Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

The application relates to a communication method and a communication device, and relates to the technical field of communication. The method is applied to a first network element, the first network element is used for managing N second network elements, the second network elements are used for processing sensing data, wherein N>=2, N is an integer, the method comprises the following steps: determining sensing areas of a plurality of network devices, the sensing areas comprise N sensing sub-areas, one second network element manages one sensing sub-area, each sensing sub-area comprises an area covered by a plurality of network devices, the distance between the network devices in each sensing sub-area is less than or equal to a first threshold value, and first indication information is sent to the first network device, the first indication information is used for instructing the first network device to perform a sensing task on a first mobile target. In the method, the distance between the network devices is considered when the first network element allocates the network devices to the second network elements, so that the length of a trajectory boundary line combined between the second network elements is shortened, and the network load during the trajectory combination is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, specifically to a communication method and a communication device. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of network technology, sensing base stations can use radar technology to detect, locate, identify, and image multiple moving targets within their coverage area. When a moving target switches from one base station to another, it is difficult to accurately describe the target's complete trajectory based on data from a single base station. In this case, the sensing data processing network element merges the trajectories from multiple base stations to obtain a more continuous and complete trajectory.

[0003] However, since the number of base stations managed by the sensing data processing network element is limited, there are boundaries between sensing data processing network elements. Therefore, the merging of trajectories reported by multiple base stations by the sensing data processing network element includes merging trajectories within the sensing data processing network element as well as merging trajectories at the boundaries of the sensing data processing network element.

[0004] In related technologies, due to the unreasonable allocation of network equipment to sensing data processing network elements, the number of merged areas within the sensing data processing network element is large, the distribution is scattered, and the range of each individual area is small; the boundary lines of the merged trajectories between sensing data processing network elements are long, resulting in a large amount of data on the trajectories to be merged between sensing data processing network elements and a high network load. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and a communication device, which can reasonably allocate network equipment to sensing data processing network elements.

[0006] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, which is applied to a first network element that manages N second network elements and processes sensing data, wherein N ≥ 2 and N is an integer. The method includes: determining a sensing area of ​​multiple network devices, wherein the sensing area includes N sensing sub-areas, one second network element manages one sensing sub-area, each sensing sub-area includes an area covered by multiple network devices, the distance between network devices in each sensing sub-area is less than or equal to a first threshold, and sending first indication information to the first network device, wherein the first indication information is used to instruct the first network device to perform a sensing task on a first moving target, and the first network device is any one of the multiple network devices.

[0007] For example, the communication method can be implemented by a first network element, or by modules, units, processors, circuits, chips, or chip systems included in the first network element. Optionally, the first network element can be a sensing control function (SCF) network element.

[0008] The method provided in this application divides the sensing area covered by multiple network devices into N sensing sub-regions by a first network element. Each sensing sub-region is managed by a second network element, and the distance between network devices in each sensing sub-region is less than or equal to a first threshold. This avoids the problems of a large number of regions managed by the second network element, scattered distribution, and small size of individual regions. In this method, when the first network element allocates network devices to the second network element, it considers not only load balancing but also the distance between network devices, thereby shortening the length of the boundary line of the merging trajectory between the second network elements and reducing the network load during trajectory merging.

[0009] For example, the second network element can be a sensing data processing (SPF) network element.

[0010] In some embodiments, determining the sensing area of ​​a plurality of network devices includes: receiving first information sent by the plurality of network devices respectively, the first information being used to indicate the sensing area of ​​the network devices, and determining the sensing area of ​​the plurality of network devices based on the first information.

[0011] It should be understood that multiple network devices send the first information to the first network element respectively.

[0012] In this embodiment of the application, the first network element can determine the sensing area of ​​the multiple network devices by receiving first information sent by the multiple network devices respectively.

[0013] Optionally, the first information may be the grid information of the network device, and the first network element can determine the sensing area of ​​the network device based on the grid corresponding to the network device.

[0014] In some embodiments, the multiple network devices included in the N sensing sub-regions include M network device groups, where M≥2, M is an integer, each sensing sub-region includes a boundary region managed by the second network element and a non-boundary region managed by the second network element, and the above method further includes: determining M based on the boundary region managed by the second network element and the non-boundary region managed by the second network element.

[0015] In some embodiments, M satisfies the following formula:

[0016] M = 1 / R

[0017] Wherein, M represents the number of network device groups, and R represents the ratio of the boundary area managed by the second network element to the non-boundary area managed by the second network element.

[0018] In this embodiment, the first network element can divide multiple network devices into M network device groups based on the boundary area managed by the second network element and the non-boundary area managed by the second network element, so that the total area of ​​the boundary areas managed by the second network elements is equal to the area of ​​the sensing area covered by one network device. That is, the load capacity of the boundary areas between the second network elements is equivalent to the load capacity of one network device. Thus, the first network element can deploy a virtual node on the second network element to process the trajectory data of the boundary areas between the second network elements.

[0019] In some embodiments, the method further includes: determining the width of the boundary region managed by the second network element based on the speed at which the first moving target moves in the sensing sub-region and the length of time it moves in the boundary region.

[0020] It should be understood that the length of time the first moving target moves in the boundary region is related to the algorithm used when merging trajectories.

[0021] In some embodiments, the method further includes: using a clustering algorithm to divide the plurality of network devices into M network device groups.

[0022] In this embodiment of the application, clustering algorithms can be used to group network devices that are close to each other together, thus avoiding the scattered distribution of network devices managed by the second network element.

[0023] In some embodiments, the above method further includes: determining the network device group managed by each second network element according to the load weights corresponding to the N second network elements, and the first node being managed by the i-th second network element, where 1≤i≤N, i is an integer, the i-th second network element is any one of the N-th second network elements, and the first node is used to merge the trajectories of the boundary areas managed by the second network elements.

[0024] It should be understood that different second network elements may have the same or different load weights.

[0025] In this embodiment, multiple network device groups and the first node are allocated to the second network elements by using the load weights corresponding to the N second network elements to achieve load balancing.

[0026] In a second aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising a first network element and a second network element. The second network element is used to process sensing data. One second network element manages a sensing sub-region. Each sensing sub-region includes an area covered by multiple network devices. The distance between the network devices in each sensing sub-region is less than a first threshold. The first network element is used to execute the methods in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0027] In some embodiments, the communication system further includes an application function network element, which is used to send a sensing task to the first network element.

[0028] It should be understood that the perception task corresponds to the perception area, or in other words, the first perception task includes the perception area that needs to be perceived.

[0029] In some embodiments, the aforementioned application function network element is further configured to receive trajectory merging data of the first mobile target within the sensing sub-area, the trajectory merging data including trajectory merging data of the first mobile target in the boundary area managed by the second network element and trajectory merging data of the first mobile target in the non-boundary area managed by the second network element.

[0030] It should be understood that the second network element merges the trajectory data reported by multiple network devices in the corresponding sensing sub-area, and then sends the merged data to the application function network element.

[0031] In some embodiments, the communication system further includes at least one network device, which is configured to send first information to the first network element, the first information being used to indicate the sensing area of ​​the network device.

[0032] In some embodiments, at least one network device is further configured to send sensing trajectory data to the second network element respectively.

[0033] Thirdly, a communication device is provided, comprising: modules (e.g., processing modules and communication modules) for performing the steps of the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0034] Fourthly, a communication device is provided, the device including at least one processor, the at least one processor being configured to execute the method of the first aspect above or any possible implementation thereof.

[0035] In one possible implementation, the communication device may further include a memory storing a computer program, and at least one processor executes the method of the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof by executing the computer program stored in the memory.

[0036] In one possible implementation, at least one processor executes the method of the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof via logic circuits or processing circuits.

[0037] In one possible implementation, the communication device may further include an interface circuit for performing specific signal transmission and reception. For example, the communication device may be a first network element, a component (chip, chip system, or processor) within the first network element, or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal functions.

[0038] Fifthly, a computer program product is provided, comprising a computer program that, when executed by a processor, performs the methods of the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0039] In a sixth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, wherein a computer program is stored therein, which, when executed, performs the method of the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0040] In a seventh aspect, a chip is provided, comprising: a processor for calling and running a computer program from a memory, causing a communication device on which the chip is installed to perform a method for performing the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0041] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a communication system architecture applicable to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0042] Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating an example of trajectory merging between base stations is shown.

[0043] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of multi-SPF sensing trajectory reporting is shown.

[0044] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of SPF merging two trajectories is shown.

[0045] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of trajectory merging across SPFs in related technologies is shown.

[0046] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a communication system is shown.

[0047] Figure 7 A schematic interactive diagram of an example communication method provided in an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0048] Figure 8A schematic interactive diagram of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0049] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of multiple network device groups is shown.

[0050] Figure 10 A schematic diagram illustrating an example of a group of M network devices and a first node assigned to a second network element is shown.

[0051] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of an example of trajectory data reporting is shown.

[0052] Figure 12 This diagram illustrates an example of how, during the expansion of a second network element, the first network element reallocates multiple network device groups and the first node.

[0053] Figure 13 A schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0054] Figure 14 A schematic block diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0055] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0056] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " indicates that the objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can represent A or B. "And / or" in the embodiments of this application is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" refers to two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple. Additionally, to facilitate a clear description of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used in the embodiments of this application to distinguish identical or similar items with essentially the same function and effect. Those skilled in the art will understand that the words "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or the order of execution, and that the words "first" and "second" do not necessarily imply that they are different.

[0057] In the various method embodiments of this application, the order of the sequence numbers does not imply the order of execution. The execution order should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0058] It is understood that in the embodiments of this application, descriptions such as "under the circumstances," "if," "when," and "if..." can be used interchangeably. Furthermore, these descriptions all refer to the corresponding processing that will be carried out under certain objective circumstances, and are not limited to a specific time, nor do they require any judgment action during implementation, nor do they imply any other limitations.

[0059] It is understood that some optional features in the embodiments of this application can be implemented independently in certain scenarios without relying on other features, such as the current solution on which they are based, to solve the corresponding technical problems and achieve the corresponding effects. Alternatively, they can be combined with other features as needed in certain scenarios. Correspondingly, the apparatus given in the embodiments of this application can also implement these features or functions, which will not be elaborated here.

[0060] In the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified, the same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. In the various embodiments of this application, and in the various implementation methods / methods / implementations within each embodiment, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terminology and / or descriptions between different embodiments and between the various implementation methods / methods / implementations within each embodiment are consistent and can be mutually referenced. The technical features in different embodiments and the various implementation methods / methods / implementations within each embodiment can be combined according to their inherent logical relationships to form new embodiments, implementation methods, methods, or implementation approaches. The embodiments of this application described below do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application.

[0061] To facilitate understanding of this application, some of the technical terms involved in this application are explained below.

[0062] Sensing base station: A base station with sensing functions such as radar detection.

[0063] Target trajectory: Simply put, this is data calculated by the sensing base station based on radar data and reported to the sensing control surface. The data consists of a collection of trajectory points of the same target at consecutive moments. The trajectory point information includes target ID, target type, timestamp, and three-dimensional coordinates.

[0064] Point cloud data: This is data calculated by the sensing base station based on radar data and reported to the sensing control surface. The data consists of a collection of surface points of the scene, targets, etc., detected by the radar at the same time. Point information includes parameters such as timestamp, 3D coordinates, and reflection intensity.

[0065] Trajectory merging: At base stations that independently identify targets, different target IDs may be assigned to the same object in the real world, or the trajectory descriptions of the same object may be missing or overlapping. The process of associating target IDs, filling in missing trajectories, and deleting redundant trajectories is called trajectory merging.

[0066] Data plane reporting tunnel: This is the channel through which the sensing base station reports trajectory data or point cloud data to the sensing control plane function. The interface through which the sensing base station uploads data to the sensing plane function uses the tunnel concept from the GTPU protocol of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).

[0067] With technological advancements, communication systems are considering incorporating sensing technology, which integrates communication and sensing. The 3GPP Services and Systems Aspects (SA) 1 project on Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) has been approved. The communication system plans to add network elements with sensing data processing capabilities (e.g., sensing processing function (SPF) network elements) and network elements with sensing control capabilities (e.g., sensing control function (SCF) network elements) to support the implementation of sensing technology. A possible communication system architecture is as follows: Figure 1 As shown. Figure 1 The network architecture shown may include terminal equipment, radio access network (RAN) equipment, and core network elements.

[0068] The terminal device in this application embodiment can also be referred to as user equipment (UE), access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless core network element, user agent, user device, or terminal device. The terminal device in this application embodiment can be a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to a user, and can be used to connect people, objects, and machines, such as handheld devices with wireless connectivity, vehicle-mounted devices, etc. The terminal devices in the embodiments of this application can be mobile phones, tablets, laptops, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, etc. Optionally, the terminal device can be used to act as a base station. For example, the terminal device can act as a dispatching entity, providing sidelink signals between terminal devices in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) or device-to-device (D2D) communications. For example, cellular phones and cars communicate with each other using sidelink signals. Cellular phones and smart home devices communicate without relaying communication signals through base stations.

[0069] Access network equipment refers to devices that terminals access wirelessly within this network architecture. They are primarily responsible for air interface-side radio resource management, Quality of Service (QoS) management, data compression, and encryption. Access network equipment can also be called radio access network (RAN) equipment, such as base stations. A base station can broadly encompass, or be replaced by, various names including: NodeB, evolved NodeB (eNB), next-generation NodeB (gNB), relay station, access point, transmitting and receiving point (TRP), transmitting point (TP), master eNB (MeNB), secondary eNB (SeNB), multi-standard radio (MSR) node, home base station, network controller, access node, wireless node, access point (AP), transmission node, transceiver node, baseband unit (BBU), remote radio unit (RRU), active antenna unit (AAU), remote radio head (RRH), central unit (CU), distributed unit (DU), positioning node, etc. A base station can be a macro base station, micro base station, relay node, donor node, or similar entities, or combinations thereof. A base station can also refer to a communication module, modem, or chip installed within the aforementioned equipment or apparatus. A base station can also be a mobile switching center, a device that performs base station functions in D2D, V2X, and machine-to-machine (M2M) communications, or a device that performs base station functions in future communication systems. Base stations can support networks using the same or different access technologies. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technologies or device forms used in the access network equipment.

[0070] Base stations can be fixed or mobile. For example, a helicopter or drone can be configured to act as a mobile base station, and one or more cells can move depending on the location of the mobile base station. In other examples, a helicopter or drone can be configured as a device to communicate with another base station.

[0071] In some deployments, the access network device in this application embodiment may refer to a CU or a DU, or the access network device may include both a CU and a DU. The gNB may also include an AAU.

[0072] Core network elements may include user plane function (UPF) elements, access and mobility management function (AMF) elements, session management function (SMF) elements, policy control function (PCF) elements, network slice selection function (NSSF) elements, authentication server function (AUSF) elements, unified data management (UDM) elements, NEF elements, NRF elements, network slice-specific authentication and authorization function (NSSAAF) elements, network slice admission control function (NSACF) elements, edge application server discovery function (EASDF) elements, service communication proxy (SCP) elements, charging function (CHF) elements, and location management function (LMF) elements. Among them, the UPF network element is mainly responsible for the transmission of user data, while other network elements can be called control plane function network elements, which are mainly responsible for authentication, authorization, registration management, session management, mobility management and policy control, so as to ensure reliable and stable transmission of user data.

[0073] UPF network elements can be used to forward and receive data from terminals. For example, a UPF network element can receive service data from the data network and transmit it to the terminal through access network equipment; a UPF network element can also receive user data from the terminal through access network equipment and forward it to the data network. The transmission resources allocated and scheduled by the UPF network element for the terminal are managed and controlled by the SMF network element. The bearer between the terminal and the UPF network element can include: the user plane connection between the UPF network element and the access network equipment, and the establishment of a channel between the access network equipment and the terminal. The user plane connection is where a QoS flow (transmission flow) for data transmission can be established between the UPF network element and the access network equipment.

[0074] AMF network elements can be used to manage terminal access to the core network, such as terminal location updates, network registration, access control, terminal mobility management, and terminal attachment and detachment. When providing services for a terminal's session, AMF network elements can also provide control plane storage resources for that session to store session identifiers and the associated SMF network element identifiers.

[0075] SMF network elements can be used to select user plane network elements for terminals, redirect user plane network elements for terminals, assign Internet Protocol (IP) addresses to terminals, establish bearers (also known as sessions) between terminals and UPF network elements, modify and release sessions, and perform QoS control.

[0076] PCF network elements are used to provide policies to AMF and SMF network elements, such as QoS policies and slice selection policies.

[0077] The NSSF network element is used for network slice selection and supports the following functions: selecting the set of network slice instance examples to serve the terminal device; determining the allowed network slice selection assistance information (NSSAI), and, when necessary, determining the mapping to the subscribed single-network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI); determining the configured NSSAI, and, when necessary, determining the mapping to the subscribed S-NSSAI; determining the AMF set that may be used to query the terminal device, or determining a list of candidate AMF network elements based on the configuration.

[0078] The AUSF network element is used to receive requests from the AMF network element to authenticate the terminal. It requests a key from the UDM network element and then forwards the issued key to the AMF network element for authentication processing.

[0079] UDM network elements include functions such as generating and storing user subscription data and managing authentication data, and support interaction with external third-party servers.

[0080] NEF network elements are used for capability exposure, meaning that network capabilities can be exported to external networks based on NEF network elements. External untrusted applications can access core network data through NEF network elements to ensure network security. NEF network elements can provide functions such as external application QoS capability exposure, event subscription, and application function (AF) network element request distribution.

[0081] NRF network elements are used for core network element registration, management, and status detection, thereby achieving automated management of core network elements. When a core network element starts up, it must register with the NRF network element before it can provide services. Registration information may include, for example, the core network element's type, address, and service list.

[0082] CHF network elements can be used to generate call detail records (CDRs) and provide the quotas needed for online billing to SMF network elements.

[0083] LMF network elements can include the following functions: supporting the location determination of terminal devices; obtaining downlink location measurement or location estimation from terminal devices; obtaining uplink location measurement; and obtaining auxiliary data related to non-terminal devices.

[0084] Figure 1 The network architecture shown may also include AF network elements and data network (DN) network elements.

[0085] AF network elements can be used to interact with 3GPP core network elements to support the routing of application-affected data, access network exposure functions, and interact with PCF network elements for policy control, etc.

[0086] DN network elements can provide data services to users for networks such as IP Multimedia Service (IMS) networks and the Internet. A DN network element can contain various application servers (AS) that provide different application services, such as carrier services, Internet access, or third-party services. The AS can implement the functions of the AF network element.

[0087] As mentioned earlier, in order to support the realization of synesthesia technology, Figure 1The network architecture shown may also include sensing data processing function network elements and sensing control plane function network elements. The sensing data processing function network elements are responsible for collecting trajectory data reported by network devices and merging trajectories across multiple network devices. The sensing control plane function network elements provide network policy rules, which can be used to control the behavior of the SPF in collecting trajectory data.

[0088] It should be understood that the above-mentioned network elements in the core network can also be referred to as functional entities, and this application does not limit this. For example, a UPF network element can also be referred to as a UPF entity, and an AMF network element can also be referred to as an AMF entity, etc.

[0089] It should also be understood that in some embodiments, the functional entity or network element can be simply referred to as xx. For example, a UPF entity (or UPF network element) can be simply referred to as UPF, and an AMF entity (or AMF network element) can be simply referred to as AMF. For ease of description, the xx (such as UPF, AMF, etc.) mentioned in the embodiments of this application can refer to the xx entity or xx network element, which will not be repeated hereafter.

[0090] Figure 1 Each network element can be a network component in a hardware device, a software function running on dedicated hardware, or a virtualized function implemented on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). It should be noted that the embodiments of this application are not limited to the system architecture described above and can also be applied to other future communication system architectures. Furthermore, the names of the various network elements used in the embodiments of this application may remain functionally the same in future communication systems, but their names may change.

[0091] In communication networks, the movement path of a mobile target is tracked or reconstructed by analyzing the connection records between the mobile target and different base stations. When a mobile target quickly switches from one base station to another in a short period of time, it is difficult to accurately describe the complete movement trajectory based on the data of a single base station. In this case, it is necessary to reasonably splice and fuse the trajectory data from multiple base stations to obtain a more continuous and smooth movement trajectory route.

[0092] It should be understood that the moving targets mentioned in this application may refer to passive targets such as pedestrians, vehicles, ships, aircraft or drones, or the passive targets may also include other movable targets. This application does not specifically limit the scope of such targets.

[0093] For example, Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating an example of trajectory merging between base stations is shown, such as... Figure 2As shown, in the sensing network, there are base stations 1 and 2. After acquiring the movement trajectories of multiple mobile targets, base stations 1 and 2 report the multiple trajectory data to the SPF network element. The SPF network element is responsible for processing the trajectory data reported by sensing base stations 1 and 2 and performing trajectory merging processing between multiple base stations.

[0094] The trajectory merging between multiple base stations includes: a. associating with target identity (ID); b. deduplicating overlapping trajectories; and c. completing interrupted trajectories.

[0095] It should be understood that the base station mentioned in this application is a sensing base station, and unless otherwise specified, the base station and sensing base station can be used interchangeably.

[0096] Specifically, in Figure 2 In the example shown, target ID association means that if the trajectory merging algorithm identifies the original target ID3 and target ID1 trajectories as the same target, then the trajectories are merged, and target ID3 is changed to target ID1; similarly, if the trajectory merging algorithm identifies target ID4 and target ID2 trajectories as the same target, then the trajectories are merged, and target ID4 is changed to target ID2. Overlapping trajectory deduplication means that if redundant trajectories are identified between target ID2 and target ID4, intelligent deduplication is performed. Interrupted trajectory completion means that if a missing trajectory is identified between target ID1 and target ID3, the missing trajectory is intelligently completed.

[0097] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of multi-SPF sensing trajectory reporting is shown, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the AF sends a sensing task to the SCF. The SCF manages multiple SPFs (e.g., SPF1 and SPF2). Each SPF is responsible for processing sensing trajectories reported by multiple sensing base stations. Each sensing base station performs the sensing task and sends the sensing trajectory to the SPF. The SPF then sends the processed sensing trajectory back to the AF. Since each SPF manages a limited number of base stations, a moving target may move within an SPF or between SPFs. For example, a moving target may move within SPF1, within SPF2, or between SPF1 and SPF2. That is, the moving target's trajectory includes sensing trajectories within SPFs and sensing trajectories between SPFs.

[0098] Figure 4 This illustrates a scenario where SPF merges two trajectories, as shown in the diagram. Figure 4As shown, each hexagon represents the sensing range of a base station. The sensing ranges corresponding to base stations 1, 2, and 3 belong to the sensing range managed by SPF1, while the sensing ranges corresponding to base stations 4 and 5 belong to the sensing range managed by SPF2. If a moving target moves between base stations 1, 2, and 3 managed by SPF1, the sensing trajectories reported by base stations 1, 2, and 3 can be merged within SPF1. However, the number of base stations managed by an SPF is limited, and there will be boundaries. For example, if the moving target moves between base stations 3 and 4, the sensing trajectories reported by base stations 3 and 4 need to be merged across SPFs.

[0099] When multiple sensing base stations need to report sensing trajectories, the SCF selects a suitable SPF for each base station according to load balancing, so that the multiple sensing base stations can be evenly allocated to the SPF. If the trajectories between SPFs need to be merged, the trajectory data near the SPF boundary needs to be reported to the central node.

[0100] For example, Figure 5 The diagram illustrates trajectory merging across SPFs in related technologies. Blank hexagons represent the sensing ranges of multiple base stations managed by SPF1, while shaded hexagons represent the sensing ranges of multiple base stations managed by SPF2. The diagram shows a boundary between the sensing ranges of the base stations managed by SPF1 and SPF2. The SPF needs to report trajectories near the boundary areas managed by the SPFs to a dedicated centralized node for trajectory merging, such as a secondary SPF or SCF.

[0101] Furthermore, from Figure 5 It can be seen that the data to be merged within an SPF is extensive, scattered, and small in size, while the boundaries for merging between SPFs are long and the sensing areas overlap. This results in a large amount of data on trajectories to be merged between SPFs, leading to high network load. Furthermore, if trajectory merging between primary SPFs is performed by a special centralized SPF, i.e., a secondary SPF, it places higher demands on SPF deployment, requiring the deployment of additional secondary SPFs in addition to the original primary SPFs, increasing network complexity. If trajectory merging between SPFs is performed by an SCF, the trajectory data uploaded by the sensing base station needs to be exposed to the SCF, compromising the privacy of the trajectory data and incurring additional performance overhead for the SCF. The merged trajectory needs to be uploaded to the AF, which necessitates the addition of a data reporting link between the SCF and the AF, or the SCF needs to send the merged trajectory back to the SPF before sending it to the AF, further increasing network complexity.

[0102] In summary, the relevant technologies only consider load balancing when merging trajectories across SPFs. In this case, there may be problems such as a large amount of regional data to be merged within an SPF, which is scattered in distribution, and a large amount of trajectory data to be merged between SPFs, which consumes more network transmission overhead.

[0103] In view of this, this application provides a communication method, which includes: a first network element (a sensing control function network element) determining a sensing area of ​​multiple network devices, the sensing area including N sensing sub-areas; a second network element (a sensing data processing network element) managing a sensing sub-area; each sensing sub-area including an area covered by multiple network devices; the distance between network devices in each sensing sub-area being less than or equal to a first threshold; and sending first indication information to the first network device, the first indication information being used to instruct the first network device to perform a sensing task on a first moving target; the first network device being any one of the multiple network devices. This method considers the distance between network devices when allocating network devices to the second network element, thereby solving the problem of large network transmission load caused by only considering load balancing for trajectory merging in related technologies.

[0104] Before introducing the communication method provided in this application, we will first introduce the communication system to which this communication method is applicable.

[0105] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of an example communication system is shown, such as Figure 6 As shown, the communication system includes a first network element (e.g., a sensing control function network element) and a second network element (e.g., a sensing data processing function network element). Optionally, the communication system also includes a sensing base station and an AF network element.

[0106] Among them, NS2 is the interface between the first network element and the sensing base station, NS3 is the interface between the sensing base station and the second network element, NS4 is the interface between the first network element and the second network element, NS6 is the interface between the second network element and the AF network element, and NS10 is the interface between the first network element and the AF network element.

[0107] In some embodiments, the first network element is used to provide functions such as sensing capability management and sensing task management.

[0108] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, the first network element manages N second network elements. The first network element is also used to determine the sensing area of ​​multiple sensing base stations, divide the sensing area into N sensing sub-areas, each sensing sub-area corresponds to a second network element, and reasonably allocate network device groups and first nodes to the second network element that manages the sensing sub-area.

[0109] In some embodiments, the second network element is used to provide functions such as sensing data processing, trajectory merging, and result distribution and reporting to the AF.

[0110] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second network element is used to process the sensing data reported by the sensing base station. One second network element manages one sensing sub-region, and each sensing sub-region includes an area covered by multiple network devices. The distance between the network devices in each sensing sub-region is less than a first threshold. The second network element is used to merge the trajectories of the non-boundary areas managed by the second network element and send the trajectories of the boundary areas managed by the second network element to the first node.

[0111] In some embodiments, the sensing base station has both communication and sensing functions, or only sensing functions, and provides sensing data generation and reporting functions in formats such as target trajectory and point cloud data.

[0112] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the application, the sensing base station is used to send first information to the first network element, the first information being used to indicate the sensing area of ​​the network device.

[0113] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the application, the sensing base station is also used to send sensing trajectory data to the second network element respectively.

[0114] In some embodiments, the AF network element is used to send a sensing task to the first network element.

[0115] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the application, the AF network element is also used to receive trajectory merging data of the first moving target in the sensing sub-area. The trajectory merging data includes trajectory merging data of the first moving target in the boundary area managed by the second network element and trajectory merging data of the first moving target in the non-boundary area managed by the second network element.

[0116] The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below.

[0117] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 7 The method shown may involve, for example, the interaction between a first network element and a first network device.

[0118] It should be understood that the first network element can be, for example, an SCF network element, or a chip, processor or chip system that implements the SCF network element function, or a logical node, logical module or software that can implement all or part of the SCF network element function.

[0119] It should be understood that the first network device may be, for example, a sensing base station, or a chip, processor or chip system that implements the sensing base station function, or a logical node, logical module or software that can implement all or part of the sensing base station function.

[0120] The method provided in the embodiments of this application will now be described from the perspective of the interaction between the first network element and the first network device. Figure 7 The method shown may include steps S710 to S730.

[0121] S710. The first network element determines the sensing area of ​​multiple network devices. The sensing area includes N sensing sub-areas. A second network element manages one sensing sub-area. Each sensing sub-area includes the area covered by multiple network devices. The distance between network devices in each sensing sub-area is less than or equal to a first threshold.

[0122] In some embodiments, the first network element can determine the sensing area of ​​multiple network devices by sensing areas sent by multiple network devices respectively, and divide the sensing area of ​​multiple network devices into N sensing sub-regions, where N≥2 and N is an integer.

[0123] For example, multiple network devices can each send first information to the first network element, which is used to indicate the sensing area of ​​the network devices. Alternatively, one of the multiple network devices can send the sensing areas of multiple networks to the first network element; another example is that one device sends the sensing areas of multiple network devices to the first network element; yet another example is that the first network element has multiple sensing areas pre-configured.

[0124] It should be understood that the first network element can also determine the sensing area of ​​multiple network devices based on other methods. The specific implementation method of the first network element determining the sensing area of ​​multiple network devices is not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0125] In some embodiments, a first network element manages N second network elements, and a first network device divides the sensing areas of the multiple network devices into N sensing sub-regions, with each second network element managing one sensing sub-region. This avoids the situation where the sensing sub-regions managed by each second network element are alternated.

[0126] In some embodiments, the distance between network devices in each sensing sub-region is less than or equal to a first threshold. That is, in this embodiment, based on the sensing area of ​​the network devices, nearby network devices are divided into a sensing sub-region, thus avoiding the problem of multiple and scattered sensing areas managed by the second network element.

[0127] S720. The first network element sends a first instruction message to the first network device. The first instruction message is used to instruct the first network device to perform a sensing task on the first moving target. The first network device is any one of a plurality of network devices.

[0128] In some embodiments, a first network element receives a sensing task from an AF network element, the sensing task corresponding to a sensing area. The first network element sends first indication information to a first network device covering the sensing area based on the sensing area corresponding to the sensing task. This first indication information instructs the first network device to perform a sensing task on a first moving target.

[0129] It should be understood that the first network device is any one of a plurality of network devices. The first network device senses the movement trajectory of the first moving target within its coverage area.

[0130] The communication method provided in this application embodiment allocates a second network element to multiple network devices based on the geographical location of the sensing areas of multiple network devices by a first network element, thereby avoiding the problem in related technologies where multiple network devices are randomly allocated to a second network element, resulting in a large number of sensing areas managed by the second network element and a scattered distribution.

[0131] The following is combined with Figure 7 and Figure 8 The document provides a detailed explanation of how the first network element allocates multiple network devices to the second network element, taking into account the geographical location of the sensing area of ​​multiple network devices and load balancing.

[0132] Figure 8 A schematic interaction diagram illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. For example... Figure 8 As shown, Figure 8 The method shown may include steps S810 to S824.

[0133] S811. Multiple network devices send first information to the first network element, which is used to indicate the sensing area of ​​the network device.

[0134] The first network element in this application embodiment can refer to a network element with sensing and control functions. For example, the first network element can provide functions such as sensing capability management and sensing task management.

[0135] For example, the first network element can be an SCF network element. Of course, the first network element can also be other network elements that can achieve similar functions as described above. The name of the first network element is not specifically limited in this application embodiment.

[0136] In this embodiment of the application, each network device can report its own sensing area to the first network element, so that the first network element can obtain the sensing area of ​​each network device.

[0137] In one possible implementation, the sensing area can also be understood as a sensing geographic range, such as a geographic region or a neighborhood.

[0138] Optionally, when the sensing area is a certain geographical area or a certain cell, the first information may include grid information, which is used to indicate the geographical area or cell covered by the network device.

[0139] It should be noted that, in this embodiment of the application, multiple network devices with sensing capabilities send first information to the first network element.

[0140] Furthermore, network devices can determine the sensing areas of multiple network devices based on the first information sent by each network device.

[0141] It should be understood that, Figure 8 The example shown illustrates how the first network device among multiple network devices sends the first information. Other network devices sending the first information to the first network element are not shown.

[0142] S812, the first network element divides the sensing area of ​​multiple network devices according to the number of second network elements.

[0143] It should be understood that the first network element needs to allocate multiple network devices to the second network element so that the second network element can process the movement trajectories uploaded by the network devices.

[0144] The second network element in this application embodiment can refer to a network element with sensing data processing function. For example, the second network element can provide sensing data processing, trajectory merging, result distribution and reporting to AF, etc.

[0145] For example, the second network element can be an SPF network element. Of course, the second network element can also be other network elements that can achieve similar functions as described above. The embodiments of this application do not specifically limit the name of the second network element.

[0146] In some possible implementations, the first network element can divide the sensing area of ​​multiple network devices based on the number of second network elements.

[0147] It should be understood that the number of second network elements managed by the first network element can be pre-configured or discovered by the network. This application embodiment does not specifically limit the method by which the first network element determines the number of second network elements.

[0148] Specifically, the first network element can determine the sensing area of ​​multiple network devices based on the sensing area of ​​multiple network devices and the number N of the second network element.

[0149] For example, assuming there are two second network elements, the sensing areas reported by multiple network devices are divided into two parts.

[0150] S813. The first network element determines the number M of network device groups based on the boundary area managed by the second network element and the non-boundary area managed by the second network element, where M≥2 and M is an integer.

[0151] In some embodiments, the first network element determines the ratio of the boundary area and the non-boundary area of ​​the second network element based on the width of the boundary area managed by the second network element.

[0152] Optionally, the width of the boundary region of the second network element can be determined based on the speed at which the first moving target moves in the sensing sub-region and the length of time it moves in the boundary region.

[0153] Furthermore, the speed at which the first moving target moves can be the maximum horizontal flight speed, or it can be the average horizontal flight speed. This application embodiment does not specifically limit the value of the speed at which the first moving target moves.

[0154] It should be noted that the time taken for the first moving target to move in the boundary region is related to the trajectory merging algorithm used by the second network element. That is, the time taken for the first moving target to move in the boundary region will be different when the trajectory merging algorithm used by the second network element is different.

[0155] For example, if the first moving target is a drone, the drone's maximum horizontal flight speed is 30 meters per second, and the drone's movement time in the boundary area is 2 seconds, then the width of the boundary area of ​​the second network element is an area no greater than 60 meters.

[0156] In some possible implementations, the first network element can determine the width of the boundary region of the second network element based on the speed at which the first moving target moves in the sensing sub-region and the length of time it moves in the boundary region.

[0157] In this embodiment of the application, in order to merge the trajectories between the second network elements, the first network element can allocate a first node to the second network element. The first node is used to merge the movement trajectories of the first moving target between the second network elements.

[0158] Furthermore, in order for the first network element to allocate network device groups and the first node as load balancing units to the second network element, the area of ​​the boundary region managed by the second network element can be equal to the area of ​​a network device group.

[0159] It should be understood that the area of ​​the boundary region managed by the second network element and the area of ​​a network device group can be equal. This can be understood as the overhead required to perform trajectory merging on the boundary region managed by the second network element being equal to the overhead required to perform trajectory merging on a network device group in the non-boundary region managed by the second network element.

[0160] In some embodiments of this application, the area of ​​the boundary region managed by the second network element can be calculated based on the width of the boundary region managed by the second network element.

[0161] For example, the first network element divides the sensing areas of multiple network devices into N parts. The length of the boundary between the N parts is multiplied by the width of the boundary area managed by the second network element to obtain the area of ​​the boundary area managed by the second network element. The total area of ​​the areas managed by the second network element minus the area of ​​the boundary area managed by the second network element is the area of ​​the non-boundary area managed by the second network element.

[0162] It should be understood that the boundary area of ​​the second network element management mentioned in the embodiments of this application refers to the boundary area of ​​all second network elements management, and the non-boundary area of ​​the second network element management refers to the non-boundary area of ​​all second network elements management.

[0163] It should also be understood that the area managed by the first network element includes the boundary areas managed by all second network elements and the non-boundary areas managed by all second network elements.

[0164] Furthermore, the number M of network device groups is determined based on the boundary area managed by the second network element and the non-boundary area managed by the second network element.

[0165] Optionally, the number of network device groups may satisfy the following formula:

[0166] M = 1 / R

[0167] Where M represents the number of network device groups, and R represents the area of ​​the boundary region and the area of ​​the non-boundary region of the second network element.

[0168] For example: R = 1 / 20, then M = 1 / (1 / 20) = 20.

[0169] S814, the first network element divides multiple network devices into M network device groups based on the number of network device groups.

[0170] It should be understood that the first network element receives sensing areas reported by multiple network devices. However, these sensing areas are generally quite dispersed. To shorten the length of the boundary area managed by the second network element and reduce the complexity of merging the trajectories at the boundary area, the first network element aggregates the multiple network devices into M network device groups based on their proximity.

[0171] Optionally, in this embodiment of the application, the first network element may use a clustering algorithm to group multiple network devices, and the number of groups is determined according to the number of network device groups.

[0172] For example, when the calculated data M for the network device group is 6, then all network devices are divided into 6 groups.

[0173] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of multiple network device groups is shown, such as... Figure 9As shown, the multiple network devices are aggregated into 6 base station groups based on their proximity. This grouping method includes the following steps:

[0174] Step 1: The first network element plots the location of all network devices or the centroid of the sensing area of ​​the network devices on the map, and randomly divides all network devices into 6 sub-regions.

[0175] Step 2: Randomly place six cluster centers on the map. For ease of description, we will call the six cluster centers a, b, c, d, e, and f.

[0176] Step 3: Calculate the distance from each network device to the six cluster centers. Add the network device closer to 'a' to group 'a', the network device closer to 'b' to group 'b', and so on, grouping multiple network devices.

[0177] Step 4: Calculate the centroid based on the location of the network devices in each group. The location of the centroid is the location of the new cluster center.

[0178] Step 5: Repeat Step 3, that is, regroup the network devices according to their distances to a, b, c, d, e, and f.

[0179] It should be noted that the recalculated cluster centers are the network device groups corresponding to each network device, which means that multiple network devices have been grouped. In order to obtain the optimal grouping method, clustering algorithms can be used for further calculation.

[0180] Step 6: Recalculate the cluster center position of each network device group based on the location of the network devices in each group.

[0181] Step 7: Iterate through the above steps multiple times until the change in cluster center is less than or equal to the first threshold, triggering the termination condition. This completes the grouping of multiple network devices, which are then divided into 6 network device groups.

[0182] It should be understood that the distance between each of the multiple network devices is less than or equal to the first threshold.

[0183] It should be noted that the first threshold can be set according to specific circumstances, and this application embodiment does not impose specific limitations on it.

[0184] S815. The first network element determines the network device group managed by each second network element according to the load weights corresponding to the N second network elements, and the first node is managed by the i-th second network element, where 1≤i≤N and i is an integer.

[0185] In this embodiment of the application, in order to merge the trajectories between the second network elements, the first network element can allocate a first node to the second network element. The first node is used to merge the movement trajectories of the first moving target between the second network elements.

[0186] Furthermore, in order to ensure load balancing, the first network element uses M base station groups and 1 first node as the unit of load balancing, and distributes the M base station groups and 1 first node to N second network elements according to the load weights corresponding to the N second network elements.

[0187] It should be understood that different second network elements may have the same or different load weights.

[0188] For example, when different second network elements have the same load weight, the first network element will distribute the M base station groups and one first node as load balancing units to the N second network elements on an average basis.

[0189] For example, when different second network elements have different load weights, the first network element uses M base station groups and one first node as the unit of load balancing to distribute them to N second network elements according to the load weights corresponding to the second network elements.

[0190] For example, when different second network elements have the same load weight, Figure 10 The diagram illustrates an example of a group of M network devices and a first node assigned to a second network element, as shown below. Figure 10 As shown, M=6, number of first nodes=1, N=2, then the 7 load balancing units are distributed to 2 second network elements, and 3 network device groups are allocated to each of the two second network elements. The first node is assigned to any one of the second network elements.

[0191] For example, when different second network elements have the same load weight, M=17, the number of first nodes=1, N=3, and the 18 load balancing units are evenly distributed to 3 second network elements, then two of the three second network elements will be allocated 6 network device groups, and the other second network element will be allocated 5 network device groups and one first node (not shown in the figure).

[0192] S816, the application function network element sends a sensing task to the first network element.

[0193] The application function network element sends a sensing task to the first network element, and the sensing task includes the sensing area. Correspondingly, the first network element receives the sensing task.

[0194] S817. The first network element sends a first instruction information to the first network device. The first instruction information is used to instruct the first network device to perform a sensing task on the first moving target. The first network device is any one of a plurality of network devices.

[0195] In this embodiment of the application, the first network element sends first instruction information to the first network device according to the sensing area in the sensing task.

[0196] It should be understood that the first network device is responsible for performing sensing tasks in the sensing area, and the first network device is any one of a plurality of network devices.

[0197] S818, The first network element establishes a data plane tunnel between the first network element, the second network element, and the first network device.

[0198] S819, the first network device sends the sensing data to the second network element.

[0199] It should be understood that, in the embodiments of this application, the sensing data specifically refers to the trajectory of the first moving target.

[0200] It should also be understood that the sensing data includes the trajectory of the boundary area managed by the second network element and the trajectory of the non-boundary area managed by the second network element.

[0201] S820, the second network element merges the trajectories of the non-boundary areas managed by the second network element.

[0202] S821, The second network element sends the trajectory of the boundary area managed by the second network element to the first node.

[0203] S822, the trajectory of the boundary area managed by the first node and the second network element.

[0204] In this embodiment, the second network element merges the trajectory points of the non-boundary areas it manages within the second network element, and reports the trajectory points of the boundary areas managed by the second network element to the first node, which then merges the trajectories of the boundary areas.

[0205] It should be understood that, Figure 8 In the example shown, a first node is assigned to the second network element. This first node is used to merge the trajectories of the boundary areas reported by N second network elements. That is, when no first node is assigned to a second network element, the second network element sends the trajectories of the boundary areas it manages to the first nodes on other second network elements (not shown in the figure).

[0206] S823, the second network element sends the trajectory of the merged non-boundary area managed by the second network element to the application function network element.

[0207] S824. The first node sends the trajectory of the merged boundary area managed by the second network element to the application function network element.

[0208] In some embodiments, each second network element merges the trajectory data of the non-boundary areas it manages and sends them to the application function network element respectively.

[0209] Furthermore, each second network element sends the trajectory data of its managed boundary area to the first node, and the first node merges the trajectory data between the second network elements and uploads it to the application function network element.

[0210] To facilitate understanding, we will use SPF as an example for the second network element. Figure 11 A schematic diagram of trajectory data reporting is shown, such as... Figure 10 As shown, SPF1 merges the trajectory data of the non-boundary areas it manages and uploads it to the application function network element, and sends the trajectory data of the boundary areas it manages to the first node. SPF2 merges the trajectory data of the non-boundary areas it manages and uploads it to the application function network element, and sends the trajectory data of the boundary areas it manages to the first node. After receiving the trajectory data of the boundary areas managed by SPF1 and SPF2, the first node performs trajectory merging across SPFs and sends the merged trajectory data to the application function network element.

[0211] In the method 800 provided in this application embodiment, the first network element allocates multiple network devices to the second network element based on the sensing area of ​​multiple network devices and the load weight of the second network element, so that the second network element can merge the trajectories of the first mobile target reported by multiple network devices moving in the non-boundary area managed by the second network element, and distributes a first node on the second network element. The first node can merge the trajectories of the first mobile target reported by multiple network devices moving in the boundary area managed by the second network element, so that there is no need to deploy a second network element for data processing or send data to the first network element for data processing.

[0212] In other embodiments of this application, when the second network element is expanded, reduced, or fails, it is necessary to rebalance the load on the second network element. In this case, the first network element can recalculate and allocate based on the above embodiments and notify the second network element to perform migration operations of multiple network device groups or the first node.

[0213] For example, taking the second network element as SPF, Figure 12 This diagram illustrates an example of how, during the expansion of a second network element, the first network element reallocates multiple network device groups and the first node. Figure 12 As shown, before the SPF expansion, SPF1 managed network device groups 1-6, SPF2 managed network device groups 7-12, and SPF3 managed network device groups 13-17, with the first node assigned to SPF3. This first node was used to merge the trajectory data of the boundary areas reported by SPF1, SPF2, and SPF3.

[0214] When the SPF is expanded to four, the network device groups will be reassigned to the SPFs based on the method described above. Specifically, after the SPF expansion, SPF1 will manage network device groups 1-5, SPF2 will manage network device groups 6-9, SPF3 will manage network device groups 14-17, and the first node will be assigned to SPF3. SPF4 will manage network device groups 10-13. This first node is used to merge the boundary area trajectory data reported by SPF1, SPF2, SPF3, and SPF4.

[0215] The method embodiments provided in this application have been described above. The apparatus embodiments provided in this application will be described below. It should be understood that the description of the apparatus embodiments corresponds to the description of the method embodiments. Therefore, any content not described in detail can be referred to the method embodiments above. For the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0216] Figure 13 This is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 13 As shown, the communication device 1300 may include a transceiver unit 1310 and a processing unit 1320. The transceiver unit 1310 can implement corresponding communication functions, and the processing unit 1320 is used for data processing. The transceiver unit 1310 may also be referred to as a communication interface or communication unit. Optionally, the device 1300 may further include a storage unit, which can be used to store instructions and / or data. The processing unit 1320 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage unit to enable the device to implement the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0217] In one possible design, the device 1300 can be a network element as described in the above method embodiments. For example, the device can be a first network element, or a chip, processor, or chip system that implements the functions of the first network element, or a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the first network element. The device 1300 can be used to execute the steps or processes performed by the first network element in any of the above method embodiments.

[0218] Specifically, the processing unit 1320 is used to determine the sensing area of ​​multiple network devices. The sensing area includes N sensing sub-areas, and a second network element manages one sensing sub-area. Each sensing sub-area includes an area covered by multiple network devices, and the distance between network devices in each sensing sub-area is less than or equal to a first threshold. The transceiver unit 1310 can be used to send first indication information to a first network device. The first indication information is used to instruct the first network device to perform a sensing task on a first moving target. The first network device is any one of the multiple network devices.

[0219] Optionally, the processing unit 1320 can also be used to determine the sensing area of ​​the plurality of network devices based on the first information.

[0220] Optionally, the processing unit 1320 can also be used to determine the M based on the area of ​​the boundary region managed by the second network element and the area of ​​the non-boundary region managed by the second network element.

[0221] Optionally, the processing unit 1320 can also be used to determine the width of the boundary region managed by the second network element based on the speed at which the first moving target moves in the sensing sub-region and the length of time it moves in the boundary region.

[0222] Optionally, the processing unit 1320 can also be used to divide the plurality of network devices into M network device groups using a clustering algorithm.

[0223] Optionally, the processing unit 1320 can also be used to determine the network device group managed by each second network element according to the load weights corresponding to the N second network elements, and the first node is managed by the i-th second network element, where 1≤i≤N, i is an integer, the i-th second network element is any one of the N-th second network elements, and the first node is used to merge the trajectories of the boundary areas managed by the second network elements.

[0224] It should be understood that the "unit" in device 1300 can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. For example, the "unit" can refer to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), electronic circuitry, a processor (e.g., a shared processor, a proprietary processor, or a group processor, etc.) and memory for executing one or more software or firmware programs, combined logic circuitry, and / or other suitable components supporting the described functions. As another example, transceiver unit 1310 can be replaced by transceiver circuitry (e.g., may include receiving and transmitting circuitry), and processing unit 1320 can be replaced by a processor or processing circuitry.

[0225] Figure 14 A schematic block diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. The communication device 1400 can be any of the above-mentioned network elements. For example, the communication device can be a first network element, or a chip, chip system, or processor within the first network element that implements the above-described method. This device can be used to implement the methods described in the above-described method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above-described method embodiments.

[0226] The communication device 1400 may include one or more processors 1410, which may also be referred to as processing units, and can implement certain control functions. The processor 1410 may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the central processing unit can be used to control the communication device, execute software programs, and process data from the software programs.

[0227] In an alternative design, the processor 1410 may also store instructions and / or data that can be executed by the processor 1410 to cause the communication device 1400 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments.

[0228] In another alternative design, the communication device 1400 may include a communication interface 1420 for implementing receiving and transmitting functions. For example, the communication interface 1420 may be a transceiver circuit, interface, interface circuit, or transceiver. The transceiver circuit, interface, interface circuit, or transceiver for implementing receiving and transmitting functions may be separate or integrated. The aforementioned transceiver circuit, interface, interface circuit, or transceiver may be used for reading and writing code / data, or it may be used for transmitting or relaying signals.

[0229] Optionally, the communication device 1400 may include one or more memories 1430, which may store instructions that can be executed on the processor 1410, causing the communication device 1400 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. Optionally, the memories 1430 may also store data. Optionally, the processor 1410 may also store instructions and / or data. The processor 1410 and the memories 1430 may be provided separately or integrated together.

[0230] It should be understood that, in one possible design, the steps in the method embodiments provided in this application can be implemented by integrated logic circuits in the processor's hardware or by instructions in software form. The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly implemented by a hardware processor, or implemented by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor. The software modules can reside in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. This storage medium is located in memory, and the processor reads information from the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above method. To avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are not provided here.

[0231] It should be noted that the processor in the embodiments of this application can be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. During implementation, each step of the above method embodiments can be completed by the integrated logic circuits in the processor's hardware or by instructions in software form. The processor can be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. It can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly embodied in the execution of a hardware decoding processor, or by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules can be located in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. This storage medium is located in memory; the processor reads information from the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above method.

[0232] It is understood that the memory in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. The volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory used in the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0233] This application also provides a computer program product, which includes computer program code. When the computer program code is run on a computer, it causes the computer to execute the various steps or processes executed by the device in any of the above method embodiments.

[0234] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing program code that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to execute the various steps or processes performed by the device in any of the above method embodiments.

[0235] This application also provides a communication device, including a processor and an interface, the interface being used to send and / or receive signals, causing the processor to execute the various steps or processes executed by the device in any of the above method embodiments.

[0236] The above-described device and method embodiments are completely corresponding, with corresponding modules or units performing corresponding steps. For example, a communication unit or communication interface performs the receiving or sending steps in the method embodiment, while other steps besides sending and receiving can be performed by a processing unit or processor.

[0237] In the embodiments of this application, the terms and English abbreviations are exemplary examples given for ease of description and should not be construed as limiting the application in any way. The embodiments of this application do not preclude the possibility of defining other terms that can achieve the same or similar functions in existing or future agreements.

[0238] As used in this specification, the terms "component," "module," "system," etc., are used to refer to computer-related entities, hardware, firmware, combinations of hardware and software, software, or software in execution. For example, a component can be, but is not limited to, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable file, an execution thread, a program, and / or a computer. As illustrated, applications running on computing devices and computing devices can both be components. One or more components may reside in a process and / or an execution thread, and components may be located on a single computer and / or distributed among two or more computers. Furthermore, these components can be executed from various computer-readable storage media on which various data structures are stored. Components can communicate, for example, via local and / or remote processes based on signals having one or more data packets (e.g., data from two components interacting with another component between a local system, a distributed system, and / or a network, such as the Internet interacting with other systems via signals).

[0239] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the various illustrative logical blocks and steps 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 implementations should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0240] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be based on the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0241] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0242] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0243] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0244] In the above embodiments, the functions of each functional unit can be implemented entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions (programs). When the computer program instructions (programs) are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center 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 that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media may be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., DVDs), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks (SSDs)).

[0245] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, or the parts that contribute to the prior art, or parts of the technical solutions, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0246] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application 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 application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a first network element, which manages N second network elements, and the second network elements process the sensed data, where N ≥ 2 and N is an integer. The method includes: Determine the sensing area of ​​multiple network devices, the sensing area includes N sensing sub-areas, one second network element manages one sensing sub-area, each sensing sub-area includes the area covered by multiple network devices, and the distance between network devices in each sensing sub-area is less than or equal to a first threshold. Send a first instruction message to a first network device, the first instruction message being used to instruct the first network device to perform a perception task on a first moving target, the first network device being any one of the plurality of network devices.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The N sensing sub-regions include multiple network devices comprising M network device groups, where M ≥ 2, and M is an integer. Each sensing sub-region includes a boundary region managed by the second network element and a non-boundary region managed by the second network element. The method further includes: The M is determined based on the area of ​​the boundary region managed by the second network element and the area of ​​the non-boundary region managed by the second network element.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The M satisfies the following formula: M = 1 / R Wherein, M represents the number of network device groups, and R represents the ratio of the boundary area managed by the second network element to the non-boundary area managed by the second network element.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: The width of the boundary region managed by the second network element is determined based on the speed at which the first moving target moves in the sensing sub-region and the length of time it moves in the boundary region.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The method further includes: The multiple network devices are divided into M network device groups using a clustering algorithm.

6. The method according to any one of claims 2-5, characterized in that, The method further includes: Based on the load weights corresponding to the N second network elements, the network device group managed by each second network element is determined, and the first node is managed by the i-th second network element, where 1≤i≤N, i is an integer, and the i-th second network element is any one of the N-th second network elements. The first node is used to merge the trajectories of the boundary areas managed by the second network elements.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The load weights of different second network elements may be the same or different.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The first network element is a sensing control plane functional network element and / or the second network element is a sensing data processing functional network element.

9. A communication system, characterized in that, The communication system includes a first network element and a second network element. The second network element is used to process the sensing data. One second network element manages one sensing sub-region. Each sensing sub-region includes an area covered by multiple network devices. The distance between the network devices in each sensing sub-region is less than a first threshold. The first network element is used to execute the method of any one of claims 1-8.

10. The system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The communication system further includes an application function network element, which is used to send a sensing task to the first network element.

11. The system according to claim 10, characterized in that, The application function network element is also used to receive trajectory merging data of the first moving target in the sensing sub-area. The trajectory merging data includes trajectory merging data of the first moving target in the boundary area managed by the second network element and trajectory merging data of the first moving target in the non-boundary area managed by the second network element.

12. The system according to any one of claims 9-11, characterized in that, The communication system further includes at least one network device, which is used to send first information to the first network element, and the first information is used to indicate the sensing area of ​​the network device.

13. The system according to claim 12, characterized in that, The at least one network device is also used to send sensing trajectory data to the second network element respectively.

14. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A module or unit for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

15. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A processor and a memory, the processor being coupled to the memory, the memory being used to store a computer program, which, when executed by the processor, causes the apparatus to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

16. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

17. A computer program product, characterized in that, include: A computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

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