Apparatus and method for target identification and reporting

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a solution for target identification and reporting. In the solution, a first communication device receives, from a second communication device, a first sensing request for a sensing service. The first sensing request includes an event trigger that indicates that a report is to be transmitted to the second communication device in response to a target associated with the sensing service being sensed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The exemplary embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to the field of communication technology, and more specifically to apparatus and methods for performing target identification and reporting processes. Background Technology

[0002] Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) involves the simultaneous use of radio frequency (RF) signals for both sensing and communication purposes. This integration can improve spectral efficiency, reduce latency, and enhance reliability in a variety of applications.

[0003] In an ISAC system, hardware components such as antennas and transceivers can be shared for both sensing and communication tasks. This reduces the system's size, weight, and power consumption, making it more suitable for applications such as wireless sensor networks, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and autonomous vehicles.

[0004] The sensing capabilities of an ISAC system can involve various types of sensors, including radar, lidar, and cameras, to detect and measure the physical characteristics of the environment. Communication capabilities can involve transmitting and receiving data, enabling the system to interact with other devices or systems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Other features of this disclosure will become readily apparent from the following description.

[0006] In a first aspect, a first communication device is provided, comprising: a processor configured to cause the first communication device to: receive from a second communication device a first sensing request for a sensing service, the first sensing request including an event trigger indicating that a report is transmitted to the second communication device in response to a target associated with the sensing service being sensed.

[0007] In a second aspect, a second communication device is provided, comprising: a processor configured to cause the second communication device to: transmit a first sensing request for a sensing service to a first communication device, the first sensing request including an event trigger indicating that a report is transmitted to the second communication device in response to a target associated with the sensing service being sensed.

[0008] In a third aspect, a communication method performed by a first communication device is provided. The method includes: receiving from a second communication device a first sensing request for a sensing service, the first sensing request including an event trigger indicating that a report is transmitted to the second communication device in response to a target associated with the sensing service being sensed.

[0009] In a fourth aspect, a communication method performed by a second communication device is provided. The method includes: transmitting a first sensing request for a sensing service to a first communication device, the first sensing request including an event trigger indicating that a report is transmitted to the second communication device in response to a target associated with the sensing service being sensed.

[0010] In a fifth aspect, a computer-readable medium is provided having instructions stored thereon that, when executed on at least one processor, cause at least one processor to perform the method according to the third or fourth aspect.

[0011] Other features of this disclosure will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0012] The above and other objects, features and advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent from the accompanying drawings, which describe some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure in more detail, wherein: Figure 1A An example communication environment in which an example embodiment of the ISAC architecture can be implemented is shown; Figure 1B An example communication environment in which an example embodiment of the ISAC architecture can be implemented is shown; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an example sensing mode according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 3 The signaling flow of the target identification and reporting process according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown; Figure 4A The signaling flow of the target identification and reporting process according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown; Figure 4B The signaling flow of the target identification and reporting process according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown; Figure 4C The signaling flow of the target identification and reporting process according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown; Figure 4D The signaling flow of the target identification and reporting process according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown; Figure 4E The signaling flow of the target identification and reporting process according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown; Figure 4F The signaling flow of the target identification and reporting process according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown; Figure 5A The signaling flow of the target identification and reporting process according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown; Figure 5BThe signaling flow of the target identification and reporting process according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown; Figure 5C The signaling flow of the target identification and reporting process according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown; Figure 5D The signaling flow of the target identification and reporting process according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown; Figure 5E The signaling flow of the target identification and reporting process according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown; Figure 5F The signaling flow of the target identification and reporting process according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown; Figure 6A The signaling flow of the target identification and reporting process according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown; Figure 6B The signaling flow of the target identification and reporting process according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown; Figure 6C The signaling flow of the target identification and reporting process according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown; Figure 7 The signaling flow of the target identification and reporting process according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown; Figure 8 A flowchart is shown illustrating a method implemented at a first communication device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating a method implemented at a second communication device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; and Figure 10 A simplified block diagram of an apparatus suitable for implementing an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0013] In all the accompanying drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. Detailed Implementation

[0014] The principles of this disclosure will now be described with reference to some exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are described for illustrative purposes only and to assist those skilled in the art in understanding and implementing this disclosure, and do not imply any limitation on the scope of this disclosure. The embodiments described herein can be implemented in various ways other than those described below.

[0015] In the following description and claims, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0016] As used herein, the term "terminal device" refers to any device with wireless or wired communication capabilities. Examples of terminal devices include, but are not limited to, user equipment (UE), personal computers, desktop computers, mobile phones, cellular phones, smartphones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), laptops, tablets, wearable devices, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, ultra-reliable and low-latency communication (URLLC) devices, Internet of Everything (IoE) devices, machine-type communication (MTC) devices, devices on vehicles used for V2X communications (where X represents a pedestrian, vehicle, or infrastructure / network), devices used for integrated access and backhaul (IAB), and space vehicles in non-terrestrial networks (NTN). Terminal devices can be airborne (including satellites and high-altitude platforms (HAPs) containing unmanned aerial vehicle systems (UAS), extended reality (XR) devices including different types of reality (such as augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), and virtual reality (VR)), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) commonly referred to as drones (which are aircraft without any human pilots), devices on high-speed trains (HSTs), or image capture devices (such as digital cameras), sensors, gaming devices, music storage and playback devices, or internet-connected appliances that enable wireless or wired internet access and browsing, etc. Terminal devices can also have "multicast / broadcast" characteristics to support public safety and mission-critical applications, V2X applications, transparent IPv4 / IPv6 multicast transmission, IPTV, smart TV, radio services, software transmission over wireless, group communication, and IoT applications. One or more subscriber identity modules (SIMs) can also be incorporated, such as in the case of multi-SIMs. The term "terminal device" can be used interchangeably with UE, mobile station, user station, mobile terminal, user terminal, or wireless device.

[0017] The term "network device" refers to a device that provides or hosts a cell or coverage area in which terminal devices can communicate. Examples of network devices include, but are not limited to, NodeB (or NB), evolved NodeB (eNodeB or eNB), next-generation NodeB (gNB), transceiver point (TRP), remote radio unit (RRU), radio head (RH), remote radio head (RRH), IAB node, low-power node (such as femtonode, piconode), reconfigurable smart surface (RIS), etc.

[0018] Terminal devices or network devices can have artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning capabilities. It typically includes a model that has been trained on a large amount of data collected for a specific function and can be used to predict some information.

[0019] Terminal or network devices can operate in several frequency ranges, such as FR1 (e.g., 450 MHz to 6000 MHz), FR2 (e.g., 24.25 GHz to 52.6 GHz), bands greater than 100 GHz, and terahertz (THz) bands. Terminal or network devices can also operate on licensed / unlicensed / shared spectrum. In multiple radio dual connectivity (MR-DC) applications, terminal devices can have more than one connection to network devices. Terminal or network devices can operate in full-duplex, flexible-duplex, and cross-division duplex modes.

[0020] The embodiments of this disclosure can be executed in test equipment, such as a signal generator, signal analyzer, spectrum analyzer, network analyzer, test terminal device, test network device, or channel simulator. In some embodiments, the terminal device can be connected to a first network device and a second network device. One of the first and second network devices can be a master node, and the other can be a slave node. The first and second network devices can use different Radio Access Technologies (RATs). In some embodiments, the first network device can be a first RAT device, and the second network device can be a second RAT device. In some embodiments, the first RAT device is an eNB, and the second RAT device is a gNB. Information related to different RATs can be transmitted from at least one of the first or second network devices to the terminal device. In some embodiments, first information can be transmitted from the first network device to the terminal device, and second information can be transmitted directly or via the first network device from the second network device to the terminal device. In some embodiments, information related to the configuration of the terminal device configured by the second network device can be transmitted from the second network device via the first network device. Information related to reconfiguration of the terminal device configured by the second network device can be transmitted directly or via the first network device from the second network device to the terminal device.

[0021] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context explicitly indicates otherwise. The term “comprising” and its variations should be understood as open-ended terms meaning “including, but not limited to.” The term “based on” should be understood as “at least partially based on.” The terms “one embodiment” and “embodiment” should be interpreted as “at least one embodiment.” The term “another embodiment” should be understood as “at least one other embodiment.” The terms “first,” “second,” etc., can refer to different or the same objects. Further explicit and implicit definitions may be included below.

[0022] In some examples, values, processes, or devices are referred to as “best,” “lowest,” “highest,” “smallest,” “maximum,” etc. It should be understood that such descriptions are intended to indicate that there are many functional alternatives to choose from, and that such a choice does not need to be better, smaller, higher, or more preferred than other choices.

[0023] As used herein, the terms "resource," "transmission resource," "uplink resource," or "downlink resource" can refer to any resource used to perform communication, such as resources in the time domain, frequency domain, spatial domain, code domain, or any other resource used to implement communication. In the following, unless explicitly stated otherwise, resources in the frequency and time domains will be used as examples of transmission resources used to describe some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. Note that the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are equally applicable to other resources in other domains.

[0024] As used herein, unless explicitly stated otherwise, “responding to A” does not mean that the step is performed immediately after “A” occurs, but may include one or more intermediate steps.

[0025] As used herein, the term “3GPP sensing data” can refer to data derived from 3GPP radio signals that are affected by the object of interest or environment (e.g., reflection, refraction, diffraction) for sensing purposes and optionally processed within a 5G mobile communication technology (5G) system.

[0026] As used herein, the term “5G wireless sensing” can refer to a 5G system (5GS) feature that provides the ability to obtain information about the characteristics of the environment and / or objects within the environment (e.g., shape, size, orientation, speed, location, distance between objects, or relative motion, etc.) using new radio (NR) signals, which in some cases can be extended by information created via previously specified functionalities in the evolved packet core (EPC) and / or evolved UMTS terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN).

[0027] As used herein, the term “non-3GPP sensing data” can refer to data about an object or environment of interest provided by non-3GPP sensors (e.g., video, LiDAR, sonar) for sensing purposes.

[0028] The term "sensing assistance information" can refer to information provided to a 5G system that can be used to derive sensing results. This information can include, for example, map information, area information, user equipment (UE) identity (ID) attached to or near the sensing target, UE location information, UE speed information, etc.

[0029] The term "sensing context information" can refer to information exposed by the 5G system along with sensing results to a trusted third party. This trusted third party provides context for the conditions under which the sensing results are derived, which can be, for example, map information, area information, capture time, UE location, and ID. Sensing context information may be required in scenarios where the sensing results will be combined with data from other sources outside of the 5G system.

[0030] The term "sensor group" can refer to a group of sensor transmitters and sensor receivers whose locations are known and whose sensor data can be collected synchronously.

[0031] The term "sensing transmitter" can refer to an entity that emits sensing signals that a sensing service will use in its operation. A sensing transmitter is an NR RAN node or a UE. The sensing transmitter can reside in the same or a different entity as the sensing receiver.

[0032] The term "sensing receiver" can refer to an entity that receives sensing signals that a sensing service will use in its operation. A sensing receiver is an NR RAN node or a UE. The sensing receiver can be located in the same or a different entity than the sensing transmitter.

[0033] The term "sensing signal" can refer to a transmission on a 3GPP radio interface that can be used for sensing purposes.

[0034] The term "sensing result" can refer to processed 3GPP sensing data requested by a service consumer.

[0035] The term "target sensing service area" can refer to a Cartesian location area that needs to be sensed by deriving characteristics of the environment and / or objects within the environment with a certain quality of sensing service from affected (e.g., reflected, refracted, diffracted) 3GPP radio signals. This includes indoor and outdoor environments.

[0036] As used in this article, a sensing function (SF) device is a device with core network functionality to trigger sensing, collect sensing results / reports, and expose sensing results / reports to third parties within or outside the 3GPP scope.

[0037] As used herein, a Sensing Management Function (SEMF) device is a device that has new RAN functions between a sensing function device and a network device to manage sensing operations, including selecting an appropriate network device, relaying sensing requests from the sensing function device to the network device, and relaying sensing results / reports from the network device to the sensing function device.

[0038] As mentioned above, ISAC is considered a promising topic for the future expansion of wireless networks. Based on the communication / sensing requirements of ISAC, it is necessary to address how to identify and report targets within the network.

[0039] To address the above and / or other potential problems, embodiments of this disclosure propose a solution related to identifying and reporting targets within the ISAC architecture.

[0040] The principles and implementation of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] Figure 1A A schematic diagram of an example communication environment in which an exemplary embodiment of the ISAC architecture 100A can be implemented is shown. The communication environment of the ISAC architecture 100A illustrates a transportation scenario requiring sensing technology.

[0042] As shown in the figure, to support intelligent transportation and / or autonomous driving, at least one network device 120, at least one terminal device 110, and vehicles 104-1 and 104-2 are equipped with sensing technology to sense traffic conditions. Accurate sensing results are important for achieving safe and reliable vehicle control and avoiding accidents in the environment. Network device 120, terminal device 110, and / or vehicles 104-1 and 104-2 can transmit signals for sensing certain objects in the environment. Network device 120, terminal device 110, and / or vehicles 104-1 and 104-2 can collect measurement results from the sensed signals for use in intelligent transportation and / or autonomous driving.

[0043] In some example embodiments, network device 120 and terminal device 110 are in a radio access network (RAN). Terminal device 110 can communicate with network device 120. Network device 120 can be communicatively connected to sensing management function device 130 (also referred to as SEMF device 130 for the purposes of discussion). SEMF device 130 can be implemented, for example, at an Operations Management and Maintenance (OAM) device or an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) node.

[0044] It should be noted that the OAM device or AMF node is only one option for the SEMF device 130. In another option, the SEMF device 130 can be implemented as a node or device with new functionality. In the following embodiments, OAM is indicative, while SEMF can replace OAM as another option in various cases, although SEMF is not indicative in the embodiments.

[0045] The sensing management function device 130 can be connected to the sensing function (SF) device 140 in the core network (CN) 106. CN 106 can also be connected to one or more third-party applications 108. Third-party applications 108 may include one or more applications supporting intelligent transportation and / or autonomous driving, such as map service providers, intelligent transportation system (ITS) management platforms, etc. In some example embodiments, vehicles 104-1, 104-2 may include communication devices communicatively connected to network device 120 or communicating directly with third-party applications 108.

[0046] In the sensing scenarios of intelligent transportation, the purpose of sensing may include, but is not limited to, dynamic maps (large area) for autonomous driving, assisted driving and road management based on dynamic maps; vehicle trajectory tracking; illegal driving (e.g., occupying emergency lanes, speeding).

[0047] Beyond intelligent transportation, there are many other sensing scenarios, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and indoor health. In UAV sensing scenarios, the purpose of sensing can include, but is not limited to, dynamic maps (large areas), such as autonomous driving, assisted driving, and route management based on dynamic maps; UAV trajectory tracking; spatial intrusion and route correction (such as UAVs deviating from their flight path, speeding, or entering no-fly zones); dynamic maps (UE centered): autonomous flight, assisted flight, etc. In indoor health sensing scenarios, the purpose of sensing can include, but is not limited to, abnormal behavior detection (e.g., falls, prolonged sitting, abnormal postures); detection of body indicators (e.g., breathing, heartbeat); and intelligent control (home control based on human location and behavior, such as turning on lights).

[0048] like Figure 1A As shown, network device 120 can communicate with sensing function device 140 via sensing management function device 130, and can perform sensing services or notify other devices to perform sensing services. In some example embodiments, network device 120 can obtain sensing results, for example, based on multiple measurements of sensing signals(s), and provide them to sensing management function device 130. In some alternative example embodiments, network device 120 can receive sensing results from a sensing receiver (e.g., another network device or terminal device) and provide them to sensing management function device 130.

[0049] The sensing management device 130 can provide sensing results to the sensing function device 140. Depending on the actual use case, the sensing results can be used for various purposes. For example, in the use cases of intelligent transportation and / or autonomous driving, the sensing results can be used to provide driving warnings or driver assistance information to the vehicle.

[0050] The sensing management function device 130 can be any suitable type of device capable of sending sensing requests from the sensing function device 140 and providing sensing results to the sensing function device 140. In some examples, the sensing management function device 130 may include or be implemented as a CN function or entity in a CN or OAM device. Although the term "sensing management function device" is used herein, it may be used interchangeably with any other term.

[0051] The sensing function device 140 can be any suitable type of device capable of receiving sensing results. In some examples, the sensing function device 140 may include or be implemented as a CN function or entity in a CN or a network device in a RAN. Although the term "sensing function device" is used herein, it may be used interchangeably with any other term.

[0052] The transmitted signals used for sensing (sometimes referred to as “sensing signals”) may include any suitable type of signal, including but not limited to synchronization signal blocks (SSBs), channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS), positioning reference signals (PRS), demodulation reference signals (DMRS), sounding reference signals (SRS), communication signals such as orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signals, specific sensing signals, or any other signals.

[0053] Measurement results of the sensed signals used for sensing can include final sensing results (such as target distance, velocity, dynamic map, reference signal received power (RSPR), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), channel information, etc.), intermediate results (such as point cloud information based on sensed measurements), preliminary results (such as delay spread spectrum, Doppler spectrum, and other information), and / or raw measurements of the signal (such as in-phase / quadrature (I / Q) currents). The types of measurement results can be flexibly configured for different use cases.

[0054] Sensing results can include any desired information that can be derived from multiple measurements of the sensed signals. As some examples, sensing results may include the target's distance, size, velocity, position, direction of movement, surrounding environment, real-time map, etc.

[0055] Communication in the ISAC Architecture 100A communication environment can conform to any suitable standard, including but not limited to Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE Evolution, LTE-A Advanced, New Radio (NR), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), GSM EDGE Radio Access Network (GERAN), Machine Type Communication (MTC), etc. Embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented according to any generation of communication protocols currently known or developed in the future. Examples of communication protocols include, but are not limited to, first-generation (1G), second-generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, third-generation (3G), fourth-generation (4G), 4.5G, fifth-generation (5G) communication protocols, 5.5G, 5G Advanced Networks, or sixth-generation (6G) networks.

[0056] It should be understood that Figure 1A The number of devices and their connections shown are for illustrative purposes only and do not imply any limitation. The communication environment of the ISAC architecture 100A may include any suitable number of devices configured to implement the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. Although not shown, it should be understood that one or more additional devices may be located in a cell, and one or more additional cells may be deployed in the communication environment. Note that although shown as a network device, a network device may be another device besides a network device. Although shown as a terminal device, a terminal device may be another device besides a terminal device, such as a Positioning Reference Unit (PRU).

[0057] Figure 1B A schematic diagram of an example communication environment in which an exemplary embodiment of the ISAC architecture 100B of this disclosure can be implemented is shown. The ISAC architecture 100B involves a first communication device 150 and a second communication device 160. In some example embodiments, the first communication device 150 may be, for example, an SEMF device 130, a network device 120, a terminal device 110, or another network device. The second communication device 160 may be, for example, an SF device 140, an SEMF device 130, or a network device 120. In the ISAC architecture 100B, the first communication device 150 and the second communication device 160 can communicate with each other. As shown, a communication path can be established between the first communication device 150 and the second communication device 160.

[0058] Specifically, in some implementations, the first communication device 150 can be implemented as SEMF device 130, and the second communication device 160 can be implemented as SF device 140. In some other implementations, the first communication device 150 can be implemented as network device 120, and the second communication device 160 can be implemented as SEMF device 130. Furthermore, in some other implementations, the first communication device 150 can be implemented as terminal device 110 or another network device, and the second communication device 160 can be implemented as network device 120.

[0059] There are typically two types of sensing modes defined by the Tx / Rx nodes based on the sensing signals: single-site and dual-site. These sensing modes include six specific modes: sensing mode 1 as gNB single-site sensing, sensing mode 2 as gNB to UE dual-site sensing, sensing mode 3 as gNB to gNB dual-site sensing, sensing mode 4 as UE single-site sensing, sensing mode 5 as UE to gNB dual-site sensing, and sensing mode 6 as UE to UE dual-site sensing.

[0060] Figure 2 Schematic diagrams of six example sensing modes according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. For example... Figure 2 As shown, in sensing mode 1, as indicated by 201, the sensing signal for sensing target 230 is transmitted by network device 210 and received or measured by network device 210 itself. In sensing mode 2, as indicated by 202, the sensing signal for sensing target 230 is transmitted by network device 210 and received or measured by terminal device 220. In sensing mode 3, as indicated by 203, the sensing signal for sensing target 230 is transmitted by network device 210 and received or measured by another network device 212.

[0061] In sensing mode 4, as shown in 204, the sensing signal for sensing target 230 is transmitted by terminal device 220 and received or measured by network device 210. In sensing mode 5, as shown in 205, the sensing signal for sensing target 230 is transmitted by terminal device 220 and received or measured by terminal device 220 itself. In sensing mode 6, as indicated in 206, the sensing signal for sensing target 230 is transmitted by terminal device 220 and received or measured by another terminal device 222.

[0062] It should be understood that Figure 2 The sensing patterns shown are merely examples, and many other sensing patterns can exist. It should be understood that more than one communication device can be involved in a sensing service. Figure 2 As can be seen from the sensing modes, there can be various combinations of devices that need to measure the sensing signal.

[0063] As described above, ISAC is considered a promising topic for future wireless network expansion, involving the simultaneous use of RF signals for sensing and communication purposes. To identify and report targets in an ISAC architecture, according to an example embodiment of this disclosure, the SF device sends target characteristics and event triggers to the SEMF device. A node is selected to identify the target based on the sensing results and target characteristics. The node generates a target identification report based on the event triggers, and the target identification report is sent to the SF device. In this way, new parameters for target characteristics and event triggers are added to the sensing request, and new network logic functions for identifying and reporting targets can be implemented in the SEMF device, the network device, or other nodes assigned by the network device. This reduces unnecessary data transmission and allows functions to be distributed to other nodes.

[0064] refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3 Signaling flow 300 of a target identification and reporting process according to some embodiments of this disclosure is illustrated. For discussion purposes, reference will be made to... Figure 1B Let's discuss signaling flow 300, for example, the first communication device 150 and the second communication device 160 in the ISAC architecture 100B.

[0065] In signaling stream 300, the second communication device 160 transmits (302) a first sensing request for a sensing service to the first communication device 150. The first sensing request includes an event trigger that indicates that a report is transmitted to the second communication device 160 in response to a target associated with the sensing service being sensed.

[0066] Additionally, in some embodiments, the first sensing request may also include sensing characteristic information about the target. Sensing characteristic information may include, but is not limited to, the target's size, shape, velocity range, and / or material properties.

[0067] Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the first sensing request may also include a set of service parameters for the sensing service. The set of service parameters may include, for example, but not limited to, environmental information in a location associated with the sensing service, the area range associated with the sensing service, the altitude of the location, the accuracy of the sensing service, and / or the time requirement for reporting that a target has been sensed. Time requirements (e.g., Quality of Service (QoS) parameters for a sensing report timer) may be added to the sensing parameters to ensure that when a target is present, it is sensed and a sensing report is sent promptly.

[0068] The first communication device 150 receives (304) a sensing request (e.g., a first sensing request) from the second communication device 160. In some cases where the first communication device 150 is an SEMF device 130 and the second communication device 160 is an SF device 140, the SEMF device 130 receives the sensing request from the SF device 140. Alternatively, in some cases where the SEMF device 130 transmits the sensing request to the network device 120, the network device 120, acting as the first communication device 150, receives the sensing request from the second communication device 160 (in this case, the SEMF device 130). As another alternative, the network device 120 may transmit the sensing request to the terminal device 110 or another network device. In this case, the terminal device 110 (or another network device) acts as the first communication device 150 and receives the sensing request from the second communication device 160 (i.e., the network device 130).

[0069] In some embodiments, after receiving (304) the first sensing request, the first communication device 150 may transmit (306) an acknowledgment message (also referred to as the first acknowledgment message for discussion purposes) corresponding to the first sensing request 305 to the second communication device 160. For further discussion, the first acknowledgment message 310 is also referred to as the sensing request ACK. Upon receiving (308) the first acknowledgment message, the second communication device 160 will know that the first communication device 150 has received the first sensing request.

[0070] In some embodiments, the first communication device 150 may then determine whether a target has been sensed (310) based on sensing information. The sensing information may indicate at least one of environmental information associated with the sensing service, area range, or altitude of the location. In response to determining that a target has been sensed based on the sensing information, the first communication device 150 may transmit (312) a sensing report indicating that the target has been sensed to the second communication device 160.

[0071] In some embodiments, the sensing report may include various information, such as, but not limited to, sensing information, target information, etc. Sensing information may indicate at least one of the following: environmental information associated with the sensing service, area extent, or altitude of the location. Target information may include at least one sensing characteristic of the target, such as the target's size, material, shape, etc.

[0072] In some embodiments, after receiving (314) the sensing report, the second communication device 160 may transmit (316) a second acknowledgment message corresponding to the sensing report to the first communication device 150. The second acknowledgment message 310 is also referred to as the sensing report ACK for further discussion. Upon receiving (318) the second acknowledgment message, the first communication device 150 will know that the second communication device 160 has received the sensing report.

[0073] In some embodiments, the first communication device 150 may include an SEMF device 130, and the second communication device 160 may include an SF device 140. Whether a target is sensed can be determined at the SEMF device 130. In this case, the SEMF device 130 may transmit a second sensing request to a network device supporting the sensing service, so that a sensing signal is transmitted for the sensing service. The network device may be selected from a plurality of candidate network devices, and the network device may be able to perform the sensing service based on a set of service parameters. For example, the network device may be... Figure 1A Network device 120 in the network. In this case, SEMF device 130 can know the location information and / or capability information of each candidate network device.

[0074] The sensing signal can be transmitted by a network device (e.g., network device 120) or a terminal device (e.g., terminal device 110) acting as a sensing transmitter. Sensing information from the sensing signal can be obtained by a sensing receiver, which, depending on the sensing mode, can be either a terminal device or a network device. In some embodiments, network device 110 can act as a sensing receiver, or can receive sensing information from a sensing receiver. For example, if the first communication device 150 is an SEMF device 130, it can receive sensing information from network device 110 (in this case, the second communication device 160).

[0075] Regarding Figures 4A-4F Further details related to the aforementioned sensing scenarios will be discussed, including those with... Figure 2 The target is identified in the SEMF device with the six sensing modes described in the document.

[0076] Figure 4A Signaling flow 400A of a target identification and reporting process according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown. Regarding Figure 4A The illustrated embodiment relates to a single-station sensing mode with gNB (i.e., Figure 2 The sensing scene in the SEMF device that identifies the target in sensing mode 1). For discussion purposes, reference will be made to... Figure 1A The signaling flow 400A is discussed, for example, network device 120 and sensing management function device 130 and sensing function device 140 in the ISAC architecture 100A. In some descriptions, network device 120 is sometimes discussed using the example of a gNB, sensing management function device 130 is sometimes discussed using the example of an SEMF device or OAM device, and sensing function device 140 is sometimes discussed as an SF device.

[0077] In some embodiments, the sensing function device 140 sends a sensing request 411 to the sensing management function device 130, such as Figure 4AAs shown. Sensing request 411 may include service parameters, which may be at least one of the following: location associated with the sensing service, area range associated with the sensing service, altitude of the location, accuracy of the sensing service, or time requirement for reporting that a target has been sensed. Sensing feature information and event triggers may be added as service parameters. Sensing feature information may be at least one of the target size, target shape, target velocity range, or target material properties. Event triggers may indicate that if a target is sensed, a sensing report should be sent along with target information.

[0078] After receiving the sensing request 411, the sensing management function device 130 sends a sensing request acknowledgment (ACK) 412 to the sensing function device 140 to acknowledge receipt of the sensing request 411.

[0079] The sensing management function device 130 may be pre-configured with network device coverage information by an operator. Based on the location or area associated with the sensing service, the sensing management function device 130 can select a network device 120 covering that area and send a sensing request 413 to the network device 120. The sensing request 413 may include at least one of the following: location associated with the sensing service, area associated with the sensing service, or altitude relative to the sensing function device 140.

[0080] To fulfill the received sensing request, network device 120 can select a sensing mode with single-site sensing (i.e., Figure 2 (Sensing mode 1) Network device 120 can perform sensing in single-site mode according to the service parameters in sensing request 413. After receiving the reflected sensing signal, network device 120 can generate sensing information, which may include at least one of environmental information associated with the sensing service, area range, or location altitude. Network device 120 then sends a sensing response 414 to sensing management function device 130, and the sensing response 414 may include sensing information.

[0081] After receiving a sensing response 414 from network device 120, sensing management function device 130 can determine whether a target has been detected based on sensing characteristics. When a target is identified, sensing management function device 130 generates a sensing report 415 indicating that the target has been detected and sends the sensing report 415 to sensing function device 140. The sensing report 415 may include sensing information about the environment and target information, such as the target's speed or direction.

[0082] The sensing function device 140 sends a sensing report ACK 416 to the sensing management function device 130 to confirm that the sensing report 415 has been received.

[0083] Figure 4BSignaling flow 400B of a target identification and reporting process according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown. Regarding Figure 4B The illustrated embodiment relates to a system with UE single-site sensing (i.e., Figure 2 The sensing scene in the SEMF device that identifies the target in sensing mode 4) of the process. For discussion purposes, reference will be made to... Figure 1A The signaling flow 400B is discussed, for example, the terminal device 110, network device 120, and sensing management function device 130 and sensing function device 140 in the ISAC architecture 100A. In some embodiments, the terminal device 110 is sometimes discussed using the example of a UE, the network device 120 is sometimes discussed using the example of a gNB, the sensing management function device 130 is sometimes discussed using the example of an SEMF device or an OAM device, and the sensing function device 140 is sometimes discussed as an SF device.

[0084] In signaling stream 400B, sensing function device 140 sends sensing request 421 to sensing management function device 130, such as Figure 4B As shown. Sensing request 421 may include one or more service parameters, which may be, for example, but not limited to, location associated with the sensing service, area range associated with the sensing service, altitude of the location, accuracy of the sensing service, and / or time requirements for reporting that a target has been sensed. Sensing feature information and event triggers may be added as service parameters. Sensing feature information may be at least one of the following: target size, target shape, target velocity range, or target material properties. Event triggers may indicate that a sensing report should be sent along with target information if the target is sensed.

[0085] After receiving the sensing request 421, the sensing management function device 130 sends a sensing request ACK 422 to the sensing function device 140 to confirm that the sensing request 421 has been received.

[0086] The sensing management function device 130 may be pre-configured with network device coverage information by the operator. Based on the location or area associated with the sensing service, the sensing management function device 130 can select a network device 120 covering that area and send a sensing request 423 to the network device 120. The sensing request 423 may include information similar to that in the sensing request 421. For example, the sensing request 423 may include the location associated with the sensing service, the area associated with the sensing service, the altitude of the location, etc.

[0087] In some cases, accuracy requirements cannot be met by the single-site sensing of the network device 120 itself. In order to meet the received sensing request 423, the network device 120 can select a sensing mode in which the terminal device under the coverage of the network device 120 performs single-site sensing.

[0088] Referring again to signaling flow 400B, network device 120 sends a sensing request 424 to the selected terminal device 110. The sensing request 424 may include service parameters from sensing function device 140, which may include at least one of the following: location associated with the sensing service, area range associated with the sensing service, altitude of the location, accuracy of the sensing service, or indication for single-site UE sensing. Network device 120 may instruct the selected terminal device 110 on sensing configurations, such as RF frequency, power, etc.

[0089] After receiving the sensing request 424, the selected terminal device 110 can perform sensing in single-site mode according to the service parameters and configuration in the sensing request 424 from the network device 120.

[0090] Upon receiving the reflected sensing signal, the selected terminal device 110 generates sensing information, which may include at least one of environmental information associated with the sensing service, area range, or altitude of the location. The selected terminal device 110 sends a sensing response 425 to the network device 120, and the sensing response 425 may include sensing information.

[0091] Upon receiving a sensing response 425 from the selected terminal device 110, the network device 120 sends a sensing response 426 to the sensing management function device 130. The sensing response 426 may include sensing information received from the selected terminal device 110.

[0092] After receiving a sensing response 426 from network device 120, sensing management function device 130 can determine whether a target has been identified based on sensing characteristics. When a target is identified, sensing management function device 130 generates a sensing report 427 indicating that the target has been sensed and sends the sensing report 427 to sensing function device 140. The sensing report 427 may include sensing information about the environment and target information, such as the target's speed or direction.

[0093] The sensing function device 140 sends a sensing report ACK 428 to the sensing management function device 130 to confirm that the sensing report 427 has been received.

[0094] In addition, regarding Figure 4B The illustrated embodiment is also applicable to sensing scenarios where targets are identified in SEMF devices with dual-site sensing from gNB to UE (i.e., Figure 2 Sensing mode 2 in the middle).

[0095] In this sensing scenario, after receiving sensing request 423, network device 120 can select a sensing mode with dual-site sensing, where the terminal device under the coverage of network device 120 acts as a sensing receiver, and network device 120 itself acts as a sensing transmitter to fulfill the received sensing request. This situation may arise because single-site sensing by the gNB may not meet accuracy requirements.

[0096] Network device 120 then sends a sensing request 424 to the selected terminal device 110. The sensing request 424 may include service parameters from sensing function device 140, which may include at least one of the following: environmental information in the location associated with the sensing service, the area range associated with the sensing service, the altitude of the location, the accuracy of the sensing service, or an indication of bi-station sensing via the terminal device 110 as a receiver and the network device 120 as a transmitter. Network device 120 may indicate sensing transmitter RF information, such as RF frequency and waveform, to the terminal device 110.

[0097] Network device 120 sends a sensing signal to terminal device 110. Terminal device 110 can perform sensing as a sensing receiver in dual-site mode, based on the service parameters and configuration in the sensing request 424 from network device 120. After receiving the reflected sensing signal from network device 120, terminal device 110 can generate sensing information, which may include at least one of environmental information associated with the sensing service, area range, or altitude of the location. The selected terminal device 110 sends a sensing response 425 to network device 120, and the sensing response 425 may include sensing information.

[0098] Network device 120 then receives sensing response 425 from the selected terminal device 110 and sends sensing response 426 to sensing management function device 130. Sensing response 426 may include sensing information received from the selected terminal device 110.

[0099] After receiving a sensing response 426 from network device 120, sensing management function device 130 can identify the target based on sensing features and generate a sensing report 427 indicating that the target has been sensed or identified, and send the sensing report 427 to sensing function device 140. The sensing report 427 may include sensing information of the environment and target information, such as the target's speed or direction.

[0100] The sensing function device 140 sends a sensing report ACK 428 to the sensing management function device 130 to confirm that the sensing report 427 has been received.

[0101] Figure 4CSignaling flow 400C of target identification and reporting process according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown. Regarding Figure 4C The illustrated embodiment relates to dual-station sensing with gNB-to-gNB (i.e., Figure 2 The sensing scene in the SEMF device that identifies the target in sensing mode 3) of the process. For discussion purposes, reference will be made to... Figure 1A The discussion focuses on signaling flow 400C, such as sensing management function device 130 and sensing function device 140 in the ISAC architecture 100A. Network devices 401 and 402 are as follows: Figure 1A The example of network device 120 is shown. In some descriptions, network devices 401 and 402 are sometimes discussed using the example of a gNB, and sensor management function device 130 is sometimes discussed using the example of an SEMF device or OAM device. Sensor function device 140 is sometimes discussed as an SF device. In this case, network device 401 can act as a sensor transmitter, and network device 402 can act as a sensor receiver.

[0102] In some embodiments, the sensing function device 140 sends a sensing request 431 to the sensing management function device 130, such as Figure 4C As shown. Sensing request 431 may include service parameters, which may be at least one of the following: location associated with the sensing service, area range associated with the sensing service, altitude of the location, accuracy of the sensing service, or time requirement for reporting that a target has been sensed. Sensing feature information and event triggers may be added as service parameters. Sensing feature information may be at least one of the following: target size, target shape, target velocity range, or target material properties. Event triggers may indicate that if a target is sensed, a sensing report should be sent along with target information.

[0103] After receiving the sensing request 431, the sensing management function device 130 sends a sensing request ACK 432 to the sensing function device 140 to confirm that the sensing request 431 has been received.

[0104] The sensing management function device 130 has been pre-configured with network device coverage information by the operator. Based on the location or area associated with the sensing service, the sensing management function device 130 can select a first network device 401 covering that area and send a sensing request 433 to the first network device 401. The sensing request 433 may include at least one of the following: location associated with the sensing service, area associated with the sensing service, or altitude relative to the sensing function device 140.

[0105] To fulfill the received sensing request, the first network device 401 can select a sensing mode with dual-site sensing, where another network device (i.e., the second network device 402) acts as a sensing receiver, and the first network device 401 itself acts as a sensing transmitter. This scenario may be possible because single-site sensing by the gNB cannot meet accuracy requirements.

[0106] The first network device 401 sends a sensing request 434 to the second network device 402. The sensing request 434 may include service parameters from the sensing function device 140, which may include at least one of the following: location associated with the sensing service, area range associated with the sensing service, altitude of the location, accuracy of the sensing service, or indication for dual-site sensing, wherein the second network device 402 acts as a sensing receiver and the first network device 401 acts as a sensing transmitter. The first network device 401 may indicate sensing transmitter RF information, such as RF frequency and waveform, to the second network device 402. The first network device 401 may send sensing signals to the second network device 402.

[0107] Upon receiving a sensing request 434, the second network device 402 can perform sensing in dual-site mode as a sensing receiver based on the service parameters and configuration in the sensing request 434 from the first network device 401. After receiving a reflected sensing signal from the first network device 401, the second network device 402 can generate sensing information, which may include at least one of environmental information associated with the sensing service, area range, or altitude of the location.

[0108] The second network device 402 sends a sensing response 435, including sensing information, to the first network device 401. The first network device 401 receives the sensing response 435 from the second network device 402 and sends a sensing response 436 to the sensing management function device 130. The sensing response 436 may include the sensing information received from the second network device 402.

[0109] After receiving a sensing response 436 from the first network device 401, the sensing management function device 130 can determine whether a target has been identified or sensed based on sensing characteristics. When a target is sensed, the sensing management function device 130 generates a sensing report 437 indicating that the target has been sensed and sends the sensing report 437 to the sensing function device 140. The sensing report 437 may include sensing information about the environment and target information, such as the target's speed or direction.

[0110] The sensing function device 140 sends a sensing report ACK 438 to the sensing management function device 130 to confirm that the sensing report 437 has been received.

[0111] Figure 4DSignaling flow 400D of a target identification and reporting process according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown. Regarding Figure 4D The illustrated embodiment relates to dual-station sensing with gNB-to-gNB (i.e., Figure 2 The sensing scene in the SEMF device that identifies the target in sensing mode 3) of the process. For discussion purposes, reference will be made to... Figure 1A The discussion focuses on signaling flow 400D, such as the sensing management function device 130 and sensing function device 140 in the ISAC architecture 100A. Network devices 401 and 402 are as follows: Figure 1A The example of network device 120 is shown. In some descriptions, network devices 401 and 402 are sometimes discussed using the example of a gNB, and the sensing management function device 130 is sometimes discussed using the example of an SEMF device or an OAM device. The sensing function device 140 is sometimes discussed as an SF device. In this case, network device 401 can act as a sensing receiver, and network device 402 can act as a sensing transmitter.

[0112] In some embodiments, the sensing function device 140 sends a sensing request 441 to the sensing management function device 130, such as Figure 4D As shown. Sensing request 441 may include service parameters, which may be at least one of the following: location associated with the sensing service, area range associated with the sensing service, altitude of the location, accuracy of the sensing service, or time requirement for reporting that a target has been sensed. Sensing feature information and event triggers may be added as service parameters. Sensing feature information may be at least one of the following: target size, target shape, target velocity range, or target material properties. Event triggers may indicate that if a target is sensed, a sensing report should be sent along with target information.

[0113] After receiving the sensing request 441, the sensing management function device 130 sends a sensing request ACK 442 to the sensing function device 140 to confirm that the sensing request 441 has been received.

[0114] The sensing management function device 130 has been pre-configured with network device coverage information by the operator. Based on the location or area associated with the sensing service, the sensing management function device 130 can select a first network device 401 covering that area and send a sensing request 443 to the first network device 401. The sensing request 443 may include at least one of the following: the location associated with the sensing service, the area associated with the sensing service, or the altitude from the sensing function device 140.

[0115] First network device 401 sends a sensing request 444 to second network device 402. Sensing request 444 may include service parameters from sensing function device 140, which may include at least one of the following: location associated with the sensing service, area range associated with the sensing service, altitude of the location, accuracy of the sensing service, or indication for dual-site sensing, wherein first network device 401 acts as a sensing receiver and second network device 402 acts as a sensing transmitter. First network device 401 may indicate sensing transmitter RF information, such as RF frequency and waveform, to second network device 402.

[0116] After receiving sensing request 444, the second network device 402 sends sensing request ACK 445 to the first network device 401 to acknowledge itself as a sensing transmitter. The second network device 402 can transmit sensing signals in dual-station mode according to the service parameters and configuration in sensing request 444 from the first network device 401.

[0117] After receiving the reflected sensing signal from the second network device 402, the first network device 401 can generate sensing information, which may include at least one of environmental information associated with the sensing service, area range, or altitude of the location. The first network device 401 sends a sensing response 446 to the sensing management function device 130. The sensing response 446 may include the sensing information from the second network device 402.

[0118] After receiving a sensing response 446 from the first network device 401, the sensing management function device 130 can determine whether a target has been identified or sensed based on sensing characteristics, and can generate a sensing report 447 if the target has been sensed. The sensing management function device 130 can then send the sensing report 447 to the sensing function device 140. The sensing report 447 may include sensing information about the environment and target information, such as the target's speed or direction.

[0119] The sensing function device 140 sends a sensing report ACK 448 to the sensing management function device 130 to confirm that the sensing report 447 has been received.

[0120] Figure 4E Signaling flow 400E of a target identification and reporting process according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown. Regarding Figure 4E The illustrated embodiment relates to dual-site sensing from UE to gNB (i.e., Figure 2 The sensing scene in the SEMF device that identifies the target in sensing mode 5) of the process. For discussion purposes, reference will be made to... Figure 1AThe discussion covers signaling flow 400E, such as terminal device 110, network device 120, and sensing management function device 130 and sensing function device 140 in ISAC architecture 100A. In some descriptions, terminal device 110 is sometimes discussed using examples of a UE, network device 120 is sometimes discussed using examples of a gNB, sensing management function device 130 is sometimes discussed using examples of an SEMF device or OAM device, and sensing function device 140 is sometimes discussed as an SF device.

[0121] In some embodiments, the sensing function device 140 sends a sensing request 451 to the sensing management function device 130, such as Figure 4E As shown. Sensing request 451 may include service parameters, which may be at least one of the following: location associated with the sensing service, area range associated with the sensing service, altitude of the location, accuracy of the sensing service, or time requirement for reporting that a target has been sensed. Sensing feature information and event triggers may be added as service parameters. Sensing feature information may be at least one of the target's size, shape, velocity range, or material properties. Event triggers may indicate that a sensing report should be sent along with target information if the target is sensed.

[0122] After receiving the sensing request 451, the sensing management function device 130 sends a sensing request ACK 452 to the sensing function device 140 to confirm that the sensing request 451 has been received.

[0123] The sensing management function device 130 has been pre-configured with network device coverage information by the operator. Based on the location or area associated with the sensing service, the sensing management function device 130 can select a network device 120 covering that area and send a sensing request 453 to the network device 120. The sensing request 453 may include at least one of the following: the location associated with the sensing service, the area associated with the sensing service, or the altitude from the sensing function device 140.

[0124] To fulfill the received sensing request 453, network device 120 can select a sensing mode with dual-site sensing from the UE to the gNB, in which network device 120 itself acts as a sensing receiver, while terminal device 110 acts as a sensing transmitter. This may be possible if network device 120 itself cannot meet the accuracy requirements using gNB single-site sensing.

[0125] Network device 120 sends a sensing request 454 to terminal device 110. The sensing request 454 may include service parameters from sensing function device 140, which may include at least one of the following: location associated with the sensing service, area range associated with the sensing service, altitude of the location, accuracy of the sensing service, or indication of dual-site sensing from the UE to the gNB, wherein network device 120 itself acts as a sensing receiver and terminal device 110 acts as a sensing transmitter. Network device 120 may indicate the sensing transmitter RF configuration, such as RF frequency, power, waveform, etc., to terminal device 110. Network device 120 may wait to receive sensing signals from terminal device 110.

[0126] After receiving the sensing request 454, the terminal device 110 sends a sensing ACK 455 to the network device 120 to acknowledge itself as a sensing transmitter. Then, the terminal device 110 can send sensing signals as a sensing transmitter in UE-to-gNB dual-site sensing according to the service parameters and configuration in the sensing request 454 from the network device 120.

[0127] After receiving a sensing signal from terminal device 110, network device 120 can generate sensing information, which may include at least one of environmental information associated with the sensing service, area range, or location altitude. Network device 120 sends a sensing response 456, including the sensing information, to sensing management function device 130.

[0128] After receiving a sensing response 456 from network device 120, sensing management device 130 can determine whether a target has been identified or sensed based on sensing characteristics. When a target is identified, sensing management device 130 can generate a sensing report 457 indicating that the target has been sensed and send the sensing report 457 to sensing device 140. The sensing report 457 may include sensing information about the environment and target information, such as the target's speed or direction.

[0129] The sensing function device 140 sends a sensing report ACK 458 to the sensing management function device 130 to confirm that the sensing report 457 has been received.

[0130] Figure 4F Signaling flow 400F for target identification and reporting processes according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown. Regarding Figure 4F The illustrated embodiment relates to UE-to-UE dual-station sensing (i.e., Figure 2 The sensing scene in the SEMF device that identifies the target in sensing mode 6) of the process. For discussion purposes, reference will be made to... Figure 1AThe signaling flow 400F is discussed, for example, network device 120 and sensing management function device 130 and sensing function device 140 in ISAC architecture 100A. Sensing receiver 403 and sensing transmitter 404 are examples of terminal device 110. In some descriptions, the examples of UE are sometimes used to discuss sensing receiver 403 and sensing transmitter 404, the examples of gNB are sometimes used to discuss network device 120, the examples of SEMF device or OAM device are sometimes used to discuss sensing management function device 130, and the sensing function device 140 is sometimes discussed as an SF device.

[0131] In some embodiments, the sensing function device 140 sends a sensing request 461 to the sensing management function device 130, such as Figure 4F As shown. Sensing request 461 may include service parameters, which may be at least one of the following: location associated with the sensing service, area range associated with the sensing service, altitude of the location, accuracy of the sensing service, or time requirement for reporting that a target has been sensed. Sensing feature information and event triggers may be added as service parameters. Sensing feature information may be at least one of the following: target size, target shape, target velocity range, or target material properties. Event triggers may indicate that if a target is sensed, a sensing report should be sent along with target information.

[0132] After receiving the sensing request 461, the sensing management function device 130 sends a sensing request ACK 462 to the sensing function device 140 to confirm that the sensing request 461 has been received.

[0133] The sensing management function device 130 has been pre-configured with network device coverage information by the operator. Based on the location or area associated with the sensing service, the sensing management function device 130 can select a network device 120 covering that area and send a sensing request 463 to the network device 120. The sensing request 463 may include at least one of the following: the location associated with the sensing service, the area associated with the sensing service, or the altitude from the sensing function device 140.

[0134] To fulfill the received sensing request 463, network device 120 can select a sensing mode with dual-station sensing, where one terminal device (i.e., sensing transmitter 404) acts as a transmitter and another terminal device (i.e., sensing receiver 403) acts as a receiver. This situation may arise because other sensing modes cannot meet the accuracy requirements.

[0135] Network device 120 sends a sensing request 464 to sensing transmitter 404. Sensing request 464 may include service parameters from sensing function device 140, which may include at least one of the following: location associated with the sensing service, area range associated with the sensing service, altitude of the location, accuracy of the sensing service, or indication for dual-site sensing, wherein sensing transmitter 404 acts as a transmitter. Network device 120 may also instruct sensing transmitter 404 on sensing transmitter RF configuration, such as RF frequency, power, waveform, etc.

[0136] After receiving the sensing request 464, the sensing transmitter 404 sends a sensing ACK 465 to the network device 120 to acknowledge its role as a sensing transmitter. Then, the sensing transmitter 404 can transmit sensing signals as a transmitter in dual-site mode, based on the service parameters and configuration in the sensing request 464 from the network device 120.

[0137] Network device 120 sends a sensing request 466 to sensing receiver 403. Sensing request 466 may include service parameters from sensing function device 140, which may include at least one of the following: location associated with the sensing service, area range associated with the sensing service, altitude of the location, accuracy of the sensing service, or indication for dual-site sensing, wherein sensing receiver 403 acts as a receiver. Network device 120 may also instruct sensing transmitter RF configuration, such as RF frequency, waveform, etc., to sensing receiver 403.

[0138] Upon receiving a sensing request 466, the sensing receiver 403 can generate sensing information, which may include at least one of environmental information associated with the sensing service, area range, or location altitude. The sensing receiver 403 sends a sensing response 467 to the network device 120, and the sensing response 467 may include sensing information.

[0139] Then, network device 120 receives sensing response 467 from sensing receiver 403 and sends sensing response 468 to sensing management function device 130. Sensing response 468 may include sensing information from sensing receiver 403.

[0140] After receiving a sensing response 468 from network device 120, sensing management function device 130 can determine whether a target has been sensed based on sensing characteristics. If so, sensing management function device 130 generates a sensing report 469 indicating that the target has been sensed and sends the sensing report 469 to sensing function device 140. The sensing report 469 may include sensing information about the environment and target information, such as the target's speed or direction.

[0141] The sensing function device 140 sends a sensing report ACK 470 to the sensing management function device 130 to confirm that the sensing report 469 has been received.

[0142] Regarding Figures 5A-5F Further details are discussed regarding the scenarios related to further sensing, particularly in those with… Figure 2 The target is identified in the network device with the six sensing modes described in the document.

[0143] For the purpose of discussion, references will be included. Figure 1A-Figure 1B Some other embodiments are discussed, such as the first communication device 150 and the second communication device 160 in the ISAC architecture 100B. In some embodiments, the first communication device 150 may include a network device 120, and the second communication device 160 may include a sensing management function device 130. In this case, the first communication device may transmit sensing signals associated with a sensing service and obtain sensing information based on the sensing signals.

[0144] For further discussion, see reference Figure 5A , Figure 5A Signaling flow 500A for target identification and reporting processes according to some embodiments of this disclosure is illustrated. The illustrated embodiments relate to single-site sensing with gNB (i.e., Figure 2 The sensing scenario in network device 120 that identifies the target in sensing mode 1) of the network device. For discussion purposes, reference will be made to... Figure 1A The signaling flow 500A is discussed, for example, network device 120 and sensing management function device 130 and sensing function device 140 in the ISAC architecture 100A. In some descriptions, network device 120 is sometimes discussed using the example of a gNB, sensing management function device 130 is sometimes discussed using the example of an SEMF device or OAM device, and sensing function device 140 is sometimes discussed as an SF device.

[0145] In some embodiments, the sensing function device 140 sends a sensing request 511 to the sensing management function device 130. The sensing request 511 may include service parameters, which may be at least one of the following: location associated with the sensing service, area range associated with the sensing service, altitude of the location, accuracy of the sensing service, or time requirement for reporting that a target has been sensed. Sensing feature information and event triggers may be added as service parameters. The sensing feature information may be at least one of the target size, target shape, target velocity range, or target material properties. The event trigger may indicate that if a target is sensed, a sensing report should be sent along with target information.

[0146] After receiving the sensing request 511, the sensing management function device 130 sends a sensing request ACK 512 to the sensing function device 140 to confirm that the sensing request 511 has been received.

[0147] The sensing management function device 130 has been pre-configured with network device coverage information by the operator. Based on the location or area associated with the sensing service, the sensing management function device 130 can select a network device 120 covering that area and send a sensing request 513 to the network device 120. The sensing request 513 may include at least one of the location associated with the sensing service, the area associated with the sensing service, or the altitude from the sensing function device 140. Sensing feature information and event triggers received in the sensing request 511 may be included in the sensing request 513 from the sensing management function device 130 to the network device 120.

[0148] After receiving the sensing request 513, the network device 120 sends a sensing request ACK 514 to the sensing management function device 130 to confirm that the sensing request 513 has been received.

[0149] To fulfill the received sensing request 513, network device 120 selects a sensing mode with single-site sensing. Network device 120 performs sensing in single-site mode according to the service parameters in sensing request 513. After receiving a reflected sensing signal, network device 120 generates sensing information, which may include at least one of environmental information associated with the sensing service, area range, or altitude of the location. Based on the characteristics of the sensed target, network device 120 can determine whether the target can be identified from the sensing information. If so, network device 120 can send a sensing report 515 indicating that the target has been sensed to sensing management function device 130. Sensing report 515 may include sensing information about the environment and target information, such as the target's speed or direction.

[0150] After receiving the sensing report 515, the sensing management function device 130 sends a sensing report ACK 516 to the network device 120 to confirm that the sensing report 515 has been received.

[0151] Then, the sensing management function device 130 sends a sensing report 517 to the sensing function device 140, and the sensing report 517 may include sensing information and target information from the environment of the network device 120, such as the speed or direction of the target.

[0152] After receiving the sensing report 517, the sensing function device 140 sends a sensing report ACK 518 to the sensing management function device 130 to confirm that the sensing report 515 has been received.

[0153] In some embodiments, the first communication device 150 may include a network device 120, and the second communication device 160 may include a sensing management function device 130. In this case, the first communication device may transmit a sensing signal associated with a sensing service; and receive a second sensing response from a sensing receiver, including sensing information obtained based on the sensing signal. For example, the sensing response may be received from a terminal device 110 (e.g., where the terminal device 110 acts as a sensing receiver), or it may be received from another network device (e.g., where another network device acts as a sensing receiver).

[0154] refer to Figure 5B , Figure 5B Signaling flow 500B of a target identification and reporting process according to some embodiments of this disclosure is illustrated. The illustrated embodiments relate to dual-site sensing from gNB to UE (i.e., Figure 2 The sensing scenario in network device 120 that identifies the target in sensing mode 2). For discussion purposes, reference will be made to... Figure 1A The discussion covers signaling flows 500B, such as terminal device 110, network device 120, sensing management function device 130, and sensing function device 140 in the ISAC architecture 100A. In some descriptions, terminal device 110 is sometimes discussed using examples of a UE, network device 120 is sometimes discussed using examples of a gNB, sensing management function device 130 is sometimes discussed using examples of an SEMF device or OAM device, and sensing function device 140 is sometimes discussed as an SF device.

[0155] In some embodiments, the sensing function device 140 sends a sensing request 521 to the sensing management function device 130. The sensing request 521 may include service parameters, which may be at least one of the following: location associated with the sensing service, area range associated with the sensing service, altitude of the location, accuracy of the sensing service, or time requirement for reporting that a target has been sensed. Sensing feature information and event triggers may be added as service parameters. The sensing feature information may be at least one of the target size, target shape, target velocity range, or target material properties. The event trigger may indicate that a sensing report should be sent along with target information if the target is sensed.

[0156] After receiving the sensing request 521, the sensing management function device 130 sends a sensing request ACK 522 to the sensing function device 140 to confirm that the sensing request 521 has been received.

[0157] The sensing management function device 130 has been pre-configured with network device coverage information by the operator. Based on the location or area associated with the sensing service, the sensing management function device 130 can select a network device 120 covering that area and send a sensing request 523 to the network device 120. The sensing request 523 may include at least one of the location associated with the sensing service, the area associated with the sensing service, or the altitude from the sensing function device 140. Sensing feature information and event triggers received in the sensing request 521 may be included in the sensing request 523 from the sensing management function device 130 to the network device 120.

[0158] After receiving the sensing request 523, the network device 120 sends a sensing request ACK 524 to the sensing management function device 130 to confirm that the sensing request 523 has been received.

[0159] In this sensing scenario, after receiving sensing request 523, network device 120 can select a sensing mode with dual-site sensing, where the terminal device under the coverage of network device 120 acts as a sensing receiver, and network device 120 itself acts as a sensing transmitter to fulfill the received sensing request. This situation may arise when single-site sensing by the gNB cannot meet accuracy requirements.

[0160] Network device 120 then sends a sensing request 525 to the selected terminal device 110. The sensing request 525 may include service parameters from sensing function device 140, which may include at least one of the following: environmental information in the location associated with the sensing service, the area range associated with the sensing service, the altitude of the location, the accuracy of the sensing service, or an indication of bi-station sensing via the terminal device 110 as a receiver and the network device 120 as a transmitter. Network device 120 may indicate sensing transmitter RF information, such as RF frequency and waveform, to the terminal device 110.

[0161] As a sensing transmitter, network device 120 sends sensing signals to terminal device 110. Terminal device 110 can perform sensing as a sensing receiver in dual-site mode, based on the service parameters and configuration in the sensing request 525 from network device 120. After receiving the reflected sensing signal from network device 120, terminal device 110 can generate sensing information, which may include at least one of environmental information associated with the sensing service, area range, or altitude of the location. The selected terminal device 110 sends a sensing response 526, including the sensing information, to network device 120.

[0162] Network device 120 can determine whether a target can be identified from the sensing information. If a target is identified in the sensing information based on sensing target characteristics, network device 120 can send a sensing report 527 indicating that the target has been sensed to sensing management function device 130. In some embodiments, sensing report 527 may include sensing information of the environment and target information, such as the target's speed or direction.

[0163] After receiving the sensing report 527, the sensing management function device 130 sends a sensing report ACK 528 to the network device 120 to confirm that the sensing report 527 has been received.

[0164] Then, the sensing management function device 130 sends a sensing report 529 to the sensing function device 140. The sensing report 529 may include sensing information and target information from the environment of the terminal device 110, such as the speed or direction of the target.

[0165] After receiving the sensing report 529, the sensing function device 140 sends a sensing report ACK 530 to the sensing management function device 130 to confirm that the sensing report 529 has been received.

[0166] in addition, Figure 5C Signaling flow 500C of target identification and reporting process according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown. Regarding Figure 5C The illustrated embodiment relates to dual-station sensing with gNB-to-gNB (i.e., Figure 2 The sensing scenario in network device 501 that identifies the target (sensing mode 3) in the sensing mode. For discussion purposes, reference will be made to... Figure 1A Discuss signaling flow 500C, for example, the sensing management function device 130 and sensing function device 140 in the ISAC architecture 100A. The first network device 501 and the second network device 502 are as follows... Figure 1A The example of network device 120 is shown. In some descriptions, the example of a gNB is sometimes used to discuss the first network device 501 and the second network device 502, the example of an SEMF device or an OAM device is sometimes used to discuss the sensing management function device 130, and the sensing function device 140 is sometimes discussed as an SF device. In this case, network device 501 can act as a sensing receiver, and the second network device 502 can act as a sensing transmitter.

[0167] In some embodiments, the sensing function device 140 sends a sensing request 531 to the sensing management function device 130. The sensing request 531 may include service parameters, which may be at least one of the following: location associated with the sensing service, area range associated with the sensing service, altitude of the location, accuracy of the sensing service, or time requirement for reporting that a target has been sensed. Sensing feature information and event triggers may be added as service parameters. The sensing feature information may be at least one of the target size, target shape, target velocity range, or target material properties. The event trigger may indicate that if a target is sensed, a sensing report should be sent along with target information.

[0168] After receiving the sensing request 531, the sensing management function device 130 sends a sensing request ACK 532 to the sensing function device 140 to confirm that the sensing request 531 has been received.

[0169] The sensing management function device 130 has been pre-configured with network device coverage information by the operator. Depending on the location or area associated with the sensing service, the sensing management function device 130 may be a first network device 501 covering that area, and a sensing request 533 is sent to the first network device 501. The sensing request 533 may include at least one of the location associated with the sensing service, the area associated with the sensing service, or the altitude from the sensing function device 140. Sensing feature information and event triggers received in the sensing request 531 may be included in the sensing request 533 from the sensing management function device 130 to the first network device 501.

[0170] After receiving the sensing request 533, the first network device 501 sends a sensing request ACK 534 to the sensing management function device 130 to confirm that the sensing request 533 has been received.

[0171] In this sensing scenario, after receiving sensing request 533, the first network device 501 can select a sensing mode with dual-site sensing, where the first network device 501 itself acts as a sensing transmitter, and the other terminal device acts as a sensing receiver, in order to satisfy the received sensing request. The condition for this scenario might be that single-site sensing by the gNB cannot meet the accuracy requirements.

[0172] The first network device 501 sends a sensing request 535 to the second network device 502. The sensing request 535 may include service parameters from the sensing function device 140, which may include at least one of the following: location associated with the sensing service, area range associated with the sensing service, altitude of the location, accuracy of the sensing service, or indication for dual-site sensing, wherein the first network device 501 acts as a sensing transmitter and the second network device 502 acts as a sensing receiver. The first network device 501 may indicate sensing transmitter RF information, such as RF frequency and waveform, to the second network device 502.

[0173] Upon receiving a sensing request 535, the second network device 502 can perform sensing in dual-site mode as a sensing receiver, based on the service parameters and configuration in the sensing request 535 from the first network device 501. After receiving a reflected sensing signal from the first network device 501, the second network device 502 can generate sensing information, which may include at least one of environmental information associated with the sensing service, area range, or altitude of the location. The second network device 502 sends a sensing response 536 to the first network device 501, and the sensing response 536 may include sensing information.

[0174] Using the sensing information, the first network device 501 can determine whether a target has been identified or sensed based on the characteristics of the sensed target. If the target is identified, the first network device 501 can send a sensing report 537 indicating that the target has been sensed to the sensing management function device 130. In some embodiments, the sensing report 537 may include sensing information of the environment and target information, such as the target's speed or direction.

[0175] After receiving the sensing report 537, the sensing management function device 130 sends a sensing report ACK 538 to the first network device 501 to confirm that the sensing report 537 has been received.

[0176] Then, the sensing management function device 130 sends a sensing report 539 to the sensing function device 140. The sensing report 539 may include sensing information and target information from the environment of the second network device 502, such as the speed or direction of the target.

[0177] After receiving the sensing report 539, the sensing function device 140 sends a sensing report ACK 530 to the sensing management function device 130 to confirm that the sensing report 539 has been received.

[0178] In some embodiments, the first communication device 150 may include a network device 120, and the second communication device 160 may include a sensing management function device 130. In this case, the first communication device 150 may transmit a third sensing request to a sensing transmitter to cause the sensing transmitter to transmit sensing signals associated with the sensing service. The first communication device 150 may then obtain sensing information based on the sensing signals.

[0179] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the first communication device 150 may transmit a third sensing request regarding the sensing service to the sensing transmitter and receive a sensing confirmation from the sensing transmitter. The sensing confirmation instructs the sensing transmitter to acknowledge the transmission of a sensing signal associated with the sensing service. In some embodiments, the third sensing request may include at least one of the following: sensing mode information of the sensing service, a set of service parameters for the sensing service, or a sensing configuration for the sensing service. For example, the sensing information may be obtained by the first communication device 150 itself, and the sensing transmitter may be a terminal device or another network device.

[0180] Figure 5D This illustrates a scenario where the first communication device 150 itself acquires sensing information, and the sensing transmitter is another network device. Figure 5D Signaling flow 500D of a target identification and reporting process according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown. Regarding Figure 5D The illustrated embodiment relates to dual-station sensing with gNB-to-gNB (i.e., Figure 2 The sensing scenario in the first network device 501 that identifies the target in sensing mode 3). For discussion purposes, reference will be made to... Figure 1A Discuss signaling flow 500D, for example, the sensing management function device 130 and sensing function device 140 in the ISAC architecture 100A. The first network device 501 and the second network device 502 are as follows... Figure 1A The example of network device 120 shown is illustrated. In some descriptions, the example of a gNB is sometimes used to discuss the first network device 501 and the second network device 502, the example of an SEMF device or OAM device is sometimes used to discuss the sensing management function device 130, and the sensing function device 140 is sometimes discussed as an SF device. In this case, the first network device 501 can act as a sensing receiver, and the second network device 502 can act as a sensing transmitter.

[0181] In some embodiments, sensing device 140 sends a sensing request 541 to sensing management device 130. Sensing request 531 may include service parameters, which may be at least one of the following: location associated with the sensing service, area range associated with the sensing service, altitude of the location, accuracy of the sensing service, or time requirement for reporting that a target has been sensed. Sensing feature information and event triggers may be added as service parameters. Sensing feature information may be at least one of the target size, target shape, target velocity range, or target material properties. Event triggers may indicate that a sensing report should be sent along with target information if the target is sensed.

[0182] After receiving the sensing request 541, the sensing management function device 130 sends a sensing request ACK 542 to the sensing function device 140 to confirm that the sensing request 541 has been received.

[0183] The sensing management function device 130 has been pre-configured with network device coverage information by the operator. Based on the location or area associated with the sensing service, the sensing management function device 130 can select a first network device 501 covering that area and send a sensing request 543 to the first network device 501. The sensing request 543 may include at least one of the location associated with the sensing service, the area associated with the sensing service, or the altitude from the sensing function device 140. Sensing feature information and event triggers received in the sensing request 541 may be included in the sensing request 543 from the sensing management function device 130 to the first network device 501.

[0184] After receiving the sensing request 543, the first network device 501 sends a sensing request ACK 544 to the sensing management function device 130 to confirm that the sensing request 533 has been received.

[0185] The first network device 501 sends a sensing request 545 to the second network device 502. The sensing request 545 may include service parameters from the sensing function device 140, which may include at least one of the following: location associated with the sensing service, area range associated with the sensing service, altitude of the location, accuracy of the sensing service, or indication for dual-site sensing, wherein the first network device 501 acts as a sensing receiver and the second network device 502 acts as a sensing transmitter. The first network device 501 may indicate sensing transmitter RF information, such as RF frequency and waveform, to the second network device 502.

[0186] After receiving the sensing request 545, the second network device 502 sends a sensing request ACK 546 to the first network device 501 to acknowledge itself as a sensing transmitter. The second network device 502 can transmit sensing signals in dual-station mode according to the service parameters and configuration in the sensing request 545 from the first network device 501.

[0187] After receiving the reflected sensing signal from the second network device 502, the first network device 501 can generate sensing information, which may include at least one of environmental information associated with the sensing service, area range, or altitude of the location. If it is determined based on the sensing target characteristics that a target has been identified from the sensing information, the first network device 501 can send a sensing report 547 indicating that the target has been sensed to the sensing management function device 130. In some embodiments, the sensing report 547 may include sensing information of the environment and target information, such as the target's speed or direction.

[0188] After receiving the sensing report 547, the sensing management function device 130 sends a sensing report ACK 548 to the first network device 501 to confirm that the sensing report 547 has been received.

[0189] Then, the sensing management function device 130 sends a sensing report 549 to the sensing function device 140. The sensing report 549 may include sensing information and target information from the environment of the second network device 502, such as the speed or direction of the target.

[0190] After receiving the sensing report 549, the sensing function device 140 sends a sensing report ACK 540 to the sensing management function device 130 to confirm that the sensing report 549 has been received.

[0191] in addition, Figure 5E This illustrates a scenario where the sensing information is obtained by the first communication device 150 itself and the sensing transmitter is a terminal device. Figure 5E Signaling flow 500E for target identification and reporting processes according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown. Regarding Figure 5E The illustrated embodiment relates to dual-site sensing from UE to gNB (i.e., Figure 2 The sensing scene in the network device that identifies the target (sensing mode 5) in the sensing mode. For discussion purposes, reference will be made to... Figure 1AThe discussion covers signaling flows 500E, such as terminal device 110, network device 120, sensing management function device 130, and sensing function device 140 in the ISAC architecture 100A. In some descriptions, terminal device 110 is sometimes discussed using examples of a UE, network device 120 is sometimes discussed using examples of a gNB, sensing management function device 130 is sometimes discussed using examples of an SEMF device or OAM device, and sensing function device 140 is sometimes discussed as an SF device.

[0192] In some embodiments, the sensing function device 140 sends a sensing request 551 to the sensing management function device 130. The sensing request 551 may include service parameters, which may be at least one of the following: location associated with the sensing service, area range associated with the sensing service, altitude of the location, accuracy of the sensing service, or time requirement for reporting that a target has been sensed. Sensing feature information and event triggers may be added as service parameters. The sensing feature information may be at least one of the target size, target shape, target velocity range, or target material properties. The event trigger may indicate that if a target is sensed, a sensing report should be sent along with target information.

[0193] After receiving the sensing request 551, the sensing management function device 130 sends a sensing request ACK 552 to the sensing function device 140 to confirm that the sensing request 551 has been received.

[0194] The sensing management function device 130 has been pre-configured with network device coverage information by the operator. Based on the location or area associated with the sensing service, the sensing management function device 130 can select a network device 120 covering that area and send a sensing request 553 to the network device 120. The sensing request 553 may include at least one of the location associated with the sensing service, the area associated with the sensing service, or the altitude from the sensing function device 140. Sensing feature information and event triggers received in the sensing request 551 may be included in the sensing request 553 from the sensing management function device 130 to the network device 120.

[0195] After receiving the sensing request 553, the network device 120 sends a sensing request ACK 554 to the sensing management function device 130 to confirm that the sensing request 553 has been received.

[0196] In this sensing scenario, after receiving sensing request 553, network device 120 can select a sensing mode with dual-site sensing, where the terminal device under the coverage of network device 120 acts as a sensing transmitter, and network device 120 itself acts as a sensing receiver, in order to fulfill the received sensing request. This situation may arise when single-site sensing by the gNB cannot meet the accuracy requirements.

[0197] Network device 120 sends a sensing request 555 to terminal device 110. The sensing request 555 may include service parameters from sensing function device 140, which may include at least one of the following: location associated with the sensing service, area range associated with the sensing service, altitude of the location, accuracy of the sensing service, or indication of dual-site sensing from the UE to the gNB, wherein network device 120 itself acts as a sensing receiver and terminal device 110 acts as a sensing transmitter. Network device 120 may indicate the sensing transmitter RF configuration, such as RF frequency, power, waveform, etc., to terminal device 110. Network device 120 may wait to receive sensing signals from terminal device 110.

[0198] After receiving the sensing request 555, the terminal device 110 sends a sensing ACK 556 to the network device 120 to acknowledge itself as a sensing transmitter. Then, the terminal device 110 can send sensing signals as a sensing transmitter in UE-to-gNB dual-site sensing according to the service parameters and configuration in the sensing request 454 from the network device 120.

[0199] After receiving a sensing signal from terminal device 110, network device 120 can generate sensing information, which may include at least one of environmental information associated with the sensing service, area range, or location altitude.

[0200] Network device 120 can determine whether a target is identified in the sensing information based on the characteristics of the sensed target. If so, network device 120 can send a sensing report 557 indicating that the target has been sensed to sensing management function device 130. In some embodiments, sensing report 557 may include sensing information of the environment and target information, such as the target's speed or direction.

[0201] After receiving the sensing report 557, the sensing management function device 130 sends a sensing report ACK 558 to the network device 120 to confirm that the sensing report 557 has been received.

[0202] Then, the sensing management function device 130 sends a sensing report 559 to the sensing function device 140. The sensing report 559 may include sensing information and target information from the environment of the terminal device 110, such as the speed or direction of the target.

[0203] After receiving the sensing report 559, the sensing function device 140 sends a sensing report ACK 560 to the sensing management function device 130 to confirm that the sensing report 559 has been received.

[0204] In some embodiments, the first communication device 150 may include a network device 120, and the second communication device 160 may include a sensing management function device 130. In this case, the first communication device 150 may transmit a third sensing request to a sensing transmitter to cause the sensing transmitter to transmit a sensing signal associated with a sensing service. The first communication device 150 may then receive a second sensing response from a sensing receiver, including sensing information obtained by the sensing receiver based on the sensing signal.

[0205] Alternatively, in some other cases, the first communication device 150 may transmit a third sensing request regarding the sensing service to the sensing transmitter and receive a sensing confirmation from the sensing transmitter, the sensing confirmation indicating that the sensing transmitter acknowledges the transmission of a sensing signal associated with the sensing service. In some embodiments, the first communication device 150 may transmit a fourth sensing request regarding the sensing service to the sensing receiver and receive a second sensing response from the sensing receiver.

[0206] The second sensing response may include sensing information obtained by the sensing receiver based on the sensing signal. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the third sensing request may include at least one of the following: sensing mode information of the sensing service, a set of service parameters for the sensing service, or sensing configuration for the sensing service. For example, the sensing transmitter and / or sensing receiver may be the same terminal device or different terminal devices.

[0207] Refer again Figure 5B ,about Figure 5B The illustrated embodiment relates to a system with UE single-site sensing (i.e., Figure 2 The sensing scene in the network device of sensing mode 4) identifies the target. Steps 521-524 are the same as above.

[0208] Upon receiving sensing request 523, network device 120 can select a sensing mode with single-site sensing performed by the UE to satisfy the received sensing request. This may be necessary when gNB single-site sensing cannot meet accuracy requirements.

[0209] Network device 120 sends a sensing request 525 to the selected terminal device 110. The sensing request 525 may include service parameters from sensing function device 140, which may include at least one of the following: location associated with the sensing service, area range associated with the sensing service, altitude of the location, accuracy of the sensing service, or indication for single-site UE sensing. Network device 120 may instruct the selected terminal device 110 on sensing configurations, such as RF frequency and power.

[0210] After receiving the sensing request 525, the selected terminal device 110 can perform sensing in single-site mode according to the service parameters and configuration in the sensing request 525 from the network device 120.

[0211] Upon receiving the reflected sensing signal, the selected terminal device 110 generates sensing information, which may include at least one of environmental information associated with the sensing service, area range, or location altitude. The selected terminal device 110 sends a sensing response 526 to the network device 120, and the sensing response 526 may include sensing information.

[0212] If a target is identified in the sensing information based on the characteristics of the sensing target, the network device 120 can send a sensing report 527 to the sensing management function device 130, and the sensing report 527 may include sensing information of the environment and target information, such as the target's speed or direction.

[0213] Steps 528-530 are the same as those described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0214] in addition, Figure 5F This illustrates cases where the sensing receiver can be the same terminal device or different terminal devices. Figure 5F Signaling flow 500F for target identification and reporting processes according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown. Regarding Figure 5F The illustrated embodiment relates to UE-to-UE dual-station sensing (i.e., Figure 2 The sensing scene in the network device that identifies the target (sensing mode 6) in the sensing mode. For discussion purposes, reference will be made to... Figure 1A The signaling flow 500F is discussed, for example, network device 120, sensing management function device 130, and sensing function device 140 in the ISAC architecture 100A. Sensing receiver 503 and sensing transmitter 504 are examples of terminal device 110. In some descriptions, the examples of UE are sometimes used to discuss sensing receiver 503 and sensing transmitter 504, the example of gNB is sometimes used to discuss network device 120, the example of SEMF device or OAM device is sometimes used to discuss sensing management function device 130, and the sensing function device 140 is sometimes discussed as an SF device.

[0215] In some embodiments, the sensing function device 140 sends a sensing request 561 to the sensing management function device 130. The sensing request 561 may include service parameters, which may be at least one of the following: location associated with the sensing service, area range associated with the sensing service, altitude of the location, accuracy of the sensing service, or time requirement for reporting that a target has been sensed. Sensing feature information and event triggers may be added as service parameters. The sensing feature information may be at least one of the target size, target shape, target velocity range, or target material properties. The event trigger may indicate that if a target is sensed, a sensing report should be sent along with target information.

[0216] After receiving the sensing request 561, the sensing management function device 130 sends a sensing request ACK 562 to the sensing function device 140 to confirm that the sensing request 561 has been received.

[0217] The sensing management function device 130 has been pre-configured with network device coverage information by the operator. Based on the location or area associated with the sensing service, the sensing management function device 130 can select a network device 120 covering that area and send a sensing request 563 to the network device 120. The sensing request 563 may include at least one of the location associated with the sensing service, the area associated with the sensing service, or the altitude of the location from the sensing function device 140. Sensing feature information and event triggers received in the sensing request 561 may be included in the sensing request 563 from the sensing management function device 130 to the network device 120.

[0218] After receiving the sensing request 563, the network device 120 sends a sensing request ACK 564 to the sensing management function device 130 to confirm that the sensing request 563 has been received.

[0219] In this sensing scenario, after receiving sensing request 563, network device 120 can select a sensing mode with dual-station sensing, where the terminal device (i.e., sensing transmitter 504) acts as the transmitter and another terminal device (i.e., sensing receiver 503) acts as the receiver. The condition for this scenario might be that other sensing modes cannot meet the accuracy requirements.

[0220] Network device 120 sends a sensing request 565 to sensing transmitter 504. Sensing request 565 may include service parameters from sensing function device 140, which may include at least one of the following: location associated with the sensing service, area range associated with the sensing service, altitude of the location, accuracy of the sensing service, or indication for dual-site sensing, wherein sensing transmitter 404 acts as a transmitter. Network device 120 may also instruct sensing transmitter 504 on sensing transmitter RF configuration, such as RF frequency, power, waveform, etc.

[0221] Upon receiving the sensing request 565, the sensing transmitter 504 sends a sensing ACK 566 to the network device 120 to acknowledge its role as a sensing transmitter. Then, the sensing transmitter 504 can transmit sensing signals in dual-site mode, based on the service parameters and configuration from the sensing request 565 from the network device 120.

[0222] Network device 120 sends a sensing request 567 to sensing receiver 503. Sensing request 567 may include service parameters from sensing function device 140, which may include at least one of the following: location associated with the sensing service, area range associated with the sensing service, altitude of the location, accuracy of the sensing service, or indication for dual-site sensing, wherein sensing receiver 503 acts as a receiver. Network device 120 may also instruct sensing receiver 503 on sensing transmitter RF configurations, such as RF frequency, waveform, etc.

[0223] Upon receiving a sensing request 567, the sensing receiver 503 may generate sensing information, which may include at least one of environmental information associated with the sensing service, area range, or location altitude. The sensing receiver 503 sends a sensing response 568 to the network device 120, and the sensing response 568 may include sensing information.

[0224] Network device 120 receives a sensing response 568 from sensing receiver 503 and determines whether a target has been sensed or identified. If so, network device 120 may send a sensing report 569 indicating that the target has been sensed to sensing management function device 130. In some embodiments, sensing report 569 may include sensing information about the environment and target information, such as the target's speed or direction.

[0225] After receiving the sensing report 569, the sensing management function device 130 sends a sensing report ACK 570 to the network device 120 to confirm that the sensing report 569 has been received.

[0226] Then, the sensing management function device 130 sends a sensing report 571 to the sensing function device 140. The sensing report 571 may include sensing information and target information from the environment of the terminal device 110, such as the speed or direction of the target.

[0227] After receiving the sensing report 571, the sensing function device 140 sends a sensing report ACK 572 to the sensing management function device 130 to confirm that the sensing report 571 has been received.

[0228] according to Figures 5A-5F The example embodiments described herein, in Figure 2The target is identified in the network device with six sensing modes described in the text.

[0229] Regarding Figures 6A-6C Further details are discussed regarding the scenarios related to further sensing, particularly in those with… Figure 2 The target is identified in the network device using the six sensing modes described herein. For discussion purposes, reference will be made to... Figure 1A-Figure 1B Some other embodiments are discussed, such as the first communication device 150 and the second communication device 160 in the ISAC architecture 100B.

[0230] In some embodiments, the first communication device may include a terminal device or a first network device, and the second communication device may include a second network device. In this case, the first communication device 150 may obtain sensing information based on sensing signals associated with the sensing service received from a sensing transmitter. In some other cases, the first communication device 150 may act as a sensing receiver and receive a fourth sensing request from the second communication device. The fourth sensing request may include at least one of the following: sensing mode information of the sensing service, a set of service parameters for the sensing service, or a sensing configuration for the sensing service. The sensing mode information may indicate at least one of the sensing mode, the sensing transmitter, and the sensing receiver. The set of service parameters may include at least one of the following: environmental information in the location associated with the sensing service, the area range associated with the sensing service, the altitude of the location, the accuracy of the sensing service, or a time requirement for reporting that a target has been sensed. In some embodiments, the time requirement may be 1 second or 100 ms.

[0231] For further discussion, see reference Figure 6A , Figure 6A Signaling flow 600A for target identification and reporting procedures according to some embodiments of this disclosure is illustrated. The illustrated embodiments relate to a system with UE single-site sensing (i.e., Figure 2 The sensing scene in the terminal device that identifies the target in sensing mode 4) of the process. For discussion purposes, reference will be made to... Figure 1A The discussion focuses on signaling flow 600A, such as terminal device 110, network device 120, sensing management function device 130, and sensing function device 140 in the ISAC architecture 100A. In some descriptions, network device 120 is sometimes discussed using the example of a gNB, sensing management function device 130 is sometimes discussed using the example of an SEMF device or OAM device, and sensing function device 140 is sometimes discussed as an SF device. For example, terminal device 110 can be used as both a sensing receiver and a sensing transmitter, or it can be used only as a sensing receiver.

[0232] First, we will discuss the scenario where the terminal device 110 can be used as both a sensing receiver and a sensing transmitter. In some embodiments, such as Figure 6AAs shown, sensing device 140 sends a sensing request 611 to sensing management device 130. Sensing request 611 may include service parameters, which may be at least one of the following: location associated with the sensing service, area range associated with the sensing service, altitude of the location, accuracy of the sensing service, or time requirement for reporting that a target has been sensed. Sensing feature information and event triggers may be added as service parameters. Sensing feature information may be at least one of the target size, target shape, target velocity range, or target material properties. Event triggers may indicate that if a target is sensed, a sensing report should be sent along with target information.

[0233] After receiving the sensing request 611, the sensing management function device 130 sends a sensing request ACK 612 to the sensing function device 140 to confirm that the sensing request 611 has been received.

[0234] The sensing management function device 130 has been pre-configured with network device coverage information by the operator. Based on the location or area associated with the sensing service, the sensing management function device 130 can select a network device 120 covering that area and send a sensing request 613 to the network device 120. The sensing request 613 may include at least one of the following: the location associated with the sensing service, the area associated with the sensing service, or the altitude from the sensing function device 140.

[0235] To fulfill the received sensing request 613, network device 120 can select a single-site sensing mode for terminal devices within its coverage area. This may be possible because the single-site sensing capabilities of network device 120 itself cannot meet accuracy requirements.

[0236] Network device 120 sends a sensing request 615 to the selected terminal device 110. Sensing request 615 may include service parameters from sensing function device 140, which may include at least one of the following: location associated with the sensing service, area range associated with the sensing service, altitude of the location, accuracy of the sensing service, or indication for single-site UE sensing. Network device 120 may indicate sensing configurations, such as RF frequency and power, to the selected terminal device 110. Sensing features and event triggers received in sensing request 613 may be included in sensing request 615 from network device 120 to terminal device 110.

[0237] After receiving the sensing request 615, the terminal device 110 sends a sensing request ACK 616 to the selected network device 120 to acknowledge receipt of the sensing request 615. Then, the selected terminal device 110 can perform sensing in single-site mode according to the service parameters and configuration in the sensing request 615 from the network device 120.

[0238] Upon receiving the reflected sensing signal, terminal device 110 generates sensing information, which may include at least one of environmental information associated with the sensing service, area range, or altitude of the location. Terminal device 110 may determine whether a target has been sensed or identified based on the sensing information and target characteristics. If so, terminal device 110 may send a sensing report 617 indicating that the target has been sensed to network device 120. Sensing response 617 may include environmental sensing information and target information, such as the target's speed or direction.

[0239] After receiving the sensing report 617, the network device 120 sends a sensing report ACK 618 to the terminal device 110 to acknowledge receipt of the sensing report 617. Then, the network device 120 sends a sensing report 619 to the sensing management function device 130, which may include sensing information and target information from the environment of the terminal device 110.

[0240] After receiving the sensing report 619, the sensing management function device 130 sends a sensing report ACK 620 to the network device 120 to confirm that the sensing report 619 has been received.

[0241] Then, the sensing management function device 130 sends a sensing report 701 to the sensing function device 140. The sensing report 701 may include sensing information and target information from the environment of the terminal device 110, such as the speed or direction of the target.

[0242] After receiving the sensing report 701, the sensing function device 140 sends a sensing report ACK 702 to the sensing management function device 130 to confirm that the sensing report 701 has been received.

[0243] The following embodiments relate to the case where the terminal device 110 is used solely as a sensing receiver. (Refer again...) Figure 6A As described above, steps 611-614 are performed. In this sensing scenario, after receiving sensing request 613, network device 120 can select a sensing mode with dual-site sensing, wherein the terminal device under the coverage of network device 120 acts as a sensing receiver, and network device 120 itself acts as a sensing transmitter, in order to satisfy the received sensing request. The condition for this situation may be that single-site sensing by the gNB cannot meet the accuracy requirements.

[0244] Network device 120 sends a sensing request 615 to the selected terminal device 110. Sensing request 615 may include service parameters from sensing function device 140, which may include at least one of the following: location associated with the sensing service, area range associated with the sensing service, altitude of the location, accuracy of the sensing service, or indication for single-site UE sensing. Network device 120 may indicate sensing configurations, such as RF frequency, waveform, etc., to the selected terminal device 110. Sensing features and event triggers received in sensing request 613 may be included in sensing request 615 from network device 120 to terminal device 110.

[0245] Network device 120 sends a sensing signal to terminal device 110. After receiving sensing request 615, terminal device 110 sends sensing request ACK 616 to the selected network device 120 to acknowledge receipt of sensing request 615. Then, the selected terminal device 110 can perform sensing as a sensing receiver in single-site mode according to the service parameters and configuration in sensing request 615 from network device 120.

[0246] After receiving the reflected sensing signal from network device 120, terminal device 110 generates sensing information, which may include at least one of environmental information associated with the sensing service, area range, or altitude of the location. Terminal device 110 may determine whether a target has been sensed or identified based on the sensing information and target characteristics. If so, terminal device 110 may send a sensing report 617 to network device 120 indicating that the target has been sensed. Sensing response 617 may include environmental sensing information and target information, such as the target's speed or direction.

[0247] Perform the following steps 618-702 as described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0248] Figure 6B This illustrates a scenario where one terminal device acts as a sensing transmitter and another terminal device acts as a sensing receiver. Figure 6B Signaling flow 600B of a target identification and reporting process according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown. Regarding Figure 6B The illustrated embodiment relates to UE-to-UE dual-station sensing (i.e., Figure 2 The sensing scene in sensing receiver of sensing mode 6) identifies the target. For discussion purposes, reference will be made to... Figure 1AThe signaling flow 600B is discussed, for example, network device 120, sensing management function device 130, and sensing function device 140 in the ISAC architecture 100A. Sensing receiver 601 and sensing transmitter 602 are examples of terminal device 110. In some descriptions, the examples of UE are sometimes used to discuss sensing receiver 601 and sensing transmitter 602, the examples of gNB are sometimes used to discuss network device 120, the examples of SEMF device or OAM device are sometimes used to discuss sensing management function device 130, and the sensing function device 140 is sometimes discussed as an SF device.

[0249] In some embodiments, the sensing function device 140 sends a sensing request 621 to the sensing management function device 130. The sensing request 621 may include service parameters, which may be at least one of the following: location associated with the sensing service, area range associated with the sensing service, altitude of the location, accuracy of the sensing service, or time requirement for reporting that a target has been sensed. Sensing feature information and event triggers may be added as service parameters. The sensing feature information may be at least one of the target size, target shape, target velocity range, or target material properties. The event trigger may indicate that if a target is sensed, a sensing report should be sent along with target information.

[0250] After receiving the sensing request 621, the sensing management function device 130 sends a sensing request ACK 622 to the sensing function device 140 to confirm that the sensing request 621 has been received.

[0251] The sensing management function device 130 has been pre-configured with network device coverage information by the operator. Based on the location or area associated with the sensing service, the sensing management function device 130 can select a network device 120 covering that area and send a sensing request 563 to the network device 120. The sensing request 623 may include at least one of the location associated with the sensing service, the area associated with the sensing service, or the altitude from the sensing function device 140. Sensing feature information and event triggers received in the sensing request 621 may be included in the sensing request 623 from the sensing management function device 130 to the network device 120.

[0252] After receiving the sensing request 623, the network device 120 sends a sensing request ACK 624 to the sensing management function device 130 to confirm that the sensing request 623 has been received.

[0253] In this sensing scenario, after receiving sensing request 623, network device 120 can select a sensing mode with dual-station sensing, where the terminal device (i.e., sensing transmitter 602) acts as the transmitter and another terminal device (i.e., sensing receiver 601) acts as the receiver. The condition for this scenario might be that other sensing modes cannot meet the accuracy requirements.

[0254] Network device 120 sends a sensing request 625 to sensing transmitter 602. Sensing request 625 may include service parameters from sensing function device 140, which may include at least one of the following: location associated with the sensing service, area range associated with the sensing service, altitude of the location, accuracy of the sensing service, or indication for dual-site sensing, wherein sensing transmitter 602 acts as a transmitter. Network device 120 may also instruct sensing transmitter 602 on sensing transmitter RF configuration, such as RF frequency, power, waveform, etc.

[0255] After receiving the sensing request 625, the sensing transmitter 504 sends a sensing ACK 626 to the network device 120 to acknowledge its role as a sensing transmitter. Then, the sensing transmitter 602 can transmit sensing signals as a transmitter in dual-site mode, based on the service parameters and configuration in the sensing request 625 from the network device 120.

[0256] Network device 120 sends a sensing request 627 to sensing receiver 601. Sensing request 627 may include service parameters from sensing function device 140, which may include at least one of the following: location associated with the sensing service, area range associated with the sensing service, altitude of the location, accuracy of the sensing service, or indication for dual-site sensing, wherein sensing receiver 601 acts as a receiver. Network device 120 may also instruct sensing receiver 601 on sensing transmitter RF configuration, such as RF frequency, waveform, etc. Sensing features and event triggers received in sensing request 623 may be included in sensing request 625.

[0257] After receiving a sensing signal from the sensing transmitter 602, the sensing receiver 601 generates sensing information, which may include at least one of environmental information associated with the sensing service, area range, or altitude of the location. If a target is identified from the sensing information based on sensing target characteristics, the sensing receiver 601 may send a sensing report 629 to the network device 120. The sensing report 629 may include sensing information about the environment and target information, such as the target's speed or direction. After receiving the sensing report 629, the network device 120 sends a sensing report ACK 630 to the sensing transmitter 602 to acknowledge receipt of the sensing report 629.

[0258] Then, network device 120 sends a sensing report 703 to sensing management function device 130. The sensing report 703 may include sensing information of the environment and target information, such as the speed or direction of the target.

[0259] After receiving the sensing report 703, the sensing management function device 130 sends a sensing report ACK 704 to the network device 120 to confirm that the sensing report 703 has been received.

[0260] Then, the sensing management function device 130 sends a sensing report 705 to the sensing function device 140. The sensing report 705 may include sensing information and target information from the environment of the terminal device 110, such as the speed or direction of the target.

[0261] After receiving the sensing report 705, the sensing function device 140 sends a sensing report ACK 706 to the sensing management function device 130 to confirm that the sensing report 705 has been received.

[0262] Figure 6C This illustrates a scenario where another network device acts as a sensing receiver. Figure 6C Signaling flow 600C of target identification and reporting process according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown. Regarding Figure 6C The illustrated embodiment relates to dual-station sensing with gNB-to-gNB (i.e., Figure 2 The sensing scenario in another network device that identifies the target (sensing mode 3) in the sensing mode. For discussion purposes, reference will be made to... Figure 1A Discussing signaling flow 600C, for example, the sensing management function device 130 and sensing function device 140 in the ISAC architecture 100A. The first network device 603 and the second network device 604 are as follows... Figure 1A The example of network device 120 is shown. In some descriptions, the example of a gNB is sometimes used to discuss the first network device 603 and the second network device 604, the example of an SEMF device or an OAM device is sometimes used to discuss the sensing management function device 130, and the sensing function device 140 is sometimes discussed as an SF device. In this case, the first network device 603 can act as a sensing transmitter, and the second network device 604 can act as a sensing receiver.

[0263] In some embodiments, the sensing function device 140 sends a sensing request 631 to the sensing management function device 130. The sensing request 631 may include service parameters, which may be at least one of the following: location associated with the sensing service, area range associated with the sensing service, altitude of the location, accuracy of the sensing service, or time requirement for reporting that a target has been sensed. Sensing feature information and event triggers may be added as service parameters. The sensing feature information may be at least one of the target size, target shape, target velocity range, or target material properties. The event trigger may indicate that if a target is sensed, a sensing report should be sent along with target information.

[0264] After receiving the sensing request 631, the sensing management function device 130 sends a sensing request ACK 632 to the sensing function device 140 to confirm that the sensing request 541 has been received.

[0265] The sensing management function device 130 has been pre-configured with network device coverage information by the operator. Based on the location or area associated with the sensing service, the sensing management function device 130 can select a first network device 603 covering that area and send a sensing request 633 to the first network device 603. The sensing request 633 may include at least one of the location associated with the sensing service, the area associated with the sensing service, or the altitude from the sensing function device 140. Sensing feature information and event triggers received in the sensing request 631 may be included in the sensing request 633 from the sensing management function device 130 to the first network device 603.

[0266] After receiving the sensing request 633, the first network device 603 sends a sensing request ACK 634 to the sensing management function device 130 to confirm that the sensing request 633 has been received.

[0267] To fulfill the received sensing request 633, the first network device 603 selects a sensing mode with dual-site sensing, where another gNB (second network device 604) acts as a sensing receiver and the first network device 603 itself acts as a sensing transmitter. This situation may arise because single-site sensing by the gNB may not meet the accuracy requirements.

[0268] First network device 603 sends a sensing request 635 to second network device 604. Sensing request 635 may include service parameters from sensing function device 140, which may include at least one of the following: location associated with the sensing service, area range associated with the sensing service, altitude of the location, accuracy of the sensing service, or indication for dual-site sensing, wherein first network device 603 acts as a sensing transmitter and second network device 604 acts as a sensing receiver. First network device 603 may indicate sensing transmitter RF information, such as RF frequency and waveform, to second network device 604. Sensing features and event triggers received in sensing request 633 may be included in sensing request 635.

[0269] The first network device 603 sends a sensing signal to the second network device 604. The second network device 604 sends a sensing request ACK 636 to the first network device 603 to acknowledge receipt of the sensing request 635.

[0270] The second network device 604 performs sensing as a sensing receiver in dual-site mode based on the service parameters and configuration in the sensing request 635 from the first network device 603. After receiving the reflected sensing signal from the first network device 603, the second network device 604 generates sensing information, which may include at least one of environmental information associated with the sensing service, area range, or altitude of the location.

[0271] The second network device 604 can determine whether a target has been sensed or identified from the sensing information. If the target is identified, the second network device 604 sends a sensing report 637 indicating that the target has been sensed to the first network device 603. The sensing report 637 may include sensing information about the environment and target information, such as the target's speed or direction. After receiving the sensing report 637, the first network device 603 sends a sensing report ACK 638 to the second network device 603 to acknowledge receipt of the sensing report 637.

[0272] Then, the first network device 603 sends a sensing report 639 to the sensing management function device 130. The sensing report 639 may include sensing information of the environment and target information, such as the speed or direction of the target.

[0273] After receiving the sensing report 639, the sensing management function device 130 sends a sensing report ACK 640 to the first network device 603 to confirm that the sensing report 639 has been received.

[0274] Then, the sensing management function device 130 sends a sensing report 707 to the sensing function device 140. The sensing report 707 may include sensing information and target information from the environment of the second terminal device 604, such as the speed or direction of the target.

[0275] After receiving the sensing report 707, the sensing function device 140 sends a sensing report ACK 708 to the sensing management function device 130 to confirm that the sensing report 707 has been received.

[0276] In some embodiments, the second communication device 160 can receive another sensing report indicating that a target has been sensed, and generate a sensing result by combining the sensing report and the other sensing report. In this way, in the presence of multi-station sensing transmitters (e.g., multiple network devices) and single-node sensing receivers (e.g., terminal devices), a single terminal device can send multiple reports to the sensing function device 140, and the sensing function device 140 can fuse the reports and generate a final report.

[0277] according to Figures 6A-6C The example embodiments described herein, in Figure 2 The target is identified in the sensing receiver with different sensing modes as described in the article.

[0278] Reference Figure 7 Further details regarding the reporting channel and feedback enhancement are discussed. In some embodiments, the first communication device may include a terminal device or a first network device, and the second communication device may include a second network device. In this case, the first communication device 150 determines whether a target has been sensed based on sensing information indicating at least one of environmental information, area range, or altitude of location associated with the sensing service. If the target has been sensed based on the sensing information, the first communication device 150 may transmit a sensing report indicating that the target has been sensed to the sensing function device via a data channel. In some other embodiments, the data channel may include a Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP) channel, and the first sensing request may include the IP address and TCP port of the sensing function device. In some other embodiments, the sensing report may also include at least one of the following: sensing information indicating at least one of environmental information, area range, or altitude of location associated with the sensing service, or target information including at least one sensing feature of the target.

[0279] like Figure 7 As shown, steps 305-315 and Figure 3 The steps are the same as described above, whereby the first communication device 150 transmits a sensing report 710 indicating that a target has been sensed to the sensing function device 140 via a data channel. In this way, the sensing report can be sent from the node to the sensing function device via a new channel (e.g., TCP / IP or other packet channels).

[0280] According to an example embodiment of this disclosure, the SF device sends target features and event triggers to the SEMF device. A node is selected to identify the target based on the sensing results and target features. The node generates a target identification report based on the event triggers, and the target identification report is sent to the SF device. In this way, new parameters for target features and event triggers are added to the sensing request, and new network logical functions for identification and reporting targets can be implemented at the SEMF device 130, network device 120, or other nodes assigned by the network device. This reduces unnecessary data transmission and allows functions to be distributed to other nodes.

[0281] Table 1 shows examples of the impact of embodiments of this disclosure on TS 23.501.

[0282] Table 1

[0283] Table 2 shows examples of the impact of embodiments of this disclosure on TS23.502.

[0284] Table 2

[0285] Table 3 shows examples of the impact of embodiments of this disclosure on the new ISAC TS in SA2.

[0286] Table 3

[0287] Table 4 shows examples of the impact of embodiments of this disclosure on RAN3.

[0288] Table 4

[0289] Figure 8 A flowchart of a communication method 800 implemented at a first communication device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For discussion purposes, [the following will be discussed]. Figure 1B Method 800 is described from the perspective of the first communication device 150.

[0290] At block 810, a first communication device 150 receives a first sensing request for a sensing service from a second communication device 160. The first sensing request includes an event trigger that indicates that a report is transmitted to the second communication device in response to a target associated with the sensing service being sensed.

[0291] In some example embodiments, the first sensing request may also include sensing characteristic information about the target, which includes at least one of the following: the size of the target, the shape of the target, the velocity range of the target, or the material properties of the target.

[0292] In some example embodiments, the first sensing request may also include a set of service parameters for the sensing service, which includes at least one of the following: environmental information in the location associated with the sensing service, the area range associated with the sensing service, the altitude of the location, the accuracy of the sensing service, or the time requirement for reporting that the target has been sensed.

[0293] In some example embodiments, the first communication device 150 may also transmit a first confirmation message corresponding to the first sensing request to the second communication device.

[0294] In some example embodiments, the first communication device 150 may also determine whether a target has been sensed based on sensing information indicating at least one of environmental information, area range, or altitude of location associated with the sensing service; and in response to determining that a target has been sensed based on the sensing information, transmit a sensing report indicating that a target has been sensed to the second communication device.

[0295] In some example embodiments, the sensing report may further include at least one of the following: sensing information indicating at least one of environmental information, area range, or location altitude associated with the sensing service; or target information including at least one sensing feature of the target.

[0296] In some example embodiments, the first communication device 150 may also receive a second confirmation message corresponding to the sensing report from the second communication device.

[0297] In some example embodiments, the first communication device includes a sensing management function device, and the second communication device includes a sensing function device, wherein the first communication device 150 may also transmit a second sensing request to a network device that supports sensing services, so that sensing signals are transmitted for sensing services.

[0298] In some example embodiments, the first communication device 150 may also receive sensing information from a network device, which indicates at least one of environmental information, area range, or location altitude associated with the sensing service.

[0299] In some example embodiments, the first communication device includes a network device, and the second communication device includes a sensing management function device, wherein the first communication device 150 may also transmit sensing signals associated with sensing services; and obtain sensing information based on the sensing signals.

[0300] In some example embodiments, the first communication device includes a network device, and the second communication device includes a sensing management function device, wherein the first communication device 150 may also transmit sensing signals associated with a sensing service; and receive a second sensing response from a sensing receiver, the second sensing response including sensing information obtained based on the sensing signals.

[0301] In some example embodiments, the first communication device includes a network device, and the second communication device includes a sensing management function device, wherein the first communication device 150 may also transmit a third sensing request to a sensing transmitter to cause the sensing transmitter to transmit sensing signals associated with the sensing service; and obtain sensing information based on the sensing signals.

[0302] In some example embodiments, the first communication device includes a network device, and the second communication device includes a sensing management function device, wherein the first communication device 150 may also transmit a third sensing request to a sensing transmitter to cause the sensing transmitter to transmit a sensing signal associated with a sensing service; and receive a second sensing response from a sensing receiver, the second sensing response including sensing information obtained by the sensing receiver based on the sensing signal.

[0303] In some example embodiments, the first communication device includes a network device, and the second communication device includes a sensing management function device, wherein the first communication device 150 may also transmit a third sensing request regarding the sensing service to a sensing transmitter; and receive a sensing confirmation from the sensing transmitter, the sensing confirmation indicating that the sensing transmitter confirms the transmission of a sensing signal associated with the sensing service.

[0304] In some example embodiments, the first communication device 150 may also transmit a fourth sensing request regarding the sensing service to the sensing receiver; and receive a second sensing response from the sensing receiver, the second sensing response including sensing information obtained by the sensing receiver based on the sensing signal.

[0305] In some example embodiments, the third sensing request includes at least one of the following: sensing mode information of the sensing service, a set of service parameters of the sensing service, or sensing configuration for the sensing service.

[0306] In some example embodiments, the first communication device includes a terminal device or a first network device, and the second communication device includes a second network device, wherein the first communication device 150 may also obtain sensing information based on sensing signals associated with sensing services received from a sensing transmitter.

[0307] In some example embodiments, the first communication device acts as a sensing receiver, and the first communication device 150 may also: receive a fourth sensing request from a second communication device, the fourth sensing request including at least one of the following: sensing mode information of a sensing service, a set of service parameters of a sensing service, or a sensing configuration for a sensing service.

[0308] In some example embodiments, the sensing mode information indicates at least one of the sensing mode, sensing transmitter, and sensing receiver.

[0309] In some example embodiments, the service parameter set includes at least one of the following: environmental information in the location associated with the sensing service, the area range associated with the sensing service, the altitude of the location, the accuracy of the sensing service, or the time requirement for reporting that a target has been sensed.

[0310] In some example embodiments, the sensing configuration includes at least one of the following: the radio frequency (RF) frequency of the sensing signal, the power of the sensing signal, or the waveform of the sensing signal.

[0311] In some example embodiments, the first communication device includes a terminal device or a first network device, and the second communication device includes a second network device, wherein the first communication device 150 may further: determine whether a target has been sensed based on sensing information indicating at least one of environmental information, area range, or altitude of location associated with the sensing service; and in response to determining that a target has been sensed based on the sensing information, transmit a sensing report indicating that a target has been sensed to the sensing function device via a data channel.

[0312] In some example embodiments, the data channel includes a Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP) channel, and the first sensing request includes the IP address and TCP port of the sensing device.

[0313] In some example embodiments, the sensing report may further include at least one of the following: sensing information indicating at least one of environmental information, area range, or location altitude associated with the sensing service; or target information including at least one sensing feature of the target.

[0314] Figure 9 A flowchart of a communication method 900 implemented at a second communication device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For discussion purposes, [the following will be discussed]. Figure 1B Method 900 is described from the perspective of the second communication device 160.

[0315] At block 910, the second communication device 160 transmits a first sensing request for a sensing service to the first communication device 150. The first sensing request includes an event trigger that indicates that a report is transmitted to the second communication device in response to a target associated with the sensing service being sensed.

[0316] In some example embodiments, the first sensing request may also include sensing characteristic information about the target, which includes at least one of the following: the size of the target, the shape of the target, the velocity range of the target, or the material properties of the target.

[0317] In some example embodiments, the first sensing request may further include a set of service parameters for the sensing service, which includes at least one of the following: environmental information in the location associated with the sensing service, the area range associated with the sensing service, the altitude of the location, the accuracy of the sensing service, or the time requirement for reporting that the target has been sensed.

[0318] In some example embodiments, the second communication device 160 may also receive a first confirmation message corresponding to the first sensing request from the first communication device.

[0319] In some example embodiments, the second communication device 160 may also receive a sensing report from the first communication device indicating that a target has been sensed.

[0320] In some example embodiments, the second communication device 160 may also transmit a second confirmation message corresponding to the sensing report to the first communication device.

[0321] In some example embodiments, the sensing report may further include at least one of the following: sensing information indicating at least one of environmental information, area range, or location altitude associated with the sensing service; or target information including at least one sensing feature of the target.

[0322] In some example embodiments, the first communication device 150 includes a sensing management function device, and the second communication device includes a sensing function device, wherein sensing information is received at the first communication device from a network device that supports sensing services.

[0323] In some example embodiments, the first communication device 150 includes a network device, and the second communication device includes a sensing management function device, wherein the sensing information is obtained at the first communication device based on a sensing signal associated with a sensing service transmitted from the first communication device, or the sensing information is received at the first communication device from a sensing receiver that obtains the sensing information based on the sensing signal associated with a sensing service transmitted from the first communication device, or the sensing information is obtained at the first communication device based on a sensing signal associated with a sensing service transmitted from a sensing transmitter, or the sensing information is received at the first communication device from a sensing receiver that obtains the sensing information based on the sensing signal associated with a sensing service transmitted from the sensing transmitter.

[0324] In some example embodiments, the first communication device 150 includes a terminal device or a first network device, and the second communication device 160 includes a second network device, wherein the sensing information is obtained at the first communication device based on sensing signals associated with the sensing service received from a sensing transmitter.

[0325] In some example embodiments, the second communication device 160 includes a sensing function device, and the second communication device 150 can also receive a sensing report indicating that a target has been sensed from a terminal device or network device via a data channel.

[0326] In some example embodiments, the data channel includes a Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP) channel, and the first sensing request includes the IP address and TCP port of the sensing device.

[0327] In some example embodiments, the sensing report may further include at least one of the following: sensing information indicating at least one of environmental information, area range, or location altitude associated with the sensing service; or target information including at least one sensing feature of the target.

[0328] In some example embodiments, the second communication device 160 may also receive another sensing report indicating that a target has been sensed; and generate a sensing result by combining the sensing report and the other sensing report.

[0329] Figure 10 This is a simplified block diagram of a device 1000 suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure. Device 1000 can be considered as another example implementation of any device shown in FIG. 1. Therefore, device 1000 may be implemented or at least a part thereof in terminal device 110, network device 120, or sensing management function device 130.

[0330] As shown in the figure, device 1000 includes a processor 1010, a memory 1020 coupled to the processor 1010, a suitable transceiver 1040 coupled to the processor 1010, and a communication interface coupled to the transceiver 1040. The memory 1020 stores at least a portion of a program 1030. The transceiver 1040 can be used for bidirectional or unidirectional communication based on requirements. The transceiver 1040 may include at least one of a transmitter 1042 and a receiver 1044. The transmitter 1042 and receiver 1044 may be functional modules or physical entities. The transceiver 1040 has at least one antenna to facilitate communication; however, in practice, the access node mentioned in this application may have several antennas. The communication interface can represent any interface required for communication with other network elements, such as the X2 / Xn interface for bidirectional communication between eNB / gNB, the S1 / NG interface for communication between the Mobility Management Entity (MME) / Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) / SGW / UPF and eNB / gNB, the Un interface for communication between eNB / gNB and Relay Node (RN), or the Uu interface for communication between eNB / gNB and terminal equipment.

[0331] Assume that program 1030 includes program instructions that, when executed by the associated processor 1010, enable device 1000 to operate according to embodiments of this disclosure, as shown herein with reference to Figures 1 to 1010. Figure 10 The embodiments discussed herein may be implemented by computer software executable by the processor 1010 of device 1000, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. The processor 1010 may be configured to implement various embodiments of this disclosure. Furthermore, a combination of the processor 1010 and the memory 1020 may form a processing unit 1050 suitable for implementing various embodiments of this disclosure.

[0332] As a non-limiting example, memory 1020 can be of any type suitable for a local technology network and can be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as non-transitory computer-readable storage media, semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and removable memory. Although only one memory 1020 is shown in device 1000, several physically different memory modules may exist in device 1000. As a non-limiting example, processor 1010 can be of any type suitable for a local technology network and may include one or more of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. Device 1000 may have multiple processors, such as application-specific integrated circuit chips that are time-dependent on a clock of a synchronous main processor.

[0333] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a first communication device including circuitry is provided. The circuitry is configured to receive, from a second communication device, a first sensing request for a sensing service, the first sensing request including an event trigger indicating that a report is transmitted to the second communication device in response to a target associated with the sensing service being sensed. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the circuitry may be configured to perform any method implemented by the first communication device as described above.

[0334] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a second communication device including circuitry is provided. The circuitry is configured to transmit a first sensing request for a sensing service to a first communication device, the first sensing request including an event trigger indicating that a report is transmitted to the second communication device in response to a target associated with the sensing service being sensed. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the circuitry can be configured to perform any method implemented by the second communication device as described above.

[0335] As used herein, the term "circuit" can refer to hardware circuitry and / or a combination of hardware circuitry and software. For example, a circuit can be a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry with software / firmware. As another example, a circuit can be any part of a hardware processor with software, including digital signal processors, software, and memory, which work together to enable a device, such as a terminal device or network device, to perform various functions. In yet another example, a circuit can be hardware circuitry and / or a processor that requires software / firmware to operate, such as a microprocessor or a portion thereof, but which may be absent when software is not required to operate. As used herein, the term "circuit" also encompasses the implementation of hardware circuitry or processor(s) alone, or a portion thereof, and its accompanying software and / or firmware.

[0336] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a first communication device is provided. The first communication device includes: components for receiving a first sensing request for a sensing service from a second communication device, the first sensing request including an event trigger indicating that a report is transmitted to the second communication device in response to a target associated with the sensing service being sensed. In some embodiments, the first device may include components for performing corresponding operations of method 800. In some example embodiments, the first device may also include components for performing other operations in some example embodiments of method 800. The components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in a circuit or software module.

[0337] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a second communication device is provided. The second communication device includes: components for transmitting a first sensing request for a sensing service to a first communication device, the first sensing request including an event trigger indicating that a report is transmitted to the second communication device in response to a target associated with the sensing service being sensed. In some embodiments, the second means may include components for performing corresponding operations of method 900. In some example embodiments, the second means may also include components for performing other operations in some example embodiments of method 900. The components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in a circuit or software module.

[0338] In summary, the embodiments of this disclosure provide the following aspects.

[0339] In one aspect, a first communication device is proposed, comprising: a processor configured to cause the first communication device to: receive a first sensing request for a sensing service from a second communication device, the first sensing request including an event trigger indicating that a report is transmitted to the second communication device in response to a target associated with the sensing service being sensed.

[0340] In some embodiments, the first sensing request further includes sensing characteristic information about the target, the sensing characteristic information including at least one of the following: the size of the target, the shape of the target, the velocity range of the target, or the material properties of the target.

[0341] In some embodiments, the first sensing request further includes a set of service parameters for the sensing service, the set of service parameters including at least one of the following: environmental information in the location associated with the sensing service, the area range associated with the sensing service, the altitude of the location, the accuracy of the sensing service, or a time requirement for reporting that the target has been sensed.

[0342] In some embodiments, the first communication device is further configured to transmit a first confirmation message corresponding to the first sensing request to the second communication device.

[0343] In some embodiments, the first communication device is further configured to: determine whether the target has been sensed based on sensing information indicating at least one of environmental information, area range, or altitude of location associated with the sensing service; and in response to determining that the target has been sensed based on the sensing information, transmit a sensing report indicating that the target has been sensed to the second communication device.

[0344] In some embodiments, the sensing report further includes at least one of the following: sensing information indicating at least one of environmental information, area range, or altitude of location associated with the sensing service; or target information including at least one sensing feature of the target.

[0345] In some embodiments, the first communication device is further configured to receive a second confirmation message corresponding to the sensing report from the second communication device.

[0346] In some embodiments, the first communication device includes a sensing management function device, and the second communication device includes a sensing function device, wherein the first communication device is further configured to transmit a second sensing request to a network device supporting the sensing service, so that a sensing signal is transmitted for the sensing service.

[0347] In some embodiments, the first communication device is further configured to receive sensing information from the network device, the sensing information indicating at least one of environmental information, area range, or altitude of location associated with the sensing service.

[0348] In some embodiments, the first communication device includes a network device, and the second communication device includes a sensing management function device, wherein the first communication device is further configured to: transmit sensing signals associated with the sensing service; and obtain the sensing information based on the sensing signals.

[0349] In some embodiments, the first communication device includes a network device, and the second communication device includes a sensing management function device, wherein the first communication device is further configured to: transmit a sensing signal associated with the sensing service; and receive a second sensing response from a sensing receiver, the second sensing response including the sensing information obtained based on the sensing signal.

[0350] In some embodiments, the first communication device includes a network device, and the second communication device includes a sensing management function device, wherein the first communication device is further configured to: transmit a third sensing request to a sensing transmitter to cause the sensing transmitter to transmit a sensing signal associated with the sensing service; and obtain the sensing information based on the sensing signal.

[0351] In some embodiments, the first communication device includes a network device, and the second communication device includes a sensing management function device, wherein the first communication device is further configured to: transmit a third sensing request to a sensing transmitter to cause the sensing transmitter to transmit a sensing signal associated with the sensing service; and receive a second sensing response from a sensing receiver, the second sensing response including the sensing information obtained by the sensing receiver based on the sensing signal.

[0352] In some embodiments, the first communication device includes a network device, and the second communication device includes a sensing management function device, wherein the first communication device is further configured to: transmit a third sensing request to a sensing transmitter regarding the sensing service; and receive a sensing confirmation from the sensing transmitter, the sensing confirmation indicating that the sensing transmitter confirms the transmission of a sensing signal associated with the sensing service.

[0353] In some embodiments, the first communication device is further configured to: transmit a fourth sensing request regarding the sensing service to a sensing receiver; and receive a second sensing response from the sensing receiver, the second sensing response including the sensing information obtained by the sensing receiver based on the sensing signal.

[0354] In some embodiments, the third sensing request includes at least one of the following: sensing mode information of the sensing service, a set of service parameters of the sensing service, or sensing configuration for the sensing service.

[0355] In some embodiments, the first communication device includes a terminal device or a first network device, and the second communication device includes a second network device, wherein the first communication device is further configured to obtain the sensing information based on sensing signals associated with the sensing service received from a sensing transmitter.

[0356] In some embodiments, the first communication device acts as a sensing receiver, and wherein the first communication device is further configured to receive a fourth sensing request from the second communication device, the fourth sensing request including at least one of the following: sensing mode information of the sensing service, a set of service parameters of the sensing service, or sensing configuration for the sensing service.

[0357] In some embodiments, the sensing mode information indicates at least one of the sensing mode, sensing transmitter, and sensing receiver.

[0358] In some embodiments, the set of service parameters includes at least one of the following: environmental information in the location associated with the sensing service, the area range associated with the sensing service, the altitude of the location, the accuracy of the sensing service, or the time requirement for reporting that the target has been sensed.

[0359] In some embodiments, the sensing configuration includes at least one of the following: the radio frequency (RF) frequency of the sensing signal, the power of the sensing signal, or the waveform of the sensing signal.

[0360] In some embodiments, the first communication device includes a terminal device or a first network device, and the second communication device includes a second network device, wherein the first communication device is further configured to: determine whether the target has been sensed based on sensing information indicating at least one of environmental information, area range, or altitude of location associated with the sensing service; and in response to determining that the target has been sensed based on the sensing information, transmit a sensing report indicating that the target has been sensed to a sensing function device via a data channel.

[0361] In some embodiments, the data channel includes a Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP) channel, and the first sensing request includes the IP address and TCP port of the sensing device.

[0362] In some embodiments, the sensing report further includes at least one of the following: sensing information indicating at least one of environmental information, area range, or altitude of location associated with the sensing service; or target information including at least one sensing feature of the target.

[0363] In one aspect, a second communication device is proposed, comprising: a processor configured to cause the second communication device to: transmit a first sensing request for a sensing service to a first communication device, the first sensing request including an event trigger indicating that a report is transmitted to the second communication device in response to a target associated with the sensing service being sensed.

[0364] In some embodiments, the first sensing request further includes sensing characteristic information about the target, the sensing characteristic information including at least one of the following: the size of the target, the shape of the target, the velocity range of the target, or the material properties of the target.

[0365] In some embodiments, the first sensing request further includes a set of service parameters for the sensing service, the set of service parameters including at least one of the following: environmental information in the location associated with the sensing service, the area range associated with the sensing service, the altitude of the location, the accuracy of the sensing service, or a time requirement for reporting that the target has been sensed.

[0366] In some embodiments, the second communication device 150 may also receive a first confirmation message corresponding to the first sensing request from the first communication device.

[0367] In some embodiments, the second communication device 150 may also receive a sensing report from the first communication device indicating that the target has been sensed.

[0368] In some embodiments, the second communication device 150 may also transmit a second confirmation message corresponding to the sensing report to the first communication device.

[0369] In some embodiments, the sensing report further includes at least one of the following: sensing information indicating at least one of environmental information, area range, or altitude of location associated with the sensing service; or target information including at least one sensing feature of the target.

[0370] In some embodiments, the first communication device includes a sensing management function device, and the second communication device includes a sensing function device, wherein the sensing information is received at the first communication device from a network device supporting the sensing service.

[0371] In some embodiments, the first communication device includes a network device, and the second communication device includes a sensing management function device, wherein the sensing information is obtained at the first communication device based on a sensing signal associated with the sensing service transmitted from the first communication device, or the sensing information is received at the first communication device from a sensing receiver, the sensing receiver obtaining the sensing information based on a sensing signal associated with the sensing service transmitted from the first communication device, or the sensing information is obtained at the first communication device based on a sensing signal associated with the sensing service transmitted from a sensing transmitter, or the sensing information is received at the first communication device from a sensing receiver, the sensing receiver obtaining the sensing information based on a sensing signal associated with the sensing service transmitted from a sensing transmitter.

[0372] In some embodiments, the first communication device includes a terminal device or a first network device, and the second communication device includes a second network device, wherein the sensing information is obtained at the first communication device based on sensing signals associated with the sensing service received from a sensing transmitter.

[0373] In some embodiments, the second communication device includes a sensing function device, and the second communication device 150 may also receive a sensing report indicating that the target has been sensed from a terminal device or network device via a data channel.

[0374] In some embodiments, the data channel includes a Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP) channel, and the first sensing request includes the IP address and TCP port of the sensing device.

[0375] In some embodiments, the sensing report further includes at least one of the following: sensing information indicating at least one of environmental information, area range, or altitude of location associated with the sensing service; or target information including at least one sensing feature of the target.

[0376] In some embodiments, the second communication device 150 may also receive another sensing report indicating that a target has been sensed; and generate a sensing result by combining the sensing report and the other sensing report.

[0377] In one aspect, a first communication device includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory coupled to the at least one processor and storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to perform the methods implemented by the first communication device discussed above.

[0378] In one aspect, a second communication device includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory coupled to the at least one processor and storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to perform the methods implemented by the second communication device discussed above.

[0379] In one aspect, a computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed on at least one processor, cause at least one processor to perform the method implemented by the first communication device discussed above.

[0380] In one aspect, a computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed on at least one processor, cause at least one processor to perform the method implemented by the second communication device discussed above.

[0381] In one aspect, a computer program includes instructions that, when executed on at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform a method implemented by the first communication device discussed above.

[0382] In one aspect, a computer program includes instructions that, when executed on at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform a method implemented by the second communication device discussed above.

[0383] Generally, the various embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuitry, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects can be implemented in hardware, while others can be implemented in firmware or software that can be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. Although various aspects of the embodiments of this disclosure are illustrated and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or using some other graphical representation, it should be understood that, as non-limiting examples, the blocks, apparatuses, systems, techniques, or methods described herein can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuitry or logic, general-purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0384] This disclosure also provides at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions, such as those included in a program module that executes on a device on a target real or virtual processor, to perform the actions described above with reference to Figures 1 to 12. Figure 10 The process or method described herein. Typically, a program module includes routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc., that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. In various embodiments, the functionality of a program module can be combined or split among program modules as needed. The machine-executable instructions used in a program module can be executed locally or on a distributed device. In a distributed device, the program module can reside on both local and remote storage media.

[0385] Program code used to perform the methods of this disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. This program code may be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus, such that when executed by the processor or controller, the program code causes the functions / operations specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams to be implemented. The program code may be executed entirely on a machine, partially on a machine, as a stand-alone software package, partially on a machine and partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0386] The aforementioned program code may be embodied on a machine-readable medium, which may be any tangible medium that can contain or store a program used by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The machine-readable medium may be a machine-readable signal medium or a machine-readable storage medium. The machine-readable medium may include, but is not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatus, or devices, or any suitable combination thereof. More specific examples of machine-readable storage media will include electrical connections having one or more wires, portable computer disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fiber, portable optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0387] Furthermore, although the operations are described in a specific order, this should not be construed as requiring that these operations be performed in the specific order shown or sequentially, or that all the operations shown be performed to achieve the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Similarly, while several specific embodiment details are contained in the above discussion, these details should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments. Certain features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments.

[0388] Although this disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological actions, it should be understood that the disclosure as defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features and actions described above are disclosed as exemplary forms for implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A first communication device, comprising: The processor is configured to cause the first communication device to: A first sensing request for a sensing service is received from a second communication device. The first sensing request includes an event trigger that indicates a report to be transmitted to the second communication device in response to a target associated with the sensing service being sensed.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the first sensing request further includes sensing characteristic information about the target, the sensing characteristic information including at least one of the following: The size of the target, The shape of the target, The speed range of the target, or The material properties of the target.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first sensing request further includes a service parameter set of the sensing service, the service parameter set including at least one of the following: Environmental information in the location associated with the sensing service. The area range associated with the sensing service, The height of the location The accuracy of the sensing service, or The time requirement for reporting when the target is sensed.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first communication device is further configured to: The first confirmation message corresponding to the first sensing request is transmitted to the second communication device.

5. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first communication device is further configured to: Based on sensing information indicating at least one of environmental information, area range, or altitude of location associated with the sensing service, it is determined whether the target has been sensed; and In response to determining that the target has been sensed based on the sensing information, a sensing report indicating that the target has been sensed is transmitted to the second communication device.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the sensing report further comprises at least one of the following: Sensing information, which indicates at least one of the following: environmental information, area range, or altitude of location associated with the sensing service, or Target information, which includes at least one sensing feature of the target.

7. The device according to claim 5, wherein the first communication device is further configured to: Receive a second confirmation message corresponding to the sensing report from the second communication device.

8. The device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the first communication device includes a sensing management function device, and the second communication device includes a sensing function device, and wherein the first communication device is further configured to: A second sensing request is transmitted to a network device that supports the sensing service, so that sensing signals are transmitted for the sensing service.

9. The device according to claim 8, wherein the first communication device is further configured to: The network device receives sensing information indicating at least one of environmental information, area range, or location altitude associated with the sensing service.

10. The device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the first communication device comprises a network device, and the second communication device comprises a sensing management function device, and wherein the first communication device is further configured to: Transmitting sensing signals associated with the sensing service; and The sensing information is obtained based on the sensing signal.

11. The device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the first communication device comprises a network device, and the second communication device comprises a sensing management function device, and wherein the first communication device is further configured to: Transmitting sensing signals associated with the sensing service; and A second sensing response is received from the sensing receiver, the second sensing response including the sensing information obtained based on the sensing signal.

12. The device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the first communication device includes a network device, and the second communication device includes a sensing management function device, and wherein the first communication device is further configured to: Transmit a third sensing request to a sensing transmitter to cause the sensing transmitter to transmit a sensing signal associated with the sensing service; and The sensing information is obtained based on the sensing signal.

13. The device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the first communication device includes a network device, and the second communication device includes a sensing management function device, and wherein the first communication device is further configured to: Transmit a third sensing request to a sensing transmitter to cause the sensing transmitter to transmit a sensing signal associated with the sensing service; and A second sensing response is received from the sensing receiver, the second sensing response including the sensing information obtained by the sensing receiver based on the sensing signal.

14. The device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the first communication device includes a network device, and the second communication device includes a sensing management function device, and wherein the first communication device is further configured to: Transmit a third sensing request regarding the sensing service to the sensing transmitter; and Receive a sensing confirmation from the sensing transmitter, the sensing confirmation indicating that the sensing transmitter acknowledges the transmission of a sensing signal associated with the sensing service.

15. The device of claim 14, wherein the first communication device is further configured to: Transmit a fourth sensing request regarding the sensing service to the sensing receiver; and A second sensing response is received from the sensing receiver, the second sensing response including the sensing information obtained by the sensing receiver based on the sensing signal.

16. The device according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the third sensing request comprises at least one of the following: The sensing mode information of the sensing service. The set of service parameters for the sensing service, or Sensing configuration for the sensing service.

17. The device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the first communication device comprises a terminal device or a first network device, and the second communication device comprises a second network device, and wherein the first communication device is further configured to: The sensing information is obtained based on sensing signals associated with the sensing service received from the sensing transmitter.

18. The device of claim 17, wherein the first communication device acts as a sensing receiver, and wherein the first communication device is further configured to: Receive a fourth sensing request from the second communication device, the fourth sensing request including at least one of the following: The sensing mode information of the sensing service. The set of service parameters for the sensing service, or Sensing configuration for the sensing service.

19. The device of claim 16 or 18, wherein the sensing mode information indicates at least one of a sensing mode, a sensing transmitter, and a sensing receiver.

20. The device according to claim 16 or 18, wherein the set of service parameters includes at least one of the following: Environmental information in the location associated with the sensing service. The area range associated with the sensing service, The height of the location The accuracy of the sensing service, or The time requirement for reporting when the target is sensed.

21. The device according to claim 16 or 18, wherein the sensing configuration comprises at least one of the following: The radio frequency (RF) frequency of the sensed signal, The power of the sensed signal, or The waveform of the sensed signal.

22. The apparatus according to claims 1 to 4, wherein the first communication device comprises a terminal device or a first network device, and the second communication device comprises a second network device, and wherein the first communication device is further configured to: Based on sensing information indicating at least one of environmental information, area range, or altitude of location associated with the sensing service, it is determined whether the target has been sensed; and In response to determining that the target has been sensed based on the sensing information, a sensing report indicating that the target has been sensed is transmitted to the sensing function device via a data channel.

23. The device of claim 22, wherein the data channel comprises a Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP) channel, and The first sensing request includes the IP address and TCP port of the sensing device.

24. The device of claim 22, wherein the sensing report further comprises at least one of the following: Sensing information, which indicates at least one of the following: environmental information, area range, or altitude of location associated with the sensing service, or Target information, which includes at least one sensing feature of the target.

25. A second communication device, comprising: The processor is configured to enable the second communication device to: A first sensing request for a sensing service is transmitted to a first communication device. The first sensing request includes an event trigger that indicates that a report is transmitted to the second communication device in response to a target associated with the sensing service being sensed.

26. The device of claim 25, wherein the first sensing request further includes sensing characteristic information about the target, the sensing characteristic information including at least one of the following: The size of the target, The shape of the target, The speed range of the target, or The material properties of the target.

27. The device of claim 25 or 26, wherein the first sensing request further includes a set of service parameters for the sensing service, the set of service parameters including at least one of the following: Environmental information in the location associated with the sensing service. The area range associated with the sensing service, The height of the location The accuracy of the sensing service, or The time requirement for reporting when the target is sensed.

28. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the second communication device is further configured to: Receive a first confirmation message corresponding to the first sensing request from the first communication device.

29. The device according to any one of claims 25 to 28, wherein the second communication device is further configured to: Receive a sensing report from the first communication device indicating that the target has been sensed.

30. The device of claim 29, wherein the second communication device is further configured to: A second confirmation message corresponding to the sensing report is transmitted to the first communication device.

31. The device of claim 29 or 30, wherein the sensing report further comprises at least one of the following: Sensing information, which indicates at least one of the following: environmental information, area range, or altitude of location associated with the sensing service, or Target information, which includes at least one sensing feature of the target.

32. The device of claim 31, wherein the first communication device includes a sensing management function device, and the second communication device includes a sensing function device, and The sensing information is received at the first communication device from a network device that supports the sensing service.

33. The device of claim 31, wherein the first communication device includes a network device, and the second communication device includes a sensing management function device, and in The sensing information is obtained at the first communication device based on sensing signals associated with the sensing service transmitted from the first communication device, or The sensing information is received at the first communication device from a sensing receiver, which obtains the sensing information based on sensing signals associated with the sensing service transmitted from the first communication device, or The sensing information is obtained at the first communication device based on sensing signals associated with the sensing service transmitted from the sensing transmitter, or The sensing information is received at the first communication device from a sensing receiver, which obtains the sensing information based on sensing signals associated with the sensing service transmitted from the sensing transmitter.

34. The device of claim 31, wherein the first communication device comprises a terminal device or a first network device, and the second communication device comprises a second network device, and The sensing information is obtained at the first communication device based on sensing signals associated with the sensing service received from the sensing transmitter.

35. The device according to claims 25 to 28, wherein the second communication device includes a sensing function device, and wherein the second communication device is further configured to: Receive a sensing report from a terminal device or network device via a data channel, indicating that the target has been sensed.

36. The device of claim 35, wherein the data channel comprises a Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP) channel, and The first sensing request includes the IP address and TCP port of the sensing device.

37. The device of claim 35, wherein the sensing report further comprises at least one of the following: Sensing information, which indicates at least one of the following: environmental information, area range, or altitude of location associated with the sensing service, or Target information, which includes at least one sensing feature of the target.

38. The device according to any one of claims 29 to 37, wherein the second communication device is further configured to: Receive another sensing report indicating that the target has been sensed; and The sensing results are generated by combining the sensing report and the other sensing report.

39. A communication method implemented at a first communication device, comprising: A first sensing request for a sensing service is received from a second communication device. The first sensing request includes an event trigger that indicates a report to be transmitted to the second communication device in response to a target associated with the sensing service being sensed.

40. A communication method implemented at a second communication device, comprising: A first sensing request for a sensing service is transmitted to a first communication device. The first sensing request includes an event trigger that indicates that a report is transmitted to the second communication device in response to a target associated with the sensing service being sensed.

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