S207 may be executed in an alternate order or simultaneously.

[0322] In some embodiments, steps S202 to S212 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0323] In some embodiments, steps S201 to S202 and S204 to S212 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0324] In some embodiments, steps S201 to S204 and S206 to S212 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0325] In some embodiments, steps S201 to S205 and S207 to S212 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0326] In some embodiments, other optional implementations may be described before or after the specification corresponding to FIG2.

[0327] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc., are not limited to the names described in the embodiments. Terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "codebook", "codeword", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0328] In some embodiments, the terms "uplink", "uplink", and "physical uplink" can be used interchangeably, as can the terms "downlink", "downlink", and "physical downlink", as well as the terms "sidelink", "sidelink", "sidelink communication", "sidelink communication", "direct connection", "direct link", "direct communication", and "direct link communication".

[0329] In some embodiments, the terms “radio”, “wireless”, “radio access network (RAN)”, “access network (AN)”, and “RAN-based” can be used interchangeably.

[0330] In some embodiments, terms such as “moment,” “point in time,” “time,” and “time location” can be used interchangeably, as can terms such as “duration,” “segment,” “time window,” “window,” and “time.”

[0331] In some embodiments, “get,” “obtain,” “receive,” “transmit,” “bidirectional transmission,” and “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, obtaining from protocols, obtaining from higher layers, obtaining through self-processing, or autonomous implementation, among other meanings.

[0332] In some embodiments, terms such as “send,” “transmit,” “report,” “distribute,” “transfer,” “bidirectional transmission,” “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably.

[0333] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain", "preset", "default", "set", "indicated", "a certain", "any", and "first" can be used interchangeably. "Certain A", "preset A", "default A", "set A", "indicated A", "a certain A", "any A", and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-defined in a protocol or the like, or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or instruction, or as specific A, a certain A, any A, or first A, but are not limited thereto.

[0334] In some embodiments, the determination or judgment can be made by a value represented by 1 bit (0 or 1), or by a true or false value (boolean), or by a comparison of numerical values ​​(e.g., a comparison with a predetermined value), but is not limited thereto.

[0335] In some embodiments, the terms “traffic”, “flow”, “stream”, and “data stream” can be used interchangeably.

[0336] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This disclosure relates to a communication method. The communication method is executed by a first network element 1031. As shown in Figure 3, the method includes steps S301 to S303.

[0337] In step S301, the second message is obtained.

[0338] The optional implementation of step S301 can be found in the optional implementation of step S203 in Figure 2, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0339] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may receive a second message sent by the seventh network element 1037, but is not limited thereto, and may also receive a second message sent by other entities.

[0340] In step S302, a strategy decision is made.

[0341] The optional implementation of step S302 can be found in the optional implementation of step S204 in Figure 2, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0342] In step S303, a third message is sent.

[0343] The optional implementation of step S303 can be found in the optional implementation of step S205 in Figure 2, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0344] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may send a third message to the third network element 1033, but is not limited thereto; it may also send a third message to other entities.

[0345] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S301 to S303. For example, step S301 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, step S303 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, a combination of steps S301 and S303 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. It should be noted that the possible standalone embodiments consisting of one or more steps S301 to S303 are not limited thereto.

[0346] In some embodiments, steps S302 and S303 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0347] In some embodiments, steps S301 and S302 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0348] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This disclosure relates to a communication method. This communication method is executed by a second network element 1032. As shown in Figure 4, the method includes step S401.

[0349] In step S401, the first message is sent.

[0350] The optional implementation of step S401 can be found in the optional implementation of step S201 in Figure 2, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0351] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 may send a first message to the seventh network element 1037, but is not limited thereto; it may also send a first message to other entities.

[0352] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This disclosure relates to a communication method. This communication method is executed by a third network element 1033. As shown in Figure 5, the method includes steps S501 to S503.

[0353] In step S501, the third message is obtained.

[0354] The optional implementation of step S501 can be found in the optional implementation of step S205 in Figure 2, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0355] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 may receive a third message sent by the first network element 1031, but is not limited thereto, and may also receive a third message sent by other entities.

[0356] In step S502, the fourth message is sent.

[0357] The optional implementation of step S502 can be found in the optional implementation of step S206 in Figure 2, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0358] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 may send a fourth message to the fourth network element 1034, but is not limited thereto; it may also send a fourth message to other entities.

[0359] In step S503, the fifth message is sent.

[0360] The optional implementation of step S503 can be found in the optional implementation of step S207 in Figure 2, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0361] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 may send a fifth message to the sixth network element 1036, but is not limited thereto; it may also send a fifth message to other entities.

[0362] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S501 to S503. For example, step S501 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, step S502 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, a combination of steps S501 and S502 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. It should be noted that the possible standalone embodiments consisting of one or more steps S501 to S503 are not limited thereto.

[0363] In some embodiments, at least two of steps S501 to S503 may be executed in an alternate order or simultaneously. For example, steps S502 and S503 may be executed in an alternate order or simultaneously.

[0364] In some embodiments, steps S502 and S503 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0365] In some embodiments, steps S501 and S503 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0366] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This disclosure relates to a communication method. This communication method is executed by a fourth network element 1034. As shown in Figure 6, the method includes steps S601 to S604.

[0367] In step S601, the fourth message is obtained.

[0368] The optional implementation of step S601 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2106 in Figure 2, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0369] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 may receive a fourth message sent by the third network element 1033, but is not limited thereto; it may also receive a fourth message sent by other entities. In some embodiments, the fourth message may include third information.

[0370] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 may obtain third information as specified in the protocol.

[0371] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 can obtain third information from the upper layer.

[0372] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 may perform processing to obtain third information.

[0373] In some embodiments, step S601 can be omitted, and the fourth network element 1034 can autonomously implement the functions involved in the third information, or the above functions are defaulted or set by default.

[0374] In step S602, the data stream is acquired.

[0375] The optional implementation of step S602 can be found in the optional implementation of step S209 in Figure 2, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0376] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 may receive data streams sent by the fifth network element 1035, but is not limited thereto, and may also receive data streams sent by other entities.

[0377] In step S603, QoS processing is performed.

[0378] The optional implementation of step S603 can be found in the optional implementation of step S210 in Figure 2, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0379] In step S604, the data stream is sent.

[0380] The optional implementation of step S604 can be found in the optional implementation of step S211 in Figure 2, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0381] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 may send a data stream to the first device 102, but is not limited thereto, and may also send a data stream to other entities.

[0382] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S601 to S604. For example, step S601 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. It should be noted that the possible standalone embodiments consisting of one or more steps S601 to S604 are not limited thereto.

[0383] In some embodiments, steps S602, S603, and S604 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0384] Figure 7A is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 7A, the present disclosure relates to a communication method. The communication method includes step S7101.

[0385] In step S7101, the second network element 1032 sends the first information to the first network element 1031.

[0386] Optional implementations of step S7101 can be found in optional implementations of steps S201 and S203 in Figure 2, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0387] Figure 7B is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 7B, the present disclosure relates to a communication method. The communication method includes step S7201.

[0388] In step S7201, the first network element 1031 sends the second information to the third network element 1033.

[0389] The optional implementation of step S7201 can be found in the optional implementation of step S205 in FIG2, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG2, which will not be repeated here.

[0390] Figure 7C is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 7C, the present disclosure relates to a communication method. The communication method includes step S7301.

[0391] In step S7301, the third network element 1033 sends third information to the fourth network element 1034.

[0392] The optional implementation of step S7301 can be found in the optional implementation of step S206 in FIG2, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG2, which will not be repeated here.

[0393] In the following, specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described by way of example.

[0394] Figure 8A is an interactive schematic diagram of an exemplary implementation of the communication method provided according to embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 8A, the communication method is implemented through multiple steps.

[0395] In some embodiments, the interaction process in Figure 8A involves the UE, consumer, first control plane network function (NF), second CP NF, third CP NF, first user plane NF, NEF, and DN / AF.

[0396] In some embodiments, the consumer (or consumer NF) in this embodiment can be the RAN. In some embodiments, a consumer can refer to the object to which a service is applied. For example, in a service-based scenario, the service can be provided to the consumer. In some embodiments, monitoring and / or reporting information and / or parameters for a first parameter provided by the AF and / or PCF can be provided to the RAN. In this case, the RAN can be considered the consumer. It is understood that the consumer can be device-independent. The object to which the service is provided is the consumer.

[0397] In some embodiments, the first CP NF can be a PCF. In some embodiments, the second CP NF can be an SMF. In some embodiments, the third CP NF can be an AMF. In some embodiments, the first UP NF can be a UPF.

[0398] In step 1, the AF (i.e., the second network element) sends an AF session resource request (i.e., the first message), for example, by creating an AF request through an Nnef_AFsessionWithQoS_Create request. The AF carries the QoS requirements of XRM service and interactive media service data streams in the request message.

[0399] In some embodiments, the DN / Application Service Provider (ASP) / AF provides QoS requirements for media streams, including device type, device media capabilities, and media configuration, which can be used for network interoperability and can be used as input for policy determination (e.g., QoS determination).

[0400] In some embodiments, the device type includes at least one of the following:

[0401] - Device Type 1: Lightweight AR Glasses;

[0402] - Device Type 2: AR Glasses;

[0403] -Device Type 3: XR Phone;

[0404] - Device Type 4: XR HMD;

[0405] -Equipment Type 5: XR Vehicle;

[0406] - Device Type 6: XR TV;

[0407] - Device type 7: XR projector.

[0408] In some embodiments, a given physical device may conform to more than one device type.

[0409] In some embodiments, the device's media capabilities include at least one of the following:

[0410] - XR service / system capabilities provided by device type;

[0411] - Pose tracking, such as orientation tracking and position tracking;

[0412] - Field of view configuration, such as single field of view or stereoscopic field of view;

[0413] - Reference space, such as view, local space, stage;

[0414] - Video capabilities support encoding / decoding capabilities, such as AVC-FullHD-Dec, AVC-FullHD-Dec-2, AVC-FullHD-Enc, HEVC-FullHD-Enc, and HEVC-FullHD-Dec;

[0415] - Audio capabilities support encoding / decoding capabilities, such as EVS, IVAS, EVS-4, AAC-ELDv2-Enc, AAC-ELDv2-Dec, and AAC-ELDv2-Dec-2;

[0416] - Scene description capabilities are supported, such as SD-Rendering-gltf-Core, SD-Rendering-gltf-ext1, SD-Rendering-gltf-ext2, and SD-Rendering-gltf-interactive capabilities.

[0417] In some embodiments, the provided device type, device media capabilities, and media configuration can be used as inputs for policy determination, including at least one of the following:

[0418] -Different QoS configuration priorities for different device types;

[0419] - The ability for the device to be enabled;

[0420] - Whether to trigger power management;

[0421] - Suitable for the device's pose type (3DoF or 6DoF);

[0422] - Video capabilities support encoding / decoding capabilities, such as AVC-FullHD-Dec, AVC-FullHD-Dec-2, AVC-FullHD-Enc, HEVC-FullHD-Enc, and HEVC-FullHD-Dec;

[0423] - Audio capabilities support encoding / decoding capabilities, such as EVS, IVAS, EVS-4, AAC-ELDv2-Enc, AAC-ELDv2-Dec, and AAC-ELDv2-Dec-2;

[0424] - Scene description capabilities are supported, such as SD-Rendering-gltf-Core, SD-Rendering-gltf-ext1, SD-Rendering-gltf-ext2, and SD-Rendering-gltf-interactive capabilities.

[0425] In some embodiments, DN / ASP / AF provides an indication of the device type and / or the device's media capabilities and / or media configuration.

[0426] In some embodiments, the AF may provide the above information to the core network (e.g., NEF / PCF) during the AFQoS request / update process.

[0427] In some embodiments, XRM service information may be carried, identifying the XRM service data flow or data flow group (e.g., multimodal service ID), UE address / UE identifier, AF identifier, application ID, flow description, DNN, S-NSSAI, QoS parameters, and other corresponding information. Here, the multimodal service ID can be used to identify all flows in the XRM service group.

[0428] In step 2, the NEF (i.e., the seventh network element) authorizes the AF request. If it is an untrusted AF, the NEF sends the AF request to the PCF (i.e., the first network element). (Optionally, the NEF performs relevant mappings, including mapping the XRM service identifier (AF service identifier) ​​to the DNN and S-NSSAI, mapping the external application to the core network application identifier; and mapping the external UE identifier to the core network UE identifier (such as SUPI) based on UDM subscription information, and performing the mapping of the external to internal XRM service group identifier based on the UDM subscription information).

[0429] In step 3, the NEF authorizes the AF request and determines whether to initiate TSCTSF or directly contact the PCF based on the parameters provided by the AF. These signaling steps can be found in the AF session with required QoS procedure. The PCF receives the attributes provided by the AF from the NEF or TSCTSF. The NEF triggers Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Create, sending the AF request to the PCF, carrying QoS requirement information for the PCF to make policy decisions.

[0430] In some embodiments, the message carries the corresponding device type, the device's media capabilities, and media configuration.

[0431] In step 4, the PCF makes policy decisions. The PCF can determine whether updated or new policy information needs to be sent to the SMF (i.e., the third-party network element).

[0432] In some embodiments, the PCF determines and authorizes policies, taking into account device type, device media capabilities, and media configuration.

[0433] In some embodiments, the PCF determines the PCC rules, taking into account device type, device media capabilities, and media configuration. The PCF then sends the authorized PCC rules to the SMF.

[0434] In step 5, in response, PCF sends an Npcf_Policy Authorization_Create response to NEF.

[0435] In step 6, NEF sends an Nnef_AFsessionWithQoS_Create response message to AF, which carries the result to indicate whether the request has been authorized.

[0436] In step 7, the PCF initiates a Policy Association Modification request to the SMF, which carries the PCC rules.

[0437] In some embodiments, based on the PCC rules from the PCF, the SMF generates and provides QoS configuration and authorized QoS parameters to the NG-RAN (i.e., the first device).

[0438] In some embodiments, the SMF instructs the UPF to perform authorized QoS, which is sent to the consumer NF (e.g., RAN) for QoS tuning or QoS enforcement. In some embodiments, the SMF configures / activates rules for the UPF (e.g., via an N4 session).

[0439] In step 8, in response, the SMF sends an SM Policy Association Modification response to the PCF.

[0440] In step 9, the SMF initiates an N4 Session Modification request (XR pose information) to the UPF.

[0441] In step 10, the UPF responds to the SMF.

[0442] In some embodiments, the first UP NF / UPF implements licensed QoS, taking into account device type, device media capabilities, and media configuration, thereby supporting immersive communication services.

[0443] In step 11, for the modification of the SMF request, the SMF causes Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer(N2 SM information (PDU session ID, QFI, QoS configuration, N1 SM container)).

[0444] In step 12, the AMF (i.e., the sixth network element) can send an N2 message (N2 SM information received from the SMF, NAS message (PDU session ID, N1 SM container (PDU session modification command))) to the RAN.

[0445] In step 14, the RAN can acknowledge the N2 PDU session request by sending an N2 PDU session acknowledgment (Session Ack) message to the AMF.

[0446] In step 15, the AMF forwards the N2 SM information from the access network to the SMF through the Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext service operation.

[0447] In step 16, SMF responds with the Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext response.

[0448] In steps 17 and 18, the SMF can update the N4 session of the UPF involved in the PDU session modification by sending an N4 session modification request to the UPF.

[0449] Figure 8B is an interactive schematic diagram of an exemplary implementation of the communication method provided according to embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 8B, the communication method is implemented through multiple steps.

[0450] In step 1a, steps 1 to 7a of the PDU Session Establishment process are performed.

[0451] In step 1b, the AF can send information to the PCF via the Nnef_AfsessionWithQoS_Create request (QoS parameters for each PDU set within the QoS stream, as well as frame identification parameters). The AF can also provide this information to the 5GS before the PDU session is established.

[0452] In some embodiments, DN / ASP / AF provides QoS requirements for media streams, providing device type, device media capabilities, and media configuration, which can be used for network interoperability and can be used as input for policy determination (e.g., QoS determination).

[0453] In some embodiments, the device type includes at least one of the following:

[0454] - Device Type 1: Lightweight AR Glasses;

[0455] - Device Type 2: AR Glasses;

[0456] -Device Type 3: XR Phone;

[0457] - Device Type 4: XR HMD;

[0458] -Equipment Type 5: XR Vehicle;

[0459] - Device Type 6: XR TV;

[0460] - Device type 7: XR projector.

[0461] In some embodiments, a given physical device may conform to more than one device type.

[0462] In some embodiments, the device's media capabilities include at least one of the following:

[0463] - XR service / system capabilities provided by device type;

[0464] - Pose tracking, such as orientation tracking and position tracking;

[0465] - Field of view configuration, such as single field of view or stereoscopic field of view;

[0466] - Reference space, such as view, local space, stage;

[0467] - Video capabilities support encoding / decoding capabilities, such as AVC-FullHD-Dec, AVC-FullHD-Dec-2, AVC-FullHD-Enc, HEVC-FullHD-Enc, and HEVC-FullHD-Dec;

[0468] - Audio capabilities support encoding / decoding capabilities, such as EVS, IVAS, EVS-4, AAC-ELDv2-Enc, AAC-ELDv2-Dec, and AAC-ELDv2-Dec-2;

[0469] - Scene description capabilities are supported, such as SD-Rendering-gltf-Core, SD-Rendering-gltf-ext1, SD-Rendering-gltf-ext2, and SD-Rendering-gltf-interactive capabilities.

[0470] In some embodiments, the provided device type, device media capabilities, and media configuration can be used as inputs for policy determination, including at least one of the following:

[0471] -Different QoS configuration priorities for different device types;

[0472] - The ability for the device to be enabled;

[0473] - Whether to trigger power management;

[0474] - Suitable for the device's pose type (3DoF or 6DoF);

[0475] - Video capabilities support encoding / decoding capabilities, such as AVC-FullHD-Dec, AVC-FullHD-Dec-2, AVC-FullHD-Enc, HEVC-FullHD-Enc, and HEVC-FullHD-Dec;

[0476] - Audio capabilities support encoding / decoding capabilities, such as EVS, IVAS, EVS-4, AAC-ELDv2-Enc, AAC-ELDv2-Dec, and AAC-ELDv2-Dec-2;

[0477] - Scene description capabilities are supported, such as SD-Rendering-gltf-Core, SD-Rendering-gltf-ext1, SD-Rendering-gltf-ext2, and SD-Rendering-gltf-interactive capabilities.

[0478] In some embodiments, DN / ASP / AF provides an indication of the device type and / or the device's media capabilities and / or media configuration.

[0479] In some embodiments, the AF may provide the above information to the core network (e.g., NEF / PCF) during the AFQoS request / update process.

[0480] In some embodiments, the Application Filter (AF) may provide a protocol description and auxiliary information related to PDU sets. This auxiliary information may include QoS parameters for each QoS set within a QoS flow. QoS parameters include at least one of the following: PDU set processing indication, whether the application layer requires all PDUs for the use of the PDU set, PDU set delay budget, and PDU set bit error rate. In some embodiments, the PDU set processing indication may be used to indicate whether to activate PDU set-based processing for the flow. This indication may be implicitly provided by other PDU set-related information provided by the AF.

[0481] In step 2, the PCF generates appropriate PCC rules. These PCC rules may include QoS parameters related to the PDU set. The PCF can then send the PCC rules to the SMF.

[0482] In some embodiments, the PCF determines and authorizes policies, taking into account device type, device media capabilities, and media configuration.

[0483] In some embodiments, the PCF determines the PCC rules, taking into account device type, device media capabilities, and media configuration. The PCF then sends the authorized PCC rules to the SMF.

[0484] In some embodiments, the QoS parameters related to the PDU set can be new QoS parameters in 5GS for QoS processing based on the PDU set, and can include at least one of the following: PSDB, PSER, whether the application layer needs to use all PDUs for the PDU set, and whether to discard the PDU set when the PSDB is too large.

[0485] In some embodiments, step 2 can be completed through some steps in the PDU session establishment process or the PDU session modification process.

[0486] In some embodiments, step 2 may be triggered by step 1b, in which case the PCF may consider the information provided by the AF to generate PCC rules.

[0487] In step 3, the SMF generates the QoS configuration and N4 rules based on the PCC rules from the PCF. The SMF sends the N4 rules to the UPF and sends the QoS configuration to the RAN via the AMF.

[0488] In some embodiments, based on PCC rules from the PCF, the SMF generates and provides QoS configuration and authorized QoS parameters to the NG-RAN.

[0489] In some embodiments, the SMF instructs the UPF to perform authorized QoS, which is sent to the consumer NF (e.g., RAN) for QoS tuning or QoS enforcement. In some embodiments, the SMF configures / activates rules for the UPF (e.g., via an N4 session).

[0490] In some embodiments, step 3 can be completed through some steps in the PDU session establishment process or the PDU session modification process.

[0491] In step 4, the remaining steps of the PDU session establishment process and PDU session modification process are executed.

[0492] In step 5, based on the received N4 rules or local configuration, the UPF identifies relevant information and performs QoS processing based on the PDU set according to the N4 rule instructions.

[0493] In some embodiments, the first UP NF / UPF implements licensed QoS, taking into account device type, device media capabilities, and media configuration, thereby supporting immersive communication services.

[0494] In some embodiments, the PDU set information in the extension header may include at least one of the following: PDU set sequence number, starting or ending PDU of the PDU set, PDU sequence number within the PDU set, number of PDUs within the PDU set, importance of the PDU set, size of the PDU set, and end of data burst.

[0495] In some embodiments, the UPF can identify relevant information through at least one of the following methods and / or mechanisms: matching of RTP / SRTP headers and payloads; new RTP extension headers; information contained in N6 encapsulation headers; detection of flow characteristics; and UPF implementations of non-standardized mechanisms.

[0496] In step 6, the UPF sends PDU set information to the RAN. The UPF sends the aforementioned PDU set information to the RAN. The UPF can add the PDU set information to the GTP-U header.

[0497] In step 7, based on the received PDU set information, the RAN can perform QoS processing based on the PDU set.

[0498] In the embodiments disclosed herein, some or all of the steps and their optional implementations may be arbitrarily combined with some or all of the steps in other embodiments, or may be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementations in other embodiments.

[0499] This disclosure also provides communication apparatuses for implementing any of the above methods. For example, this disclosure provides a communication apparatus including units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a terminal in any of the above methods. For example, this disclosure provides a communication apparatus including units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a network element in any of the above methods. For example, this disclosure provides a communication apparatus including units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a first device in any of the above methods.

[0500] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0501] In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a central processing unit, microprocessor, graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a type of microprocessor), or digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented by an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device, such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. Furthermore, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a neural network processing unit (NPU), tensor processing unit (TPU), deep learning processing unit (DPU), etc.

[0502] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 9, the communication device 900 may include at least one of the following: a transceiver module 901 and a processing module 902.

[0503] In some embodiments, the communication device 900 may be a first network element 1031. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 901 may be configured to receive first information sent by a second network element, wherein the first information is used to provide device characteristics of the terminal, and the terminal is used to implement immersive communication. Optionally, the transceiver module 901 may be configured to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the first network element 1031 in any of the above methods (e.g., steps S203, S205, but not limited thereto), which will not be elaborated here. Optionally, the processing module 902 may be configured to perform at least one of other steps besides the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the first network element 1031 in any of the above methods (e.g., step S204, but not limited thereto), which will not be elaborated here.

[0504] In some embodiments, the communication device 900 may be a second network element 1032. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 901 may be configured to send first information to a first network element, wherein the first information is used to provide device characteristics of the terminal, and the terminal is used to implement immersive communication. Optionally, the transceiver module 901 may be configured to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the second network element 1032 in any of the above methods (e.g., step S201, but not limited thereto), which will not be elaborated here.

[0505] In some embodiments, the communication device 900 may be a third network element 1033. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 901 may be configured to receive second information sent by a first network element, wherein the second information is used to determine QoS rules for a data stream for a terminal, and the terminal is used to implement immersive communication. Optionally, the transceiver module 901 may be configured to perform at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps S205, S206, S207, but not limited thereto) performed by the third network element 1033 in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here.

[0506] In some embodiments, the communication device 900 may be a fourth network element 1034. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 901 may be configured to receive third information sent by a third network element, wherein the third information is used for QoS processing of the data stream of the terminal, and the terminal is used to implement immersive communication. Optionally, the transceiver module 901 may be configured to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the fourth network element 1034 in any of the above methods (e.g., steps S206, S209, S211, but not limited thereto), which will not be elaborated here. Optionally, the processing module 902 may be configured to perform at least one of other steps besides the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the fourth network element 1034 in any of the above methods (e.g., step S210, but not limited thereto), which will not be elaborated here.

[0507] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module. The transmitting and receiving modules may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with a transceiver.

[0508] In some embodiments, the processing module may be a single module or may include multiple sub-modules. Optionally, the multiple sub-modules may each perform all or part of the steps required by the processing module. Optionally, the processing module may be interchangeable with a processor.

[0509] Figure 10A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication device 10100 can be a network device (e.g., access network device, core network device, etc.), a terminal (e.g., user equipment, etc.), a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing any of the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 10100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0510] As shown in Figure 10A, the communication device 10100 includes one or more processors 10101. The processor 10101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Optionally, the communication device 10100 can be used to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 10101 can be used to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 10100 to execute any of the above methods.

[0511] In some embodiments, the communication device 10100 further includes one or more transceivers 10102. When the communication device 10100 includes one or more transceivers 10102, the transceiver 10102 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps S201, S203, S205, S206, S207, S208, S209, S211, S212, but not limited thereto), and the processor 10101 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps S202, S204, S210, but not limited thereto). In optional embodiments, the transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated together. Optionally, terms such as transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, and interface can be used interchangeably; terms such as transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, and transmitting circuit can be used interchangeably; and terms such as receiver, receiving unit, receiver, and receiving circuit can be used interchangeably.

[0512] In some embodiments, the communication device 10100 further includes one or more memories 10103 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of the memories 10103 may be located outside the communication device 10100. In optional embodiments, the communication device 10100 may include one or more interface circuits 10104. Optionally, the interface circuits 10104 are connected to the memories 10103 and can be used to receive data from the memories 10103 or other devices, and to send data to the memories 10103 or other devices. For example, the interface circuits 10104 can read data stored in the memories 10103 and send the data to the processor 10101.

[0513] The communication device 10100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 10100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 10100 may not be limited by FIG10A. The communication device may be a standalone device or may be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the IC collection may also include storage components for storing data and programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0514] Figure 10B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For cases where the communication device 10100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 10200 shown in Figure 10B, but it is not limited thereto.

[0515] Chip 10200 includes one or more processors 10201. Chip 10200 is used to perform any of the above methods.

[0516] In some embodiments, chip 10200 further includes one or more interface circuits 10202. Optionally, terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pin can be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 10200 further includes one or more memories 10203 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of the memories 10203 may be located outside of chip 10200. Optionally, interface circuit 10202 is connected to memory 10203, and interface circuit 10202 can be used to receive data from memory 10203 or other devices, and interface circuit 10202 can be used to send data to memory 10203 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 10202 can read data stored in memory 10203 and send the data to processor 10201.

[0517] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 10202 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method (e.g., steps S201, S203, S205, S206, S207, S208, S209, S211, S212, but not limited thereto). The interface circuit 10202 performing the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method refers, for example, to the interface circuit 10202 performing data interaction between the processor 10201, the chip 10200, the memory 10203, or the transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 10201 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps S202, S204, S210, but not limited thereto).

[0518] The modules and / or devices described in the various embodiments, such as virtual devices, physical devices, and chips, can be combined or separated arbitrarily as needed. Optionally, some or all steps can also be performed collaboratively by multiple modules and / or devices, which is not limited here.

[0519] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device 10100, cause the communication device 10100 to perform any of the methods described above. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but is not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but is not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0520] This disclosure also proposes a program product that, when executed by the communication device 10100, causes the communication device 10100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0521] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

[0522] Other embodiments of the invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention that follow the general principles of the invention and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of the invention are indicated by the following claims.

[0523] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the precise structure described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of the invention is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A communication method performed by a first network element, wherein, The method comprises: receiving first information sent by a second network element, wherein the first information is used to provide device characteristics of a terminal used to implement immersive communication.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first information comprises at least one of: device type information used to indicate a device type of the terminal; media capability information used to indicate media functions supported by the terminal; media configuration information used to indicate characteristics of media supported by the terminal; priority information used to indicate a priority of quality of service configuration; capability enabling information used to indicate an enabling capability of the terminal; power consumption management information used to indicate whether power consumption management of the terminal is triggered; pose type information used to indicate a pose type supported by the terminal.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, The device type comprises at least one of: lightweight augmented reality (AR) glasses; AR glasses; extended reality (XR) mobile phones; XR head-mounted displays; vehicles supporting immersive communication services; television sets supporting immersive communication services; projectors supporting immersive communication services.

4. The method of claim 2 or 3, wherein, The media functions comprise at least one of: capabilities corresponding to the device type of the terminal; video codec capabilities; audio codec capabilities; scene description capabilities.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, The capabilities corresponding to the device type of the terminal comprise at least one of: pose tracking capabilities; field of view configurations; reference spaces.

6. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The receiving of the first information sent by the second network element comprises at least one of: directly receiving the first information from the second network element; receiving the first information from the second network element via a seventh network element.

7. The method of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The method further comprises: sending second information to a third network element, wherein the second information is used to determine a quality of service (QoS) policy for a data flow of the terminal.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, The second information comprises a first rule determined according to the first information.

9. A communication method performed by a second network element, wherein, The method comprises: sending first information to a first network element, wherein the first information is used to provide device characteristics of a terminal used to implement immersive communication.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, The first information comprises at least one of: device type information used to indicate a device type of the terminal; media capability information used to indicate media functions supported by the terminal; media configuration information used to indicate characteristics of media supported by the terminal; priority information used to indicate a priority of quality of service configuration; capability enabling information used to indicate an enabling capability of the terminal; power consumption management information used to indicate whether power consumption management of the terminal is triggered; pose type information used to indicate a pose type supported by the terminal.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, The device type comprises at least one of: lightweight augmented reality (AR) glasses; AR glasses; extended reality (XR) mobile phones; XR head-mounted displays; vehicles supporting immersive communication services; television sets supporting immersive communication services; projectors supporting immersive communication services.

12. The method of claim 10 or 11, wherein, The media functions comprise at least one of: capabilities corresponding to the device type of the terminal; video codec capabilities; audio codec capabilities; scene description capabilities.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein, The capabilities corresponding to the device type of the terminal comprise at least one of: pose tracking capabilities; field of view configurations; reference spaces.

14. The method of any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein, The sending of the first information to the first network element comprises at least one of: sending the first information directly to the first network element; sending the first information to the first network element via a seventh network element.

15. The method of any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein, The first information is used by the first network element to determine a first rule.

16. A communication method performed by a third network element, wherein, The method comprises: receiving second information sent by a first network element, wherein the second information is used to determine a quality of service (QoS) rule for a data flow of a terminal, and the terminal is used to implement immersive communication.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein, The second information comprises a first rule, and the first rule is determined according to first information, and the first information is used to provide device characteristics of the terminal.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein, The first information comprises at least one of: device type information used to indicate a device type of the terminal; media capability information used to indicate a media function supported by the terminal; media configuration information used to indicate a characteristic of a media supported by the terminal; priority information used to indicate a priority of a quality of service configuration; capability enabling information used to indicate an enabling capability of the terminal; power consumption management information used to indicate whether power consumption management of the terminal is triggered; pose type information used to indicate a pose type supported by the terminal.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein, The device type comprises at least one of: a lightweight augmented reality (AR) glasses; AR glasses; an extended reality (XR) phone; an XR head-mounted display; a vehicle supporting an immersive communication service; a television supporting the immersive communication service; a projector supporting the immersive communication service.

20. The method of claim 18 or 19, wherein, The media function comprises at least one of: a capability corresponding to the device type of the terminal; a video codec capability; an audio codec capability; a scene description capability.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein, The capability corresponding to the device type of the terminal comprises at least one of: a pose tracking capability; a field of view configuration; a reference space.

22. The method of any one of claims 16 to 21, wherein, The method further comprises: sending third information to a fourth network element, wherein the third information is used by the fourth network element to perform QoS processing for a data flow of the terminal.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein, The third information comprises a second rule, and the second rule is determined according to the second information.

24. A communication method performed by a fourth network element, wherein, The method comprises: receiving third information sent by a third network element, wherein the third information is used for quality of service (QoS) processing for a data flow of a terminal, and the terminal is used to implement immersive communication.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein, The third information comprises a second rule, and the second rule is obtained based at least on device characteristics of the terminal.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein, The device characteristics of the terminal are provided by first information, and the first information comprises at least one of: device type information used to indicate a device type of the terminal; media capability information used to indicate a media function supported by the terminal; media configuration information used to indicate a characteristic of a media supported by the terminal; priority information used to indicate a priority of a quality of service configuration; capability enabling information used to indicate an enabling capability of the terminal; power consumption management information used to indicate whether power consumption management of the terminal is triggered; pose type information used to indicate a pose type supported by the terminal.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein, The device type comprises at least one of: a lightweight augmented reality (AR) glasses; AR glasses; an extended reality (XR) phone; an XR head-mounted display; A vehicle supporting an immersive communication service; A television set supporting an immersive communication service; A projector supporting an immersive communication service.

28. The method of claim 26 or 27, wherein, The media function comprises at least one of: a capability corresponding to a device type of the terminal; a video codec capability; an audio codec capability; a scene description capability.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein, The capability corresponding to the device type of the terminal comprises at least one of: a pose tracking capability; a field of view configuration; a reference space.

30. The method of any one of claims 24 to 29, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving, by the fifth network element, a data stream of the terminal; performing, by the third network element, a QoS processing on the data stream of the terminal according to the third information.

31. A communications device arranged at a first network element, wherein The communication apparatus comprises: a transceiver configured to receive first information sent by a second network element, wherein the first information is used to provide device characteristics of a terminal used to implement immersive communication.

32. A communications device configured to be located at a second network element, wherein, The communication apparatus comprises: a transceiver configured to send first information to a first network element, wherein the first information is used to provide device characteristics of a terminal used to implement immersive communication.

33. A communications device arranged at a third network element, wherein The communication apparatus comprises: a transceiver configured to receive second information sent by a first network element, wherein the second information is used to determine a quality of service (QoS) rule for a data stream of a terminal used to implement immersive communication.

34. A communication device, arranged at a fourth network element, wherein The communication apparatus comprises: a transceiver configured to receive third information sent by a third network element, wherein the third information is used for quality of service (QoS) processing for a data stream of a terminal used to implement immersive communication. 35.A communication device comprising: one or more processors; a memory storing instructions; wherein the instructions, when executed by the communication device, cause the communication device to implement at least one of: the communication method of any one of claims 1-8; the communication method of any one of claims 9-15; the communication method of any one of claims 16-23; the communication method of any one of claims 24-30. 36.A communication system comprising: a first network element configured to implement the communication method of any one of claims 1-8; a second network element configured to implement the communication method of any one of claims 9-15; a third network element configured to implement the communication method of any one of claims 16-23; a fourth network element configured to implement the communication method of any one of claims 24-30.

37. A storage medium storing instructions, wherein, when the instructions are run on a communication device, cause the communication device to implement at least one of: the communication method of any one of claims 1-8; the communication method of any one of claims 9-15; the communication method of any one of claims 16-23; the communication method of any one of claims 24-30. 38.A computer program product comprising instructions, wherein when the instructions are run on a communication device, cause the communication device to implement at least one of: the communication method of any one of claims 1-8; the communication method of any one of claims 9-15; the communication method of any one of claims 16-23; The communication method according to any one of claims 24 to 30.

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