Determination method, communication device, communication system and storage medium

Abstract

The present disclosure proposes a determination method, a communication device, a communication system, and a storage medium, the method comprising: receiving first request information sent by a second network element, the first request information being used for requesting a sensing service; determining at least one of a first device, a second device and a third device for the sensing service; the first device is used for sending a sensing signal, the second device is used for receiving the sensing signal, and the third device is used for processing sensing data; sending at least one of first information, second information and third information to the second network element; the first information indicates that the sensing signal is sent by the first device, the second information indicates that the sensing signal is received by the second device, and the third information indicates that the sensing data is processed by the third device. The method disclosed by the invention ensures the smooth execution of the sensing service.

Description

Determine the method, communication equipment, communication system, and storage medium.

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to determination methods, communication devices, communication systems, and storage media.

[0002] In communication systems, wireless sensing technology, as a new technology, is used to perceive the features of the object being sensed, in order to achieve motion detection, gesture recognition, and biometric measurement.

[0003]

[0004] This disclosure proposes a method for determining communication equipment, a communication system, and a storage medium.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a determination method is proposed, executed by a first network element, comprising:

[0006] Receive a first request information sent by a second network element, the first request information being used to request sensing services;

[0007] For the sensing service, at least one of a first device, a second device, and a third device is determined; the first device is used to transmit sensing signals, the second device is used to receive sensing signals, and the third device is used to process sensing data;

[0008] Send at least one of a first message, a second message, and a third message to the second network element; the first message indicates that the first device sends the sensing signal, the second message indicates that the second device receives the sensing signal, and the third message indicates that the third device processes the sensing data.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a determination method is provided, executed by a second network element, the method comprising:

[0010] Send a first request message to the first network element, the first request message being used to request sensing services;

[0011] The device receives at least one of the first information, the second information, and the third information sent by the first network element; the first information indicates that the first device sends a sensing signal, the second information indicates that the second device receives a sensing signal, and the third information indicates that the third device processes the sensing data.

[0012] According to a third aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a determination method is provided for a communication system, the communication system including a first network element and a second network element, the method comprising:

[0013] The second network element sends a first request message to the first network element, the first request message being used to request a sensing service;

[0014] The first network element receives the first request information sent by the second network element;

[0015] The first network element determines at least one of a first device, a second device, and a third device for the sensing service; the first device is used to transmit sensing signals, the second device is used to receive sensing signals, and the third device is used to process sensing data;

[0016] The first network element sends at least one of a first message, a second message, and a third message to the second network element; the first message indicates that the first device sends the sensing signal, the second message indicates that the second device receives the sensing signal, and the third message indicates that the third device processes the sensing data.

[0017] The second network element receives at least one of the first information, the second information, and the third information sent by the first network element.

[0018] According to a fourth aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a first network element is proposed, comprising:

[0019] The transceiver module is used to receive a first request information sent by the second network element, wherein the first request information is used to request a sensing service;

[0020] A processing module is configured to determine at least one of a first device, a second device, and a third device for the sensing service; the first device is configured to transmit sensing signals, the second device is configured to receive sensing signals, and the third device is configured to process sensing data.

[0021] The transceiver module is further configured to send at least one of a first message, a second message, and a third message to the second network element; the first message indicates that the first device sends the sensing signal, the second message indicates that the second device receives the sensing signal, and the third message indicates that the third device processes the sensing data.

[0022] According to a fifth aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a second network element is proposed, comprising:

[0023] The transceiver module is used to send a first request message to the first network element, wherein the first request message is used to request the sensing service;

[0024] The transceiver module is further configured to receive at least one of the first information, the second information, and the third information sent by the first network element; the first information indicates that a sensing signal is sent by a first device, the second information indicates that a sensing signal is received by a second device, and the third information indicates that sensing data is processed by a third device.

[0025] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a first network element is provided, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the first network element is configured to perform the determination method as described in the first aspect.

[0026] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a second network element is provided, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the second network element is configured to perform the determination method as described in the second aspect.

[0027] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, including a first network element and a second network element, wherein the first network element is configured to implement the determination method described in the first aspect, and the second network element is configured to implement the determination method described in the second aspect.

[0028] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided that stores instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform a determination method as described in any of the first to second aspects.

[0029] According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, a program product is provided, including a computer program that, when executed by a communication device, implements the determination method as described in the first and second aspects.

[0030] According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program is provided that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the determination method as described in the first and second aspects.

[0031] It is understood that the aforementioned terminals, network devices, communication devices, communication systems, storage media, program products, and computer programs are all used to execute the methods proposed 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.

[0032] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent and readily understood from the following description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0033] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of some communication systems provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0034] Figure 2A is a schematic flowchart of a determination method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0035] Figure 2B is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating the first network element determining whether the fifth device can be authorized as the third device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 2C is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating the first network element determining whether the fifth device can be authorized as the third device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 3A is a flowchart illustrating the determination method provided in another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0038] Figure 3B is a flowchart illustrating the determination method provided in another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0039] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the determination method provided in another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0040] Figure 5A is a flowchart illustrating the determination method provided in another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0041] Figure 5B is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating the process of SF obtaining load information of AMF or DPF according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 5C is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating the acquisition of AMF load information or DPF load information by SF according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 5D is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating the determination method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first network element provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0045] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a second network element provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0046] Figure 7A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0047] Figure 7B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip provided in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0048] This disclosure provides a determination method, communication device, communication system, and storage medium.

[0049] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure propose a determination method, executed by a first network element, the method comprising:

[0050] Receive a first request information sent by a second network element, the first request information being used to request sensing services;

[0051] For the sensing service, at least one of a first device, a second device, and a third device is determined; the first device is used to transmit sensing signals, the second device is used to receive sensing signals, and the third device is used to process sensing data;

[0052] Send at least one of a first message, a second message, and a third message to the second network element; the first message indicates that the first device sends the sensing signal, the second message indicates that the second device receives the sensing signal, and the third message indicates that the third device processes the sensing data.

[0053] In the above embodiments, when the first network element receives a first request information for requesting a sensing service, it determines at least one of a first device, a second device, and a third device for the sensing service. The first device can be used to transmit sensing signals, the second device can be used to receive sensing signals, and the third device can be used to process sensing data. Furthermore, after determining at least one of the first, second, and third devices, the first network element sends at least one of the first, second, and third pieces of information to the second network element. The first information can indicate that the first device transmits the sensing signal, the second information can indicate that the second device receives the sensing signal, and the third information can indicate that the third device processes the sensing data. Therefore, the determination method provided in this disclosure can be used to determine at least one of the sensing signal transmitting end, the sensing signal receiving end, and the sensing data processing entity. Subsequently, the sensing service can be executed based on the determined sensing signal transmitting end, sensing signal receiving end, and sensing data processing entity, ensuring the smooth execution of the sensing service.

[0054] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first request information includes at least one of the following: a sensing object; a sensing area; a sensing location; a sensing quality of service (QoS); a sensing result type; first indication information, which indicates that a core network element is used as the third device; second indication information, which indicates that a terminal or access network device is used as the third device; information related to one or more candidate third devices; information related to one or more candidate first devices; and information related to one or more candidate second devices.

[0055] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the relevant information of the candidate third device includes one or more of the following: the device identifier of the candidate third device, the location of the candidate third device, the sensing capability of the candidate third device, and the data processing capability of the candidate third device;

[0056] The relevant information of the candidate first device includes one or more of the following: the device identifier of the candidate first device, the location of the candidate first device, and the sensing capability of the candidate first device;

[0057] The relevant information of the candidate second device includes one or more of the following: the device identifier of the candidate second device, the location of the candidate second device, and the sensing capability of the candidate second device.

[0058] In the above embodiments, it is explained what specific content the first request information may include, so that the first network element can accurately determine the sensing signal transmitter, sensing signal receiver, and sensing data processing entity that perform the sensing service based on the content included in the first request information. Thus, when the sensing service is subsequently performed based on the sensing signal transmitter, sensing signal receiver, and sensing data processing entity, the accuracy of the sensing service execution can be ensured.

[0059] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, determining at least one of the first device, the second device, and the third device for the sensing service includes:

[0060] Identify the first device and the second device;

[0061] The third device is determined from at least one of the first device, the second device, one or more fourth devices, the first network element, the third network element, and one or more candidate third devices; wherein the fourth device includes a terminal or access network device, the fourth device is different from the first device and the second device, and the third network element is used to provide data processing functions.

[0062] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, determining the first device and the second device includes:

[0063] Determine at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate first devices, and at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate second devices;

[0064] The first device is selected from one or more candidate first devices based on at least one of the candidate first devices' location and sensing capabilities;

[0065] The second device is selected from one or more candidate second devices based on at least one of the candidate second devices' location and sensing capabilities.

[0066] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, determining at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate first devices, and at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate second devices, includes at least one of the following:

[0067] Based on the local storage of the first network element, determine at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate first devices, and at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate second devices;

[0068] By interacting with the fourth network element, at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate first devices and at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate second devices is obtained, wherein the fourth network element is used to provide unified data management functions;

[0069] The fifth network element is used to provide network storage functionality by interacting with one or more candidate first devices to obtain at least one of their location and sensing capabilities, and one or more candidate second devices to obtain at least one of their location and sensing capabilities.

[0070] By interacting with the second network element, at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate first devices and at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate second devices can be obtained.

[0071] Based on the content included in the first request information, determine at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate first devices, and at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate second devices.

[0072] In the above embodiments, a method for determining the first device and the second device is provided, which facilitates the first network element to successfully determine the first device for transmitting sensing signals and the second device for receiving sensing signals, so that the first device and the second device can be used to successfully perform sensing services.

[0073] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, determining the third device from at least one of the first device, the second device, one or more fourth devices, the first network element, the third network element, and one or more candidate third devices includes:

[0074] Select one device or network element as the fifth device from at least one of the first device, the second device, one or more fourth devices, the first network element, the third network element, and one or more candidate third devices;

[0075] Determine whether the fifth device can be authorized as the third device;

[0076] The fifth device can be authorized as the third device, and the fifth device is identified as the third device.

[0077] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, selecting a device or a network element as the fifth device from at least one of the first device, the second device, one or more fourth devices, the first network element, the third network element, and one or more candidate third devices includes:

[0078] The fifth device is selected based on fourth information; the fourth information includes at least one of the following: the sensing capability of the first device; the location of the first device; the sensing capability of the second device; the location of the second device; the sensing capability of the fourth device; the location of the fourth device; the data processing capability of the fourth device; the sensing capability of the candidate third device; the location of the candidate third device; the data processing capability of the candidate third device; the device identifier of the candidate third device; the load information of the first network element; the load information of the second network element; the load information of the third network element; the first indication information in the first request information; the second indication information in the first request information; and perceived QoS.

[0079] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes at least one of the following:

[0080] Based on the local storage of the first network element, at least one of the location, sensing capability, and data processing capability of one or more of the fourth devices is determined;

[0081] By interacting with the fourth network element, at least one of the location, sensing capabilities, and data processing capabilities of one or more of the fourth devices can be obtained;

[0082] By interacting with the fifth network element, at least one of the location, sensing capabilities, and data processing capabilities of one or more of the fourth devices can be obtained;

[0083] By interacting with the second network element, at least one of the location, sensing capabilities, and data processing capabilities of one or more of the fourth devices can be obtained;

[0084] Based on the content included in the first request information, at least one of the location, sensing capability, and data processing capability of one or more of the fourth devices is determined, wherein the fourth device includes a candidate first device, a candidate second device, or a candidate third device.

[0085] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0086] Obtain at least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element.

[0087] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, obtaining at least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element includes at least one of the following:

[0088] Based on the local storage of the first network element, at least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element is obtained;

[0089] By requesting the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element from the fifth network element.

[0090] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, obtaining at least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element based on the local storage of the first network element includes:

[0091] Send a second request message to the fifth network element, the second request message being used to request subscription to at least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element;

[0092] The system receives a first response message sent by the fifth network element, the first response message including at least one of the following: third indication information, subscription identifier, and subscription validity period; the third indication information is used to indicate whether the subscription was successful.

[0093] The first network element successfully subscribes and receives at least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element sent by the fifth network element;

[0094] At least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element is stored in the local storage of the first network element;

[0095] At least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element is obtained from the local storage of the first network element.

[0096] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the second request information includes at least one of the following: type information of the first network element; network element identifier of the first network element; network element information of the second network element; network element information of the third network element; and subscription validity period.

[0097] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the step of requesting at least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element from the fifth network element includes:

[0098] Send a third request message to the fifth network element, the third request message being used to request at least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element;

[0099] Receive at least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element fed back by the fifth network element.

[0100] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the third request information includes at least one of the following: fourth indication information, the fourth indication information being used to indicate a request for at least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element; type information of the first network element; type information of the second network element; type information of the third network element; network element information of the second network element; and network element information of the third network element.

[0101] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the network element information of the second network element includes at least one of the following: the globally unique access and mobility management function identifier (GUAMI) corresponding to the second network element, the access and mobility management function set (AMF Set) to which the second network element belongs, the access and mobility management function region (AMF Region) corresponding to the second network element, and the tracking area identifier (TAI) corresponding to the second network element;

[0102] The network element information of the third network element includes at least one of the following: the network element identifier of the third network element, the data channel function DPF Set to which the third network element belongs, the DPF Region corresponding to the second network element, and the TAI corresponding to the third network element.

[0103] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, determining whether the fifth device can be authorized as the third device includes:

[0104] Send a fourth request message to the fourth network element. The fourth request message is used to request the subscription data of the fifth device, or the fourth request message is used to request whether the fifth device can be authorized as the third device.

[0105] The system receives subscription data of the fifth device from the fourth network element and determines whether the fifth device can be authorized as the third device based on the subscription data of the fifth device; or, it receives a first result from the fourth network element, the first result indicating whether the fifth device can be authorized as the third device.

[0106] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the fourth request information includes at least one of the following: the network element identifier of the first network element; the device identifier of the fifth device; and fifth indication information, which is used to indicate the type of subscription data requested.

[0107] In the above embodiments, a method for determining a third device is provided so that the first network element can successfully determine the third device. Optionally, when determining the third device, the first network element can first determine a fifth device and then determine whether the fifth device can be authorized as a third device. If the fifth device can be authorized as a third device, it is used as the third device; if the fifth device cannot be authorized as a third device, it is not used as the third device. This ensures that the determined third devices are all authorized devices, thus protecting the privacy of the sensed data and ensuring communication security when the third device processes the sensed data subsequently.

[0108] Secondly, this disclosure provides a determination method, executed by a second network element, the method comprising:

[0109] Send a first request message to the first network element, the first request message being used to request sensing services;

[0110] The device receives at least one of the first information, the second information, and the third information sent by the first network element; the first information indicates that the first device sends a sensing signal, the second information indicates that the second device receives a sensing signal, and the third information indicates that the third device processes the sensing data.

[0111] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first request information includes at least one of the following: a sensing object; a sensing area; a sensing location; a sensing quality of service (QoS); a sensing result type; first indication information, which indicates that a core network element is used as the third device; second indication information, which indicates that a terminal or access network device is used as the third device; information related to one or more candidate third devices; information related to one or more candidate first devices; and information related to one or more candidate second devices.

[0112] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the relevant information of the candidate third device includes one or more of the following: the device identifier of the candidate third device, the location of the candidate third device, the sensing capability of the candidate third device, and the data processing capability of the candidate third device;

[0113] The relevant information of the candidate first device includes one or more of the following: the device identifier of the candidate first device, the location of the candidate first device, and the sensing capability of the candidate first device;

[0114] The relevant information of the candidate second device includes one or more of the following: the device identifier of the candidate second device, the location of the candidate second device, and the sensing capability of the candidate second device.

[0115] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure propose a determination method for a communication system, the communication system including a first network element and a second network element, the method comprising:

[0116] The second network element sends a first request message to the first network element, the first request message being used to request a sensing service;

[0117] The first network element receives the first request information sent by the second network element;

[0118] The first network element determines at least one of a first device, a second device, and a third device for the sensing service; the first device is used to transmit sensing signals, the second device is used to receive sensing signals, and the third device is used to process sensing data;

[0119] The first network element sends at least one of a first message, a second message, and a third message to the second network element; the first message indicates that the first device sends the sensing signal, the second message indicates that the second device receives the sensing signal, and the third message indicates that the third device processes the sensing data.

[0120] The second network element receives at least one of the first information, the second information, and the third information sent by the first network element.

[0121] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure propose a first network element, including:

[0122] The transceiver module is used to receive a first request information sent by the second network element, wherein the first request information is used to request a sensing service;

[0123] A processing module is configured to determine at least one of a first device, a second device, and a third device for the sensing service; the first device is configured to transmit sensing signals, the second device is configured to receive sensing signals, and the third device is configured to process sensing data.

[0124] The transceiver module is further configured to send at least one of a first message, a second message, and a third message to the second network element; the first message indicates that the first device sends the sensing signal, the second message indicates that the second device receives the sensing signal, and the third message indicates that the third device processes the sensing data.

[0125] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the first request information includes at least one of the following: a sensing object; a sensing area; a sensing location; a sensing quality of service (QoS); a sensing result type; first indication information, which indicates that a core network element is used as the third device; second indication information, which indicates that a terminal or access network device is used as the third device; information related to one or more candidate third devices; information related to one or more candidate first devices; and information related to one or more candidate second devices.

[0126] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the relevant information of the candidate third device includes one or more of the following: the device identifier of the candidate third device, the location of the candidate third device, the sensing capability of the candidate third device, and the data processing capability of the candidate third device;

[0127] The relevant information of the candidate first device includes one or more of the following: the device identifier of the candidate first device, the location of the candidate first device, and the sensing capability of the candidate first device;

[0128] The relevant information of the candidate second device includes one or more of the following: the device identifier of the candidate second device, the location of the candidate second device, and the sensing capability of the candidate second device.

[0129] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, determining at least one of the first device, the second device, and the third device for the sensing service includes:

[0130] Identify the first device and the second device;

[0131] The third device is determined from at least one of the first device, the second device, one or more fourth devices, the first network element, the third network element, and one or more candidate third devices; wherein the fourth device includes a terminal or access network device, the fourth device is different from the first device and the second device, and the third network element is used to provide data processing functions.

[0132] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, determining the first device and the second device includes:

[0133] Determine at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate first devices, and at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate second devices;

[0134] The first device is selected from one or more candidate first devices based on at least one of the candidate first devices' location and sensing capabilities;

[0135] The second device is selected from one or more candidate second devices based on at least one of the candidate second devices' location and sensing capabilities.

[0136] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, determining at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate first devices, and at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate second devices, includes at least one of the following:

[0137] Based on the local storage of the first network element, determine at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate first devices, and at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate second devices;

[0138] By interacting with the fourth network element, at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate first devices and at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate second devices is obtained, wherein the fourth network element is used to provide unified data management functions;

[0139] The fifth network element is used to provide network storage functionality by interacting with one or more candidate first devices to obtain at least one of their location and sensing capabilities, and one or more candidate second devices to obtain at least one of their location and sensing capabilities.

[0140] By interacting with the second network element, at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate first devices and at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate second devices can be obtained.

[0141] Based on the content included in the first request information, determine at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate first devices, and at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate second devices.

[0142] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, determining the third device from at least one of the first device, the second device, one or more fourth devices, the first network element, the third network element, and one or more candidate third devices includes:

[0143] Select one device or network element as the fifth device from at least one of the first device, the second device, one or more fourth devices, the first network element, the third network element, and one or more candidate third devices;

[0144] Determine whether the fifth device can be authorized as the third device;

[0145] The fifth device can be authorized as the third device, and the fifth device is identified as the third device.

[0146] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, selecting a device or a network element as the fifth device from at least one of the first device, the second device, one or more fourth devices, the first network element, the third network element, and one or more candidate third devices includes:

[0147] The fifth device is selected based on fourth information; the fourth information includes at least one of the following: the sensing capability of the first device; the location of the first device; the sensing capability of the second device; the location of the second device; the sensing capability of the fourth device; the location of the fourth device; the data processing capability of the fourth device; the sensing capability of the candidate third device; the location of the candidate third device; the data processing capability of the candidate third device; the device identifier of the candidate third device; the load information of the first network element; the load information of the second network element; the load information of the third network element; the first indication information in the first request information; the second indication information in the first request information; and perceived QoS.

[0148] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes at least one of the following:

[0149] Based on the local storage of the first network element, at least one of the location, sensing capability, and data processing capability of one or more of the fourth devices is determined;

[0150] By interacting with the fourth network element, at least one of the location, sensing capabilities, and data processing capabilities of one or more of the fourth devices can be obtained;

[0151] By interacting with the fifth network element, at least one of the location, sensing capabilities, and data processing capabilities of one or more of the fourth devices can be obtained;

[0152] By interacting with the second network element, at least one of the location, sensing capabilities, and data processing capabilities of one or more of the fourth devices can be obtained;

[0153] Based on the content included in the first request information, at least one of the location, sensing capability, and data processing capability of one or more of the fourth devices is determined, wherein the fourth device includes a candidate first device, a candidate second device, or a candidate third device.

[0154] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0155] Obtain at least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element.

[0156] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, obtaining at least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element includes at least one of the following:

[0157] Based on the local storage of the first network element, at least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element is obtained;

[0158] By requesting the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element from the fifth network element.

[0159] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, obtaining at least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element based on the local storage of the first network element includes:

[0160] Send a second request message to the fifth network element, the second request message being used to request subscription to at least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element;

[0161] The system receives a first response message sent by the fifth network element, the first response message including at least one of the following: third indication information, subscription identifier, and subscription validity period; the third indication information is used to indicate whether the subscription was successful.

[0162] The first network element successfully subscribes and receives at least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element sent by the fifth network element;

[0163] At least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element is stored in the local storage of the first network element;

[0164] At least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element is obtained from the local storage of the first network element.

[0165] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the second request information includes at least one of the following: type information of the first network element; network element identifier of the first network element; network element information of the second network element; network element information of the third network element; and subscription validity period.

[0166] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the step of requesting at least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element from the fifth network element includes:

[0167] Send a third request message to the fifth network element, the third request message being used to request at least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element;

[0168] Receive at least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element fed back by the fifth network element.

[0169] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the third request information includes at least one of the following: fourth indication information, the fourth indication information being used to indicate a request for at least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element; type information of the first network element; type information of the second network element; type information of the third network element; network element information of the second network element; and network element information of the third network element.

[0170] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the network element information of the second network element includes at least one of the following: the globally unique access and mobility management function identifier (GUAMI) corresponding to the second network element, the access and mobility management function set (AMF Set) to which the second network element belongs, the access and mobility management function region (AMF Region) corresponding to the second network element, and the tracking area identifier (TAI) corresponding to the second network element;

[0171] The network element information of the third network element includes at least one of the following: the network element identifier of the third network element, the data channel function DPF Set to which the third network element belongs, the DPF Region corresponding to the second network element, and the TAI corresponding to the third network element.

[0172] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, determining whether the fifth device can be authorized as the third device includes:

[0173] Send a fourth request message to the fourth network element. The fourth request message is used to request the subscription data of the fifth device, or the fourth request message is used to request whether the fifth device can be authorized as the third device.

[0174] The system receives subscription data of the fifth device from the fourth network element and determines whether the fifth device can be authorized as the third device based on the subscription data of the fifth device; or, it receives a first result from the fourth network element, the first result indicating whether the fifth device can be authorized as the third device.

[0175] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the fourth request information includes at least one of the following: the network element identifier of the first network element; the device identifier of the fifth device; and fifth indication information, which is used to indicate the type of subscription data requested.

[0176] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure propose a second network element, including:

[0177] The transceiver module is used to send a first request message to the first network element, wherein the first request message is used to request the sensing service;

[0178] The transceiver module is further configured to receive at least one of the first information, the second information, and the third information sent by the first network element; the first information indicates that a sensing signal is sent by a first device, the second information indicates that a sensing signal is received by a second device, and the third information indicates that sensing data is processed by a third device.

[0179] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the first request information includes at least one of the following: a sensing object; a sensing area; a sensing location; a sensing quality of service (QoS); a sensing result type; first indication information, which indicates that a core network element is used as the third device; second indication information, which indicates that a terminal or access network device is used as the third device; information related to one or more candidate third devices; information related to one or more candidate first devices; and information related to one or more candidate second devices.

[0180] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the relevant information of the candidate third device includes one or more of the following: the device identifier of the candidate third device, the location of the candidate third device, the sensing capability of the candidate third device, and the data processing capability of the candidate third device;

[0181] The relevant information of the candidate first device includes one or more of the following: the device identifier of the candidate first device, the location of the candidate first device, and the sensing capability of the candidate first device;

[0182] The relevant information of the candidate second device includes one or more of the following: the device identifier of the candidate second device, the location of the candidate second device, and the sensing capability of the candidate second device.

[0183] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a first network element, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the first network element is configured to perform the method as described in the first aspect and optional implementations thereof.

[0184] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a second network element, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the second network element is configured to perform the method as described in the second aspect and optional implementations of the second aspect.

[0185] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system comprising: a first network element and a second network element; wherein the first network element is configured to perform the method described in the first aspect and optional implementations thereof, and the second network element is configured to perform the method described in the second aspect and optional implementations thereof.

[0186] Ninthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method described in the first aspect, the optional implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, and the optional implementation of the second aspect.

[0187] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the methods described in the first aspect, optional implementations of the first aspect, the second aspect, and optional implementations of the second aspect.

[0188] In one aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods described in the first aspect, an optional implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, and an optional implementation of the second aspect.

[0189] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry configured to perform the methods described according to the first aspect, optional implementations of the first aspect, the second aspect, and optional implementations of the second aspect.

[0190] It is understood that the aforementioned first network element, second network element, communication system, storage medium, program product, computer program, chip, or chip system are all used to execute the methods proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0191] This disclosure provides a determination method, a communication device, a communication system, and a storage medium. In some embodiments, the terms "determination method" and "information processing method," "information sending method," and "information receiving method" can be used interchangeably; the terms "communication device" and "information processing device," "information sending device," and "information receiving device" can be used interchangeably; and the terms "information processing system," "communication system," "information sending system," and "information receiving system" can be used interchangeably.

[0192] 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 otherwise specified, 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 implementation methods 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, and a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0193] 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.

[0194] 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.

[0195] 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.

[0196] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0197] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of”, “at least one of”, “at least one of”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0198] The descriptions in this disclosure, such as "at least one of A, B, C..." or "A and / or B and / or C...", include the case where any one of A, B, C... exists alone, as well as the case where any combination of any of A, B, C... exists alone. Each case can exist alone. For example, "at least one of A, B, C" includes the cases of A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B combination, A and C combination, B and C combination, and A and B and C combination. For example, A and / or B includes the cases of A alone, B alone, and A and B combination.

[0199] In some embodiments, the notation "in one case A, in another case B" or "in response to one case A, in response to another case B" may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: A is executed regardless of B, i.e., A is executed in some embodiments; B is executed regardless of A, i.e., B is executed in some embodiments; A and B are selectively executed, i.e., A and B are selected for execution in some embodiments; A and B are both executed, i.e., A and B are executed in some embodiments. The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, and C.

[0200] 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.

[0201] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0202] In some embodiments, the terms “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “if…”, “if…”, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0203] 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”.

[0204] 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.

[0205] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0206] 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," "carrier," "component carrier," and "bandwidth part (BWP)" can be used interchangeably.

[0207] 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.

[0208] 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 that replace communication between access network devices, core network devices, or network devices and terminals with communication between multiple terminals (e.g., also referred to as 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, uplink link, downlink link, etc., can be replaced with sidelink link.

[0209] 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.

[0210] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0211] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0212] 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.

[0213] The correspondences shown in the tables of this disclosure can be configured or predefined. The values ​​of the information in each table are merely examples and can be configured to other values; this disclosure is not limiting. When configuring the correspondences between information and parameters, it is not necessarily required to configure all the correspondences shown in each table. For example, the correspondences shown in some rows of the tables in this disclosure may not be configured. Furthermore, appropriate modifications and adjustments can be made based on the above tables, such as splitting, merging, etc. The names of the parameters shown in the headers of the above tables can also use other names that the communication device can understand, and the values ​​or representations of the parameters can also be other values ​​or representations that the communication device can understand. In the implementation of the above tables, other data structures can also be used, such as arrays, queues, containers, stacks, linear lists, pointers, linked lists, trees, graphs, structures, classes, heaps, hash tables, or hash tables, etc.

[0214] The predefined terms in this disclosure can be understood as defined, predefined, stored, pre-stored, pre-negotiated, pre-configured, solidified, or pre-burned.

[0215] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system may include core network equipment, terminals, and access network equipment. In some embodiments, the terminals and access network equipment may be optional. For example, in addition to the core network equipment, the communication system of the present disclosure may include one or more of the terminals and access network equipment; alternatively, the communication system of the present disclosure may not include terminals and access network equipment. In some embodiments, the core network equipment may include a first network element, a second network element, a third network element, a fourth network element, and a fifth network element. The core network equipment can communicate with the terminals and / or access network equipment.

[0216] Optionally, in some embodiments, the core network equipment can be a single device, including a first network element, a second network element, a third network element, a fourth network element, a fifth network element, etc., or it can be multiple devices or a group of devices, each including all or part of the first network element, the second network element, the third network element, the fourth network element, the fifth network element, etc. Network elements can be virtual or physical. The core network includes, for example, at least one of the Evolved Packet Core (EPC), the 5G Core Network (5GCN), and the Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0217] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first network element can be used to provide sensing functionality, such as a Sensing Function (SF) network element.

[0218] Optionally, in some embodiments, the second network element can be used to provide access and mobility management functions, such as an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) network element.

[0219] Optionally, in some embodiments, the third network element can be used to provide data processing functions, such as a data processing function (DPF) network element.

[0220] Optionally, in some embodiments, the fourth network element can be used to provide unified data management functions, such as a Unified Data Management (UDM) network element.

[0221] Optionally, in some embodiments, the fifth network element can be used to provide network storage functionality, such as a Network Repository Function (NRF) network element.

[0222] In some embodiments, the functions implemented by at least one of the first network element, second network element, third network element, fourth network element, and fifth network element described above can also be implemented by the access network device.

[0223] Optionally, in some embodiments, the aforementioned terminals include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following: mobile phone, wearable device, Internet of Things (IoT) device, narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) 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.

[0224] In some embodiments, the access network device described above 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), wireless 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 wireless fidelity (WiFi) system.

[0225] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of this disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. 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.

[0226] 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 of the protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining part or all of the protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU and centrally controlled by the CU. However, this is not the only possibility.

[0227] 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.

[0228] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1, or to some of the main bodies, but are not limited thereto. The main bodies shown in FIG1 are illustrative. The communication system may include all or some of the main bodies in FIG1, or may include other main bodies outside of FIG1. ​​The number and form of each main body are arbitrary. The connection relationship between the main bodies is illustrative. The main bodies may not be connected or may be connected. The connection can be in any way, it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, it can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0229] 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 deterministic 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).

[0230] In a communication system, when performing sensing services based on wireless sensing technology, it is usually necessary for the sensing signal transmitter to send sensing signals to the sensing signal receiver. After receiving the sensing signals, the sensing signal receiver can preprocess the received sensing signals to obtain sensing data. Then, the sensing signal receiver can send the sensing data to the sensing data processing entity. The sensing data processing entity can generate sensing results by processing the sensing data. Optionally, the sensing data processing entity can store the sensing results for future use. The sensing data processing entity can also send the sensing results to the sensing result user. After receiving the sensing results, the sensing result user can perform corresponding processing based on the sensing results.

[0231] In some embodiments, when performing sensing services, it is usually necessary to pre-determine which device will act as the sensing signal transmitter, which device will act as the sensing signal receiver, and which device will act as the sensing data processing entity. Optionally, for the sake of protecting the privacy of the sensing data, the determined sensing signal transmitter, sensing signal receiver, and sensing data processing entity usually need to be authorized devices. However, there is currently no method for determining the sensing signal transmitter, sensing signal receiver, and sensing data processing entity.

[0232] Figure 2A is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating a determination method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2A, this embodiment of the disclosure relates to a determination method for a communication system 100, the method comprising:

[0233] Step 2101: The second network element sends a first request message to the first network element.

[0234] Optionally, the first network element can receive the first request information sent by the second network element. In some embodiments, the first network element can be an SF network element, and the second network element can be an AMF network element.

[0235] In some embodiments, the first request information can be used to request sensing services. Optionally, the first request information may include at least one of the following: sensing object; sensing area; sensing location; sensing quality of service (QoS); sensing result type; first indication information; second indication information; information related to one or more candidate third devices; information related to one or more candidate first devices; and information related to one or more candidate second devices.

[0236] Optionally, the sensing object mentioned above can refer to the target that needs to be sensed, such as the speed and position of the target. For example, the sensing object may include a terminal and / or a vehicle.

[0237] Optionally, the aforementioned sensing area can refer to the area to be sensed, such as the device, person, device speed, person speed, etc. within the sensing area. For example, the sensing area may include area A and / or area B, etc.

[0238] Optionally, the aforementioned sensing location can refer to the location to be sensed, such as sensing the device, person, device speed, person speed, etc. at the sensing location. For example, the sensing location may include location A and / or location B, etc.

[0239] Optionally, the aforementioned perceived QoS may refer to the service quality requirements of perceived services. For example, the perceived QoS may include at least one of the following: service latency requirements, result resolution requirements, QoS class requirements, etc., corresponding to the perceived services.

[0240] Optionally, the aforementioned perception result types may include: perception result types required for perception services, and / or perception data types required for perception services, etc.

[0241] Optionally, the first indication information mentioned above can be used to indicate that the core network element is used as a third device. Optionally, the third device can be a device for processing sensing data, that is, the third device can be a sensing data processing entity.

[0242] Optionally, the aforementioned second instruction information can be used to indicate that a terminal or access network device is used as a third device.

[0243] Optionally, at least one candidate third device can be used to determine a third device, at least one candidate second device can be used to determine a second device, and at least one candidate first device can be used to determine a first device. In some embodiments, the first device can be used to transmit sensing signals, that is, the first device can be a sensing signal transmitting device (or sensing signal transmitting end). The second device can be used to receive sensing signals, that is, the second device can be a sensing signal receiving device (or sensing signal receiving end).

[0244] Optionally, in some embodiments, at least one candidate second device may include a terminal and / or an access network device, at least one candidate first device may include a terminal and / or an access network device, and at least one candidate third device may include one or more of a terminal, an access network device, and a core network element.

[0245] Optionally, in some embodiments, the relevant information of the candidate third device may include one or more of the following: the device identifier of the candidate third device, the location of the candidate third device, the sensing capability of the candidate third device, and the data processing capability of the candidate third device; Optionally, the relevant information of the candidate first device may include one or more of the following: the device identifier of the candidate first device, the location of the candidate first device, and the sensing capability of the candidate first device; Optionally, the relevant information of the candidate second device may include one or more of the following: the device identifier of the candidate second device, the location of the candidate second device, and the sensing capability of the candidate second device.

[0246] Optionally, the aforementioned sensing capability may include at least one of the following: supported sensing signal types, supported sensing result types, and achievable minimum sensing latency.

[0247] Optionally, the aforementioned data processing capabilities may include at least one of the following: supported data types, supported data volume, etc.

[0248] In some embodiments, the aforementioned "relevant information of the candidate third device, the relevant information of the candidate second device, and the relevant information of the candidate first device" can be predetermined by the user of the perception results. Optionally, the user of the perception results can also send the "relevant information of the candidate third device, the relevant information of the candidate second device, and the relevant information of the candidate first device" to the second network element, so that the second network element can then send it to the first network element through the aforementioned first request information. Optionally, the user of the perception results may include, for example, any of the following: a terminal, a terminal application, an Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) service application server, a core network entity, or a radio access network (RAN) node.

[0249] Step 2102: The first network element determines the first and second devices for sensing services.

[0250] Optionally, in some embodiments, after receiving the first request information, the first network element can determine the first device and the second device for the sensing service based on the first request information.

[0251] In some embodiments, the first network element may first determine at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate first devices, and at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate second devices. Then, it may select a first device from one or more candidate first devices based on the location and sensing capabilities of the candidate first devices, and select a second device from one or more candidate second devices based on the location and sensing capabilities of the candidate second devices.

[0252] Optionally, in some embodiments, when the first network element determines at least one of the locations and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate first devices, and at least one of the locations and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate second devices, it may do so based on the local storage of the first network element. Optionally, the first network element may first determine in its local storage one or more candidate first devices that can be used as first devices and one or more candidate second devices that can be used as second devices, and then determine the locations and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate first devices and one or more candidate second devices based on the local storage of the first network element.

[0253] Optionally, in other embodiments, the first network element can obtain at least one of the location, sensing capabilities, and subscription data of one or more candidate first devices, and at least one of the location, sensing capabilities, and subscription data of one or more candidate second devices, by interacting with the fourth network element. Optionally, in some embodiments, the subscription data of the candidate first devices can be used to determine the location and / or sensing capabilities of the candidate first devices, and the subscription data of the candidate second devices can be used to determine the location and / or sensing capabilities of the candidate second devices. Optionally, the fourth network element can be used to provide unified data management functions; the fourth network element can be, for example, a UDM network element. Optionally, in some embodiments, the first network element can obtain at least one of the location, sensing capabilities, and subscription data of one or more candidate first devices, and at least one of the location, sensing capabilities, and subscription data of one or more candidate second devices, by requesting the fourth network element.

[0254] Optionally, in other embodiments, the first network element can obtain at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate first devices, and at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate second devices, by interacting with the fifth network element. The fifth network element can be used to provide network storage functionality; for example, the fifth network element can be an NRF network element. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the first network element can request the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate first devices, and at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate second devices, from the fifth network element.

[0255] Optionally, in other embodiments, the first network element can obtain at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate first devices and at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate second devices by interacting with the second network element; alternatively, the first network element can request the second network element to obtain at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate first devices and at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate second devices.

[0256] Optionally, in other embodiments, the first network element may determine at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate first devices, and at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate second devices, based on the content included in the first request information.

[0257] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first network element may also determine at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate first devices, and at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate second devices, through local storage of the first network element, through interaction with the fourth network element, through interaction with the fifth network element, through interaction with the second network element, and through a combination of the content included in the first request information.

[0258] Optionally, in some embodiments, after the first network element determines at least one of the locations and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate first devices, and at least one of the locations and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate second devices, when selecting a first device from the one or more candidate first devices based on at least one of the locations and sensing capabilities of the candidate first devices, the selection can be based on at least one of the sensing object, sensing area, sensing location, sensing QoS, sensing result type, etc., included in the first request information. For example, the first device selected by the first network element may satisfy at least one of the following:

[0259] The sensing signal transmitted by the selected first device at its location can cover one or more of the sensing object, sensing area, and sensing location;

[0260] The sensing capability of the selected first device can meet the sensing QoS in the first request information;

[0261] The types of perception results supported by the perception capabilities of the selected first device may include the types of perception results in the first request information.

[0262] Optionally, the principle of "selecting a second device from one or more candidate second devices based on at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of the candidate second device" is similar to the principle of "selecting a first device from one or more candidate first devices based on at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of the candidate first device" mentioned above, and will not be repeated here.

[0263] Optionally, in some embodiments, after determining the first device and / or the second device, the first network element may also determine a sensing method matching the sensing service. For example, the first network element may determine a sensing method matching the sensing service based on the sensing requirements of the sensing service, and the sensing requirements may be carried in the aforementioned first request information.

[0264] Step 2103: The first network element determines at least one of the location, sensing capability, and data processing capability of one or more fourth devices.

[0265] Optionally, in some embodiments, the fourth device may include a terminal or access network device, which is different from the first and second devices. This fourth device can be used as an alternative to the third device; that is, the fourth device may also be selected as the third device. For a detailed description of "sensing capabilities and data processing capabilities," please refer to the description in step 2101 above.

[0266] In some embodiments, the first network element may determine at least one of the location, sensing capability, and data processing capability of one or more fourth devices based on local storage; alternatively, the first network element may determine one or more fourth devices that can be used as third devices in local storage, and determine at least one of the location, sensing capability, and data processing capability of one or more fourth devices based on the local storage of the first network element.

[0267] In some embodiments, the first network element can obtain at least one of the location, sensing capabilities, and data processing capabilities of one or more fourth devices by interacting with the fourth network element; for example, the first network element can request at least one of the location, sensing capabilities, and data processing capabilities of one or more fourth devices from the fourth network element.

[0268] In some embodiments, the first network element can obtain at least one of the location, sensing capabilities, and data processing capabilities of one or more fourth devices by interacting with the fifth network element; for example, the first network element can request at least one of the location, sensing capabilities, and data processing capabilities of one or more fourth devices from the fifth network element.

[0269] In some embodiments, the first network element can obtain at least one of the location, sensing capabilities, and data processing capabilities of one or more fourth devices by interacting with the second network element; for example, the first network element can request at least one of the location, sensing capabilities, and data processing capabilities of one or more fourth devices from the second network element.

[0270] In some embodiments, the first network element may determine at least one of the location, sensing capability, and data processing capability of one or more fourth devices based on the content included in the first request information. Optionally, the fourth device may include a candidate first device, a candidate second device, or a candidate third device.

[0271] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first network element may also determine at least one of the location, sensing capability, and data processing capability of one or more fourth devices through local storage of the first network element, through interaction with the fourth network element, through interaction with the fifth network element, through interaction with the second network element, or through a combination of the content included in the first request information.

[0272] Step 2104: The first network element determines at least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element.

[0273] Optionally, the third network element can be used to provide data processing functions; for example, the third network element can be a DPF network element. Optionally, the load information mentioned above can include: occupied resources and / or available resources.

[0274] In some embodiments, determining the load information of the second network element is primarily for the purpose of subsequently determining whether the first network element should be identified as the third device. Specifically, in some embodiments, the first network element can be used as a candidate device for the third device; that is, the first network element may also be identified as the third device. In some embodiments, the first network element typically needs to communicate with the first and / or second devices through the second network element. Optionally, if the load information of the second network element is insufficient to support communication between the first network element and the first and / or second devices, then even if the first network element is identified as the third device, the inadequate load information of the second network element will prevent communication between the first network element and the first and / or second devices. Consequently, the first network element will be unable to receive or process sensing data, and the sensing service will be unable to execute. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the load information of the second network element to subsequently determine whether the first network element can be identified as the third device based on the load information of the second network element.

[0275] In other embodiments, determining the load information of the third network element is primarily for the purpose of subsequently determining whether to designate the third network element as a third device. Optionally, the third network element can be used as a candidate device for the third device; that is, the third network element may also be designated as a third device. Optionally, when the load information of the third network element supports processing sensing data, the third network element can be designated as a third device; when the load information of the third network element does not support processing sensing data, the third network element may not be designated as a third device. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the load information of the third network element so that subsequent determinations based on the load information of the third network element can be made regarding whether to designate the third network element as a third device.

[0276] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first network element may determine the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element by the following methods.

[0277] The first method: The first network element can obtain at least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element based on the local storage of the first network element.

[0278] Optionally, the specific method by which the first network element obtains at least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element based on local storage may include the following steps:

[0279] Step 1: The first network element sends the second request information to the fifth network element.

[0280] Optionally, the second request information can be used to request at least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element; the second request message may, for example, include an Nnrf_NFManagement_NFStatusSubscribe Request message. The second request message may include at least one of the following: the type information of the first network element (e.g., type SF), the network element identifier of the first network element (e.g., SF ID), the network element information of the second network element, the network element information of the third network element, and the subscription validity time. Optionally, the network element information of the second network element may include at least one of the following: the Global Unique Access and Mobility Management Function Identifier (GUAMI) corresponding to the second network element, the Access and Mobility Management Function Set (AMF Set) to which the second network element belongs, the Access and Mobility Management Function Region (AMF Region) corresponding to the second network element, and the Tracking Area Identity (TAI) corresponding to the second network element; Optionally, the network element information of the third network element may include at least one of the following: the network element identifier of the third network element (e.g., DPF ID), the Data Channel Function Set (DPF Set) to which the third network element belongs, the DPF Region corresponding to the second network element, and the TAI corresponding to the third network element.

[0281] Step 2: The first network element receives the first response information sent by the fifth network element.

[0282] Optionally, in some embodiments, when the fifth network element receives the second request information sent by the first network element, it can determine whether to authorize the first network element to subscribe to at least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element, and will send a first response information to the first network element. The first response information may include at least one of the following: third indication information, subscription identifier (Subscription Correlation ID), and subscription validity period; optionally, the third indication information may be used to indicate whether the first network element has successfully subscribed.

[0283] Step 3: When the first network element successfully subscribes, the first network element receives at least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element sent by the fifth network element.

[0284] Step 4: The first network element stores at least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element in its local storage.

[0285] Step 5: The first network element obtains at least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element based on local storage.

[0286] The second method involves the first network element requesting at least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element from the fifth network element.

[0287] Optionally, the method by which the first network element requests at least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element from the fifth network element may include the following steps:

[0288] Step a: The first network element sends a third request message to the fifth network element.

[0289] Optionally, the third request information can be used to request at least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element; the third request information can be, for example, an Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request message. Optionally, the third request information can include at least one of the following: fourth indication information, type information of the first network element (e.g., type SF), type information of the second network element (e.g., type AMF), type information of the third network element (e.g., type DPF), network element information of the second network element, and network element information of the third network element. Optionally, the fourth indication information can be used to indicate a request for at least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element; and, for relevant information regarding the network element information of the second network element and the network element information of the third network element, please refer to the foregoing description.

[0290] Step b: The first network element receives at least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element fed back by the fifth network element.

[0291] Optionally, in some embodiments, after receiving the third request information, the fifth network element may send back at least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element to the first network element.

[0292] It should be noted that, in some embodiments, when the fifth network element feeds back at least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element to the first network element in the first and second methods described above, it can also simultaneously feed back the network element identifier of the second network element (such as GUAMI) and / or the network element identifier of the third network element (such as DPF ID), so that the first network element knows which second network element the fifth network element is feeding back the load information to, and which third network element it is feeding back the load information to.

[0293] Step 2105: The first network element selects a device or network element as the fifth device from at least one of the first device, the second device, one or more fourth devices, the first network element, the third network element, and one or more candidate third devices.

[0294] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first network element may select a fifth device based on fourth information; optionally, the fourth information may include at least one of the following: the sensing capability of the first device; the location of the first device; the sensing capability of the second device; the location of the second device; the sensing capability of the fourth device; the location of the fourth device; the data processing capability of the fourth device; the sensing capability of the candidate third device; the location of the candidate third device; the data processing capability of the candidate third device; the device identifier of the candidate third device; the load information of the first network element; the load information of the second network element; the load information of the third network element; the first indication information in the first request information; the second indication information in the first request information; and perceived QoS.

[0295] Optionally, in some embodiments, when the first network element selects the fifth device, if the first indication information indicates that the core network element is the third device, the first network element can select one network element between the first network element and the third network element as the fifth device. Optionally, the first network element can select one network element between the first network element and the third network element as the fifth device based on the load information of the first network element, the load information of the second network element, and the load information of the third network element. In some embodiments, when the load information of the second network element supports the first network element to communicate with the first device and / or the second device through the second network element, supports the first network element to process sensing data, and supports the sensing QoS of sensing services, the first network element can be determined as the fifth device; when the load information of the second network element does not support the first network element to communicate with the first device and / or the second device through the second network element, or when the load information of the first network element does not support the first network element to process sensing data, or when the first network element does not support the sensing QoS of sensing services, the first network element may not be determined as the fifth device. Optionally, when the load information of the third network element supports processing sensing data and the third network element supports sensing QoS of sensing services, the third network element can be identified as the fifth device. When the load information of the third network element does not support processing sensing data, or when the third network element does not support sensing QoS of sensing services, the third network element may not be identified as the fifth device.

[0296] Optionally, in some embodiments, when the first network element selects the fifth device, if the second indication information indicates that the terminal or access network device is to be used as the third device, the first network element can select the fifth device from the first device, the second device, one or more fourth devices, or one or more candidate third devices. Optionally, the sensing capability of the fifth device selected by the first network element can meet the service requirements of the sensing service (e.g., sensing QoS). Optionally, the location of the fifth device selected by the first network element can be within the communication range of the first device and / or the second device. Optionally, the data processing capability of the fifth device selected by the first network element can meet the service requirements of the sensing service, such as: the fifth device supports processing sensing data in the sensing service, and / or, the amount of data that the fifth device supports processing is greater than or equal to the amount of data that the sensing service requires to be processed.

[0297] Optionally, in some embodiments, when the first request information does not include the first indication information and the second indication information, the first network element may select a fifth device from at least one of the first device, the second device, one or more fourth devices, the first network element, the third network element, and one or more candidate third devices. Optionally, the sensing capability of the fifth device selected by the first network element can meet the service requirements of the sensing service (e.g., sensing QoS). Optionally, the location of the fifth device selected by the first network element can be within the communication range of the first device and / or the second device. Optionally, the data processing capability of the fifth device selected by the first network element can meet the service requirements of the sensing service.

[0298] Step 2106: The first network element determines whether the fifth device can be authorized as the third device.

[0299] Optionally, the first network element can determine whether the fifth device can be authorized as a third device by interacting with the fourth network element.

[0300] Optionally, Figure 2B is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating the first network element determining whether the fifth device can be authorized as a third device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2B shows the interaction steps between the first network element and the fourth network element. Optionally, as shown in Figure 2B, the execution process of step 2106 may include the following steps:

[0301] Step 21061a: The first network element sends a fourth request message to the fourth network element.

[0302] Optionally, the fourth request information can be used to request subscription data from the fifth device. Optionally, the fourth request information may include at least one of the following: the network element identifier (e.g., SF ID) of the first network element, the device identifier of the fifth device, and fifth indication information, which can be used to indicate the type of subscription data requested. Optionally, the type of subscription data requested may, for example, include sensory subscription data. Optionally, when the fifth device is a terminal, the device identifier of the fifth device may be the Subscriber Permanent Identifier (SUPI) corresponding to the terminal.

[0303] Step 21062a: The fourth network element determines the subscription data of the fifth device based on the fourth request information.

[0304] Optionally, the fourth network element can determine the subscription data of the fifth device based on the device identifier and the fifth indication information of the fifth device.

[0305] Step 21063a: The fourth network element sends the subscription data of the fifth device to the first network element.

[0306] Step 21064a: The first network element determines whether the fifth device can be authorized as a third device based on the subscription data of the fifth device.

[0307] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first network element may determine whether the fifth device is authorized to perform sensing services and / or whether the fifth device is authorized to act as a sensing data processing entity during the sensing services based on the subscription data of the fifth device. Optionally, when the fifth device is authorized to perform sensing services, or when the fifth device is authorized to act as a sensing data processing entity during the sensing services, it can be determined that the fifth device can be authorized as a third device; when the fifth device is not authorized to perform sensing services, or when the fifth device is not authorized to act as a sensing data processing entity during the sensing services, it can be determined that the fifth device cannot be authorized as a third device.

[0308] Optionally, Figure 2C is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating the first network element determining whether the fifth device can be authorized as a third device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2C shows the interaction steps between the first network element and the fourth network element. Optionally, as shown in Figure 2C, the execution process of step 2106 may include the following steps:

[0309] Step 21061b: The first network element sends a fourth request message to the fourth network element.

[0310] Optionally, the fourth request information can be used to request a determination of whether the fifth device can be authorized as the third device; the fourth request information may include at least one of the following: the network element identifier (such as SF ID) of the first network element, the device identifier of the fifth device, and the fifth indication information. For a detailed description of this part, please refer to step 21061a above.

[0311] Step 21062b: The fourth network element determines the subscription data of the fifth device based on the fourth request information, and determines whether the fifth device can be authorized as the third device based on the subscription data of the fifth device.

[0312] For a detailed explanation of step 21062b, please refer to the descriptions of steps 21062a and 21064a above.

[0313] Step 21063b: The fourth network element sends the first result back to the first network element.

[0314] Optionally, the first result can be used to indicate whether the fifth device can be authorized as a third device.

[0315] It should be noted that, in some embodiments, regarding the aforementioned fourth request information, when there is a communication interface between the first network element and the fourth network element, the first network element can directly send the fourth request information to the fourth network element through the communication interface, and receive the subscription data and / or first result of the fifth device fed back by the fourth network element through the communication interface. If there is no communication interface between the first network element and the fourth network element, the first network element can send the fourth request information to the fourth network element through the second network element, and receive the subscription data and / or first result of the fifth device fed back by the fourth network element through the second network element. Optionally, when the first network element sends the fourth request information to the fourth network element through the second network element, the first network element can first send the fourth request information to the second network element. After receiving the fourth request information, the second network element can add its network element identifier (e.g., GUAMI) to the fourth request information, and then the second network element will send the fourth request information to the fourth network element. Optionally, after the fourth network element receives the fourth request information, the fourth network element can determine the subscription data of the fifth device, and / or, the fourth network element can determine the first result (i.e., whether the fifth device is authorized as a third device) based on the subscription data of the fifth device. After the fourth network element determines the subscription data and / or the first result of the fifth device, it can send the subscription data and / or the first result of the fifth device to the first network element through the second network element, so that the first network element can determine whether the fifth device can be authorized as a third device based on the subscription data and / or the first result of the fifth device.

[0316] Step 2107: The first network element sends at least one of the first information, the second information, and the third information to the second network element.

[0317] Optionally, the first information may indicate that the first device sends a sensing signal, the second information may indicate that the second device receives the sensing signal, and the third information may indicate that the third device processes the sensing data.

[0318] Optionally, in some embodiments, when the second network element receives at least one of the first information, the second information, and the third information, the second network element may send the first information, the second information, and the third information to the first device, the second device, and the third device respectively, so that the first device, the second device, and the third device know their roles in the sensing service, thereby ensuring that the first device, the second device, and the third device can successfully execute the sensing service.

[0319] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first network element may also instruct the second network element on the sensing method determined in step 2102 above, so that the second network element can notify the first device, the second device, and the third device to perform sensing services based on the sensing method.

[0320] In summary, in the above embodiments, when the first network element receives the first request information for requesting a sensing service, it determines at least one of a first device, a second device, and a third device for the sensing service. The first device can be used to transmit sensing signals, the second device can be used to receive sensing signals, and the third device can be used to process sensing data. Furthermore, after determining at least one of the first, second, and third devices, the first network element sends at least one of the first, second, and third pieces of information to the second network element. The first information can indicate that the first device transmits the sensing signal, the second information can indicate that the second device receives the sensing signal, and the third information can indicate that the third device processes the sensing data. Therefore, the determination method provided in this disclosure can be used to determine at least one of the sensing signal transmitter, the sensing signal receiver, and the sensing data processing entity. Subsequently, the sensing service can be executed based on the determined sensing signal transmitter, sensing signal receiver, and sensing data processing entity, ensuring the smooth execution of the sensing service.

[0321] The determination method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps 2101 to 2107. For example, step 2101 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 2102 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 2103 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step 2101+S2102 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0322] In this implementation or embodiment, unless there is contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other implementations or other embodiments.

[0323] Figure 3A is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating a determination method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3A, the present disclosure relates to a determination method for a first network element, the method comprising:

[0324] Step 3101: Receive the first request information.

[0325] Step 3102: Determine the first device and the second device.

[0326] Step 3103: Determine at least one of the following: location, sensing capability, and data processing capability of one or more fourth devices.

[0327] Step 3104: Determine at least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element.

[0328] Step 3105: Select a device or a network element as the fifth device from at least one of the first device, the second device, one or more fourth devices, the first network element, the third network element, and one or more candidate third devices.

[0329] Step 3106: Determine whether the fifth device can be authorized as the third device.

[0330] Step 3107: Send at least one of the first message, the second message, and the third message.

[0331] For a detailed description of steps 3101-3107, please refer to the above embodiments.

[0332] The determination method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps 3101 to 3107. For example, step 3101 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 3102 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 3103 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step 3101+S3102 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0333] In this implementation or embodiment, unless there is contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other implementations or other embodiments.

[0334] Figure 3B is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating a determination method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3B, the present disclosure relates to a determination method for a terminal, the method comprising:

[0335] Step 3201: Receive the first request information sent by the second network element.

[0336] Step 3202: Determine at least one of the first device, the second device, and the third device for the sensing service.

[0337] Step 3203: Send at least one of the first information, the second information, and the third information to the second network element.

[0338] Optionally, the first request information is used to request the perception service;

[0339] Optionally, the first device is used to send sensing signals, the second device is used to receive sensing signals, and the third device is used to process sensing data;

[0340] Optionally, the first information indicates that the first device sends the sensing signal, the second information indicates that the second device receives the sensing signal, and the third information indicates that the third device processes the sensing data.

[0341] Optionally, the first request information includes at least one of the following: sensing object; sensing area; sensing location; sensing quality of service (QoS); sensing result type; first indication information, which indicates that a core network element is used as the third device; second indication information, which indicates that a terminal or access network device is used as the third device; information related to one or more candidate third devices; information related to one or more candidate first devices; and information related to one or more candidate second devices.

[0342] Optionally, the relevant information of the candidate third device includes one or more of the following: the device identifier of the candidate third device, the location of the candidate third device, the sensing capability of the candidate third device, and the data processing capability of the candidate third device;

[0343] The relevant information of the candidate first device includes one or more of the following: the device identifier of the candidate first device, the location of the candidate first device, and the sensing capability of the candidate first device;

[0344] The relevant information of the candidate second device includes one or more of the following: the device identifier of the candidate second device, the location of the candidate second device, and the sensing capability of the candidate second device.

[0345] Optionally, determining at least one of the first device, the second device, and the third device for the sensing service includes:

[0346] Identify the first device and the second device;

[0347] The third device is determined from at least one of the first device, the second device, one or more fourth devices, the first network element, the third network element, and one or more candidate third devices; wherein the fourth device includes a terminal or access network device, the fourth device is different from the first device and the second device, and the third network element is used to provide data processing functions.

[0348] Optionally, determining the first device and the second device includes:

[0349] Determine at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate first devices, and at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate second devices;

[0350] The first device is selected from one or more candidate first devices based on at least one of the candidate first devices' location and sensing capabilities;

[0351] The second device is selected from one or more candidate second devices based on at least one of the candidate second devices' location and sensing capabilities.

[0352] Optionally, determining at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate first devices, and at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate second devices, includes at least one of the following:

[0353] Based on the local storage of the first network element, determine at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate first devices, and at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate second devices;

[0354] By interacting with the fourth network element, at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate first devices and at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate second devices is obtained, wherein the fourth network element is used to provide unified data management functions;

[0355] The fifth network element is used to provide network storage functionality by interacting with one or more candidate first devices to obtain at least one of their location and sensing capabilities, and one or more candidate second devices to obtain at least one of their location and sensing capabilities.

[0356] By interacting with the second network element, at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate first devices and at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate second devices can be obtained.

[0357] Based on the content included in the first request information, determine at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate first devices, and at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate second devices.

[0358] Optionally, determining the third device from at least one of the first device, the second device, one or more fourth devices, the first network element, the third network element, and one or more candidate third devices includes:

[0359] Select one device or network element as the fifth device from at least one of the first device, the second device, one or more fourth devices, the first network element, the third network element, and one or more candidate third devices;

[0360] Determine whether the fifth device can be authorized as the third device;

[0361] The fifth device can be authorized as the third device, and the fifth device is identified as the third device.

[0362] Optionally, selecting a device or a network element as the fifth device from at least one of the first device, the second device, one or more fourth devices, the first network element, the third network element, and one or more candidate third devices includes:

[0363] The fifth device is selected based on fourth information; the fourth information includes at least one of the following: the sensing capability of the first device; the location of the first device; the sensing capability of the second device; the location of the second device; the sensing capability of the fourth device; the location of the fourth device; the data processing capability of the fourth device; the sensing capability of the candidate third device; the location of the candidate third device; the data processing capability of the candidate third device; the device identifier of the candidate third device; the load information of the first network element; the load information of the second network element; the load information of the third network element; the first indication information in the first request information; the second indication information in the first request information; and perceived QoS.

[0364] Optionally, the method further includes at least one of the following:

[0365] Based on the local storage of the first network element, at least one of the location, sensing capability, and data processing capability of one or more of the fourth devices is determined;

[0366] By interacting with the fourth network element, at least one of the location, sensing capabilities, and data processing capabilities of one or more of the fourth devices can be obtained;

[0367] By interacting with the fifth network element, at least one of the location, sensing capabilities, and data processing capabilities of one or more of the fourth devices can be obtained;

[0368] By interacting with the second network element, at least one of the location, sensing capabilities, and data processing capabilities of one or more of the fourth devices can be obtained;

[0369] Based on the content included in the first request information, at least one of the location, sensing capability, and data processing capability of one or more of the fourth devices is determined, wherein the fourth device includes a candidate first device, a candidate second device, or a candidate third device.

[0370] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0371] Obtain at least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element.

[0372] Optionally, obtaining at least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element includes at least one of the following:

[0373] Based on the local storage of the first network element, at least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element is obtained;

[0374] By requesting the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element from the fifth network element.

[0375] Optionally, obtaining at least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element based on the local storage of the first network element includes:

[0376] Send a second request message to the fifth network element, the second request message being used to request subscription to at least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element;

[0377] The system receives a first response message sent by the fifth network element, the first response message including at least one of the following: third indication information, subscription identifier, and subscription validity period; the third indication information is used to indicate whether the subscription was successful.

[0378] The first network element successfully subscribes and receives at least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element sent by the fifth network element;

[0379] At least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element is stored in the local storage of the first network element;

[0380] At least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element is obtained from the local storage of the first network element.

[0381] Optionally, the second request information includes at least one of the following: the type information of the first network element; the network element identifier of the first network element; the network element information of the second network element; the network element information of the third network element; and the subscription validity period.

[0382] Optionally, the step of requesting at least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element from the fifth network element includes:

[0383] Send a third request message to the fifth network element, the third request message being used to request at least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element;

[0384] Receive at least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element fed back by the fifth network element.

[0385] Optionally, the third request information includes at least one of the following: fourth indication information, which is used to indicate a request for at least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element; type information of the first network element; type information of the second network element; type information of the third network element; network element information of the second network element; and network element information of the third network element.

[0386] Optionally, the network element information of the second network element includes at least one of the following: the globally unique access and mobility management function identifier (GUAMI) corresponding to the second network element, the access and mobility management function set (AMF Set) to which the second network element belongs, the access and mobility management function region (AMF Region) corresponding to the second network element, and the tracking area identifier (TAI) corresponding to the second network element;

[0387] The network element information of the third network element includes at least one of the following: the network element identifier of the third network element, the data channel function DPF Set to which the third network element belongs, the DPF Region corresponding to the second network element, and the TAI corresponding to the third network element.

[0388] Optionally, determining whether the fifth device can be authorized as the third device includes:

[0389] Send a fourth request message to the fourth network element. The fourth request message is used to request the subscription data of the fifth device, or the fourth request message is used to request whether the fifth device can be authorized as the third device.

[0390] The system receives subscription data of the fifth device from the fourth network element and determines whether the fifth device can be authorized as the third device based on the subscription data of the fifth device; or, it receives a first result from the fourth network element, the first result indicating whether the fifth device can be authorized as the third device.

[0391] Optionally, the fourth request information includes at least one of the following: the network element identifier of the first network element; the device identifier of the fifth device; and fifth indication information, which is used to indicate the type of subscription data requested.

[0392] For a detailed description of steps 3201-3203, please refer to the above embodiment description.

[0393] The determination method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps 3201 to 3203. For example, step 3201 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 3202 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 3203 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step 3201+S3202 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0394] In this implementation or embodiment, unless there is contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other implementations or other embodiments.

[0395] Figure 4 is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating the determination method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4, this embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a determination method for a network device, the method comprising:

[0396] Step 4101: Send the first request information to the first network element.

[0397] Step 4102: Receive at least one of the first information, second information, and third information sent by the first network element.

[0398] Optionally, the first request information is used to request the perception service;

[0399] Optionally, the first information indicates that a sensing signal is sent by a first device, the second information indicates that a sensing signal is received by a second device, and the third information indicates that the sensing data is processed by a third device.

[0400] Optionally, the first request information includes at least one of the following: sensing object; sensing area; sensing location; sensing quality of service (QoS); sensing result type; first indication information, which indicates that a core network element is used as the third device; second indication information, which indicates that a terminal or access network device is used as the third device; information related to one or more candidate third devices; information related to one or more candidate first devices; and information related to one or more candidate second devices.

[0401] Optionally, the relevant information of the candidate third device includes one or more of the following: the device identifier of the candidate third device, the location of the candidate third device, the sensing capability of the candidate third device, and the data processing capability of the candidate third device;

[0402] The relevant information of the candidate first device includes one or more of the following: the device identifier of the candidate first device, the location of the candidate first device, and the sensing capability of the candidate first device;

[0403] The relevant information of the candidate second device includes one or more of the following: the device identifier of the candidate second device, the location of the candidate second device, and the sensing capability of the candidate second device.

[0404] For a detailed description of steps 4101-4102, please refer to the above embodiment description.

[0405] The determination method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps 4101 to 4102. For example, step 4101 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 4102 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 4103 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step 4101+S4102 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0406] In this implementation or embodiment, unless there is contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other implementations or other embodiments.

[0407] Figure 5A is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating a determination method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5A, the present disclosure relates to a determination method for a communication system, the communication system including a first network element and a second network element, the method including at least one of the following:

[0408] Step 5101: The second network element sends a first request message to the first network element.

[0409] Step 5102: The first network element receives the first request information sent by the second network element.

[0410] Step 5103: The first network element determines at least one of the first device, the second device, and the third device for the sensing service.

[0411] Step 5104: The first network element sends at least one of the first information, the second information, and the third information to the second network element.

[0412] Step 5105: The second network element receives at least one of the first information, the second information, and the third information sent by the first network element.

[0413] The optional implementation methods of steps 5101-5105 can be found in the above embodiments.

[0414] In some embodiments, the above methods may include the methods described in the embodiments of the communication system side, the first device side, the network device side, etc., which will not be repeated here.

[0415] The determination method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps 5101 to 5105. For example, step 5101 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, and step 5102 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, but are not limited thereto.

[0416] In this implementation or embodiment, unless there is contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other implementations or other embodiments.

[0417] The following is an exemplary description of the above method.

[0418] This disclosure provides a method for determining entities in perceptual data processing.

[0419] In some embodiments, the SF can determine the sensing data processing entity. Optionally, the SF can first obtain the load information of the AMF or the DPF, so as to determine whether to identify the AMF or DPF as the sensing data processing entity based on the load information of the AMF or the DPF.

[0420] In some embodiments, the SF can be an NF service consumer of the NRF. The SF can call the Nnrf_NFManagement_NFStatusSubscribe service to subscribe to specific NF (e.g., AMF, DPF) load information.

[0421] Figure 5B is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating the process of SF obtaining load information of AMF or DPF according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5B, the method may include:

[0422] 1. SF subscribes to the load information of AMF / DPF by sending the Nnrf_NFManagement_NFStatusSubscribe Request message.

[0423] Optionally, when the SF subscribes to AMF load information, the Nnrf_NFManagement_NFStatusSubscribe Request sent by the SF to the NRF may include at least one of the following: NF type (i.e., SF), SF ID, GUAMI(s), AMF Set, AMF Area, TAI, and subscription validity period.

[0424] Optionally, when the SF subscribes to the DPF load information, the Nnrf_NFManagement_NFStatusSubscribe Request sent by the SF to the NRF may include at least one of the following: NF type (i.e., SF), SF ID, DPF ID, DPF Set, DPF Area, TAI, and subscription validity period.

[0425] 2. NRF authorization Nnrf_NFManagement_NFStatusSubscribeRequest.

[0426] Optionally, the NRF can determine whether an SF can subscribe to the load information of the AMF / DPF based on the communication status of the AMF / DPF and the type of the NF service user (i.e., SF).

[0427] 3. If SF is allowed to subscribe to AMF / DPF load information, NRF acknowledges Nnrf_NFManagement_NFStatusSubscribe Requests and sends an Nnrf_NFManagement_NFStatusSubscribe Response message to SF.

[0428] Optionally, the Nnrf_NF management_NF status subscription response message may include at least one of the following: subscription result indication, subscription-related ID (required for managing this subscription), and subscription validity period.

[0429] 4. NRF notifies SF of the load information of AMF / DPF.

[0430] Optionally, NRF can send an Nnrf_NFManagement_NFStatusNotify to SF. Optionally, Nnrf_NFManagement_NFStatusNotify may include the NF instance ID (i.e., GUAMI or DPF ID) and / or NF load information.

[0431] In other embodiments, the SF can invoke the Nnrf_NFDiscovery service operation to retrieve AMF or DPF load information.

[0432] Figure 5C is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating the process of SF obtaining load information of AMF or DPF according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5C, the method may include:

[0433] 1. Once the SF determines that it needs to retrieve the load information of the AMF / DPF, the SF sends an Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request message to the NRF.

[0434] Optionally, when the SF wants to retrieve AMF load information, the Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request sent by the SF to the NRF may include at least one of the following: load information request indication, NF type of the target NF (i.e., AMF), NF type of the NF service consumer (i.e., SF), AMF region, AMF set, GUAMI, target TAI(s).

[0435] Optionally, when the SF needs to retrieve DPF load information, the Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request sent by the SF to the NRF may include at least one of the following: load information request indication, NF type of the target NF (i.e., DPF), NF type of the NF service user (i.e., SF), DPF region, DPF set, DPF ID, and target TAI.

[0436] 2. NRF authorization Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request.

[0437] Optionally, the NRF may decide whether to send the AMF's payload information or the DPF's payload information to the SF based on the communication status of the AMF and / or DPF and the type of the NF service user (i.e., SF).

[0438] 3. If it is decided to send the AMF load information or DPF load information to the SF, the NRF sends an Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Response message to the SF.

[0439] Optionally, the Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Response message may include the NF instance ID (i.e., GUAMI(s) and / or DPF ID) and / or AMF and / or DPF load information.

[0440] Optionally, FIG5D is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating a determination method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG5D, the method may include:

[0441] 1. SF receives a perception request from AMF (i.e., the first request information in the aforementioned embodiment).

[0442] Optionally, the sensing request may include sensing area, sensing location, sensing object, sensing QoS, result type, calculation assistance indication, location calculation indication, candidate sensing data processing entity ID, candidate sensing data processing entity location, candidate sensing data processing entity capability, candidate sensing signal transmitter ID, candidate sensing signal transmitter location, candidate sensing signal transmitter capability, candidate sensing signal receiver ID, candidate sensing signal receiver location, and candidate sensing signal receiver capability.

[0443] Optionally, the aforementioned sensing area can refer to the area to be sensed, such as the device, person, device speed, person speed, etc. within the sensing area. For example, the sensing area may include area A, area B, etc.

[0444] Optionally, the aforementioned sensing location can refer to the location to be sensed, such as sensing the device, person, device speed, person speed, etc. at the sensing location. For example, the sensing location may include location A, location B, etc.

[0445] Optionally, the aforementioned perceived QoS may refer to the service quality requirements of perceived services, for example, the perceived QoS may include the service latency requirements and / or result resolution requirements corresponding to the perceived services.

[0446] Optionally, the above result types may include: the perception result types required for perception services, and / or, the perception data types required for perception services;

[0447] Optionally, the aforementioned computational assistance instruction can indicate that a sensing service user requests a core network element as a sensing data processing entity.

[0448] Optionally, the aforementioned location calculation indication may indicate that the sensing service user request terminal or access network device is the sensing data processing entity.

[0449] Optionally, the sensing service user may store candidate sensing signal transmitter ID, candidate sensing signal transmitter location, candidate sensing signal transmitter capability, candidate sensing signal receiver ID, candidate sensing signal receiver location, and candidate sensing signal receiver capability. Optionally, the candidate sensing signal transmitter ID, candidate sensing signal transmitter location, candidate sensing signal transmitter capability, candidate sensing signal receiver ID, candidate sensing signal receiver location, and candidate sensing signal receiver capability may be pre-discovered or pre-configured by the sensing service user.

[0450] Optionally, the perception service user may store candidate perception data processing entity IDs, candidate perception data processing entity locations, and candidate perception data processing entity capabilities. Optionally, the candidate perception data processing entity IDs, candidate perception data processing entity locations, and candidate perception data processing entity capabilities may be pre-discovered or pre-configured by the perception service user.

[0451] 2.SF determines the sensing signal transmitter, the sensing signal receiver, and the sensing method matched with the sensing service.

[0452] Optionally, the SF can check the locally stored sensing capabilities and the location of the UE(s) / RAN node to determine the sensing signal transmitter, sensing signal receiver, and sensing method.

[0453] Optionally, the SF can interact with the UDM (e.g., via the AMF) to retrieve UE sensing capabilities, UE location, and UE sensing subscriptions to determine the sensing signal transmitter, sensing signal receiver, and sensing method.

[0454] Optionally, the SF can interact with the NRF to obtain available sensing capabilities and the location of the UE(s) / RAN nodes to determine the sensing signal transmitter, sensing signal receiver, and sensing method.

[0455] Optionally, the SF can interact with the AMF to obtain effective sensing capabilities and the location of the UE(s) / RAN node to determine the sensing signal transmitter, sensing signal receiver, and sensing method.

[0456] Optionally, SF may also use the candidate sensing signal transmitter ID, candidate sensing signal transmitter location, candidate sensing signal transmitter capability, candidate sensing signal receiver ID, candidate sensing signal receiver location, and candidate sensing signal receiver capability received in the sensing request to determine the sensing signal transmitter, sensing signal receiver, and sensing method.

[0457] Optionally, using the above method, the SF can determine a list of candidate sensing entities based on its local storage and information received from the AMF / UDM / NRF. Optionally, the candidate sensing entities may include, for example, candidate sensing signal receivers and / or candidate sensing signal transmitters. Optionally, after determining the list of candidate sensing entities, the SF can select suitable sensing signal transmitters and receivers from the list and choose a sensing method that matches the sensing request.

[0458] 3. SF identifies the entity for perceptual data processing.

[0459] Optionally, the SF can determine the sensing data processing entity based on the following information: the sensing signal transmitter selected in step 2 and the location of the sensing signal transmitter, the candidate sensing entity list determined in step 2, SF load information, AMF load information, DPF load information, calculation assistance indication, location calculation indication, candidate sensing data processing entity ID, candidate sensing data processing entity location, candidate sensing data processing entity capabilities, and sensing QoS requirements.

[0460] Optionally, the SF can select either the sensing signal transmitter or the sensing signal receiver as the sensing data processing entity, or select another UE or base station as the sensing data processing entity. Alternatively, the SF can select the SF / DPF as the sensing data processing entity. Or, the SF can select a candidate sensing data processing entity as the sensing data processing entity.

[0461] Optionally, SF can determine whether to use the sensing signal transmitter or the sensing signal receiver as a sensing data processing entity based on the sensing capability determined in step 2, the location of the sensing signal transmitter and the sensing signal receiver, and the list of candidate sensing entities.

[0462] Optionally, the SF can obtain the load information of the SF, or the SF can check the locally stored AMF / DPF load information (if the SF subscribes to and stores the AMF / DPF load information), or the SF can interact with the NRF to retrieve the AMF / DPF load information, and the SF can determine whether to use the SF or DPF as a sensing data processing entity based on the SF's load information, AMF load information, and DPF load information.

[0463] Optionally, if the SF receives a computational assistance instruction, the SF may use the SF or DPF as the perceived data processing entity, and will further determine whether to use the SF or DPF as the perceived data processing entity based on whether the SF or DPF can meet the perceived QoS requirements (e.g., service latency).

[0464] Optionally, if the SF receives a location calculation instruction, the SF may use the UE or the base station as a sensed data processing entity, and will further determine whether to use the UE or the base station as a sensed data processing entity based on whether the UE or the base station can meet the sensed QoS requirements (e.g., service latency).

[0465] Optionally, after identifying the sense data processing entity, the SF may check whether the identified sense data processing entity is authorized to use the sense service and act as a data processor. If authorized, the SF may further check whether the identified sense data processing entity meets the sense QoS requirements.

[0466] Optionally, the SF can check whether the identified sensing data processing entity is authorized to use sensing services and act as a data processor through the following methods. The following explanation uses the example of the first UE as the sensing data processing entity identified by the SF.

[0467] The first method: If there is a communication interface between the SF and the UDM, the SF can directly communicate with the UDM to check whether the identified sensing data processing entity (i.e., the first UE) is authorized to use sensing services and act as a data processor. This method may include the following steps:

[0468] Step 1: The SF can send a Nudm_SDM_Get request to the UDM. The Nudm_SDM_Get request can be used to request the subscription data of the first UE. The Nudm_SDM_Get request can include the SF ID, the subscription data type requested (e.g., perception subscription data), and the SUPI of the first UE.

[0469] Step 2: UDM sends a Nudm_SDM_Get response to SF, which includes the subscription data of the first UE.

[0470] Step 3: Based on the subscription data of the first UE, SF determines whether the first UE is authorized to use the sensing service and act as a data processor.

[0471] The second method: If the SF and UDM do not have a communication interface, the SF can interact with the UDM through the AMF to determine whether the first UE is authorized to use the sensing service and act as a data processor. This method may include the following steps:

[0472] Step 1: The SF sends a sensing subscription data request to the AMF. This sensing data request is used to request subscription data from the first UE. The sensing subscription data request may include at least one of the following: SF ID, the requested subscription data type (e.g., sensing subscription data), and the first UE's SUPI; or, the SF sends a sensing authorization request to the AMF. This sensing authorization request can be used to request a determination of whether the first UE is authorized to use the sensing service and act as a data processor. This sensing authorization request may include at least one of the following: SF ID, the requested subscription data type (e.g., sensing subscription data), and the first UE's SUPI.

[0473] Step 2: The AMF sends a Nudm_SDM_Get to the UDM. The Nudm_SDM_Get may include at least one of the following: GUAMI, the requested subscription data type, and the SUPI of the first UE.

[0474] Step 3: UDM sends Nudm_SDM_Get response to AMF.

[0475] Optionally, the Nudm_SDM_Get response may include the subscription data of the first UE, or the Nudm_SDM_Get response may include a first result determined by the UDM based on the subscription data of the first UE, which may be: whether the first UE is authorized to use the sensing service and act as a data processor.

[0476] Step 4: The AMF sends the first UE's perception subscription data or perception authorization response to the SF. Optionally, the perception authorization response may include a first result.

[0477] Based on all the above information, SF can identify the sensing data processing entity that conforms to sensing QoS.

[0478] 4. SF sends the selected sensing signal transmitter, sensing signal receiver, sensing method, sensing data processing entity, and sensing type to the selected sensing signal transmitter, sensing signal receiver, and sensing data processing entity through AMF.

[0479] Optionally, SF can send sensing task data to the sensing signal transmitter, sensing signal receiver, and sensing data processing entity through AMF. The sensing task data may include the selected sensing signal transmitter, sensing signal receiver, sensing method, sensing data processing entity, and sensing type.

[0480] This disclosure also provides an apparatus for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. Alternatively, another apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network functional node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0481] 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.

[0482] 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 (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a 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 using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), 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), a Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), or a Deep Learning Processing Unit (DPU).

[0483] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first network element proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 6A, it includes:

[0484] The transceiver module is used to receive a first request information sent by the second network element, wherein the first request information is used to request a sensing service;

[0485] A processing module is configured to determine at least one of a first device, a second device, and a third device for the sensing service; the first device is configured to transmit sensing signals, the second device is configured to receive sensing signals, and the third device is configured to process sensing data.

[0486] The transceiver module is further configured to send at least one of a first message, a second message, and a third message to the second network element; the first message indicates that the first device sends the sensing signal, the second message indicates that the second device receives the sensing signal, and the third message indicates that the third device processes the sensing data.

[0487] Optionally, the above processing module is used to execute the steps related to "processing" performed by the first network element in any of the above methods, and the upper transceiver module is used to execute the steps related to "transmission and reception" performed by the first network element in any of the above methods.

[0488] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second network element proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 6B, it includes:

[0489] The transceiver module is used to send a first request message to the first network element, wherein the first request message is used to request the sensing service;

[0490] The transceiver module is further configured to receive at least one of the first information, the second information, and the third information sent by the first network element; the first information indicates that a sensing signal is sent by a first device, the second information indicates that a sensing signal is received by a second device, and the third information indicates that sensing data is processed by a third device.

[0491] Optionally, the transceiver module is used to execute the "transceiver" related steps performed by the second network element in any of the above methods. Optionally, the second network element may further include a processing module, which is used to execute the "processing" related steps performed by the second network element in any of the above methods.

[0492] Figure 7A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 7100 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 7100 can be a network device (e.g., access network device, core network device, etc.), a terminal (e.g., user equipment or the first device described above), 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 7100 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.

[0493] As shown in Figure 7A, the communication device 7100 includes one or more processors 7101. The processor 7101 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. The processor 7101 is used to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 7100 to execute any of the above methods.

[0494] In some embodiments, the communication device 7100 further includes one or more memories 7102 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 7102 may also be located outside the communication device 7100.

[0495] In some embodiments, the communication device 7100 further includes one or more transceivers 7103. When the communication device 7100 includes one or more transceivers 7103, the communication steps such as sending and receiving in the above method are performed by the transceivers 7103, and other steps are performed by the processor 7101.

[0496] In some embodiments, a transceiver may include a receiver and a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, sensing signal receiving end, receiving circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0497] Optionally, the communication device 7100 further includes one or more interface circuits 7104, which are connected to the memory 7102. The interface circuits 7104 can be used to receive signals from the memory 7102 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to the memory 7102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuits 7104 can read instructions stored in the memory 7102 and send the instructions to the processor 7101.

[0498] The communication device 7100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 7100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 7100 may not be limited by FIG. 7a. The communication device may be a standalone device or a 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 sensing signal 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.

[0499] Figure 7B is a schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 7200 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 7100 can be a chip or a chip system, the schematic diagram of the chip 7200 shown in Figure 7B can be referenced, but is not limited thereto.

[0500] Chip 7200 includes one or more processors 7201, which are used to invoke instructions to cause chip 7200 to perform any of the above methods.

[0501] In some embodiments, chip 7200 further includes one or more interface circuits 7202 connected to memory 7203. Interface circuits 7202 can be used to receive signals from memory 7203 or other devices, and can also be used to send signals to memory 7203 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 7202 can read instructions stored in memory 7203 and send those instructions to processor 7201. Optionally, terms such as interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, and transceiver can be used interchangeably.

[0502] In some embodiments, chip 7200 further includes one or more memories 7203 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 7203 may be located outside of chip 7200.

[0503] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on the communication device 7100, cause the communication device 7100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but 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 not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0504] This disclosure also provides a program product that, when executed by the communication device 7100, causes the communication device 7100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0505] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

[0506] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs. When the computer program is loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this disclosure are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media may be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., high-density digital video discs (DVDs)), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks (SSDs)).

[0507] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this disclosure.

[0508] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0509] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this disclosure, but the scope of protection of this disclosure is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of this disclosure should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

A method for determining, characterized in that, The method, executed by a first network element, includes: receiving first request information sent by a second network element, the first request information being used to request a sensing service; determining at least one of a first device, a second device, and a third device for the sensing service; the first device being used to send a sensing signal, the second device being used to receive the sensing signal, and the third device being used to process sensing data; sending at least one of first information, second information, and third information to the second network element; the first information indicating that the first device sends the sensing signal, the second information indicating that the second device receives the sensing signal, and the third information indicating that the third device processes the sensing data. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first request information includes at least one of the following: sensing object; sensing area; sensing location; sensing quality of service (QoS); sensing result type; first indication information, which indicates that a core network element is used as the third device; second indication information, which indicates that a terminal or access network device is used as the third device; and information related to one or more candidate third devices. Information related to one or more candidate first devices; information related to one or more candidate second devices. The method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The relevant information of the candidate third device includes one or more of the following: the device identifier of the candidate third device, the location of the candidate third device, the sensing capability of the candidate third device, and the data processing capability of the candidate third device; The relevant information of the candidate first device includes one or more of the following: the device identifier of the candidate first device, the location of the candidate first device, and the sensing capability of the candidate first device; The relevant information of the candidate second device includes one or more of the following: the device identifier of the candidate second device, the location of the candidate second device, and the sensing capability of the candidate second device. The method as described in any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, Determining at least one of a first device, a second device, and a third device for the sensing service includes: determining the first device and the second device; determining the third device from at least one of the first device, the second device, one or more fourth devices, the first network element, the third network element, and one or more candidate third devices; wherein the fourth device includes a terminal or an access network device, the fourth device is different from the first device and the second device, and the third network element is used to provide data processing functions. The method as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The step of determining the first device and the second device includes: determining at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate first devices, and at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate second devices; selecting the first device from one or more candidate first devices based on the location and sensing capabilities of the candidate first devices; and selecting the second device from one or more candidate second devices based on the location and sensing capabilities of the candidate second devices. The method as described in claim 5, characterized in that, Determining at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate first devices, and at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate second devices, includes at least one of the following: determining at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate first devices, and at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate second devices based on the local storage of the first network element; obtaining at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate first devices, and at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate second devices through interaction with a fourth network element, wherein the fourth network element is used to provide unified data management functions; The fifth network element is used to provide network storage functionality by interacting with one or more candidate first devices to obtain at least one of their location and sensing capabilities, and one or more candidate second devices to obtain at least one of their location and sensing capabilities. By interacting with the second network element, at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate first devices and at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate second devices are obtained; based on the content included in the first request information, at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate first devices and at least one of the location and sensing capabilities of one or more candidate second devices are determined. The method as described in any one of claims 4-6, characterized in that, The step of determining the third device from at least one of the first device, the second device, one or more fourth devices, the first network element, the third network element, and one or more candidate third devices includes: selecting one device or one network element from at least one of the first device, the second device, one or more fourth devices, the first network element, the third network element, and one or more candidate third devices as the fifth device; determining whether the fifth device can be authorized as the third device; and determining the fifth device as the third device if the fifth device can be authorized as the third device. The method as described in claim 7, characterized in that, Selecting a device or network element as the fifth device from at least one of the first device, the second device, one or more fourth devices, the first network element, the third network element, and one or more candidate third devices includes: selecting the fifth device based on fourth information; the fourth information includes at least one of the following: the sensing capability of the first device; the location of the first device; the sensing capability of the second device; the location of the second device; the sensing capability of the fourth device; the location of the fourth device; the data processing capability of the fourth device; the sensing capability of the candidate third device; the location of the candidate third device; the data processing capability of the candidate third device; the device identifier of the candidate third device; the load information of the first network element; the load information of the second network element; the load information of the third network element; the first indication information in the first request information; the second indication information in the first request information; and perceived QoS. The method as described in any one of claims 4-8, characterized in that, The method further includes at least one of the following: determining at least one of the location, sensing capability, and data processing capability of one or more fourth devices based on the local storage of the first network element; obtaining at least one of the location, sensing capability, and data processing capability of one or more fourth devices by interacting with the fourth network element; obtaining at least one of the location, sensing capability, and data processing capability of one or more fourth devices by interacting with the fifth network element; obtaining at least one of the location, sensing capability, and data processing capability of one or more fourth devices by interacting with the second network element; determining at least one of the location, sensing capability, and data processing capability of one or more fourth devices based on the content included in the first request information, wherein the fourth device includes a candidate first device, a candidate second device, or a candidate third device. The method as described in claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: obtaining at least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element. The method as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The step of obtaining at least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element includes at least one of the following: obtaining at least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element based on the local storage of the first network element; or obtaining at least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element by requesting the fifth network element. The method as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The step of obtaining at least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element based on the local storage of the first network element includes: sending a second request message to the fifth network element, the second request message being used to request subscription to at least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element; receiving a first response message sent by the fifth network element, the first response message including at least one of the following: a third indication message, a subscription identifier, and a subscription validity period; the third indication message being used to indicate whether the subscription was successful; the first network element successfully subscribing, and receiving at least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element sent by the fifth network element; storing at least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element in the local storage of the first network element; and obtaining at least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element based on the local storage of the first network element. The method as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The second request information includes at least one of the following: the type information of the first network element; the network element identifier of the first network element; the network element information of the second network element; the network element information of the third network element; and the subscription validity period. The method as described in any one of claims 11-13, characterized in that, The step of requesting at least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element from the fifth network element includes: sending a third request message to the fifth network element, the third request message being used to request at least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element; and receiving at least one of the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element fed back by the fifth network element. The method as described in claim 14, characterized in that, The third request information includes at least one of the following: fourth indication information, which indicates that at least one of the request for the load information of the second network element and the load information of the third network element is requested; the type information of the first network element; and the type information of the second network element. The type information of the third network element; the network element information of the second network element; the network element information of the third network element. The method as described in claim 13 or 15, characterized in that, The network element information of the second network element includes at least one of the following: the globally unique Access and Mobility Management Function Identifier (GUAMI) corresponding to the second network element, the Access and Mobility Management Function Set (AMF Set) to which the second network element belongs, the Access and Mobility Management Function Region (AMF Region) corresponding to the second network element, and the Tracking Area Identifier (TAI) corresponding to the second network element; the network element information of the third network element includes at least one of the following: the network element identifier of the third network element, the Data Channel Function (DPF Set) to which the third network element belongs, the DPF Region corresponding to the second network element, and the TAI corresponding to the third network element. The method as described in any one of claims 7-16, characterized in that, Determining whether the fifth device can be authorized as the third device includes: sending a fourth request message to a fourth network element, the fourth request message being used to request subscription data of the fifth device, or the fourth request message being used to request determination of whether the fifth device can be authorized as the third device; receiving the subscription data of the fifth device fed back by the fourth network element, and determining whether the fifth device can be authorized as the third device based on the subscription data of the fifth device; or receiving a first result fed back by the fourth network element, the first result being used to indicate whether the fifth device can be authorized as the third device. The method as described in claim 17, characterized in that, The fourth request information includes at least one of the following: the network element identifier of the first network element; the device identifier of the fifth device; and fifth indication information, which is used to indicate the type of subscription data requested. A method for determining, characterized in that, The method, executed by a second network element, includes: sending a first request message to a first network element, the first request message being used to request a sensing service; receiving at least one of a first message, a second message, and a third message sent by the first network element; the first message indicating that a first device sends a sensing signal, the second message indicating that a second device receives a sensing signal, and the third message indicating that a third device processes sensing data. The method as described in claim 19, characterized in that, The first request information includes at least one of the following: sensing object; sensing area; sensing location; sensing quality of service (QoS); sensing result type; first indication information, which indicates that a core network element is used as the third device; second indication information, which indicates that a terminal or access network device is used as the third device; and information related to one or more candidate third devices. Information related to one or more candidate first devices; information related to one or more candidate second devices. The method as described in claim 20, characterized in that, The relevant information of the candidate third device includes one or more of the following: the device identifier of the candidate third device, the location of the candidate third device, the sensing capability of the candidate third device, and the data processing capability of the candidate third device; The relevant information of the candidate first device includes one or more of the following: the device identifier of the candidate first device, the location of the candidate first device, and the sensing capability of the candidate first device; The relevant information of the candidate second device includes one or more of the following: the device identifier of the candidate second device, the location of the candidate second device, and the sensing capability of the candidate second device. A determination method for a communication system, the communication system including a first network element and a second network element, the method comprising: The second network element sends a first request message to the first network element, the first request message being used to request a sensing service; The first network element receives the first request information sent by the second network element; The first network element determines at least one of a first device, a second device, and a third device for the sensing service; the first device is used to transmit sensing signals, the second device is used to receive sensing signals, and the third device is used to process sensing data; the first network element sends at least one of a first message, a second message, and a third message to the second network element; the first message indicates that the first device transmits the sensing signals, the second message indicates that the second device receives the sensing signals, and the third message indicates that the third device processes the sensing data. The second network element receives at least one of the first information, the second information, and the third information sent by the first network element. A first network element, characterized in that, include: The transceiver module is used to receive a first request information sent by the second network element, wherein the first request information is used to request a sensing service; The processing module is configured to determine at least one of a first device, a second device, and a third device for the sensing service; the first device is configured to transmit a sensing signal, the second device is configured to receive the sensing signal, and the third device is configured to process sensing data; the transceiver module is further configured to transmit at least one of a first information, a second information, and a third information to the second network element; the first information indicates that the first device transmits the sensing signal, the second information indicates that the second device receives the sensing signal, and the third information indicates that the third device processes the sensing data. A second network element, characterized in that, include: The transceiver module is used to send a first request message to the first network element, wherein the first request message is used to request the sensing service; The transceiver module is further configured to receive at least one of the first information, the second information, and the third information sent by the first network element; the first information indicates that a sensing signal is sent by a first device, the second information indicates that a sensing signal is received by a second device, and the third information indicates that sensing data is processed by a third device. A first network element, characterized in that, include: One or more processors; wherein the first network element is configured to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 18. A second network element, characterized in that, include: One or more processors; wherein the second network element is used to perform the method of any one of claims 19 to 21. A communication system, characterized in that, It includes a first network element and a second network element, wherein the first network element is configured to implement the method of any one of claims 1 to 18, and the second network element is configured to implement the method of any one of claims 19 to 21. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that, When the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device performs the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18 or claims 19 to 21. A program product, characterized in that, It includes a computer program that, when executed by a communication device, implements the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 18 or 19 to 21.

Images