A communication method and apparatus

Abstract

A communication method and device are used to implement sensing measurement of a terminal device in different connection states. The method can include: a terminal device receiving first information, the first information being used to configure sensing measurement configuration information related to a first state of the terminal device; the first state being an idle state or an inactive state; and in the first state, the terminal device performing sensing measurement according to the sensing measurement configuration information. Through the above method, the sensing measurement configuration is performed for different connection states of the terminal device, so that the terminal device successfully performs sensing measurement based on the sensing measurement configuration matched with the connection state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of communication technologies, the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and automation are reshaping traditional industries and evolving into intelligent applications such as smart cities and autonomous driving. As a crucial infrastructure supporting these emerging applications, mobile communication systems are gradually evolving into a unified infrastructure of integrated sensing and communication (ISAC). ISAC enables mobile communication systems to provide sensing services to terminal devices. Successful sensing measurements are particularly important when providing sensing services. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a communication method and apparatus for realizing sensing and measurement of terminal devices under different connection states.

[0004] In a first aspect, this application provides a communication method applicable to a communication device, which may be a terminal device or a component within the terminal device (e.g., a processor, chip, chip system, circuit, component, module, or functional module). The method may include: receiving first information, the first information being used to configure sensing and measurement configuration information related to a first state of the terminal device; the first state being an idle state or an inactive state; and performing sensing and measurement according to the sensing and measurement configuration information in the first state.

[0005] The above method configures the sensing measurement for different connection states of the terminal device, so that the terminal device can successfully perform sensing measurement based on the sensing measurement configuration that matches the connection state.

[0006] In one possible design, the sensing measurement configuration information may include one or more of the following: sensing mode type, sensing measurement signal type, or resource configuration of the sensing measurement signal. This allows for accurate configuration of sensing measurement configuration information that matches the connection status of the terminal device.

[0007] In one possible design, when the first state is the idle state, the sensing mode type may include one or more of the following: single-base sensing transmitted and received by the terminal device itself, or dual-base sensing transmitted by one terminal device and received by another terminal device; when the first state is the inactive state, the sensing mode type may include one or more of the following: downlink dual-base sensing transmitted by the base station and received by the terminal device, uplink dual-base sensing transmitted by the terminal device and received by the base station, single-base sensing transmitted and received by the terminal device itself, or dual-base sensing transmitted by one terminal device and received by another terminal device. This allows for the configuration of matching sensing mode types for different connection states of the terminal device, enabling the terminal device to accurately perform sensing measurements in the corresponding state.

[0008] In one possible design, the sensing measurement signal may include at least one of a sensing measurement reference signal and a sensing measurement payload.

[0009] In one possible design, when the first state is the idle state, the type of the sensing measurement reference signal may include one or more of the following: periodic probe reference signal, periodic positioning-specific probe reference signal, periodic channel state information reference signal, periodic downlink positioning reference signal, periodic lateral positioning reference signal, or sensing-specific reference signal; when the first state is the inactive state, the type of the sensing measurement reference signal may include one or more of the following: the periodic probe reference signal, semi-static probe reference signal, the periodic positioning-specific probe reference signal, semi-static positioning-specific probe reference signal, the periodic channel state information reference signal, semi-static channel state information reference signal, the periodic downlink positioning reference signal, semi-static downlink positioning reference signal, the periodic lateral positioning reference signal, semi-static lateral positioning reference signal, or sensing-specific reference signal. This allows for the configuration of matching sensing measurement reference signal types for different connection states of the terminal device, enabling the terminal device to accurately perform sensing measurements in the corresponding state.

[0010] In one possible design, the first information can be received as follows: a radio resource control release message is received in the connected state; when the first state is the idle state, the radio resource control release message includes the first information. This allows existing messages to be reused for configuring sensing and measurement information, saving signaling overhead.

[0011] In one possible design, the first information can be received as follows: in the inactive state, the first information is received; and / or, in the connected state, a radio resource control release message is received; when the first state is the inactive state, the radio resource control release message includes the first information. This allows for flexible configuration of sensing and measurement configuration information in multiple ways, and in the connected state, existing messages can be reused for configuring sensing and measurement configuration information, saving signaling overhead.

[0012] In one possible design, when the first state is the inactive state, the data volume of the sensing measurement signal satisfies the small data transmission condition. This allows the terminal device to interact with the network device in the inactive state, successfully achieving sensing measurement.

[0013] In one possible design, when the first state is the inactive state and the amount of data in the sensing and measurement signal does not meet the small data transmission condition, second information is received. This second information indicates a transition from the first state to the connected state. Thus, when the amount of data in the sensing and measurement signal does not meet the small data transmission condition, the terminal device can switch to the connected state to perform the sensing and measurement corresponding to the inactive state.

[0014] In one possible design, a third piece of information is received, which indicates a transition from the connected state to the first state. This allows the terminal device to maintain its original inactive state after completing the sensing measurement corresponding to the inactive state in the connected state.

[0015] Secondly, this application provides a communication method that can be applied to a communication device, which can be a network device or a component within the network device (e.g., a processor, chip, chip system, circuit, component, module, or functional module). The method may include: determining first information and sending the first information, wherein the first information is used to configure sensing measurement configuration information related to a first state of a terminal device, wherein the first state is an idle state or an inactive state.

[0016] The above method configures the sensing measurement for different connection states of the terminal device, so that the terminal device can successfully perform sensing measurement based on the sensing measurement configuration that matches the connection state.

[0017] In one possible design, the sensing measurement configuration information may include one or more of the following: sensing mode type, sensing measurement signal type, or resource configuration of the sensing measurement signal. This allows for accurate configuration of sensing measurement configuration information that matches the connection status of the terminal device.

[0018] In one possible design, when the first state is the idle state, the sensing mode type may include one or more of the following: single-base sensing transmitted and received by the terminal device itself, or dual-base sensing transmitted by one terminal device and received by another terminal device; when the first state is the inactive state, the sensing mode type may include one or more of the following: downlink dual-base sensing transmitted by the base station and received by the terminal device, uplink dual-base sensing transmitted by the terminal device and received by the base station, single-base sensing transmitted and received by the terminal device itself, or dual-base sensing transmitted by one terminal device and received by another terminal device. This allows for the configuration of matching sensing mode types for different connection states of the terminal device, enabling the terminal device to accurately perform sensing measurements in the corresponding state.

[0019] In one possible design, the sensing measurement signal may include at least one of a sensing measurement reference signal and a sensing measurement payload.

[0020] In one possible design, when the first state is the idle state, the type of the sensing measurement reference signal may include one or more of the following: periodic probe reference signal, periodic positioning-specific probe reference signal, periodic channel state information reference signal, periodic downlink positioning reference signal, periodic lateral positioning reference signal, or sensing-specific reference signal; when the first state is the inactive state, the type of the sensing measurement reference signal may include one or more of the following: the periodic probe reference signal, semi-static probe reference signal, the periodic positioning-specific probe reference signal, semi-static positioning-specific probe reference signal, the periodic channel state information reference signal, semi-static channel state information reference signal, the periodic downlink positioning reference signal, semi-static downlink positioning reference signal, the periodic lateral positioning reference signal, semi-static lateral positioning reference signal, or sensing-specific reference signal. This allows for the configuration of matching sensing measurement reference signal types for different connection states of the terminal device, enabling the terminal device to accurately perform sensing measurements in the corresponding state.

[0021] In one possible design, the first information can be sent by sending a radio resource control release message; when the first state is idle, the radio resource control release message includes the first information. This allows existing messages to be reused for configuring sensing and measurement information, saving signaling overhead.

[0022] In one possible design, the first information can be sent as follows: when the terminal device is in the inactive state, the first information is sent; and / or, a radio resource control release message is sent; when the first state is the inactive state, the radio resource control release message includes the first information. This allows for flexible configuration of sensing and measurement configuration information in multiple ways, and allows for the reuse of existing messages for configuring sensing and measurement configuration information, saving signaling overhead.

[0023] In one possible design, when the first state is the inactive state, the data volume of the sensing measurement signal satisfies the small data transmission condition. This allows the terminal device to interact with the network device in the inactive state, successfully achieving sensing measurement.

[0024] In one possible design, when the first state is the inactive state and the amount of data in the sensing and measurement signal does not meet the small data transmission condition, a second message is sent. This second message instructs the terminal device to transition from the first state to the connected state. In this way, when the amount of data in the sensing and measurement signal does not meet the small data transmission condition, the terminal device can transition to the connected state to perform the sensing and measurement corresponding to the inactive state.

[0025] In one possible design, a third message is sent to instruct the terminal device to transition from the connected state to the first state. This allows the terminal device to maintain its original inactive state after completing the sensing measurements corresponding to the inactive state in the connected state.

[0026] Thirdly, this application also provides a communication device, which can be a terminal device or a component within a terminal device (e.g., a processor, chip, chip system, circuit, component, module, or functional module). This communication device has the functionality to implement the methods described in the first aspect or various possible design examples of the first aspect. The functionality can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the described functionality.

[0027] In one possible design, the communication device may include a processing unit, and optionally a transceiver unit, which may perform the functions of the methods described in the first aspect or various possible design examples of the first aspect, which will not be elaborated here.

[0028] In one possible design, the communication device includes one or more processors, and optionally also includes a memory and / or a transceiver. The transceiver is used to send and receive data, messages, or information, and to communicate with other devices in the system. The processor is configured to support the communication device in performing the corresponding functions in the first aspect or various possible design examples of the first aspect described above. The memory is coupled to the processor and stores the necessary program instructions and data for the communication device.

[0029] Fourthly, this application also provides a communication device, which may be a network device or a component within a network device (e.g., a processor, chip, chip system, circuit, component, module, or functional module). This communication device has the functionality to implement the methods described in the second aspect or various possible design examples of the second aspect. The functionality can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the described functionality.

[0030] In one possible design, the communication device may include a processing unit, and optionally a transceiver unit, which may perform the functions of the methods described in the second aspect or various possible design examples of the second aspect, which will not be elaborated here.

[0031] In one possible design, the communication device includes one or more processors, and optionally also includes memory and / or a transceiver. The transceiver is used to send and receive data, messages, or information, and to communicate with other devices in the system. The processor is configured to support the communication device in performing the corresponding functions in the second aspect or various possible design examples of the second aspect described above. The memory is coupled to the processor and stores the necessary program instructions and data for the communication device.

[0032] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication system that may include a terminal device and a network device. The terminal device can be used to implement the methods described in the first aspect or various possible design examples of the first aspect. The network device can be used to implement the methods described in the second aspect or various possible design examples of the second aspect.

[0033] Sixthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium storing program instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the methods described in the first aspect and any possible design of the embodiments of this application, or in the second aspect and any possible design. Exemplarily, the computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer. For example, but not limited to, a computer-readable medium can include a non-transient computer-readable medium, random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage media, or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer.

[0034] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product, including a computer program or instructions, which, when executed on a computer, cause the method described in the first aspect or any possible design of the first aspect, or in the second aspect or any possible design of the second aspect, to be performed.

[0035] Eighthly, this application also provides a chip or chip system including one or more processors, the processors being coupled to at least one memory for reading and executing program instructions stored in the memory to enable the chip or chip system to implement the method described in the first aspect or any possible design of the first aspect, or in the second aspect or any possible design of the second aspect.

[0036] For the various aspects of the third to eighth aspects mentioned above, and the technical effects that each aspect may achieve, please refer to the above description of the technical effects that can be achieved for the first aspect or the various possible solutions in the first aspect, or the second aspect or the various possible solutions in the second aspect, which will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in this application;

[0038] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a dual-base sensing method provided in this application;

[0039] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a single-base sensing method provided in this application;

[0040] Figure 4A flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in this application;

[0041] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating an example of a communication method provided in this application;

[0042] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating an example of another communication method provided in this application;

[0043] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating another example of a communication method provided in this application;

[0044] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in this application;

[0045] Figure 9 A structural diagram of a communication device provided in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0046] This application provides a communication method and apparatus for realizing sensing and measurement of terminal devices under different connection states. The method and apparatus described in this application are based on the same technical concept. Since the principles by which the method and apparatus solve the problem are similar, the implementations of the apparatus and method can be referred to each other, and repeated details will not be repeated.

[0047] In the description of this application, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only for the purpose of distinguishing descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or order.

[0048] In the description of this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means 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 mean: a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0049] In the description of this application, "and / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. " / " means "or", for example, a / b means a or b.

[0050] To more clearly describe the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the communication methods and devices provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0051] The technical solutions in this application embodiment can be applied to various communication systems, such as Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) system, 4th generation (4G) mobile communication system (such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) system), 5th generation (5G) mobile communication system (such as New Radio (NR) system), and future communication networks, etc.

[0052] For example, Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the architecture of a possible communication system applicable to embodiments of this application is shown. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the communication system 10 may include a radio access network (RAN) 100 and a core network (CN) 200. Optionally, the communication system 10 may also include the Internet 300.

[0053] RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (such as...) Figure 1 110a and 110b (collectively referred to as 110) and at least one terminal device (such as Figure 1 RAN 100, denoted as RAN 120a-120j, is collectively referred to as RAN 120. RAN 100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay equipment and / or wireless backhaul equipment. Figure 1 (Not shown in the image). Terminal device 120 is connected to RAN node 110 wirelessly. RAN node 110 is connected to core network 200 wirelessly or via wired connection. The core network equipment in core network 200 and RAN node 110 in RAN 100 can be different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating core network logical functions and radio access network logical functions.

[0054] RAN 100 can be a cellular system related to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), such as 4G, 5G mobile communication systems, or future-oriented evolution systems. RAN 100 can also be an open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a WiFi system. RAN 100 can also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0055] RAN node 110, sometimes referred to as RAN entity or access node, constitutes part of the communication system and assists terminal devices in achieving wireless access. Multiple RAN nodes 110 in communication system 10 can be of the same type or different types. In some scenarios, the roles of RAN node 110 and terminal device 120 are relative, for example... Figure 1 Network element 120i can be a helicopter or a drone, and it can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 120j that access RAN 100 through network element 120i, network element 120i is a base station; however, for base station 110a, network element 120i is a terminal device. RAN node 110 and terminal device 120 are sometimes referred to as communication devices, for example... Figure 1 Network elements 110a and 110b can be understood as communication devices with base station functions, while network elements 120a-120j can be understood as communication devices with terminal equipment functions.

[0056] RAN nodes can also be referred to in different ways, such as network devices. Unless otherwise specified in this application, network devices will be used as the term.

[0057] In one possible scenario, network equipment can also be called access network equipment. Access network equipment can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a station (STA), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system, etc. Access network equipment can also be a macro base station (such as...). Figure 1 110a), micro base stations or indoor stations (such as Figure 1The access network device can be a relay node or donor node (as described in 110b), or a wireless controller in a CRAN scenario. Optionally, the access network device can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology, the access network device can be a roadside unit (RSU). Optionally, the access network device can also be a non-terrestrial network device such as a satellite, high-altitude platform station (HAPS), or drone. All or part of the functions of the access network device in this application can also be implemented through software functions running on hardware, or through virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). The access network device in this application can also be a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the access network device functions.

[0058] In another possible scenario, multiple access network devices collaborate to assist terminal devices in achieving wireless access, with each access network device performing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, the access network devices can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU), etc. The CU and DU can be configured separately or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). The RU can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH).

[0059] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called an open CU (O-CU), DU can also be called an open DU (O-DU), CU-CP can also be called an open CU-CP (O-CU-CP), CU-UP can also be called an open CU-UP (O-CU-UP), and RU can also be called an open RU (O-RU). Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0060] Terminal equipment can also be called user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, wireless terminal equipment, subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station, remote station, user terminal, user agent, or user device. Terminal equipment can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, and smart cities. For example, terminal equipment can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, drones, helicopters, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, and smart home devices. Terminal devices used in vehicles can be called in-vehicle terminal devices, which are also known as on-board units (OBUs). The embodiments of this application do not limit the form of the terminal device.

[0061] The communication system and scenario architecture described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new service scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0062] With the development of communication technologies, the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and automation are reshaping traditional industries and evolving into intelligent applications such as smart cities and autonomous driving. As a crucial infrastructure supporting these emerging applications, mobile communication systems are gradually evolving into a unified infrastructure of integrated sensing and communication (ISAC). ISAC enables existing base stations to possess sensing capabilities, allowing mobile communication systems to provide sensing services to terminal devices.

[0063] For example, the above Figure 1 The communication system shown can be an integrated communication and sensing system. In this case, the core network of the communication system may include sensing management function (SeMF) network elements and location management function (LMF) network elements. SeMF or LMF network elements can communicate with network devices or terminal devices. Optionally, the core network may also include access and mobility management function (AMF) network elements. In this case, SeMF or LMF network elements can communicate with network devices or terminal devices through AMF network elements. It is understood that the communication system may also include other possible network elements, without specific limitations.

[0064] The SeMF network element is used for centralized storage, management, distribution, and computation of scattering point information in the spatial environment. The LMF network element is used for locating terminal devices and storing their location information. The AMF network element is mainly responsible for the access and mobility management of terminal devices, such as maintaining the status of terminal devices, managing their reachability, forwarding non-access-stratum (MM NAS) messages, and forwarding session management (SM) N2 messages. In addition to communication functions, network devices are also responsible for sensing functions; terminal devices are mainly responsible for collecting bi-base sensing data and undertaking some scattering calculations.

[0065] This application embodiment uses "SeMF network element and LMF network element as core network elements in the core network" as an example. In other examples, SeMF network element and LMF network element can also be network elements in non-core networks. The network element / functional entity in this application embodiment can be a network element in a hardware device, a software function running on dedicated hardware, or a virtualized function instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). Optionally, the above-mentioned network element or functional entity can be implemented by one device, or by multiple devices, or can be different functional modules within one device. This application embodiment does not specifically limit this. In actual deployment, the above-mentioned network elements can be deployed separately or combined. For example, SeMF network element and LMF network element can be deployed separately, or SeMF network element and LMF network element can be deployed combined, that is, deploying the function of LMF network element on SeMF network element, or deploying the function of SeMF network element on LMF network element. In this application embodiment, "SeMF-LMF network element" will be used to represent the combined deployment of SeMF network element and LMF network element. Furthermore, interactions between different network elements / devices can be achieved through direct interfaces or by relaying through other intermediate network elements, without any specific limitation. The number of devices / network elements in the above architecture is also not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0066] The relevant terms and technologies involved in the embodiments of this application will be explained below. It should be noted that these explanations are for the purpose of making the embodiments of this application easier to understand, and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope of protection claimed by this application.

[0067] 1)ISAC

[0068] ISAC integrates communication and sensing functions, enabling the communication system to simultaneously perform both communication and sensing operations. While transmitting information over a wireless channel, it actively recognizes and analyzes the channel's characteristics to perceive the physical features of the surrounding environment, thus achieving mutual enhancement of communication and sensing functions. Communication refers to the transmission of information between two or more communication devices. Sensing refers to detecting parameters of the physical environment based on communication signals, such as ranging and speed measurement.

[0069] ISAC employs a sensing signal that simultaneously meets the requirements of communication and sensing signals. For example, an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signal. The ISAC transmitter transmits an OFDM signal to the target to be sensed (the target can be a scatterer, reflector, diffractor, reflection point, or diffraction point, etc., which will not be elaborated here). The OFDM signal is reflected by the target to generate an echo signal, and there is a time delay between the echo signal and the transmitted signal. At the ISAC receiver, a range profile is obtained by performing time-domain or frequency-domain digital signal processing on the echo signal and the transmitted signal. Then, a time delay estimate is obtained by searching for peak values ​​in the range profile. Finally, the distance to the target is determined based on the time delay estimate.

[0070] 2) Monostatic sensing and bistatic sensing

[0071] Perception can be divided into two-base perception and one-base perception. One-base perception can also be called single-station perception, and two-base perception can also be called two-station perception.

[0072] Two-base sensing involves two sensing devices (or sensing nodes). One sensing device transmits a sensing signal, which is reflected by the sensing target, and the other sensing device receives the echo signal. Alternatively, two-base sensing can be understood as the transmitting device of the sensing signal and the receiving device of the echo signal being two different devices. In other words, sensing device A transmits a sensing signal, and the echo signal reflected from the surface of the sensing target is received by sensing device B. Therefore, this two-base sensing can also be called the A-transmit, B-receive mode. It should be noted that the echo signal is obtained after the sensing signal has passed through the sensing target (e.g., reflection, diffraction, or scattering), therefore, this echo signal can still be called the sensing signal.

[0073] Single-base sensing involves a single sensing device. After transmitting a sensing signal, the signal is reflected by the target, and the device receives the echo signal. In other words, single-base sensing means that the transmitting device and the receiving device for the echo signal are the same device. In short, in single-base sensing, the transmitting device both sends the sensing signal and receives the echo signal reflected from the target surface. Therefore, this single-base sensing can also be called a self-transmitting and self-receiving mode, without limitation.

[0074] For example, a schematic diagram of dual-base sensing can be referred to Figure 2 To understand. Figure 2(a) shows that the sensing target within the sensing area is a car, the sensing device transmitting the sensing signal is a base station, and the sensing device receiving the echo signal is a UE. After the base station transmits the sensing signal, the echo signal is obtained after being reflected by the car, and the echo signal is received by the UE. Figure 2 (b) shows that the sensing target within the sensing area is a car, the sensing device transmitting the sensing signal is the UE, and the sensing device receiving the echo signal is the base station. After the UE transmits the sensing signal, the echo signal is obtained after being reflected by the car, and the echo signal is received by the base station. Figure 2 (c) shows that the target being sensed within the sensing area is a car, the sensing device transmitting the sensing signal is base station 1, and the sensing device receiving the echo signal is base station 2. After base station 1 transmits the sensing signal, the echo signal is obtained after reflection by the car, and the echo signal is received by base station 2. Figure 2 (d) in the diagram shows that the target being sensed within the sensing area is a car, the sensing device transmitting the sensing signal is UE1, and the sensing device receiving the echo signal is UE2. After UE1 transmits the sensing signal, the echo signal is obtained after being reflected by the car, and the echo signal is received by UE2.

[0075] A schematic diagram of single-base sensing can be found in [reference]. Figure 3 To understand. Figure 3 (a) shows that the target being sensed within the sensing area is a car, and the sensing device is a base station. After the base station transmits a sensing signal, the signal is reflected by the car to obtain an echo signal, which is then received by the base station. Figure 3 (b) shows that the sensing target within the sensing area is a car, and the sensing device is a UE. After the UE transmits a sensing signal, the echo signal is obtained after being reflected by the car, and the echo signal is received by the UE.

[0076] 3) Connection status of terminal devices

[0077] The 5G NR protocol defines three radio resource control (RRC) connection states for terminal devices: RRC connected state (RRC_CONNECTED) (hereinafter referred to as connected state), RRC idle state (RRC_IDLE) (hereinafter referred to as idle state), and RRC inactive state (RRC_INACTIVE) (hereinafter referred to as inactive state).

[0078] For the three different connection states mentioned above, the information transmission between the base station and the terminal device is different: (1) For the RRC_CONNECTED state, the terminal device and the base station establish an RRC connection, and there is data or signaling transmission interaction between them. (2) For the RRC_IDLE state, the terminal device and the base station do not establish an RRC connection, and there is no data or signaling transmission interaction between them. (3) For the RRC_INACTIVE state, the terminal device in this state suspends data processing, but the base station still maintains the context information of the terminal device. The air interface state of the terminal device in this state is similar to that in the RRC_IDLE state, but from the core network side, the terminal device is still in the connection management state.

[0079] Therefore, the restrictions on the information that can be exchanged between the terminal device and the base station are different for terminal devices in different RRC connection states: (1) In the RRC_CONNECTED state, the terminal device can transmit all the information specified in the protocol with the base station. (2) In the RRC_INACTIVE state, the terminal device and the base station can only transmit a small amount of signaling or data. The protocol defines the concept of small data transmission (SDT), that is, signaling or data with a data volume less than a specified threshold can be transmitted in the RRC_INACTIVE state. For signaling or data that does not meet the SDT conditions, it cannot be transmitted in the RRC_INACTIVE state and can only be transmitted after the connection is restored. (3) In the RRC_IDLE state, the data connection between the terminal device and the base station is disconnected, and data or signaling transmission is not possible.

[0080] Currently, when providing sensing services in ISAC, sensing measurements do not take into account the connection status of the terminal device. Sensing measurements can only be successfully performed in the connected state, and fail in the idle or inactive state, resulting in measurement failure. Based on this, this application proposes a communication method that configures sensing measurements for different connection states of the terminal device, enabling the terminal device to successfully perform sensing measurements based on a configuration that matches the connection state.

[0081] In the following embodiments, the communication method provided in this application is described in detail using network devices and terminal devices as examples. It should be understood that the operations performed by the network device can also be implemented by a processor, chip, chip system, or functional module in the network device, and the operations performed by the terminal device can also be implemented by a processor, chip, chip system, or functional module in the terminal device. This application does not limit these aspects.

[0082] Based on the above description, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, such as... Figure 4As shown, the process of this method may include:

[0083] Step 401: The network device sends first information, which is used to configure sensing measurement configuration information related to the first state of the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first information. The first state can be an idle state or an inactive state.

[0084] This can be understood as the first information being able to configure the sensing and measurement configuration information related to the idle state, or it can be understood as the first information being able to configure the sensing and measurement configuration information related to the inactive state.

[0085] For example, the first information may include a field called sensing configuration information (sensingConfig).

[0086] In one optional implementation, the sensing configuration information (sensingConfig) may include one or more of the following: sensing mode type (SensingModelType), sensing measurement signal type (sensingRS-type), or sensing measurement signal resource configuration (sensingRSResourceConfig). Here, one or more of the sensing mode type (SensingModelType), sensing measurement signal type (sensingRS-type), or sensing measurement signal resource configuration (sensingRSResourceConfig) can be understood as fields or flags included in the sensing configuration information (sensingConfig).

[0087] In some embodiments, the sensing mode types supported by the terminal device for different connection states can be as shown in Table 1 below:

[0088] Table 1

[0089]

[0090] For example, based on Table 1, when the first state is the idle state, the sensing mode type in the sensing measurement configuration information may include one or more of the following: single-base sensing transmitted and received by the terminal device (e.g., Figure 3 (as shown in (b)), or bistatic sensing (e.g., one terminal device transmitting to another terminal device and receiving from it). Figure 2 (as shown in (d)).

[0091] When the first state is inactive, the sensing mode type in the sensing measurement configuration information may include one or more of the following: downlink bibase sensing transmitted by the base station and received by the terminal equipment (e.g., Figure 2 As shown in (a)), the uplink bi-base sensing transmitted and received by the terminal equipment from the base station (e.g., Figure 2As shown in (b)), the terminal device's self-transmitted and self-received single-base sensing (e.g.) Figure 3 (as shown in (b)), or bistatic sensing (e.g., one terminal device transmitting to another terminal device and receiving from it). Figure 2 (as shown in (d)). In this application, the bistatic sensing transmitted by one terminal device to another terminal device can also be referred to as lateral bistatic sensing between terminal devices.

[0092] In one possible approach, the sensing mode type in the sensing measurement configuration information can include only one type. That is, the network device can directly configure a fixed sensing mode type for the terminal device so that the terminal device can perform sensing measurements according to the configured sensing mode type.

[0093] In another possible approach, the sensing mode type in the sensing measurement configuration information can include at least two types. That is, the network device can configure multiple selectable sensing mode types for the terminal device, and the terminal device can select one sensing mode type from the multiple sensing mode types to perform sensing measurement.

[0094] Optionally, the sensing measurement signal may include at least one of a sensing measurement reference signal and a sensing measurement load. In this application, the sensing measurement reference signal may also be described as a sensing measurement pilot, and it can be understood that the reference signal may also be described as a pilot; this application does not limit this.

[0095] The sensing measurement payload can be understood as the sensing signal located on the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) or the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH).

[0096] In some embodiments, the types of sensing measurement reference signals supported by the terminal device for different connection states can be as shown in Table 2 below:

[0097] Table 2

[0098]

[0099] For example, based on Table 2, when the first state is the idle state, the type of sensing measurement reference signal in the sensing measurement configuration information may include one or more of the following: periodic reference signal (i.e., a reference signal already existing in multiplexed communication) or sensing-specific reference signal. For example, it may include one or more of the following: periodic sounding reference signal (SRS), periodic positioning-specific sounding reference signal, periodic channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), periodic downlink positioning reference signal (PRS), periodic side-link positioning reference signal, or sensing-specific reference signal, etc.

[0100] Optionally, when the first state is the idle state, and the type of the sensing measurement reference signal in the sensing measurement configuration information includes a sensing-specific reference signal, the sensing-specific reference signal can be a periodic sensing-specific reference signal.

[0101] When the first state is inactive, the type of sensing measurement reference signal in the sensing measurement configuration information may include one or more of the following: periodic reference signal, semi-static reference signal, or sensing-specific reference signal. For example, it may include one or more of the following: periodic detection reference signal, semi-static detection reference signal, periodic positioning-specific detection reference signal, semi-static positioning-specific detection reference signal, periodic channel state information reference signal, semi-static channel state information reference signal, periodic downlink positioning reference signal, semi-static downlink positioning reference signal, periodic lateral positioning reference signal, semi-static lateral positioning reference signal, or sensing-specific reference signal, etc.

[0102] Optionally, when the first state is an inactive state, and the type of the sensing measurement reference signal in the sensing measurement configuration information includes a sensing-specific reference signal, the sensing-specific reference signal can be at least one of a periodic sensing-specific reference signal and a semi-static sensing-specific reference signal.

[0103] It is understandable that a sensing-specific reference signal can be a reference signal specifically used for sensing. For example, a sensing-specific reference signal can include a cooperative sensing reference signal (CS-RS), etc.

[0104] In some embodiments, the resource configuration of the sensing measurement signal may include one or more of the following: configuration information such as time domain resources, frequency domain resources, or spatial domain resources of the sensing measurement signal.

[0105] Based on the above, for different connection states of terminal devices, network devices can configure at least one of the following: different sensing mode types and sensing measurement signal types, to adapt to the connection state of the terminal devices.

[0106] In one optional implementation, when the first state is idle, the terminal device receives the first information in the connected state. Correspondingly, when the terminal device is in the connected state, the network device sends the first information.

[0107] For example, a terminal device receives a Radio Resource Control Release (RRCRelease) message in a connected state, the RRRCRelease message including first information. Correspondingly, the network device sends a RRRCRelease message, the RRRCRelease message including the first information. It should be understood that the above is merely an example, and the first information can also be carried in other messages; this application does not limit this. It should be understood that the first information here can also be a RRRCRelease message; this application does not limit this.

[0108] In another optional implementation, when the first state is inactive, the terminal device is inactive and receives the first information; and / or, the terminal device receives the first information in a connected state. Accordingly, when the terminal device is inactive, the network device sends the first information; and / or, when the terminal device is connected, the network device sends the first information.

[0109] For example, a terminal device receives a Radio Resource Control (RRC) release message in a connected state, and the RRC release message includes first information. Correspondingly, the network device sends a RRC release message, which also includes the first information. It should be understood that the above is merely an example, and the first information may also be carried in other messages; this application does not limit this.

[0110] For example, when a terminal device is in an inactive state, it receives a higher-layer message, which includes the first information. Correspondingly, when the terminal device is in an inactive state, the network device sends a higher-layer message, which includes the first information. It should be understood that the first information here can also be a higher-layer message, and this application does not limit it to this.

[0111] In this context, the high-level message can be received by the network device from other network elements and then forwarded to the terminal device.

[0112] Optionally, the higher-level message may be a sensing protocol message sent by the SeMF network element, or a LET positioning protocol (LPP) message sent by the LMF network element, or other messages, which are not limited in this application.

[0113] In some embodiments, if the network device is pre-configured to require the terminal device to perform sensing measurements in an inactive state, the network device can send the first information when the terminal device is in a connected state. If the network device is not pre-configured to require the terminal device to perform sensing measurements in an inactive state, the network device can send the first information when the terminal device is in an inactive state.

[0114] Optionally, after receiving the first information in the connected state, the terminal device enters the inactive state. If the terminal device receives the first information again in the inactive state, the terminal device can ignore the first information received in the connected state, that is, the first information received by the terminal device in the inactive state shall be taken as the standard.

[0115] Step 402: In the first state, the terminal device performs sensing measurements according to the sensing measurement configuration information.

[0116] In some embodiments, when the first state is an idle state, if the terminal device is in an idle state, it can perform sensing and measurement based on the sensing and measurement configuration information related to the idle state.

[0117] In some embodiments, when the first state is an inactive state, the data volume of the sensing measurement signal satisfies the small data transmission condition. In this case, if the terminal device is in an inactive state, it can perform sensing measurements based on the sensing measurement configuration information related to the inactive state.

[0118] For example, the small data transmission conditions can be general small data transmission conditions or sensing-specific small data transmission conditions, and this application does not limit them.

[0119] For example, the small data transmission conditions for sensing can include the data volume threshold (sdt - DataVolumeThresholdForSensing) for the small data transmission conditions corresponding to the sensing data. Optionally, the data volume threshold for the small data transmission condition corresponding to the perceived data may include at least one of the following: 32 bytes, 100 bytes, 200 bytes, 400 bytes, 600 bytes, 800 bytes, 1000 bytes, 2000 bytes, 4000 bytes, 8000 bytes, 9000 bytes, 10000 bytes, 12000 bytes, 24000 bytes, 48000 bytes, 96000 bytes, 100000 bytes, 120000 bytes, 160000 bytes, 200000 bytes, 240000 bytes, 300000 bytes, 360000 bytes, 400000 bytes, 480000 bytes, 500000 bytes, 600000 bytes, 700000 bytes, 800000 bytes, 900000 bytes, 960000 bytes, 1000000 bytes.

[0120] Optionally, when the data volume threshold corresponding to the small data transmission condition includes multiple data volume thresholds mentioned above, the data volume threshold selected when determining whether the data volume of the sensing measurement signal meets the small data transmission condition can be one of multiple thresholds, and this application does not limit which one to select.

[0121] In other embodiments, when the first state is inactive, if the amount of data in the sensing measurement signal does not meet the small data transmission condition, the network device sends second information to instruct the terminal device to transition from the first state (here, the inactive state) to the connected state. Accordingly, the terminal device receives the second information. Further, the terminal device transitions from the inactive state to the connected state and performs sensing measurements in the connected state.

[0122] Optionally, the network device may send a Radio Resource Control Resume (RRC Resume) message, which includes the second information. It should be understood that the second information can also be a Radio Resource Control Resume message, and this application does not limit this to that.

[0123] Furthermore, after the terminal device transitions from the inactive state to the connected state, it can send a Radio Resource Control Resume Complete (RRC ResumeComplete) message to the network device.

[0124] The above process can be understood as one scenario of RRC recovery conditions for a terminal device in an inactive state. For example, the RRC recovery condition can be understood as follows: when the amount of data in the sensing measurement signal in the inactive state does not meet the small data transmission condition, RRC recovery is triggered so that the terminal device can enter the connected state to complete the sensing measurement.

[0125] Optionally, the network device may send third information to instruct the terminal device to transition from the connected state to the first state (i.e., the inactive state). Accordingly, the terminal device receives the third information. Then, the terminal device transitions from the connected state to the inactive state based on the third information. Optionally, the network device sends the third information after the terminal device has completed its sensing measurement in the connected state. For example, the network device may send the third information after receiving a sensing measurement report from the terminal device.

[0126] For example, a network device may send a Radio Resource Control (RRC) release message, which includes third-party information. It should be understood that this third-party information can also be a RRC release message, and this application does not limit it to this.

[0127] The above process can be understood as one scenario of the RRC release condition for a terminal device in the connected state. For example, the RRC release condition can be understood as follows: when the sensing measurement triggered by the sensing measurement in the inactive state completes, the RRC release is triggered, so that the terminal device returns to its original connected state.

[0128] Based on the above communication method, the terminal device is configured for different connection states, so that the terminal device can successfully perform sensing measurements based on the sensing measurement configuration that matches the connection state.

[0129] Based on the above embodiments, the following is a summary: Figures 5-7 The examples shown illustrate the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application. In the following examples, a base station is used as an example of a network device.

[0130] Figure 5 An example of a communication method is illustrated, detailing the sensing measurement configuration information and transmission process involved in sensing measurements performed by a terminal device in an idle state. Since the base station cannot interact with the terminal device when it is in an idle state, to enable the terminal device to perform sensing measurements independently in the idle state, the base station can send the sensing measurement configuration information to the terminal device during RRC release (RRCRelease), allowing the terminal device to perform sensing measurements while in an idle state. This embodiment applies to a scenario where the terminal device is currently in a connected state and will enter an idle state. Exemplarily, the process may include:

[0131] Step 501: The base station sends an RRC release message to the terminal device. The RRC release message includes first information, which is used to configure sensing measurement configuration information related to the idle state of the terminal device.

[0132] The sensing and measurement configuration information related to the idle state of the terminal device can be found in the aforementioned document. Figure 4 The relevant descriptions in the illustrated embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0133] It should be understood that the RRC release message here indicates that the terminal device transitions from the connected state to the idle state.

[0134] When a terminal device receives an RRC release message, it can determine that the RRC release message indicates that the terminal device is transitioning from the connected state to the idle state by checking whether the RRC release message contains a suspendConfig field.

[0135] Step 502: The terminal device transitions from the connected state to the idle state.

[0136] Step 503: The terminal device performs sensing measurements based on the sensing measurement configuration information related to the idle state.

[0137] Furthermore, the terminal device can obtain the sensing measurement results.

[0138] Based on this example, network devices can configure sensing and measurement configuration information that matches the idle state for terminal devices in the idle state, so that the terminal devices can successfully achieve sensing and measurement in the idle state.

[0139] Figure 6 An example of another communication method is shown, illustrating the sensing measurement configuration information and transmission process involved in sensing measurements of a terminal device in an inactive state. Unlike the idle state, the inactive state allows for the retention of a small amount of uplink or downlink signaling or data transmission, which must meet the conditions for small data transmission. This embodiment applies to a scenario where the terminal device is currently in a connected state and will enter an inactive state. For example, the process of this example may include:

[0140] Step 601: The base station sends an RRC release message to the terminal device. The RRC release message includes first information, which is used to configure sensing measurement configuration information related to the inactive state of the terminal device.

[0141] The sensing and measurement configuration information related to the inactive state of the terminal device can be found in the aforementioned section. Figure 4 The relevant descriptions in the illustrated embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0142] It should be understood that the RRC release message here indicates that the terminal device transitions from the connected state to the inactive state.

[0143] When a terminal device receives an RRC release message, it can determine that the RRC release message indicates that the terminal device is transitioning from a connected state to an inactive state by checking whether the RRC release message contains a suspendConfig field.

[0144] Step 602: The terminal device transitions from the connected state to the inactive state.

[0145] Step 603: The base station sends a higher-layer message to the terminal device, which includes the first information.

[0146] For information on high-level officials, please refer to the aforementioned sources. Figure 4 The relevant descriptions in the illustrated embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0147] Step 603 above is optional.

[0148] Optionally, for steps 601 and 603, the first information can be carried in step 601, in step 603 alone, or in both steps 601 and 603. When both steps 601 and 603 carry the first information, the terminal device uses the sensing measurement configuration information configured by the first information carried in step 603 in step 604. Step 604: The terminal device performs sensing measurements based on the sensing measurement configuration information related to the inactive state.

[0149] Exemplarily, in one implementation, this example includes step 601 but excludes step 603, wherein the RRC release message of step 601 carries first information. In this case, the terminal device performs sensing measurements in step 604 based on the first information obtained in step 601.

[0150] In another implementation, this example includes steps 601 and 603, wherein the RRC release message in step 601 does not carry the first information, while the higher-level message in step 603 carries the first information. In this case, the terminal device performs sensing measurements in step 604 based on the first information obtained in step 603.

[0151] In another implementation, this example includes steps 601 and 603, wherein the RRC release message in step 601 carries first information, and the higher-level message in step 603 carries first information, and the content of the first information carried in the higher-level message may be the same as or different from the content of the first information carried in the RRC release message. In this case, the terminal device performs a sensing measurement in step 604 based on the first information obtained in step 603. Further, the terminal device can obtain the sensing measurement result.

[0152] Based on this example, network devices can configure sensing and measurement configuration information that matches the inactive state for terminal devices in the inactive state, so that the terminal devices can successfully achieve sensing and measurement in the inactive state.

[0153] Figure 7 This example illustrates another communication method, detailing the sensing measurement configuration information and transmission process involved in sensing measurements of a terminal device in an inactive state. This embodiment applies to a scenario where the terminal device is currently in a connected state and will enter an inactive state. Figure 6 The example shown differs in that, in this example, if the data volume of the sensing measurement signal does not meet the small data transmission condition, the sensing measurement signal cannot be sent in the inactive state. In this case, only by triggering the RRC recovery procedure defined by NR and restoring the terminal device to the connected state can sensing measurements continue. For example, the procedure in this example may include:

[0154] Steps 701 and 702 are similar to steps 601 and 602 and can be referred to interchangeably; therefore, they will not be described again here. In step 701, the RRC release message is denoted as RRC release message 1. Here, RRC release message 1 is the same as the RRC release message in step 601 mentioned above; it is only denoted as RRC release message 1 to distinguish it from the RRC release messages that appear below. The RRC release messages that appear below are denoted as RRC release message 2.

[0155] Step 703: The base station determines that the amount of data in the sensing measurement signal does not meet the conditions for small data transmission.

[0156] Step 704: The base station sends an RRC recovery message, which includes second information to indicate that the terminal device transitions from an inactive state to a connected state.

[0157] This can be understood as follows: when the data volume of the sensing measurement signal in the inactive state does not meet the small data transmission condition, RRC recovery is triggered, enabling the terminal device to enter the connected state and complete the sensing measurement. In other words, the above can be understood as the RRC recovery condition of the terminal device in the inactive state.

[0158] It should be understood that the RRC recovery message here indicates that the terminal device is transitioning from an inactive state to a connected state.

[0159] Step 705: The terminal device sends an RRC recovery complete message to the base station.

[0160] Step 706: The terminal device performs sensing measurements in the connected state.

[0161] Step 707: The base station sends an RRC release message 2 to the terminal device. The RRC release message 2 includes third information, which is used to indicate that the terminal device transitions from the connected state to the inactive state.

[0162] Among them, RRC release message 2 is the same as the aforementioned Figure 6 The difference between the RRC release message in step 601 and the RRC release message 2 is that the RRC release message in step 601 contains the first information (that is, the information of the perception measurement configuration information related to the first state of the terminal device), while the RRC release message 2 does not contain the first information.

[0163] Optionally, the network device sends RRC release message 2 after the terminal device completes its sensing measurement in connected mode. For example, the network device may send RRC release message 2 after receiving a sensing measurement report from the terminal device.

[0164] This can be understood as follows: when the sensing measurement triggered by the sensing measurement in the inactive state completes, the RRC release is triggered, so that the terminal device returns to its original connected state (i.e., the inactive state). In other words, the above can be understood as the RRC release condition of the terminal device in the connected state.

[0165] Based on this example, when a terminal device needs to perform sensing measurements in an inactive state, and the amount of data in the sensing measurement signal does not meet the small data transmission condition, the network device can trigger the terminal device to return to the connected state to successfully complete the sensing measurement corresponding to the inactive state.

[0166] Based on the above embodiments, this application also provides a communication device, see below. Figure 8 As shown, the communication device 800 may include a transceiver unit 801 and a processing unit 802. The transceiver unit 801 is used for communication by the communication device 800, such as receiving or sending information (signals or data). The processing unit 802 is used for controlling and managing the operation of the communication device 800. The processing unit 802 can also control the steps performed by the transceiver unit 801.

[0167] For example, the communication device 800 may specifically be a terminal device, a processor of the terminal device, a chip, a chip system, a component, a module, a functional module, etc., as described in the above embodiments. Alternatively, the communication device 800 may specifically be a network device (such as a base station), a processor of the network device, a chip, a chip system, a component, a module, a functional module, etc., as described in the above embodiments.

[0168] In one embodiment, when the communication device 800 is used to implement the functions of the terminal device in the above embodiment, the transceiver unit 801 can be used to receive first information, the first information being used to configure sensing measurement configuration information related to a first state of the terminal device; the first state is an idle state or an inactive state; when the terminal device is in the first state, the processing unit 802 can be used to perform sensing measurement according to the sensing measurement configuration information.

[0169] For example, the sensing measurement configuration information may include one or more of the following: sensing mode type, sensing measurement signal type, or resource configuration of the sensing measurement signal.

[0170] In one optional implementation, when the first state is the idle state, the sensing mode type may include one or more of the following: single-base sensing transmitted and received by the terminal device itself, or dual-base sensing transmitted by one terminal device and received by another terminal device; when the first state is the inactive state, the sensing mode type may include one or more of the following: downlink dual-base sensing transmitted by the base station and received by the terminal device, uplink dual-base sensing transmitted by the terminal device and received by the base station, single-base sensing transmitted and received by the terminal device itself, or dual-base sensing transmitted by one terminal device and received by another terminal device.

[0171] In some embodiments, the sensing measurement signal may include at least one of a sensing measurement reference signal and a sensing measurement payload.

[0172] Optionally, when the first state is the idle state, the type of the sensing measurement reference signal may include one or more of the following: periodic detection reference signal, periodic positioning-specific detection reference signal, periodic channel state information reference signal, periodic downlink positioning reference signal, periodic side-link positioning reference signal, or sensing-specific reference signal; when the first state is the inactive state, the type of the sensing measurement reference signal may include one or more of the following: the periodic detection reference signal, semi-static detection reference signal, the periodic positioning-specific detection reference signal, semi-static positioning-specific detection reference signal, the periodic channel state information reference signal, semi-static channel state information reference signal, the periodic downlink positioning reference signal, semi-static downlink positioning reference signal, the periodic side-link positioning reference signal, semi-static side-link positioning reference signal, or sensing-specific reference signal.

[0173] In some embodiments, when receiving the first information, the transceiver unit 801 may be used to:

[0174] When the terminal device is in the inactive state, it receives the first information;

[0175] and / or

[0176] When the terminal device is in a connected state, it receives a radio resource control release message, which includes the first information.

[0177] In one possible approach, when the first state is the inactive state, the amount of data in the sensed measurement signal satisfies the small data transmission condition.

[0178] In another possible approach, the transceiver unit 801 can also be used to: receive second information when the first state is the inactive state and the amount of data of the sensing measurement signal does not meet the small data transmission condition, the second information being used to instruct the terminal device to switch from the first state to the connected state.

[0179] In another embodiment, when the communication device 800 is used to implement the functions of the network device in the above embodiments, the processing unit 802 can be used to determine first information, which is used to configure sensing measurement configuration information related to a first state of the terminal device; the first state is an idle state or an inactive state. The transceiver unit 801 can be used to send the first information.

[0180] For example, the sensing measurement configuration information may include one or more of the following: sensing mode type, sensing measurement signal type, or resource configuration of the sensing measurement signal.

[0181] In one optional implementation, when the first state is the idle state, the sensing mode type may include one or more of the following: single-base sensing transmitted and received by the terminal device itself, or dual-base sensing transmitted by one terminal device and received by another terminal device; when the first state is the inactive state, the sensing mode type may include one or more of the following: downlink dual-base sensing transmitted by the base station and received by the terminal device, uplink dual-base sensing transmitted by the terminal device and received by the base station, single-base sensing transmitted and received by the terminal device itself, or dual-base sensing transmitted by one terminal device and received by another terminal device.

[0182] In some embodiments, the sensing measurement signal may include at least one of a sensing measurement reference signal and a sensing measurement payload.

[0183] Optionally, when the first state is the idle state, the type of the sensing measurement reference signal may include one or more of the following: periodic detection reference signal, periodic positioning-specific detection reference signal, periodic channel state information reference signal, periodic downlink positioning reference signal, periodic side-link positioning reference signal, or sensing-specific reference signal; when the first state is the inactive state, the type of the sensing measurement reference signal may include one or more of the following: the periodic detection reference signal, semi-static detection reference signal, the periodic positioning-specific detection reference signal, semi-static positioning-specific detection reference signal, the periodic channel state information reference signal, semi-static channel state information reference signal, the periodic downlink positioning reference signal, semi-static downlink positioning reference signal, the periodic side-link positioning reference signal, semi-static side-link positioning reference signal, or sensing-specific reference signal.

[0184] In another possible manner, the transceiver unit 801, when transmitting the first information, can be used to:

[0185] When the terminal device is in the inactive state, the first information is sent;

[0186] and / or

[0187] Send a radio resource control release message, the radio resource control release message including the first information.

[0188] In some embodiments, when the first state is the inactive state, the amount of data in the sensing measurement signal satisfies the small data transmission condition.

[0189] In some embodiments, the transceiver unit 801 can also be used to: when the first state is the inactive state and the amount of data of the sensing measurement signal does not meet the small data transmission condition, send second information, the second information being used to instruct the terminal device to switch from the first state to the connected state.

[0190] It should be noted that the division of units in the embodiments of this application is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods. The functional units in the 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. The integrated units described above can be implemented in hardware or as software functional units.

[0191] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, 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.) or processor 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.

[0192] Based on the above embodiments, this application also provides a communication device, see below. Figure 9As shown, the communication device 900 may include one or more processors 902. Optionally, the communication device 900 may also include one or more transceivers 901. Optionally, the communication device 900 may also include at least one memory 903. The memory 903 may be located inside or outside the communication device 900. The processor 902 may control the transceiver 901 to receive and send information, messages, or data.

[0193] Specifically, the processor 902 may be a central processing unit (CPU), a network processor (NP), or a combination of a CPU and an NP. The processor 902 may further include a hardware chip. The hardware chip may be an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), or a combination thereof. The PLD may be a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a generic array logic (GAL), or any combination thereof.

[0194] The transceiver 901, processor 902, and memory 903 are interconnected. Optionally, the transceiver 901, processor 902, and memory 903 are interconnected via bus 904; bus 904 can be a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus or an Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus, etc. The bus can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of representation, Figure 9 The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0195] In one optional embodiment, the memory 903 is used to store programs, etc. Specifically, the program may include program code, which includes computer operation instructions. The memory 903 may include RAM, and may also include non-volatile memory, such as one or more disk storage devices. The processor 902 executes the application program stored in the memory 903 to achieve the above-mentioned functions, thereby realizing the function of the communication device 900.

[0196] For example, the communication device 900 can specifically implement the functions of the terminal device or network device in the above embodiments.

[0197] In one embodiment, when the communication device 900 implements the function of the terminal device in the aforementioned method embodiment, the transceiver 901 can be used to receive first information, the first information being used to configure sensing measurement configuration information related to a first state of the terminal device; the first state is an idle state or an inactive state; when the terminal device is in the first state, the processor 902 can be used to perform sensing measurements according to the sensing measurement configuration information.

[0198] For example, the sensing measurement configuration information includes one or more of the following: sensing mode type, sensing measurement signal type, or resource configuration of the sensing measurement signal.

[0199] In one optional implementation, when the first state is the idle state, the sensing mode type may include one or more of the following: single-base sensing transmitted and received by the terminal device itself, or dual-base sensing transmitted by one terminal device and received by another terminal device; when the first state is the inactive state, the sensing mode type may include one or more of the following: downlink dual-base sensing transmitted by the base station and received by the terminal device, uplink dual-base sensing transmitted by the terminal device and received by the base station, single-base sensing transmitted and received by the terminal device itself, or dual-base sensing transmitted by one terminal device and received by another terminal device.

[0200] In some examples, the sensing measurement signal may include at least one of a sensing measurement reference signal and a sensing measurement payload.

[0201] Optionally, when the first state is the idle state, the type of the sensing measurement reference signal may include one or more of the following: periodic detection reference signal, periodic positioning-specific detection reference signal, periodic channel state information reference signal, periodic downlink positioning reference signal, periodic side-link positioning reference signal, or sensing-specific reference signal.

[0202] When the first state is the inactive state, the type of the sensing measurement reference signal may include one or more of the following: the periodic detection reference signal, the semi-static detection reference signal, the periodic positioning-specific detection reference signal, the semi-static positioning-specific detection reference signal, the periodic channel state information reference signal, the semi-static channel state information reference signal, the periodic downlink positioning reference signal, the semi-static downlink positioning reference signal, the periodic side-by-side positioning reference signal, the semi-static side-by-side positioning reference signal, or the sensing-specific reference signal.

[0203] In some embodiments, when receiving the first information, the transceiver 901 may be used to:

[0204] When the terminal device is in the inactive state, it receives the first information;

[0205] and / or

[0206] When the terminal device is in a connected state, it receives a radio resource control release message, which includes the first information.

[0207] In one possible approach, when the first state is the inactive state, the amount of data in the sensed measurement signal satisfies the small data transmission condition.

[0208] In another possible approach, the transceiver 901 can also be used to: receive second information when the first state is the inactive state and the amount of data of the sensing measurement signal does not meet the small data transmission condition, the second information being used to instruct the terminal device to switch from the first state to the connected state.

[0209] In another embodiment, when the communication device 900 implements the functions of the network device in the aforementioned method embodiment, the processor 902 can be used to determine first information, which is used to configure sensing measurement configuration information related to a first state of the terminal device; the first state is an idle state or an inactive state. The transceiver 901 can transmit the first information.

[0210] For example, the sensing measurement configuration information may include one or more of the following: sensing mode type, sensing measurement signal type, or resource configuration of the sensing measurement signal.

[0211] In one optional implementation, when the first state is the idle state, the sensing mode type may include one or more of the following: single-base sensing transmitted and received by the terminal device itself, or dual-base sensing transmitted by one terminal device and received by another terminal device; when the first state is the inactive state, the sensing mode type may include one or more of the following: downlink dual-base sensing transmitted by the base station and received by the terminal device, uplink dual-base sensing transmitted by the terminal device and received by the base station, single-base sensing transmitted and received by the terminal device itself, or dual-base sensing transmitted by one terminal device and received by another terminal device.

[0212] Optionally, the sensing measurement signal may include at least one of a sensing measurement reference signal and a sensing measurement load.

[0213] In some embodiments, when the first state is the idle state, the type of the sensing measurement reference signal may include one or more of the following: periodic detection reference signal, periodic positioning-specific detection reference signal, periodic channel state information reference signal, periodic downlink positioning reference signal, periodic side-link positioning reference signal, or sensing-specific reference signal;

[0214] When the first state is the inactive state, the type of the sensing measurement reference signal may include one or more of the following: the periodic detection reference signal, the semi-static detection reference signal, the periodic positioning-specific detection reference signal, the semi-static positioning-specific detection reference signal, the periodic channel state information reference signal, the semi-static channel state information reference signal, the periodic downlink positioning reference signal, the semi-static downlink positioning reference signal, the periodic side-by-side positioning reference signal, the semi-static side-by-side positioning reference signal, or the sensing-specific reference signal.

[0215] In one possible manner, the transceiver 901, when transmitting the first information, can be used to:

[0216] When the terminal device is in the inactive state, the first information is sent;

[0217] and / or

[0218] Send a radio resource control release message, the radio resource control release message including the first information.

[0219] In some embodiments, when the first state is the inactive state, the amount of data in the sensing measurement signal satisfies the small data transmission condition.

[0220] In some embodiments, the transceiver 901 can also be used to: when the first state is the inactive state and the amount of data of the sensing measurement signal does not meet the small data transmission condition, send second information, the second information being used to instruct the terminal device to switch from the first state to the connected state.

[0221] Based on the above embodiments, this application provides a communication system, which may include the terminal devices and network devices involved in the above embodiments.

[0222] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing computer programs or instructions. When the computer programs or instructions are executed by a computer, the computer can implement the communication methods provided in the above-described method embodiments.

[0223] This application also provides a computer program product for storing computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are executed by a computer, the computer can implement the communication method provided in the above method embodiments.

[0224] This application also provides a chip or chip system, including logic circuitry, which is used to execute the communication method provided in the above-described method embodiments.

[0225] This application also provides a chip or chip system, including one or more processors, wherein the one or more processors are coupled to at least one memory, for calling a program in the memory to enable the chip or chip system to implement the communication method provided in the above method embodiments.

[0226] This application also provides a chip or chip system coupled to at least one memory, which is used to implement the communication method provided in the above method embodiments.

[0227] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this application can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this application can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0228] This application is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to this application. It should be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, generate instructions for implementing the flowchart illustrations. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0229] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0230] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable equipment to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable equipment for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0231] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the scope of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Receive first information, the first information being used to configure sensing measurement configuration information related to a first state of the terminal device; The first state is either an idle state or an inactive state; In the first state, sensing measurements are performed based on the sensing measurement configuration information.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The sensing measurement configuration information includes one or more of the following: sensing mode type, sensing measurement signal type, or resource configuration of the sensing measurement signal.

3. The method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, When the first state is the idle state, the sensing mode type includes one or more of the following: single-base sensing that is self-transmitted and self-received by the terminal device, or dual-base sensing that is transmitted by one terminal device and received by another terminal device. When the first state is the inactive state, the sensing mode type includes one or more of the following: downlink bipolar sensing transmitted by the base station and received by the terminal device, uplink bipolar sensing transmitted by the terminal device and received by the base station, single-base sensing transmitted and received by the terminal device itself, or bipolar sensing transmitted by one terminal device and received by another terminal device.

4. The method as described in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The sensing measurement signal includes at least one of a sensing measurement reference signal and a sensing measurement payload.

5. The method as described in claim 4, characterized in that, When the first state is the idle state, the type of the sensing measurement reference signal includes one or more of the following: periodic detection reference signal, periodic positioning-specific detection reference signal, periodic channel state information reference signal, periodic downlink positioning reference signal, periodic side-link positioning reference signal, or sensing-specific reference signal; When the first state is the inactive state, the type of the sensing measurement reference signal includes one or more of the following: the periodic detection reference signal, the semi-static detection reference signal, the periodic positioning-specific detection reference signal, the semi-static positioning-specific detection reference signal, the periodic channel state information reference signal, the semi-static channel state information reference signal, the periodic downlink positioning reference signal, the semi-static downlink positioning reference signal, the periodic side-step positioning reference signal, the semi-static side-step positioning reference signal, or the sensing-specific reference signal.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, Receiving the first information includes: In the inactive state, the first information is received; and / or In the connected state, a radio resource control release message is received, wherein the radio resource control release message includes the first information.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, When the first state is the inactive state, the amount of data in the sensing and measurement signal satisfies the small data transmission condition.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The method further includes: When the first state is the inactive state and the amount of data of the sensing measurement signal does not meet the small data transmission condition, the second information is received, which is used to indicate the transition from the first state to the connected state.

9. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Determine first information, which is used to configure sensing and measurement configuration information related to a first state of the terminal device, wherein the first state is an idle state or an inactive state; Send the first message.

10. The method as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The sensing measurement configuration information includes one or more of the following: sensing mode type, sensing measurement signal type, or resource configuration of the sensing measurement signal.

11. The method as described in claim 10, characterized in that, When the first state is the idle state, the sensing mode type includes one or more of the following: single-base sensing that is self-transmitted and self-received by the terminal device, or dual-base sensing that is transmitted by one terminal device and received by another terminal device. When the first state is the inactive state, the sensing mode type includes one or more of the following: downlink bipolar sensing transmitted by the base station and received by the terminal device, uplink bipolar sensing transmitted by the terminal device and received by the base station, single-base sensing transmitted and received by the terminal device itself, or bipolar sensing transmitted by one terminal device and received by another terminal device.

12. The method as described in claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The sensing measurement signal includes at least one of a sensing measurement reference signal and a sensing measurement payload.

13. The method as described in claim 12, characterized in that, When the first state is the idle state, the type of the sensing measurement reference signal includes one or more of the following: periodic detection reference signal, periodic positioning-specific detection reference signal, periodic channel state information reference signal, periodic downlink positioning reference signal, periodic side-link positioning reference signal, or sensing-specific reference signal; When the first state is the inactive state, the type of the sensing measurement reference signal includes one or more of the following: the periodic detection reference signal, the semi-static detection reference signal, the periodic positioning-specific detection reference signal, the semi-static positioning-specific detection reference signal, the periodic channel state information reference signal, the semi-static channel state information reference signal, the periodic downlink positioning reference signal, the semi-static downlink positioning reference signal, the periodic side-step positioning reference signal, the semi-static side-step positioning reference signal, or the sensing-specific reference signal.

14. The method according to any one of claims 9-13, characterized in that, Sending the first information includes: When the terminal device is in the inactive state, the first information is sent; and / or Send a radio resource control release message, the radio resource control release message including the first information.

15. The method according to any one of claims 9-14, characterized in that, When the first state is the inactive state, the amount of data in the sensing and measurement signal satisfies the small data transmission condition.

16. The method according to any one of claims 9-14, characterized in that, The method further includes: When the first state is the inactive state and the amount of data in the sensing and measurement signal does not meet the small data transmission condition, a second message is sent, which is used to instruct the terminal device to switch from the first state to the connected state.

17. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes units or modules for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1-8, or includes units or modules for performing the method as described in any one of claims 9-16.

18. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a processor for executing computer programs or instructions to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-8, or to implement the method as described in any one of claims 9-16.

19. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a communication device, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-8, or the method as described in any one of claims 9-16.

20. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1-8 to be implemented, or the method as described in any one of claims 9-16 to be implemented.

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