A communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The application provides a communication method and device. The method comprises the following steps: a first communication device receives a synchronization reference signal from a second communication device on a first beam, obtains direct path information from the synchronization reference signal, and determines a first value according to the direct path information, wherein the angle between the beam direction of the first beam and the second communication device is less than or equal to a first threshold, the beam width of the first beam is less than or equal to a second threshold, and the first value is used to compensate for the time delay deviation between the first communication device and the second communication device. The first communication device receives the synchronization reference signal through the first beam, in this case, the direct path energy included in the synchronization reference signal is relatively strong, the synchronization reference signal can be accurately detected to effectively obtain the direct path information, and the first value is accurately determined according to the direct path information to compensate for the transmission and reception time delay deviation, so that the timing synchronization between the sending end device and the receiving end device can be realized, and the sensing performance is effectively improved.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Communication sensing technology is one of the key technologies in next-generation wireless communication networks. The core idea of ​​this technology is to integrate wireless communication and sensing functions into a single system. It utilizes the various propagation characteristics of wireless signals to achieve sensing functions such as target localization, detection, imaging, and identification, thereby acquiring information about the physical environment surrounding the target and enhancing the user experience. The principle of this sensing technology involves the transmitting device sending a sensing signal, and the receiving device receiving the echo signal formed by the target's reflection (or scattering, or diffraction, etc.). The receiving device then processes the echo signal to obtain sensing data, such as information about the target's position, speed, or type.

[0003] Sensing can generally be divided into two categories based on its mode: single-site sensing and dual-site sensing. In single-site sensing, the transmitting and receiving ends of the sensing signal are the same device; in dual-site sensing, the transmitting and receiving ends are two different devices. Taking dual-site sensing as an example, in a dual-site sensing scenario, the transmitting and receiving devices use their own clock signals for timing, resulting in a timing difference (or timing offset) between the transmitting and receiving devices, which significantly affects sensing performance.

[0004] Further research is needed on how to achieve timed synchronization between the transmitting and receiving devices to improve sensing performance. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and apparatus for achieving timing synchronization between a transmitting device and a receiving device, which helps to improve sensing performance.

[0006] Firstly, this application provides a communication method that can be executed by a first communication device. For example, the first communication device can be an access network device, or it can be a component in the access network device, such as a communication module, circuits or chips responsible for communication and / or sensing functions (e.g., modem chip, also known as baseband chip, or system-on-chip (SoC) chip or system-in-package (SIP) chip containing a modem core), chip system, or processor, etc., which can also be a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the access network device. The method may include the following steps: a first communication device receives a synchronization reference signal from a second communication device on a first beam, wherein the angle between the beam direction of the first beam and the second communication device is less than or equal to a first threshold, and the beamwidth of the first beam is less than or equal to a second threshold; then, the first communication device can obtain direct path information from the synchronization reference signal, wherein the direct path information can be used to characterize the time delay caused by the synchronization reference signal directly reaching the first communication device from the second communication device; then, the first communication device can determine a first value based on the direct path information, wherein the first value can be used to compensate for the time delay deviation between the first communication device and the second communication device.

[0007] In this method, the first communication device receives the synchronization reference signal through a first beam (which can be understood as a narrow beam with a fixed beam direction or a narrow beam pointing towards the second communication device) whose beam direction is less than or equal to a first threshold and whose beam width is less than or equal to a second threshold. In this case, the synchronization reference signal includes a relatively strong direct path energy (or a relatively large direct path signal strength), which makes it easier for the first communication device to accurately obtain (or extract) the direct path information by detecting the synchronization reference signal. This makes the acquisition of the direct path information more accurate, effective, and reasonable. Furthermore, it makes it easier for the first communication device to accurately determine a first value based on the direct path information to compensate for the transmission and reception delay deviation. This achieves the effect of timing synchronization, that is, it can effectively realize the timing synchronization between the transmitting and receiving devices, thereby effectively improving the sensing performance (such as detection performance, ranging accuracy, etc.).

[0008] In one possible implementation, the angle between the beam direction of the first beam and the second communication device is 0°.

[0009] The above implementation method can make the beam direction of the first beam face the second communication device, which can make the direct path energy included in the synchronization reference signal relatively strong (or the direct path signal strength relatively large), which helps the first communication device to detect the synchronization reference signal more effectively to obtain the direct path information.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the first beam is related to the location information of both the first and second communication devices.

[0011] In the above implementation, based on the location information of the first communication device and the location information of the second communication device, the receiving beam (such as the first beam) used by the first communication device to receive the synchronization reference signal can be determined (or selected) more accurately. This makes the determination of the receiving beam more accurate and reasonable, and more in line with the actual needs of the first communication device.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0013] The first communication device receives the echo signal (or echo signal of the first sensing service) corresponding to the sensing signal of the first sensing service on the second beam. The echo signal corresponding to the sensing signal of the first sensing service is used to determine the sensing data of the first sensing service. The angle between the beam direction of the second beam and the center of the sensing area is less than or equal to a third threshold.

[0014] In the above implementation, the first communication device receives the echo signal through a second beam (such as a wide beam whose beam direction covers the direction towards the sensing area or a narrow beam whose beam direction points towards the sensing area) whose angle between the beam direction and the center of the sensing area is less than or equal to a third threshold. This facilitates the first communication device to effectively receive the echo signal corresponding to the sensing signal of the first sensing service from the sensing area, thereby making the sensing data determined based on the echo signal more accurate.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the angle between the beam direction of the second beam and the center of the sensing area is equal to 0°.

[0016] The above implementation method can make the beam direction of the second beam face the sensing area, which can make the energy of the echo signal received by the first communication device stronger (or the signal strength of the echo signal is relatively large), which helps the first communication device to acquire sensing data more effectively through the echo signal.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the synchronization reference signal occupies the first resource, and the sensing signal of the first sensing service occupies the second resource.

[0018] In this context, the first resource occupies a first sub-time unit in the time domain, the second resource occupies a second sub-time unit in the time domain, the first sub-time unit is contained within the first time unit, the second sub-time unit is contained within the second time unit, the second time unit is located after the first time unit, or the first resource and the second resource occupy different sub-time units of the same time unit in the time domain.

[0019] In the above implementation, for scenarios where the timing offset is relatively stable over time or where the system does not have high real-time requirements for timing offset calibration, the synchronization reference signal and the sensing signal can be sent separately. In this way, the sub-time units occupied by the synchronization reference signal and the sensing signal are located in different time units, and the sub-time units occupied by the synchronization reference signal and the sensing signal are not the same. In this case, the timing offset (which can be understood as determining the timing offset by sending and receiving the synchronization reference signal) is calibrated once before enabling the sensing service (which can be understood as before sending the sensing signal for sensing), and then the sensing service is enabled. Alternatively, the timing offset can be triggered for calibration, and the sensing service (e.g., sending the sensing signal) is enabled after each calibration.

[0020] For scenarios where timing offset changes drastically over time or where the system has high real-time requirements for timing offset calibration, the synchronization reference signal can be sent along with (or simultaneously with) the sensing signal. In this way, the sub-time unit occupied by the synchronization reference signal and the sub-time unit occupied by the sensing signal are located in the same time unit, but their sub-time units are different. This allows the receiving device (such as the first communication device) to extract the direct path information from the synchronization reference signal in real time and determine the transmit / receive delay deviation based on the direct path information, achieving real-time timing synchronization and effectively improving sensing performance.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0022] The first communication device receives first information from a sensing network element, wherein the first information may include beam information of a first beam.

[0023] The above implementation method enables the first communication device to obtain the beam information of the receiving beam used to receive the synchronization reference signal. This facilitates the first communication device to effectively detect the synchronization reference signal based on the corresponding receiving beam in a timely manner to obtain the direct path information.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the beam information of the first beam may include the beam identifier of the first beam and / or the beam direction of the first beam.

[0025] In the above implementation, by carrying one or more of the beam identifier and beam direction of the first beam in the beam information of the first beam, the first communication device can promptly know (or clearly know) which receiving beam (which can be understood as which narrow receiving beam) is being used to receive the synchronization reference signal.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the first information may further include first indication information, which is used to indicate the activation of the timed synchronization calibration mode, wherein the timed synchronization calibration mode is used for the first communication device and the second communication device to perform timed synchronization.

[0027] In the above implementation, by carrying the first instruction information in the first information, the first communication device can promptly activate the timing synchronization calibration mode so that the first communication device can complete the timing synchronization with the second communication device in a timely and accurate manner.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the first information may also include the business information of the first sensing service.

[0029] The above implementation method enables the first communication device to know in a timely manner what sensing service is being performed, thereby facilitating the first communication device to effectively participate in the execution of the corresponding sensing service.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the business information of the first sensing service may include at least one of the following: the business identifier of the first sensing service, the business type of the first sensing service, or the sensing requirement information of the first sensing service.

[0031] Secondly, this application provides a communication method that can be executed by a second communication device. For example, the second communication device can be a terminal device, or a component within the terminal device, such as a communication module, circuit or chip responsible for communication functions (e.g., a modem chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core), chip system, or processor, etc., applicable to the terminal device. It can also be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal device's functions. The method may include the following steps: the second communication device sends a synchronization reference signal to a first communication device on a third beam, wherein the angle between the beam direction of the third beam and the first communication device is less than or equal to a first threshold, and the beamwidth of the third beam is less than or equal to a second threshold; the synchronization reference signal is used by the first communication device to compensate for the time delay deviation between the first and second communication devices; or the second communication device sends a synchronization reference signal to the first communication device on a fourth beam, wherein the beamwidth of the fourth beam is greater than the second threshold.

[0032] In this method, the second communication device transmits a synchronization reference signal using a third beam (which can be understood as a narrow beam with a fixed beam direction or a narrow beam pointing towards the first communication device) whose beam direction is less than or equal to a first threshold and whose beam width is less than or equal to a second threshold. Alternatively, it transmits a synchronization reference signal using a fourth beam (whose beam width is greater than the second threshold and whose beam direction covers (or includes) the direction towards the first communication device). In this case, the synchronization reference signal includes a relatively strong direct path energy (or a relatively large direct path signal strength), which facilitates the first communication device to accurately and effectively obtain direct path information by detecting the synchronization reference signal. This makes the acquisition of direct path information more accurate, effective, and reasonable. Furthermore, it facilitates the first communication device to accurately determine a first value based on the direct path information to compensate for the transmission and reception delay deviation. This achieves the effect of timing synchronization, that is, it can effectively realize timing synchronization between the transmitting and receiving devices, thereby effectively improving the sensing performance.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the angle between the beam direction of the third beam and the first communication device is 0°.

[0034] The above implementation method can make the beam direction of the third beam face the first communication device, which can make the direct path energy included in the synchronization reference signal relatively strong (or the direct path signal strength relatively large), which helps the first communication device to detect the synchronization reference signal more effectively to obtain the direct path information.

[0035] In one possible implementation, the third beam is related to the location information of both the first and second communication devices.

[0036] In the above implementation, based on the location information of the first communication device and the location information of the second communication device, the transmission beam (such as the third beam) used by the second communication device to transmit the synchronization reference signal can be determined (or selected) more accurately. This makes the determination of the transmission beam more accurate and reasonable, and more in line with the actual needs of the second communication device.

[0037] In one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0038] The second communication device transmits a sensing signal for the first sensing service on the fifth beam, wherein the angle between the fifth beam and the center of the sensing area is less than or equal to a third threshold, and the beamwidth of the fifth beam is less than or equal to a second threshold; or,

[0039] The second communication device transmits the sensing signal of the first sensing service on the fourth beam.

[0040] In the above implementation, the second communication device transmits a sensing signal using a fifth beam (which can be understood as a narrow beam with a fixed beam direction or a narrow beam pointing towards the sensing area) whose beam direction is less than or equal to a third threshold and whose beam width is less than or equal to a second threshold. Alternatively, it transmits a sensing signal using a fourth beam (the beam direction of the fourth beam covers (or includes) the direction towards the sensing area) whose beam width is greater than the second threshold. This results in a stronger sensing signal (or a higher signal strength), which facilitates the first communication device in effectively receiving the echo signal corresponding to the sensing signal of the first sensing service from the sensing area. Consequently, the sensing data determined by the first communication device based on the echo signal is more accurate.

[0041] In one possible implementation, the angle between the beam direction of the fifth beam and the center of the sensing area is equal to 0°.

[0042] The above implementation method can ensure that the beam direction of the fifth beam is directly facing the sensing area, which makes the energy of the sensing signal sent by the second communication device stronger (or the signal strength of the sent sensing signal is relatively large), which helps to detect the sensing area more effectively.

[0043] In one possible implementation, the synchronization reference signal occupies the first resource, and the sensing signal of the first sensing service occupies the second resource.

[0044] In this context, the first resource occupies a first sub-time unit in the time domain, the second resource occupies a second sub-time unit in the time domain, the first sub-time unit is contained within the first time unit, the second sub-time unit is contained within the second time unit, the second time unit is located after the first time unit, or the first resource and the second resource occupy different sub-time units of the same time unit in the time domain.

[0045] For the technical effects that can be achieved by the above implementation method, please refer to the technical effects that can be achieved by the corresponding implementation method provided in the first aspect above, which will not be repeated here.

[0046] In one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0047] The second communication device receives second information from a sensing network element, wherein the second information may include beam information of a third beam.

[0048] The above implementation method enables the second communication device to obtain the beam information of the transmission beam used to transmit the synchronization reference signal, which facilitates the second communication device to transmit the synchronization reference signal in a timely and effective manner based on the corresponding transmission beam.

[0049] In one possible implementation, the beam information of the third beam may include the beam identifier of the third beam and / or the beam direction of the third beam.

[0050] In the above implementation, by carrying one or more of the beam identifier and beam direction of the third beam in the beam information of the third beam, the second communication device can promptly know (or clearly know) which transmission beam (which can be understood as which narrow transmission beam) is being used to transmit the synchronization reference signal.

[0051] In one possible implementation, the second information may further include second indication information, which is used to indicate the activation of the timing synchronization calibration mode, wherein the timing synchronization calibration mode is used for timing synchronization between the first communication device and the second communication device.

[0052] In the above implementation, by carrying the second instruction information in the second information, the second communication device can promptly activate the timing synchronization calibration mode, so that the second communication device can complete the timing synchronization with the first communication device in a timely and accurate manner.

[0053] In one possible implementation, the second information may also include the business information of the first sensing business.

[0054] The above implementation method enables the second communication device to know in a timely manner what sensing service is being performed, thereby facilitating the second communication device to effectively participate in the execution of the corresponding sensing service.

[0055] In one possible implementation, the business information of the first sensing service may include at least one of the following: the business identifier of the first sensing service, the business type of the first sensing service, or the sensing requirement information of the first sensing service.

[0056] Thirdly, this application provides a communication device including units or means for performing the various steps of any of the implementation methods in the first aspect described above.

[0057] For example, the communication device may be a first communication device. For example, the first communication device may be an access network device or a module within an access network device (such as a processor, processing unit, chip system, circuit, or chip). Exemplarily, the first communication device may be a terminal device or a module within a terminal device (such as a processor, processing unit, chip system, circuit, or chip). This communication device has the function of implementing the method in any of the possible implementations of the first aspect described above. This function can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above-described function.

[0058] Fourthly, this application provides a communication device including units or means for performing the various steps of any implementation method in the second aspect described above.

[0059] For example, the communication device may be a second communication device. For example, the second communication device may be a terminal device or a module within a terminal device (such as a processor, processing unit, chip system, circuit, or chip). Exemplarily, the second communication device may be an access network device or a module within an access network device (such as a processor, processing unit, chip system, circuit, or chip). This communication device has the function of implementing the method in any of the possible implementations of the second aspect described above. This function can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above-described function.

[0060] Fifthly, this application provides a communication device that has the functions involved in the first to second aspects described above. For example, the communication device includes modules, units, or means that perform the operations involved in the first to second aspects described above. The functions, units, or means can be implemented by software, or by hardware, or by hardware executing corresponding software.

[0061] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a transceiver unit (or communication module, used for sending and receiving data) and a processing unit (or processing module). The transceiver unit can be used to send and receive signals to enable communication between the communication device and other devices, for example, to send data to other communication devices. The processing unit can be used to perform some internal operations of the communication device. The functions performed by the transceiver unit and the processing unit can correspond to the operations involved in the first and second aspects described above.

[0062] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes at least one processor, which can be coupled to a memory. The memory can store necessary computer programs or instructions for implementing the functions described in the first to second aspects above. The processor can execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory, causing the communication device to implement the methods in any possible implementation of any of the first to second aspects above when the computer programs or instructions are executed.

[0063] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes at least one processor and a memory, the memory of which may store necessary computer programs or instructions for implementing the functions involved in the first to second aspects described above. The at least one processor may execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory, and when the computer programs or instructions are executed, cause the communication device to implement the methods in any possible implementation of any of the first to second aspects described above.

[0064] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes at least one processor and an interface circuit (or communication interface), wherein the at least one processor is configured to communicate with other devices via the interface circuit and execute the methods in any of the possible implementations of the first to second aspects described above. The interface circuit is used to enable communication between the communication device and other devices, for example, to receive signals from other communication devices and transmit them to the at least one processor, or to send signals from the at least one processor of the communication device to other communication devices, such as the transmission or reception of data and / or signals. Exemplarily, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, or other type of communication interface.

[0065] It is understood that, in the fifth aspect mentioned above, the processor can be implemented in hardware or software. When implemented in hardware, the processor can be a logic circuit, integrated circuit, etc.; when implemented in software, the processor can be a general-purpose processor that reads software code stored in memory. Furthermore, there can be one or more processors, and one or more memories. The memory can be integrated with the processor, or the memory and processor can be separate. In specific implementations, the memory can be integrated with the processor on the same chip, or it can be set on different chips. This application does not limit the type of memory or the arrangement of the memory and processor.

[0066] Sixthly, this application provides a possible communication system, which may include the first communication device, the second communication device, or the sensing network element mentioned in the first or second aspect above. The functional implementation of the first communication device, the second communication device, or the sensing network element can be found in the relevant descriptions mentioned in the first or second aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0067] For example, the number of the first communication device or the second communication device or the sensing network element can be one or more.

[0068] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a computer program product comprising a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a communication device (or computer), cause the communication device (or computer) to perform the method in any possible implementation of any of the first to second aspects described above.

[0069] Eighthly, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a communication device (or computer), cause the communication device (or computer) to perform the method in any possible implementation of any of the first to second aspects described above.

[0070] Ninthly, this application provides a chip that may include at least one processor and may also include a memory (or the chip may be coupled to the memory), the at least one processor executing program instructions in the memory to cause the chip to perform the methods in any possible implementation of any of the first to second aspects described above. Here, "coupling" means that two components are directly or indirectly connected to each other, such as coupling can refer to an electrical connection between two components.

[0071] In a tenth aspect, this application also provides a chip system including at least one processor for supporting a computer device in implementing any possible implementation of the methods in any of the first to second aspects described above. In one possible implementation, the chip system further includes a memory for storing programs and data necessary for the computer device. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0072] Based on the implementation methods provided in the above aspects, this application can be further combined to provide more implementation methods. Attached Figure Description

[0073] Figure 1 An exemplary schematic diagram of a communication-sensing integrated scenario provided by an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0074] Figure 2 The following are exemplary schematic diagrams of several sensing scenarios provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0075] Figure 3 An exemplary schematic diagram of the architecture of a possible communication system provided in an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0076] Figure 4 The following are exemplary schematic diagrams of two typical protocol stacks of the base station provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0077] Figure 5 An exemplary schematic diagram of a possible RAN system architecture provided in an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0078] Figure 6 An exemplary flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0079] Figure 7a This illustration shows a schematic diagram of a UE transmitting a synchronization reference signal on a narrow beam (such as a third beam) according to an embodiment of this application.

[0080] Figure 7b This illustration shows a schematic diagram of a UE transmitting a synchronization reference signal on a wide beam (such as a fourth beam) according to an embodiment of this application.

[0081] Figure 8a An exemplary diagram illustrating a direct path signal with relatively high strength is provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0082] Figure 8b An exemplary diagram illustrates a case where the signal strength of the direct path is relatively low, as provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0083] Figure 8c This illustration shows a transceiver device according to an embodiment of the present application that transmits and receives signals in a beam scanning manner;

[0084] Figure 9a This illustration shows a schematic diagram of a UE transmitting a sensing signal on a narrow beam (such as the fifth beam) according to an embodiment of this application.

[0085] Figure 9b This illustration shows a schematic diagram of a UE transmitting sensing signals on a wide beam (such as a fourth beam) according to an embodiment of this application.

[0086] Figure 10 An exemplary schematic diagram of the structure of a time unit containing a synchronization reference signal provided in an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0087] Figure 11a An exemplary flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0088] Figure 11b An exemplary flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0089] Figure 12 An exemplary schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0090] Figure 13 An exemplary schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0091] Before introducing the technical solutions provided in this application, some of the terms used in this application will be explained in order to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0092] (1) Sensing, sensing signals, communication signals, echo signals, and sensing targets:

[0093] a. Sensing: Sensing allows us to detect parameters of targets in the physical environment, such as the target's position and velocity. It can be understood that sensing devices detect targets by emitting electromagnetic waves and analyzing the echo signals reflected (or scattered, diffracted, or diffused) from objects. For example, sensing can also be called detection.

[0094] b. Sensing Signal: A signal used to sense (or detect) a target (or target object). For example, a sensing signal can also be called a detection signal, linear frequency modulated signal, radar signal, radar sensing signal, radar detection signal, or environmental sensing signal, etc. For example, a sensing signal can be a pulse signal or a signal in a wireless communication system. For instance, a sensing signal can be an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signal obtained by modulating a specific sequence on a subcarrier. This specific sequence can be any of the following sequences: Zadoff-Chu sequence (ZC sequence), pseudo-random sequence, or predefined sequence. The pseudo-random sequence includes any of the following sequences: longest linear feedback shift register sequence (m-sequence), or Gold sequence. The predefined sequence is, for example, random data symbols, such as random data symbols modulated by quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) or quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM).

[0095] c. Communication signals: These can be signals transmitted between communication devices for communication purposes. For example, communication signals may include signals transmitted between network devices and terminal devices. Communication signals are, for example, carried on the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH).

[0096] d. Echo signal: This can be understood as the signal generated by the reflection of the sensing signal from the target. The echo signal, or the echo signal and the sensing signal, can reflect the parameters of the target. For example, the time delay of the echo signal relative to the transmitted sensing signal can reflect the distance of the target relative to the transmitter, and the Doppler shift of the echo signal relative to the sensing signal can reflect the velocity of the target.

[0097] e. Sensing target: This can be any tangible object in the environment that can reflect electromagnetic waves, such as mountains, forests, or buildings, and can also include mobile objects such as vehicles, drones, pedestrians, and terminal devices. For example, the target can also be referred to as a target, a detected target, a sensed object, a sensed device, a sensing target, a detection target, a sensed object, or a detection object, etc., and the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0098] (2) Integrated sensing and communication (ISAC):

[0099] Integrated communication and sensing technology is considered one of the key technologies for expanding the service capabilities of mobile communication networks. The core idea of ​​this technology is to add sensing capabilities to the mobile communication network, building capabilities such as target detection, tracking, and imaging, thereby integrating communication and sensing capabilities into a single network, achieving harmonious coexistence and mutual benefit. Please see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an integrated communication and sensing scenario. Figure 1 In the example, solid lines represent communication, and dashed lines represent sensing. Figure 1 As shown, access network devices can sense other objects by transmitting and receiving data on their own, or they can sense other objects while communicating with terminal devices. Figure 1 The example uses a smartphone as the terminal device and drones, pedestrians, and vehicles as the sensing targets.

[0100] Sensing technology can generally be divided into two modes: single-site sensing and dual-site sensing. Single-site sensing refers to a mode where the transmitting device for the sensing signal and the receiving device for the corresponding echo signal are the same device. In other words, in single-site sensing, the transmitting device both transmits the sensing signal and receives the echo signal reflected from the surface of the sensing target. Therefore, this single-site sensing mode can also be called a self-transmitting and self-receiving mode, without limitation. Dual-site sensing refers to a mode where the transmitting device for the sensing signal and the receiving device for the corresponding echo signal are two different devices. In other words, sensing station A transmits the sensing signal, and the echo signal reflected from the surface of the sensing target is received by sensing station B. Therefore, this dual-site sensing mode can also be called the A-transmitting and B-receiving mode. It should be noted that the echo signal corresponding to the sensing signal is obtained after the sensing signal passes through the sensing target (e.g., reflection, diffraction, or scattering), therefore, this echo signal can still be called the sensing signal.

[0101] The following section introduces the sensing scenarios involved in the ISAC system.

[0102] Sensing scenarios can be categorized into three types: sensing scenarios based on access network devices, sensing scenarios based on both access network devices and terminal devices, and sensing scenarios based solely on terminal devices. For example, sensing scenarios may include, but are not limited to: self-transmission and self-reception by access network devices; access network device A transmitting a sensing signal and access network device B receiving a reflected signal; access network device transmitting a sensing signal and terminal device receiving a reflected signal; terminal device transmitting a sensing signal and access network device receiving a reflected signal; terminal device A transmitting a sensing signal and terminal device B receiving a reflected signal; and self-transmission and self-reception by terminal devices. For example, sensing scenarios can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 2 The perception scenarios shown in (1) to (6).

[0103] Figure 2 The sensing scenario shown in (1) is a sensing scenario based on access network devices. The access network device (e.g., access network device A) acts as the transmitting (TX) and receiving (RX) end of the sensing signal. For example, the sensing signal (e.g., sensing signal 1) sent by access network device A reaches the target object (e.g., a person). After the sensing signal is reflected by the target object, access network device A can receive the echo signal (or sensing signal 2, which can be understood as the echo signal obtained by sensing signal 1 after being reflected by the target object). Then, access network device A can process the echo signal to obtain the sensing result.

[0104] Figure 2The sensing scenario shown in (2) is also a sensing scenario based on access network devices. One access network device (e.g., access network device A) acts as the transmitter of the sensing signal (TX), and another access network device (e.g., access network device B) acts as the receiver of the sensing signal (RX). For example, the sensing signal (e.g., sensing signal 1) sent by access network device A as TX reaches the target object. After the sensing signal is reflected by the target object, access network device B as RX can receive the echo signal (or sensing signal 2, which can be understood as the echo signal obtained by sensing signal 1 after reflection by the target object). Then, access network device B as RX can process the echo signal to obtain the sensing result.

[0105] Figure 2 The sensing scenario shown in (3) is a sensing scenario based on access network equipment and terminal equipment. The access network equipment (e.g., access network equipment A) is the transmitter of the sensing signal, and the terminal equipment (e.g., terminal equipment A) is the receiver of the sensing signal. For example, the sensing signal (e.g., sensing signal 1) sent by access network equipment A reaches the target object. After the sensing signal is reflected by the target object, the terminal equipment A can receive the echo signal (or sensing signal 2, which can be understood as the echo signal obtained by the reflection of sensing signal 1 by the target object). Then, the terminal equipment A can process the echo signal to obtain the sensing result.

[0106] Figure 2 The sensing scenario shown in (4) is also a sensing scenario based on access network equipment and terminal equipment. The terminal equipment (e.g., terminal equipment A) is the transmitter of the sensing signal, and the access network equipment (e.g., access network equipment A) is the receiver of the sensing signal. For example, the sensing signal sent by terminal equipment A (e.g., sensing signal 1) reaches the target object. After the sensing signal is reflected by the target object, the access network equipment A can receive the echo signal (or it can be called sensing signal 2, which can be understood as the echo signal obtained by sensing signal 1 after being reflected by the target object). Then, the access network equipment A can process the echo signal to obtain the sensing result.

[0107] Figure 2 The perception scenario shown in (5) is a perception scenario based on a terminal device, where the terminal device (e.g., terminal device A) acts as both the sender and receiver of the perception signal. For example, the perception signal sent by terminal device A (e.g., perception signal 1) reaches the target object. After the perception signal is reflected by the target object, terminal device A can receive the echo signal (or perception signal 2, which can be understood as the echo signal obtained by the reflection of perception signal 1 by the target object). Then, terminal device A can process the echo signal to obtain the perception result.

[0108] Figure 2The perception scenario shown in (6) is also a terminal device-based perception scenario. One terminal device (e.g., terminal device A) acts as the transmitter of the perception signal, and another terminal device (e.g., terminal device B) acts as the receiver of the perception signal. For example, the perception signal (e.g., perception signal 1) sent by terminal device A as TX reaches the target object. After the perception signal is reflected by the target object, terminal device B as RX can receive the echo signal (or perception signal 2, which can be understood as the echo signal obtained by the reflection of perception signal 1 by the target object). Then, terminal device B as RX can process the echo signal to obtain the perception result.

[0109] The aforementioned sensing signal 2 (or echo signal) can be understood as the reflected signal of the aforementioned sensing signal 1. The sensing signal 2 carries more information than the sensing signal 1. For example, the sensing signal 2 can carry source information and environmental information.

[0110] (3) Perceiving services:

[0111] In this application, the perception service (or perception task) can be a task with certain service requirements. For example, the perception service may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: static environment reconstruction, dynamic target detection, dynamic vehicle target detection, target tracking, or target recognition.

[0112] Optionally, the sensed service can be replaced with (or understood as): sense the corresponding application type or sense the quality of service (QoS), etc.

[0113] (4) Sensing data

[0114] Sensing data, also known as sensing measurement data, refers to the data obtained after processing echo signals. The processing of echo signals involves multiple stages, and the data obtained from each stage can be called sensing data. For example, the echo signal processing flow may include the following stages: (1) Performing operations such as symbol extraction and cyclic prefix removal (CP) on the echo signal to obtain the time-domain data of the radar frame and separate in-phase (I / quadrature, IQ) data; (2) Performing time-frequency transformation, effective subcarrier extraction, signal estimation, and inverse fast fourier transform (IFFT) on the IQ data to obtain the range (R) spectrum; (3) Performing inter-symbol windowing and fast fourier transform (IFFT) on the R spectrum. (4) Perform FFT on the channel dimension of the RD spectrum to obtain the range / doppler (RDA) spectrum; (5) Detect all valid point target information from the RD spectrum or RDA spectrum to obtain multiple data points. The set of these multiple data points is also called a point cloud. Each data point is used to represent a relative position or an absolute position relative to the sensing device; (6) Cluster the multiple data points to obtain the centroid of the real target.

[0115] For example, sensing data can represent one or more of the following: time delay, Doppler amplitude, angle, and intensity of a sampling point; or it can represent one or more of the following: position, distance, velocity, and intensity of a sampling point. For instance, sensing data includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: IQ data, RD spectrum, RDA spectrum, distance / velocity (DV) spectrum, distance / velocity / angle (DVA) spectrum, range / velocity (RV) spectrum, range-angle-velocity (RAV) spectrum information, channel frequency response (CFR) information, coordinate point sets, point clouds, and the centroid of a real target.

[0116] (5) Perception Results

[0117] Perception results refer to the results related to business functions and performance obtained through calculation and analysis of perceived data. For example, perception results include the existence of the target to be perceived and information about the target (e.g., speed, distance, angle, orientation, acceleration, position, movement trajectory, imaging results, facial expression, breathing / heart rate, etc.). Some perception results can also be considered as perception data; for example, information such as speed and distance can be considered as perception data. Perception results vary depending on the target. For example, if the target is air, the perception results include air quality and the composition of gases in the air; another example is vehicles, where the perception results include the number of vehicles, their positions, and their movement trajectories.

[0118] (6) Beam: Refers to the main lobe of the directional array pattern. Access network equipment (such as base stations or satellites (also known as high-altitude platforms, high-altitude aircraft, or satellite base stations, etc.)) can adjust the antenna weights so that the beam of the access network equipment can point in different directions, resulting in different coverage areas (or coverage regions or geographical coverage ranges). For example, terminal equipment can also adjust the antenna weights so that the beam of the terminal equipment can point in different directions, resulting in different coverage areas. In this application, the coverage area of ​​the beam refers to the coverage area of ​​the beam on the ground. For example, the coverage area of ​​the beam can include at least one location point. For example, taking a terminal equipment as an example, as the terminal equipment moves and the weights are adjusted, the coverage area of ​​the beam will also change.

[0119] It is understandable that a beam can be a wide beam, a narrow beam, or other types of beam. The technology used to form the beam can be beamforming technology or other technologies. Specifically, beamforming technology can be digital beamforming technology, analog beamforming technology, or hybrid digital / analog beamforming technology, etc. Beams can be associated with resources. For example, during beam measurement, access network equipment transmits different beams through different resources, and the terminal equipment provides feedback on the measured beam quality, allowing the access network equipment to determine the corresponding beam quality. In data transmission, beam information is also indicated through its corresponding resources. For example, access network equipment uses the transmission configuration indicator (TCI) field in downlink control information (DCI) to indicate the physical downlink sharing channel (PDSCH) beam information of the terminal equipment.

[0120] For example, access network devices or terminal devices can generate different beams pointing in different transmission directions. In downlink data transmission, when an access network device sends data to a terminal device using a specific beam, it needs to inform the terminal device of the transmit beam information so that the terminal device can use the corresponding receive beam to receive the data sent by the access network device.

[0121] Optionally, in some embodiments, multiple beams having the same or similar communication characteristics can be considered as a single beam. A beam may include one or more antenna ports for transmitting data channels, control channels, and probe signals, etc. One or more antenna ports forming a beam can also be considered as a set of antenna ports.

[0122] The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0123] The following describes the communication system architecture to which the communication method provided in this application is applicable. It should be noted that this description is for the convenience of those skilled in the art and does not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0124] The communication scheme provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) systems, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) systems, sidelink (SL) communication systems, Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) communication systems, 5th Generation (5G) mobile communication systems or new radio (NR) access technologies, satellite communication systems, etc. Among them, 5G mobile communication systems can include non-standalone (NSA) and / or standalone (SA) networking. The technical solution provided in this application can also be applied to future evolving communication systems. Satellite communication systems can be satellite communication systems integrated with the 4th Generation (4G) mobile communication system, 5G mobile communication system, or future communication systems, such as non-terrestrial networks (NTN), etc. NTN communication systems can be, for example, satellite communication systems, or can include unmanned aerial vehicles, high altitude platform stations (HAPS), and other aerial access network equipment; this application does not limit the scope of such systems.

[0125] In a communication system, one network element can send signals to or receive signals from another network element. These signals can include information, signaling, or data. The term "network element" can also be replaced with entities, network entities, devices, communication equipment, communication modules, nodes, communication nodes, etc.

[0126] Figure 3 An exemplary schematic diagram of the architecture of a possible communication system to which embodiments of this application apply is illustrated. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the communication system architecture 10 includes a radio access network (RAN) 100 and a core network (CN) 200. Exemplarily, the communication system architecture 10 may also include an Internet 300. RAN 100 includes at least one radio access network device (such as...) Figure 3110a and 110b (collectively referred to as 110) and at least one terminal device (such as Figure 3 RAN 100 includes 120a-120j, collectively referred to as 120. RAN 100 may also include other radio access network equipment, such as radio relay equipment and / or radio backhaul equipment. Figure 3 (Not shown in the image). Terminal device 120 is connected to wireless access network device 110 wirelessly. Wireless access network device 110 is connected to core network 200 wirelessly or via wired connection. The core network device in core network 200 and wireless access network device 110 in RAN 100 can be different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating core network logical functions and wireless access network logical functions, or they can be a single physical device integrating some core network logical functions and some wireless access network logical functions. Terminal devices and wireless access network devices can be interconnected via wired or wireless connections.

[0127] RAN100 can be a cellular system related to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), such as 4G, 5G mobile communication systems, or future-oriented evolution systems. RAN100 can also be an open access network (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system. RAN100 can also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0128] The following explanations of the devices or network elements involved in the above-mentioned communication system 10 are provided to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0129] Wireless access network device 110: Sometimes also referred to as access network equipment, RAN entity, network equipment, or access node, etc., it constitutes part of the communication system 10 and is used to help terminal devices achieve wireless access. Multiple wireless access network devices 110 in the communication system 10 can be nodes of the same type or different types. In some scenarios, the roles of wireless access network device 110 and terminal device 120 are relative, for example, Figure 3 Network element 120i can be a helicopter or a drone, and it can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminal devices 120j that access RAN 100 through network element 120i, network element 120i is a base station; however, for base station 110a, network element 120i is a terminal device. RAN node 110 and terminal device 120 are sometimes referred to as communication devices, for example... Figure 3Network elements 110a and 110b can be understood as communication devices with base station functions, and network elements 120a-120j can be understood as communication devices with terminal equipment functions. For example, RAN node 110 can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; it can also be deployed on water; and it can also be deployed in the air on aircraft, drones, balloons, and satellites. This application embodiment does not limit the application scenarios of the RAN node.

[0130] In one possible application scenario, the wireless access network device 110 can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a transmission point (TP), a future base station in a 5G mobile communication system, a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system, etc. The wireless access network device 110 can also be a macro base station (such as...). Figure 3 110a), micro base stations or indoor stations (such as Figure 3 The wireless access network device 110 can be a relay node or donor node, or a wireless controller in a CRAN scenario. Exemplarily, the wireless access network device 110 can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, the wireless access network device in V2X technology can be a roadside unit (RSU). All or part of the functions of the wireless access network device 110 in this application can also be implemented through software functions running on hardware, or through virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). The wireless access network device 110 in this application can also be a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of a wireless access network device.

[0131] In another possible application scenario, the wireless access network device 110 can be a module or unit that performs some of the functions of a base station; or multiple wireless access network devices 110 can cooperate to assist the terminal 120 in achieving wireless access, with different wireless access network devices 110 respectively performing some of the functions of a base station. For example, the wireless access network device 110 can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a wireless unit (or radio unit, RU), etc. The CU and DU can be set up separately, or they can be included in the same network element, such as in a baseband unit (BBU). The RU can be included in a radio equipment or radio unit, such as in a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radiohead (RRH).

[0132] In different systems, CU, DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an open radio access network (ORAN) system, CU can also be called open CU (open-CU, O-CU), DU can also be called open DU (open-DU, O-DU), and RU can also be called open RU (open-RU, O-RU). In this application, any of the following units—CU (or CU control plane (CU-CP), CU user plane (CU-UP), DU, and RU)—can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules. CU-CP can also be called open CU-CP (open-CU-CP, O-CU-CP), and CU-UP can also be called open CU-UP (open-CU-UP, O-CU-UP).

[0133] The CU and DU can be configured according to the protocol layer functions of the wireless network they implement. For example, the CU can be configured to implement the functions of the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer and above (e.g., the Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer and / or the Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) layer); the DU can be configured to implement the functions of the protocol layers below the PDCP layer (e.g., the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, the Medium Access Control (MAC) layer, and / or the Physical (PHY) layer). Alternatively, the CU can be configured to implement the functions of the protocol layers above the PDCP layer (e.g., the RRC and / or SDAP layers), and the DU can be configured to implement the functions of the protocol layers below the PDCP layer (e.g., the RLC, MAC, and / or PHY layers). For specific descriptions of the above protocol layers, please refer to the relevant 3GPP technical specifications or the technical specifications of other applicable communication protocols.

[0134] For example, see Figure 4 The following are schematic diagrams of two typical protocol stacks of a base station provided in the embodiments of this application. In base station (1), the base station is divided into CU and DU. CU is configured to implement the functions of protocol layers above PDCP (e.g., RRC layer and / or SDAP layer, etc.); DU is configured to implement the functions of protocol layers below PDCP (e.g., RLC layer, MAC layer, and / or PHY layer, etc.). CU and DU communicate with each other based on the F1 interface. In base station (2), the base station is divided into CU and DU. CU includes CU-CP and CU-UP. CU-CP is used to implement the control plane functions of CU, and CU-UP is used to implement the user plane functions of CU. CU-CP and CU-UP can communicate based on the E1 interface. CU-CP and DU communicate based on the F1 interface (also called F1-C) that supports the control plane. CU-UP and DU communicate based on the F1 interface (also called F1-U) that supports the user plane. CU-CP is configured to implement the control plane and RRC layer functions of the PDCP layer, and CU-UP is configured to implement the user plane and SDAP layer functions of the PDCP layer. DU is configured to implement the functions of protocol layers below the PDCP layer (such as RLC, MAC, and / or PHY layers).

[0135] The above division of the processing functions of CU and DU according to protocol layers is merely an example; other division methods are also possible, and this application does not limit this. For example, in one design, CU or DU can be further divided into processing functions with protocol layers. In one design, some functions of the RLC layer and the functions of the protocol layer above the RLC layer are located in the CU, while the remaining functions of the RLC layer and the functions of the protocol layer below the RLC layer are located in the DU.

[0136] In another possible design, the DU and RU collaborate to implement the PHY layer functionality, or, more specifically, a portion of the PHY layer functionality of the DU can be moved to the RU. A DU can be connected to one or more RUs. The functions of the DU and RU can be configured in various ways depending on the design. For example, the DU may be configured to implement baseband functions, and the RU may be configured to implement mid-RF functions. Alternatively, the DU may be configured to implement higher-level functions in the PHY layer, and the RU may be configured to implement lower-level functions in the PHY layer, or both lower-level and RF functions. Higher-level functions in the physical layer may include a portion of the physical layer's functionality closer to the MAC layer, and lower-level functions may include another portion of the physical layer's functionality closer to the mid-RF side. This application does not limit the specific functions of the DU and RU. The interface between the DU and RU can be called a fronthaul interface. In one design, the CU may not have a PDCP layer; for example, the CU may only include an RRC layer. The CU-CP may not have PDCP-C. The CU-UP may not have PDCP-U, or may not have a CU-UP. In one design, the DU may not have an RLC layer; for example, the DU may only have a MAC and a higher PHY layer.

[0137] For example, when the RAN is O-RAN, it can also have artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. For instance, the O-RAN includes an intelligent controller. This intelligent controller can be a non-real-time RAN intelligent controller (RIC / non-RTRIC / NRT RIC) or a near-real-time RAN intelligent controller (RIC / near-RT RIC / nRT RIC). A non-real-time RIC can be used to implement non-real-time intelligent management of RAN functions, enabling workflows including model training and updates, and guiding applications / functions in the nRT RIC based on policies. A near-real-time RIC can be used to implement near-real-time intelligent management of the RAN. Through data collection and related operations on the E2 interface, near-real-time control and optimization of O-RAN modules and resources are achieved.

[0138] Figure 5 This application provides a schematic diagram of a possible RAN system architecture. The RAN system in the embodiments provided in this application may include... Figure 5 Other components besides those shown. For example... Figure 5 As shown, access network equipment (e.g., eNB, gNB, or future access network equipment) communicates with the core network (CN) via a backhaul link and with terminal equipment via an air interface. For example, the BBU in the access network equipment communicates with the core network via a backhaul link, and the Radio Unit (RU) in the access network equipment communicates with at least one terminal equipment via an air interface. The BBU communicates with at least one RU via a fronthaul link; the BBU and RU may or may not be co-located. The BBU includes at least one Control Unit (CU) and at least one DU, which can communicate via at least one midhaul link.

[0139] In this application, core network equipment refers to equipment in the core network that provides service support to terminals. For example, in the case where CN200 is the core network of a future communication system, a 5G core network, or an evolved 5G core network, some examples of core network equipment include: access and mobility management function (AMF) entities, session management function (SMF) entities, user plane function (UPF) entities, policy control function (PCF) entities, etc., which are not listed here. Among them, the AMF entity can be responsible for terminal access management and mobility management; the SMF entity can be responsible for session management, such as user session establishment; the UPF entity can be a user plane functional entity, mainly responsible for connecting to external networks. For example, in the case of CN200 as the 4G core network, some core network devices include: Mobility Management Entity (MME), Home Subscriber Server (HSS), Serving Gateway (S-GW), Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF), Public Data Network Gateway (PDN Gateway, P-GW), etc., which will not be listed here. It should be noted that in this application, entities can also be referred to as network elements or functional entities. For example, an AMF entity can also be called an AMF network element or AMF functional entity, and an SMF entity can also be called an SMF network element or SMF functional entity, etc. The above-mentioned core network devices can work independently or be combined to implement certain control functions. For example, AMF, SMF, and PCF can be combined into a single core network device.

[0140] It is understood that, in the embodiments of this application, the apparatus for implementing the function of the wireless access network device 110 can be the wireless access network device 110 itself, or it can be an apparatus capable of supporting the wireless access network device 110 in implementing the function, such as a chip system or a combination device or component capable of implementing the function of the wireless access network device. This apparatus can be installed in the wireless access network device 110. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or specific device form adopted by the wireless access network device 110.

[0141] Terminal equipment: A terminal device is a device that provides voice or data connectivity to a user. It can also be an Internet of Things (IoT) device, and is also referred to as a terminal, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. Terminal equipment can be widely used in various scenarios, such as D2D communication, V2X communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, etc. Terminal equipment can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, etc. This application does not limit the specific technology or device form used in the terminal equipment.

[0142] In the embodiments of this application, the terminal device can be fixed in location or mobile, and this application does not limit this. For example, the terminal device can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld, wearable or vehicle-mounted, or it can also be deployed on water (such as ships), or it can also be deployed in the air (such as airplanes, balloons, drones or satellites).

[0143] It is understood that communication between radio access network (RAN) devices, between RAN devices and terminal devices, or between terminal devices can be conducted using licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, or both simultaneously. Communication between RAN devices and terminal devices can be conducted using spectrum below 6 GHz, spectrum above 6 GHz, or both simultaneously. This application does not limit the spectrum resources used between RAN nodes and terminal devices.

[0144] In this embodiment, the functions of a wireless access network device (such as a base station) can be executed by a module (such as a chip) within the wireless access network device, or by a control subsystem that includes the functions of the wireless access network device. This control subsystem can be a control center in the aforementioned application scenarios such as smart grids, industrial control, intelligent transportation, and smart cities. Similarly, the functions of a terminal device can be executed by a module (such as a chip or modem) within the terminal device, or by a device that includes terminal functions.

[0145] In this embodiment, communication between the terminal device and the radio access network (RAN) device refers to the terminal device sending uplink signals or uplink information to the RAN device, with the uplink information carried on the uplink channel, and / or the RAN device sending downlink signals or downlink information to the terminal device, with the downlink information carried on the downlink channel. For the terminal device to communicate with the RAN device, it needs to establish a radio connection with a cell controlled by the RAN device (i.e., the terminal device resides in a cell controlled by the RAN device). The cell with which the terminal device establishes a radio connection is called the serving cell of the terminal device (i.e., the cell that provides service to the terminal device).

[0146] It is understood that the communication system and business scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0147] Currently, in dual-site sensing scenarios, the transmitting and receiving devices use their own clock signals for timing, resulting in timing differences (or timing offsets) between them, leading to measurement deviations. To address this issue, the industry has proposed a solution: coarsely calibrating the timing error (or timing deviation, i.e., the delay difference between the transmitting and receiving devices) using a common clock calibration method (such as calibration based on a 1pps second pulse signal from GPS); then finely calibrating the timing error using a reference path calibration method (such as a line-of-sight (LOS) path, or direct path), to reduce the timing error to a level that meets the requirements of sensing services. Taking the direct path as the reference path as an example... When performing fine calibration of timing errors using direct path, the transmitting and receiving devices perform beam scanning. During beam scanning, there is no direct path or the direct path is weak between the transmitting and receiving devices under certain beams, which makes it impossible for the receiving device to effectively extract the direct path information. This further leads to the inability to effectively compensate for timing errors, thus affecting the sensing performance.

[0148] In view of this, this application provides a communication method for achieving timing synchronization between the sending end device and the receiving end device, which helps to improve sensing performance.

[0149] The specific implementation of the communication method in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is understood that this application uses multiple communication devices (such as a first communication device, a second communication device, or multiple sensing network elements (or sensing function (SF) network elements) as examples of the execution entities in the interaction illustration, but this application does not limit the execution entities in the interaction illustration. For example, the first communication device can be an access network device (such as a base station), and the second communication device can be a terminal device (such as a UE). Alternatively, the first communication device can be a terminal device, and the second communication device can be an access network device. The method executed by the terminal device in this application can also be executed by a module applied to the terminal device (e.g., a communication module, a circuit or chip responsible for communication and / or sensing functions (such as a modem chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core), a chip system, or a processor, etc.), or can be implemented by a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the terminal device's functions, or it can be implemented through a combination of hardware and software. The methods executed by the access network equipment in this application can also be executed by modules applied to the access network equipment (e.g., communication modules, circuits or chips responsible for communication and / or sensing functions (e.g., modem chips, or SoC chips or SIP chips containing modem cores), chip systems, or processors, etc.), or by logical nodes, logical modules, or software capable of implementing all or part of the access network equipment functions, or they can be implemented using a combination of hardware and software. Similarly, the methods executed by the sensing network elements in this application can also be executed by modules applied to the sensing network elements (e.g., communication modules, circuits or chips responsible for communication and / or sensing functions (e.g., modem chips, or SoC chips or SIP chips containing modem cores), chip systems, or processors, etc.), or by logical nodes, logical modules, or software capable of implementing all or part of the sensing network element functions, or they can be implemented using a combination of hardware and software.

[0150] Figure 6 This illustration shows a flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. The method is applicable to... Figure 3 The illustrated communication system architecture. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the method includes:

[0151] S601: The second communication device transmits a synchronization reference signal on the third or fourth beam. Correspondingly, the first communication device receives the synchronization reference signal from the second communication device on the first beam.

[0152] For example, the second communication device can periodically transmit a synchronization reference signal on a third or fourth beam. This synchronization reference signal can be used by the first communication device to compensate for (or calibrate) the time delay discrepancy between the first and second communication devices.

[0153] For example, a synchronization reference signal (or a synchronization signal or reference signal) may include a demodulation reference signal (DMRS), a synchronization signal and PBCH block (SSB) (or a synchronization signal block), a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), a phase tracking reference signal (PTRS), a sounding reference signal (SRS), etc.

[0154] The following describes the process of the second communication device transmitting a synchronization reference signal on the third or fourth beam through several possible implementation methods.

[0155] Method a1: If the second communication device has narrow beam transmission capability or supports narrow beam transmission, the second communication device can transmit a synchronization reference signal on the third beam.

[0156] It is understandable that, from the perspective of the second communication device, the third beam can refer to a specific transmission beam used to transmit the synchronization reference signal, such as transmission beam 1. Thus, the third beam can also be called the transmission beam or the third transmission beam.

[0157] Wherein, the angle between the beam direction (or beam pointing) of the third beam and the first communication device is less than or equal to a first threshold. For example, the first threshold can be 0°, 1° or other angle values. It should be understood that the setting of the first threshold needs to meet the following condition: the first communication device can effectively obtain (or detect or extract) the direct path information from the synchronization reference signal transmitted on the third beam.

[0158] For example, the angle between the beam direction of the third beam and the first communication device can refer to the angle formed by the beam direction of the third beam (or the center line of the third beam) and the line (or straight line) connecting the first and second communication devices.

[0159] In one possible implementation, the angle between the beam direction of the third beam and the first communication device can be 0°. That is, it can be understood that the beam direction of the third beam is directly facing the first communication device; for example, see [reference needed]. Figure 7a .exist Figure 7aTaking the first communication device as the base station and the second communication device as the UE as an example, the angle between the centerline of the transmission beam (e.g., the third beam) used by the UE to transmit the synchronization reference signal and the line connecting the UE and the base station is 0°. In other words, the centerline of the transmission beam (e.g., the third beam) used by the UE to transmit the synchronization reference signal coincides with the line connecting the UE and the base station. That is, it can be understood that the beam direction of the transmission beam used by the UE to transmit the synchronization reference signal is directly facing the base station.

[0160] The beamwidth of the third beam is less than or equal to the second threshold. It can be understood that a beamwidth less than or equal to the second threshold can refer to a narrow beam. Thus, the third beam can be a narrow beam, such as narrow beam 1. It should be understood that a narrow beam can cover a relatively small azimuth angle and can point in only one direction.

[0161] In this embodiment, the third beam is related to the location information of both the first and second communication devices. That is, the third beam can be determined based on the location information of both the first and second communication devices. Alternatively, the third beam can be determined based on the location information of the first and second communication devices, and the relative speed between them.

[0162] In one possible implementation, the sensing network element can determine the transmission beam, such as a third beam, for transmitting the synchronization reference signal on the side of the second communication device based on the location information of the first and second communication devices. Alternatively, the sensing network element can determine the transmission beam, such as a third beam, for transmitting the synchronization reference signal on the side of the second communication device based on the location information of the first and second communication devices and the relative speed between the first and second communication devices.

[0163] For example, the sensing network element can also determine the receiving beam, such as the first beam, for receiving the synchronization reference signal on the first communication device side based on the location information of the first communication device and the location information of the second communication device. Alternatively, the sensing network element can determine the receiving beam, such as the first beam, for receiving the synchronization reference signal on the first communication device side based on the location information of the first communication device, the location information of the second communication device, and the relative speed between the first and second communication devices.

[0164] For example, before the sensing network element determines the transmission beam (e.g., a third beam) for transmitting the synchronization reference signal on the second communication device side, the second communication device may send third information to the sensing network element. Afterward, the sensing network element may receive the third information from the second communication device. The third information may be used to indicate whether the second communication device has narrow beam transmission capability, or whether the third information may be used to indicate whether the second communication device supports narrow beam transmission.

[0165] For example, taking the narrow beam used by the sensing network element to transmit the synchronization reference signal as the third beam as an example, the following possible examples illustrate the implementation of the sensing network element sending the second information to the second communication device based on whether or not it receives the third information from the second communication device.

[0166] Example b1: If the second communication device does not send the third information to the sensing network element, the sensing network element may send the second information to the second communication device. The second information may include beam information of the third beam. For example, the beam information of the third beam may include the beam identifier and / or the beam direction of the third beam.

[0167] Subsequently, after receiving the second information from the sensing network element, the second communication device can determine whether it has narrow beam transmission capability or supports narrow beam transmission. If the second communication device has narrow beam transmission capability or supports narrow beam transmission, it can send a synchronization reference signal to the first communication device on the third beam. If the second communication device does not have narrow beam transmission capability or does not support narrow beam transmission, it can send a synchronization reference signal to the first communication device on the fourth beam.

[0168] It is understood that, even if the second communication device does not send the third information to the sensing network element, the second information sent by the sensing network element to the second communication device may also include second indication information. This second indication information can be used to instruct the activation of the timing synchronization calibration mode. The timing synchronization calibration mode can be used for timing synchronization between the first and second communication devices.

[0169] For example, after the first communication device and the second communication device perform timed synchronization (which can be understood as after the first communication device determines the first value), the sensing network element can send the service information of the first sensing service to the first communication device and the second communication device respectively.

[0170] For example, the business types of the first-sensing service can include monitoring, environmental, imaging, or positioning. Monitoring can include motion detection, intrusion detection, fall detection, or health monitoring (e.g., monitoring respiratory rate, heart rate, etc.). Motion detection can include distance monitoring, location monitoring, movement speed monitoring, or movement path monitoring. Environmental monitoring can include ambient temperature, humidity, air quality, weather conditions, crowd density, traffic density, or air pressure. Imaging can include medical imaging, 3D map imaging, 3D map construction, building imaging, or body temperature imaging.

[0171] For example, the perception requirements of the first perception service can be used to describe the requirements of the perception indicators of the first perception service, such as including but not limited to distance accuracy requirements, resolution requirements, speed accuracy requirements, recognition accuracy requirements, false alarm rate requirements, positioning accuracy requirements, and latency requirements.

[0172] Example b2: When the second communication device sends third information to the sensing network element, if the sensing network element determines, based on the third information, that the second communication device has narrow beam transmission capability or supports narrow beam transmission, then the sensing network element can send second information to the second communication device. The second information may include beam information of the third beam. For example, the beam information of the third beam may include the beam identifier and / or the beam direction of the third beam. After receiving the second information from the sensing network element, the second communication device can then send a synchronization reference signal to the first communication device on the third beam.

[0173] If the sensing network element determines, based on the third information, that the second communication device does not have narrow beam transmission capability or does not support narrow beam transmission, the sensing network element can send fourth information to the second communication device. The fourth information may include service information of the first sensing service. For example, the fourth information may also include an indication message instructing the second communication device to use a wide beam to transmit a synchronization reference signal. After receiving the fourth information from the sensing network element, the second communication device can then transmit the synchronization reference signal to the first communication device on the fourth beam.

[0174] It is understood that when the second communication device sends third information to the sensing network element, the second information sent by the sensing network element to the second communication device may also include service information of the first sensing service. For example, the service information of the first sensing service may include at least one of the following: the service identifier of the first sensing service, the service type of the first sensing service, or the sensing requirement information of the first sensing service. For a more detailed introduction to the service information of the first sensing service, please refer to the description above; it will not be repeated here.

[0175] Method a2: If the second communication device does not have narrow beam transmission capability or does not support narrow beam transmission, the second communication device may transmit a synchronization reference signal on the fourth beam.

[0176] It is understandable that, from the perspective of the second communication device, the fourth beam can refer to a specific transmission beam used to transmit the synchronization reference signal. Thus, the fourth beam can also be called the transmission beam or the fourth transmission beam. The fourth beam is different from the third beam.

[0177] The fourth beam has a beamwidth greater than the second threshold. This can be understood as a wide beam. Therefore, the fourth beam can be a wide beam. A wide beam can cover a larger azimuth angle and can point in multiple directions; for example, see [reference needed]. Figure 7b It should be understood that the beam direction of the wide beam used to transmit the synchronization reference signal includes the direction pointing towards the first communication device. That is to say, the beam direction of the wide beam used to transmit the synchronization reference signal can cover the direction towards (or pointing towards) the first communication device, which facilitates the first communication device to effectively receive the synchronization reference signal on the first beam, and further facilitates the first communication device to effectively extract the direct path with stronger energy or signal strength from the synchronization reference signal.

[0178] After introducing the third and fourth beams, the first beam will now be introduced.

[0179] It is understandable that, from the perspective of the first communication device, the first beam can refer to a specific receiving beam used to receive the synchronization reference signal, such as receiving beam 1. Thus, the first beam can also be called the receiving beam or the first receiving beam.

[0180] Wherein, the angle between the beam direction of the first beam and the second communication device is less than or equal to a first threshold. For example, the first threshold can be 0°, 1° or other angle values.

[0181] For example, the angle between the beam direction of the first beam and the second communication device can refer to the angle formed by the beam direction of the first beam (or the center line of the first beam) and the line (or straight line) connecting the first communication device and the second communication device.

[0182] In one possible implementation, the angle between the beam direction of the first beam and the second communication device can be 0°, or the angle between the centerline of the beam direction of the first beam and the center of the second communication device can be 0°, or the angle between the centerline of the beam direction of the first beam and the line connecting the first and second communication devices can be 0°. That is, it can be understood that the beam direction of the first beam is directly facing the second communication device; for example, see [reference needed]. Figure 7a .exist Figure 7a In this configuration, the angle between the centerline of the base station's receiving beam (e.g., the first beam) and the line connecting the UE and the base station is 0°. Alternatively, the centerline of the base station's receiving beam (e.g., the first beam) coincides with the line connecting the UE and the base station. In other words, the beam direction of the base station's receiving beam is directly facing the UE.

[0183] In this context, the beamwidth of the first beam is less than or equal to the second threshold. It can be understood that a beamwidth less than or equal to the second threshold can refer to a narrow beam. Thus, the first beam can be a narrow beam. It should be understood that a narrow beam can cover a relatively small azimuth angle and can point in only one direction.

[0184] In this embodiment, the first beam is related to the location information of both the first and second communication devices. That is, the first beam can be determined based on the location information of both the first and second communication devices. Alternatively, the first beam can be determined based on the location information of the first and second communication devices, the location information of the second communication device, and the relative speed between the two devices.

[0185] In one possible implementation, the sensing network element can determine the receiving beam, such as the first beam, for receiving the synchronization reference signal on the side of the first communication device based on the location information of the first communication device and the location information of the second communication device. Alternatively, the sensing network element can determine the receiving beam, such as the first beam, for receiving the synchronization reference signal on the side of the first communication device based on the location information of the first communication device, the location information of the second communication device, and the relative speed between the first and second communication devices.

[0186] For example, the sensing network element can also determine the transmission beam, such as the third beam, for transmitting the synchronization reference signal on the second communication device side based on the location information of the first communication device and the location information of the second communication device. Alternatively, the sensing network element can determine the transmission beam, such as the third beam, for transmitting the synchronization reference signal on the second communication device side based on the location information of the first communication device, the location information of the second communication device, and the relative speed between the first and second communication devices.

[0187] It should be understood that regardless of whether the second communication device has narrow beam transmission capability or supports narrow beam transmission, the sensing network element will determine a narrow beam (or narrow receiving beam) for the first communication device to receive the synchronization reference signal, such as the first beam.

[0188] For example, if the second communication device has narrow beam transmission capability or supports narrow beam transmission, the sensing network element can determine a narrow beam, such as a first beam, for the first communication device to receive the synchronization reference signal. Similarly, the sensing network element can also determine a narrow beam, such as a third beam, for the second communication device to transmit the synchronization reference signal.

[0189] For example, if the second communication device does not have narrow beam transmission capability or does not support narrow beam transmission, the sensing network element can determine only one narrow beam for the first communication device to receive the synchronization reference signal, such as the first beam.

[0190] For example, taking the narrow beam used by the sensing network element to receive the synchronization reference signal as the first beam as an example, the following examples illustrate the implementation of the sensing network element sending first information to the first communication device based on whether or not it receives third information from the second communication device.

[0191] Example c1: If the second communication device does not send third information to the sensing network element, the sensing network element may send first information to the first communication device. The first information may include beam information of the first beam. For example, the beam information of the first beam may include the beam identifier and / or the beam direction of the first beam. After receiving the first information from the sensing network element, the first communication device may receive the synchronization reference signal from the second communication device on the first beam.

[0192] It is understood that, even if the second communication device does not send third information to the sensing network element, the first information sent by the sensing network element to the first communication device may also include first indication information. This first indication information can be used to instruct the activation of the timing synchronization calibration mode. The timing synchronization calibration mode can be used for timing synchronization between the first and second communication devices.

[0193] For example, after the first communication device and the second communication device perform timed synchronization (which can be understood as the first communication device determining the first value), the sensing network element can send service information of the first sensing service to the first communication device and the second communication device respectively. For a detailed description of the service information of the first sensing service, please refer to the relevant description above; it will not be repeated here.

[0194] Example c2: When the second communication device sends third information to the sensing network element, the sensing network element can send first information to the first communication device. The first information may include beam information of the first beam. For example, the beam information of the first beam may include the beam identifier and / or the beam direction of the first beam. After receiving the first information from the sensing network element, the first communication device can then receive the synchronization reference signal from the second communication device on the first beam.

[0195] It is understandable that, when the second communication device sends third information to the sensing network element, the first information sent by the sensing network element to the first communication device may also include service information of the first sensing service. For a detailed introduction to the service information of the first sensing service, please refer to the description above; it will not be repeated here.

[0196] S602: The first communication device obtains the direct path information from the synchronization reference signal.

[0197] In this embodiment, after the first communication device receives a synchronization reference signal from the second communication device on the first beam, it can detect the synchronization reference signal to obtain direct path information. For example, the direct path information can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 8a It can be understood that detecting the synchronization reference signal can refer to extracting (or detecting) the direct path of the synchronization reference signal.

[0198] Understandable. Figure 8a The direct path information shown is that the first communication device receives the synchronization reference signal through a narrow beam with an angle between the beam direction and the second communication device that is less than or equal to a first threshold (which can be understood as a narrow beam with a fixed beam direction or a narrow beam with a beam direction pointing towards the second communication device). In this case, the direct path energy included in the synchronization reference signal is relatively strong (or the direct path signal strength is relatively large), which makes it easier for the first communication device to effectively detect the synchronization reference signal and obtain the direct path information.

[0199] However, in existing solutions, the first communication device uses beam scanning to receive signals (such as sensing or inductive signals) from the second communication device to extract direct path information. In beam scanning scenarios, the direct path energy included in the signals from the second communication device is relatively weak (or the direct path signal strength is relatively low), which can easily lead to direct path detection failure, thus making it impossible to effectively extract direct path information. For example, see [reference needed]. Figure 8b .exist Figure 8bIn this scenario, because the energy of the direct path is relatively weak (or the signal strength of the direct path is relatively low), it is submerged in noise, thus the direct path detection fails and the direct path information cannot be extracted. It can be understood that in a beam scanning scenario, the transmitting device (e.g., UE) transmits the sensing signal using beam scanning, and the receiving device (e.g., base station) also receives the echo signal corresponding to the sensing signal using beam scanning. For details, please refer to... Figure 8c .

[0200] The direct path information can be used to characterize the time delay caused by the synchronization reference signal directly reaching the first communication device from the second communication device.

[0201] For example, the direct path information includes the earliest arrival path or the path that arrives first. It should be understood that the signal strength of the direct path included in the direct path information is relatively high, for example, the signal strength of the direct path is greater than or equal to the fourth threshold. For instance, the LOS path between the first communication device and the second communication device can be considered a direct path.

[0202] It can be understood that the synchronization reference signal directly reaches the first communication device from the second communication device means that the synchronization reference signal is transmitted from the second communication device to the first communication device without any reflection or scattering. For example, the synchronization reference signal is not reflected or scattered by any target (such as people, vehicles, trees, buildings or obstacles) during the transmission process.

[0203] S603: The first communication device determines the first value based on the direct route information.

[0204] The first value can be used to compensate for the time delay deviation (or time delay offset) between the first communication device and the second communication device. For example, the first value can refer to the transmit / receive time delay difference (i.e., the time delay deviation between the transmitting device and the receiving device).

[0205] In one possible implementation, after acquiring the direct path information, the first communication device can determine a second value (which can be understood as the time delay of the direct path or the measurement time delay of the direct path) based on the direct path information. Then, the first communication device can determine a third value (which can be understood as the time delay caused by the distance between the first and second communication devices, or the actual or theoretical time delay of the direct path) based on the location information of the first and second communication devices. Alternatively, the first communication device can also determine the third value based on the location information of the first and second communication devices and the relative speed between them. Then, the first communication device can determine a first value based on the second and third values, for example, the first value = the second value - the third value.

[0206] For example, the time delay caused by the first communication device determining the distance between the first communication device and the second communication device based on the location information of the first communication device and the location information of the second communication device. Figure 8a Take the direct route information shown as an example. Among them, Figure 8a The horizontal axis represents the distance (which can be understood as the distance a signal (such as a sensing signal or a synchronization reference signal) travels from the second communication device to the first communication device), and the unit is rbin. Figure 8a The vertical axis represents signal strength, measured in dBm. The first communication device can obtain a direct path with stronger energy (or higher signal strength) from the synchronization reference signal, and can also obtain the distance corresponding to the direct path (which can be understood as the distance the synchronization reference signal travels directly from the second communication device to the first communication device). Then, the first communication device can determine the measurement delay t1 of the direct path based on the propagation speed of electromagnetic waves (or the speed of light) and the distance corresponding to the direct path, i.e., t1 = (distance corresponding to the direct path / propagation speed of electromagnetic waves). Next, the first communication device can determine the distance between the first and second communication devices based on their respective location information, and can determine the delay t2 (which can be understood as the theoretical delay t2 of the direct path) based on the distance between them, i.e., t2 = (distance between the first and second communication devices / propagation speed of electromagnetic waves). Finally, the first communication device can determine a first value based on the measurement delay t1 and the theoretical delay t2 of the direct path, i.e., the first value = (t1 - t2).

[0207] For example, in a sensing scenario, a second communication device participating in the execution of the first sensing service can act as a transmitter of the sensing signal, sending the sensing signal to the sensing area. Correspondingly, the first communication device participating in the execution of the first sensing service can act as a receiver of the echo signal corresponding to the sensing signal, receiving the echo signal formed after the sensing signal is reflected by a target in the sensing area. It should be understood that the sensing area may include one or more sensing targets.

[0208] The following describes the implementation process of the second communication device sending sensing signals through several possible implementation methods.

[0209] Method d1: If the second communication device has narrow beam transmission capability or supports narrow beam transmission, the second communication device can transmit the sensing signal of the first sensing service on the fifth beam. Then, the first communication device can receive the echo signal corresponding to the sensing signal of the first sensing service on the second beam.

[0210] It is understandable that, from the perspective of the second communication device, the fifth beam can refer to a specific transmission beam used to transmit sensing signals (such as the sensing signals of the first sensing service), for example, transmission beam 2. Thus, the fifth beam can also be called the transmission beam or the fifth transmission beam.

[0211] Specifically, the angle between the beam direction of the fifth beam and the center of the sensing area is less than or equal to the third threshold. For example, the third threshold can be 0°, 1°, or other angle values. It should be understood that the setting of the third threshold needs to meet the following condition: the first communication device is able to effectively receive the echo signal corresponding to the sensing signal of the first sensing service from the sensing area.

[0212] For example, the angle between the beam direction of the fifth beam and the center of the sensing area can be the angle formed by the beam direction of the fifth beam (or the center line of the fifth beam) and the line (or straight line) connecting the second communication device and the center of the sensing area.

[0213] In one possible implementation, the angle between the beam direction of the fifth beam and the center of the sensing area can be 0°, or the angle between the centerline of the fifth beam's beam direction and the center of the sensing area can be 0°, or the angle between the centerline of the fifth beam's beam direction and the line connecting the center of the second communication device and the center of the sensing area can be 0°, or the angle between the centerline of the fifth beam's beam direction and the line connecting the center of the second communication device and the center of the sensing area can be 0°. That is, it can be understood that the beam direction of the fifth beam is directly facing the sensing area; for example, see [reference needed]. Figure 9a .exist Figure 9a Taking the first communication device as the base station and the second communication device as the UE as an example, the angle between the centerline of the transmission beam (e.g., the fifth beam) used by the UE to transmit sensing signals and the line connecting the UE and the center of the sensing area is 0°. In other words, the centerline of the transmission beam (e.g., the fifth beam) used by the UE to transmit sensing signals coincides with the line connecting the UE and the center of the sensing area. That is, it can be understood that the beam direction of the transmission beam used by the UE to transmit sensing signals is directly facing the sensing area.

[0214] The fifth beam has a beamwidth less than or equal to the second threshold. It can be understood that a beamwidth less than or equal to the second threshold can refer to a narrow beam. Thus, the fifth beam can be a narrow beam, such as narrow beam 2. It should be understood that a narrow beam can cover a smaller azimuth angle and can point in only one direction.

[0215] In this embodiment, the fifth beam is related to both the location information of the second communication device and the location of the sensing area. That is, the fifth beam can be determined based on the location information of the second communication device and the location of the sensing area.

[0216] After introducing the fifth beam, we will now introduce the second beam.

[0217] It is understandable that, from the perspective of the first communication device, the second beam can refer to a specific receiving beam used to receive the echo signal corresponding to the sensing signal of the first sensing service, such as receiving beam 2. Thus, the second beam can also be called the receiving beam or the second receiving beam.

[0218] Wherein, the angle between the beam direction of the second beam and the center of the sensing area is less than or equal to a third threshold. For example, the third threshold can be 0°, 1°, or other angle values. It should be understood that the setting of the third threshold needs to meet the following condition: the first communication device can effectively receive the echo signal corresponding to the sensing signal of the first sensing service from the sensing area. Wherein, the echo signal corresponding to the sensing signal of the first sensing service can be used to determine the sensing data of the first sensing service.

[0219] For example, the angle between the beam direction of the second beam and the center of the sensing area can be the angle formed by the beam direction of the second beam (or the center line of the fifth beam) and the line (or straight line) connecting the first communication device and the center of the sensing area.

[0220] In one possible implementation, the angle between the beam direction of the second beam and the center of the sensing area can be 0°, or the angle between the centerline of the beam direction of the second beam and the center of the sensing area can be 0°, or the angle between the centerline of the beam direction of the second beam and the line connecting the center of the first communication device and the center of the sensing area can be 0°, or the angle between the centerline of the beam direction of the second beam and the line connecting the center of the first communication device and the center of the sensing area can be 0°. That is, it can be understood that the beam direction of the second beam is directly facing the sensing area. For example, taking the first communication device as a base station and the second communication device as a UE, the angle between the centerline of the receiving beam (e.g., the second beam) used by the base station to receive echo signals (e.g., the echo signal corresponding to the sensing signal of the first sensing service) and the line connecting the base station and the center of the sensing area is 0°. Alternatively, the centerline of the receiving beam (e.g., the second beam) (e.g., the fifth beam) used by the base station to receive echo signals coincides with the line connecting the center of the base station and the center of the sensing area. In other words, it can be understood that the beam direction of the receiving beam used by the base station to receive the echo signal is directly facing the sensing area. For example, the beamwidth of the second beam can be greater than the second threshold, such as the second beam being a wide beam. Alternatively, the beamwidth of the second beam can be less than or equal to the second threshold, such as the second beam being a narrow beam.

[0221] When the second beam is a wide beam, the beam direction of the wide beam used to receive the echo signal can cover a large azimuth angle and can point in multiple directions. It should be understood that the beam direction of the wide beam used to receive the echo signal includes the direction pointing towards the sensing area. That is to say, the beam direction of the wide beam used to receive the echo signal can cover the direction towards (or pointing towards) the sensing area, facilitating the first communication device to effectively receive the echo signal corresponding to the sensing signal of the first sensing service from the sensing area.

[0222] When the second beam is a narrow beam, the beam direction of the narrow beam used to receive the echo signal is pointed towards the sensing area. For example, the angle between the beam direction of the narrow beam used to receive the echo signal and the center of the sensing area is equal to 0°.

[0223] In this embodiment, after receiving the echo signal corresponding to the sensing signal of the first sensing service, the first communication device can determine the sensing data of the first sensing service based on the echo signal. Then, the first communication device can send the sensing data of the first sensing service to the sensing network element. After receiving the sensing data of the first sensing service, the sensing network element can process the sensing data of the first sensing service to obtain the sensing result of the first sensing service.

[0224] Method d2: If the second communication device does not have narrow beam transmission capability or does not support narrow beam transmission, the second communication device can transmit the sensing signal of the first sensing service on the fourth beam. Afterwards, the first communication device can receive the echo signal corresponding to the sensing signal of the first sensing service on the second beam.

[0225] For example, the second communication device can periodically transmit sensing signals of the first sensing service on the fourth beam.

[0226] It is understandable that, from the perspective of the second communication device, the fourth beam can refer to a specific transmission beam used to transmit sensing signals. Thus, the fourth beam can also be called the transmission beam or the fourth transmission beam. The fourth beam is different from the fifth beam.

[0227] The fourth beam has a beamwidth greater than the second threshold. It can be understood that a beamwidth greater than the second threshold can refer to a wide beam. Thus, the fourth beam can be a wide beam. The wide beam used to transmit sensing signals can cover a large azimuth angle and can point in multiple directions; for example, see [reference needed]. Figure 9b It should be understood that the beam direction of the wide beam used to transmit the sensing signal includes the direction pointing towards the sensing area. That is to say, the beam direction of the wide beam used to transmit the sensing signal can cover the direction towards (or pointing towards) the sensing area, so that the first communication device can effectively receive the echo signal corresponding to the sensing signal of the first sensing service from the sensing area.

[0228] After introducing the transmission / reception process of sensing signals and synchronization reference signals, the following section describes the resources occupied by transmitting / receiving sensing signals and transmitting / receiving synchronization reference signals respectively.

[0229] In one possible implementation, the synchronization reference signal occupies a first resource, and the sensing signal of the first sensing service occupies a second resource. For example, the occupancy of the first resource by the synchronization reference signal can be described as "using the first resource to send / receive the synchronization reference signal or using the first resource to carry the synchronization reference signal." Similarly, the occupancy of the second resource by the sensing signal of the first sensing service can be described as "using the second resource to send / receive the sensing signal of the first sensing service or using the second resource to carry the sensing signal of the first sensing service."

[0230] It is understood that the first resource can include time-domain resources. The second resource can also include time-domain resources. For example, time-domain resources can include radio frames, subframes, slots, mini-slots, or symbols. A radio frame can include multiple subframes, a subframe can include one or more slots, and a slot can include at least one symbol. Alternatively, a radio frame can include multiple slots, and a slot can include at least one symbol.

[0231] In this embodiment, temporal resources are described at the granularity of time units. A time unit can be one or more symbols, one or more time slots, one or more micro-time slots, one or more subframes, or one or more frames, etc. This embodiment does not limit the temporal granularity. Multiple time units can be temporally continuous or discrete; there is no limitation on this. For example, a time unit can be a time slot.

[0232] A symbol, also known as a modulation symbol, symbol group, modulation symbol sequence, modulation symbol stream, modulation symbol string, or modulation symbol set, is not limited in name. This application does not limit the modulation method of the symbols. For example, a symbol can be an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol.

[0233] For example, the first resource may also include frequency domain resources (also referred to as frequency resources), and the second resource may also include frequency domain resources.

[0234] For example, frequency domain resources may include resource elements (REs), resource blocks (RBs), RB sets, channels, sub-channels, carriers, or bandwidth parts (BWPs).

[0235] The first and second resources are introduced through several possible examples below.

[0236] Example e1: The first resource and the second resource occupy different sub-time units of the same time unit in the time domain.

[0237] For example, a time unit (such as the first time unit) can be a radio frame, and the sub-time units included in the time unit (such as the first sub-time unit) can be subframes, time slots, or symbols. As another example, a time unit can be a subframe, and the sub-time units included in the time unit can be time slots or symbols. Yet another example is a time slot, and the sub-time units included in the time unit can be symbols. Of course, there are other implementations of time units and their included sub-time units, and this application does not limit these.

[0238] It is understood that the first time unit (or second time unit) may include time for sensing services and time for sending / receiving synchronization reference signals. Exemplarily, the first time unit (or second time unit) may also include time for communication. For example, a portion of the first time unit (or second time unit) may be used for sensing services, a portion for sending / receiving synchronization reference signals, and a portion for communication.

[0239] Please refer to Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a time unit containing a synchronization reference signal, provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 10 This section uses a time unit as a time slot and a sub-time unit as an OFDM symbol as an example. Figure 10 The indicated time slot includes 14 OFDM symbols. In Figure 10 In the indicated time slot, a symbol is selected (or determined or chosen) as the OFDM symbol for transmission / reception synchronization. This OFDM symbol can be called the reference symbol (or simply the ref symbol). Figure 10 Two symbols are selected from the indicated time slots to serve as OFDM symbols for transmitting / receiving sensing signals. These OFDM symbols can be called ZC symbols, such as ZC symbol 0 (which can be simply referred to as ZC0) and ZC symbol 1 (which can be simply referred to as ZC1). ZC symbol 0 serves as sensing symbol 0, used for transmitting / receiving sensing signals. ZC symbol 1 serves as sensing symbol 1, used for transmitting / receiving sensing signals. Figure 10Other OFDM symbols included in the indicated time slot can be used for communication; these other OFDM symbols can be called communication symbols (or simply comm symbols or comm). For Figure 10 For the receiving side (RX side) or receiving device, NULL means no reception (it can be understood that the receiving device does not receive at the symbol corresponding to NULL).

[0240] Taking a first communication device as the base station and a second communication device as the UE, the UE transmits a synchronization reference signal via a narrow beam (also called a fixed narrow beam, a narrow beam with a fixed direction, or a fixed transmit beam) directly facing the base station. The UE transmits the synchronization reference signal on the ref symbol via the narrow beam (e.g., transmit narrow beam p1) directly facing the base station. Subsequently, the base station receives the synchronization reference signal on the ref symbol via a narrow beam (or fixed narrow beam, a narrow beam with a fixed direction, or a fixed receive beam, e.g., receive narrow beam q1) directly facing the UE. In this way, with the transmit and receive beams aligned, the direct path energy is strong (or the direct path signal strength is large), making the direct path easier to detect and extract. This further enables real-time determination of the transmit / receive delay deviation (or timing offset or timing synchronization error), thereby achieving real-time timing synchronization between the base station and the UE and improving the accuracy of the transmit / receive delay deviation (which can be understood as synchronization accuracy). This, in turn, effectively improves sensing performance (e.g., detection performance, ranging accuracy, etc.).

[0241] For example, the UE transmits a sensing signal on ZC symbol 1 using a beam (e.g., a narrow beam or a wide beam) with its beam direction directly facing the sensing area. The base station can then receive the echo signal corresponding to the sensing signal using a beam scanning method. For instance, during beam scanning, the base station receives the echo signal corresponding to the sensing signal on a portion of the symbols in ZC symbol 1 using receiving beam 0. For example, receiving beam 0 is a narrow beam, and its beam direction is directly facing the sensing area.

[0242] Alternatively, the base station can receive sensing signals on some symbols in ZC symbol 1 by using a narrow beam with its beam direction directly facing the sensing area, or by using a wide beam with its beam direction covering the direction towards the sensing area.

[0243] For example, the UE can also transmit sensing signals on ZC symbol 2 using a beam (such as a narrow beam or a wide beam) directly facing the sensing area. Then, the base station can receive the echo signals corresponding to the sensing signals in a beam scanning manner. For instance, during beam scanning, the base station receives the echo signals corresponding to the sensing signals on a portion of the symbols in ZC symbol 2 by receiving beam 0.

[0244] Alternatively, the base station can receive sensing signals on some symbols in ZC symbol 2 by using a narrow beam with the beam direction directly facing the sensing area, or by using a wide beam with the beam direction covering the direction towards the sensing area.

[0245] For example, in scenarios where timing offset changes drastically over time or where the system has high real-time requirements for timing offset calibration, the synchronization reference signal can be sent along with (or simultaneously with) the sensing signal. In this way, the sub-time unit occupied by the synchronization reference signal and the sub-time unit occupied by the sensing signal are in the same time unit, but different from each other. Based on this design, the receiving device can extract the direct path information from the synchronization reference signal in real time and determine the transmit / receive delay deviation based on the direct path information, achieving real-time timing synchronization and effectively improving sensing performance.

[0246] Example e2: The first resource occupies the first sub-time unit in the time domain, and the second resource occupies the second sub-time unit in the time domain.

[0247] The first sub-time unit is contained within the first time unit. The second sub-time unit is contained within the second time unit. The second time unit is located after the first time unit.

[0248] It is understandable that although the first and second sub-time units are located in different time units, their positions are not the same. For example, let's consider a scenario where both the first and second time units include 14 OFDM symbols (e.g., OFDM symbol 1, OFDM symbol 2, ..., OFDM symbol 14). For instance, the first sub-time unit might contain OFDM symbol 2 (which can be understood as a ref symbol), and the second sub-time unit might contain OFDM symbol 5 (which can be understood as a ZC symbol), or the first sub-time unit might contain OFDM symbol 3 (which can be understood as a ref symbol), and the second sub-time unit might contain OFDM symbol 7 (which can be understood as a ZC symbol), and so on.

[0249] For example, in scenarios where the timing offset is relatively stable over time or where the system does not have high real-time requirements for timing offset calibration, the synchronization reference signal and the sensing signal are transmitted separately. In this way, the sub-time units occupied by the synchronization reference signal and the sensing signal are located in different time units, and the sub-time units occupied by the synchronization reference signal and the sensing signal are not the same. In this design, the timing offset (which can be understood as determining the timing offset by transmitting and receiving the synchronization reference signal) is calibrated once before enabling the sensing service (which can be understood as before sending the sensing signal for sensing), or the timing offset is triggered for calibration, and the sensing service (e.g., sending the sensing signal) is enabled only after each calibration.

[0250] As can be seen from S601 to S603 above, the first communication device receives the synchronization reference signal through a first beam (which can be understood as a narrow beam with a fixed beam direction or a narrow beam pointing towards the second communication device) whose beam direction is less than or equal to a first threshold and whose beam width is less than or equal to a second threshold. In this case, the synchronization reference signal includes a relatively strong direct path energy (or a relatively large direct path signal strength), which makes it easier for the first communication device to accurately obtain (or extract) the direct path information by detecting the synchronization reference signal. This makes the acquisition of the direct path information more accurate, more effective, and more reasonable. Furthermore, it makes it easier for the first communication device to accurately determine the first value based on the direct path information to compensate for the transmission and reception delay deviation. This can achieve the effect of timing synchronization, that is, it can effectively realize the timing synchronization between the transmitting end device and the receiving end device, thereby effectively improving the sensing performance (such as detection performance, ranging accuracy, etc.). Furthermore, the second communication device transmits a synchronization reference signal via a third beam (which can be understood as a narrow beam with a fixed beam direction or a narrow beam pointing towards the first communication device) whose beam direction is less than or equal to a first threshold and whose beam width is less than or equal to a second threshold. Alternatively, it transmits a synchronization reference signal via a fourth beam (the beam direction of the fourth beam covers (or includes) the direction towards the first communication device) whose beam width is greater than the second threshold. In this case, the synchronization reference signal includes a relatively strong direct path energy (or a relatively large direct path signal strength), which facilitates the first communication device to accurately and effectively obtain direct path information by detecting the synchronization reference signal.

[0251] Based on the above Figure 6 The implementation scheme of the communication method shown is as follows: Figure 11a and Figure 11b The specific example shown above is related to the above. Figure 6 The communication method shown is described in detail. Figure 11a and Figure 11bIn the specific example shown, the first communication device is a base station, the second communication device is a UE, the sensing network element is SF, the beam used by the SF to transmit the synchronization reference signal on the UE side for that purpose is a fixed transmit beam, and the beam used by the SF to receive the synchronization reference signal on the base station side for that purpose is a fixed receive beam. It can be understood that... Figure 11a The communication method shown can be applied to scenarios where the timing offset is relatively stable over time or where the system does not have high requirements for the real-time performance of timing offset calibration. Figure 11b The communication method shown is applicable to scenarios where timing offset changes drastically over time or where the system has high real-time requirements for timing offset calibration. Among these, Figure 11a The communication method shown can be divided into two stages: the timing synchronization calibration stage and the sensing service activation stage. In the following text, S1101a to S1106a represent the timing synchronization calibration stage, and S1107a to S1111a represent the sensing service activation stage.

[0252] Figure 11a This is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 11a As shown, the specific process of this method may include:

[0253] S1101a: The SF determines the fixed transmit beam on the UE side for transmitting the synchronization reference signal and the fixed receive beam on the base station side for receiving the synchronization reference signal based on the location information of the base station and the location information of the UE.

[0254] For example, a fixed receive beam can refer to a narrow beam with a fixed beam direction, that is, a narrow beam with the beam direction directly facing the UE. A fixed transmit beam can also refer to a narrow beam with a fixed beam direction, that is, a narrow beam with the beam direction directly facing the base station.

[0255] For details regarding S1101a not described in detail, please refer to the relevant descriptions above; they will not be repeated here.

[0256] S1102a: The SF sends information s1 to the base station. Correspondingly, the base station receives information s1 from the SF.

[0257] Information s1 may include beam information of a fixed receiving beam and indication information u1.

[0258] For example, the beam information of a fixed receive beam may include the beam identifier and / or beam direction of the fixed receive beam. In this way, the base station can determine which receive beam (e.g., a narrow receive beam) to use to receive the synchronization reference signal based on the beam identifier and / or beam direction of the fixed receive beam.

[0259] The instruction information u1 can be used to instruct the base station to enable the timed synchronization calibration mode.

[0260] S1103a: The SF sends information s2 to the UE. Accordingly, the UE receives information s2 from the SF.

[0261] For example, the execution of S1102a and S1103a above does not have a specific order. For instance, S1102a can be executed before S1103a, or after S1103a, or in parallel with S1103a; this application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0262] Information s2 may include beam information of a fixed transmission beam and indication information u2.

[0263] For example, the beam information of a fixed transmit beam may include the beam identifier and / or beam direction of the fixed transmit beam. In this way, the UE can determine which transmit beam (e.g., a narrow transmit beam) to use for transmitting the synchronization reference signal based on the beam identifier and / or beam direction of the fixed transmit beam.

[0264] The instruction information u2 can be used to instruct the UE to enable the timed synchronization calibration mode.

[0265] In one possible implementation, after obtaining the beam information of the fixed transmission beam, the UE needs to determine whether it has narrow beam transmission capability or supports narrow beam transmission. If the UE has narrow beam transmission capability or supports narrow beam transmission, the UE can use the fixed transmission beam to transmit the synchronization reference signal. If the UE does not have narrow beam transmission capability or does not support narrow beam transmission, the UE can use a transmission beam with a larger beamwidth to transmit the synchronization reference signal.

[0266] The schemes described below in S1104a to S1106a are introduced using the example of a UE having narrow beam transmission capability or supporting narrow beam transmission.

[0267] S1104a: The UE transmits a synchronization reference signal on a fixed transmit beam. Correspondingly, the base station receives the synchronization reference signal on a fixed receive beam.

[0268] Among them, the synchronization reference signal occupies the first resource, the first resource occupies the first sub-time unit in the time domain, and the first sub-time unit is contained in the first time unit.

[0269] For details regarding S1104a that are not described in detail, please refer to the relevant descriptions above; they will not be repeated here.

[0270] S1105a: The base station obtains the direct path information from the synchronization reference signal.

[0271] The implementation process of S1105a can be referred to the implementation process of S602 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0272] S1106a: The base station determines the first value based on the direct path information.

[0273] The implementation process of S1106a can be referred to the implementation process of S603 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0274] For example, after executing S1106a, this embodiment of the application can also execute S1107a to S1111a. By executing S1107a to S1111a, the first sensing service can be completed jointly by the base station and the UE, and the base station can accurately determine the sensing data of the first sensing service based on the first value, making the determination of the sensing data of the first sensing service more accurate, thereby effectively improving the sensing performance.

[0275] For example, after receiving a sensing request (such as one from an application function (AF)), the SF can first determine the sensing entity associated with the sensing service (such as the first sensing service corresponding to the sensing request). The sensing entity can be used to complete, execute, or serve the sensing service. For example, the sensing entity can include a first sensing entity and a second sensing entity. The first sensing entity can be used to send sensing signals for the sensing service; the second sensing entity can be used to receive the echo signals corresponding to the sensing signals of the first sensing service, and can process the echo signals to obtain the sensing data of the first sensing service. For example, the first sensing entity can be a UE, and the second sensing entity can be a base station. Then, the SF can send the service information of the sensing service to the base station and the UE respectively, so that the base station and the UE can complete the sensing service.

[0276] S1107a: The SF sends the service information of the first sensing service to the base station. Correspondingly, the base station receives the service information of the first sensing service from the SF.

[0277] For details regarding the business information of the first perception service, please refer to the relevant introduction in S601 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0278] S1108a: The SF sends service information for the first sensing service to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives the service information for the first sensing service from the SF.

[0279] S1109a: The UE transmits a sensing signal for the first sensing service. Correspondingly, the base station receives the echo signal corresponding to the sensing signal of the first sensing service.

[0280] The sensing signal of the first sensing service can be used for sensing, for example, it can be a reference signal. For instance, the UE can transmit the sensing signal of the first sensing service on a single beam. The sensing signal of the first sensing service first reaches the sensing target via wireless transmission, and then is reflected by the sensing target to reach the base station, whereby the base station can receive the echo signal (i.e., the echo signal corresponding to the sensing signal of the first sensing service).

[0281] For details not described in S1109a, please refer to the relevant introduction above, which will not be repeated here.

[0282] It is understandable that the sensing signal of the first sensing service in S1109a and the synchronization reference signal in S1104a occupy different sub-time units in different time units in the time domain. For example, the synchronization reference signal occupies symbol 1 of time slot 1 (e.g., OFDM symbol 1) in the time domain, while the sensing signal of the first sensing service occupies symbol 3 of time slot 2 (e.g., OFDM symbol 3) in the time domain.

[0283] S1110a: The base station determines the sensing data of the first sensing service based on the first value and the echo signal corresponding to the sensing signal of the first sensing service.

[0284] After receiving the echo signal corresponding to the sensing signal of the first sensing service, the base station can process the echo signal corresponding to the sensing signal of the first sensing service according to the first value to obtain the sensing data of the first sensing service.

[0285] S1111a: The base station sends sensing data for the first sensing service to the SF. Correspondingly, the SF receives the sensing data for the first sensing service from the base station.

[0286] After receiving the sensing data from the first sensing service, SF can process the sensing data accordingly to obtain the sensing results of the first sensing service.

[0287] For details regarding the perception data and perception results of the first perception service, please refer to the explanation of terms in the previous text. They will not be repeated here.

[0288] As can be seen from S1101a to S1111a above, for scenarios where the timing offset is relatively stable over time or where the system does not have high real-time requirements for timing offset calibration, the synchronization reference signal and the sensing signal can be transmitted separately. The UE transmits the synchronization reference signal through a fixed transmit beam pointing towards the base station, or through a transmit beam with a larger beamwidth (or a wide transmit beam, the beam direction of which includes the direction towards the base station). In this case, the synchronization reference signal includes stronger direct path energy (or a stronger direct path signal strength). This allows the base station to accurately obtain direct path information by detecting the synchronization reference signal, making the acquisition of direct path information more accurate and reasonable. Furthermore, it facilitates the base station in accurately determining the first value to compensate for the transmit / receive delay deviation based on the direct path information, thus achieving the effect of timing synchronization. That is, it can effectively realize timing synchronization between the UE and the base station, thereby effectively improving sensing performance. In addition, the UE transmits sensing signals through a narrow beam with the beam direction facing the sensing area, or through a transmission beam with a larger beamwidth (or a wide transmission beam, the beam direction of which includes the direction towards the sensing area). This makes it easier for the base station to effectively receive the echo signal corresponding to the sensing signal of the first sensing service from the sensing area, thereby making the sensing data determined by the base station based on the echo signal more accurate.

[0289] Figure 11b This is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 11b As shown, the specific process of this method may include:

[0290] S1101b: The UE sends third information to the SF. Accordingly, the SF receives the third information from the UE.

[0291] The description of the third information in S1101b can be found in the relevant introduction of the third information in S601 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0292] S1102b: The SF determines the fixed receive beam on the base station side for receiving the synchronization reference signal and / or the fixed transmit beam on the UE side for transmitting the synchronization reference signal based on the location information of the base station and the location information of the UE.

[0293] In one example, if the third information indicates that the UE has narrow beam transmission capability or indicates that the UE supports narrow beam transmission, the SF can determine the fixed receive beam on the base station side for receiving the synchronization reference signal and the fixed transmit beam on the UE side for transmitting the synchronization reference signal based on the location information of the base station and the location information of the UE.

[0294] In another example, if the third information indicates that the UE does not have narrow beam transmission capability or indicates that the UE does not support narrow beam transmission, then the SF can determine only the fixed receive beam on the base station side for receiving the synchronization reference signal based on the location information of the base station and the location information of the UE.

[0295] For example, a fixed receive beam can refer to a narrow beam with a fixed beam direction, that is, a narrow beam with the beam direction directly facing the UE. A fixed transmit beam can also refer to a narrow beam with a fixed beam direction, that is, a narrow beam with the beam direction directly facing the base station.

[0296] For details regarding S1101b not described in detail, please refer to the relevant descriptions above; they will not be repeated here.

[0297] S1103b: The SF sends information s3 to the base station. Correspondingly, the base station receives information s3 from the SF.

[0298] Among them, information s3 may include beam information of the fixed receiving beam and service information of the first sensing service.

[0299] For example, the beam information of a fixed receive beam may include the beam identifier and / or beam direction of the fixed receive beam. In this way, the base station can determine which receive beam (e.g., a narrow receive beam) to use to receive the synchronization reference signal based on the beam identifier and / or beam direction of the fixed receive beam.

[0300] S1104b: The SF sends information s4 to the UE. Accordingly, the UE receives information s4 from the SF.

[0301] For example, the execution of S1104b and the execution of S1103b are not sequential. For instance, S1104b may be executed before S1103b, after S1103b, or concurrently with S1103b, and this application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0302] In one example, if the third information indicates that the UE has narrow beam transmission capability or indicates that the UE supports narrow beam transmission, then the SF can carry the beam information of the fixed transmission beam and the service information of the first sensing service in information s4.

[0303] In another example, if the third information indicates that the UE does not have narrow beam transmission capability or indicates that the UE does not support narrow beam transmission, then the SF can carry the service information of the first sensing service in information s4.

[0304] For example, the beam information of a fixed transmit beam may include the beam identifier and / or beam direction of the fixed transmit beam. In this way, the UE can determine which transmit beam (e.g., a narrow transmit beam) to use for transmitting the synchronization reference signal based on the beam identifier and / or beam direction of the fixed transmit beam.

[0305] S1105b: The UE transmits a synchronization reference signal and a sensing signal for the first sensing service. Correspondingly, the base station receives the echo signals corresponding to the synchronization reference signal and the sensing signal for the first sensing service.

[0306] In one example, if the UE has narrow beam transmission capability or supports narrow beam transmission, the UE can transmit a synchronization reference signal on a fixed transmit beam (which can be understood as a narrow transmit beam). Then, the base station can receive the synchronization reference signal on a fixed receive beam (which can be understood as a narrow receive beam).

[0307] In another example, if the UE does not have narrow beam transmission capability or does not support narrow beam transmission, the UE can transmit the synchronization reference signal on a wide beam (which can be understood as a wide transmit beam). The base station can then receive the synchronization reference signal on a fixed receive beam.

[0308] For the UE to transmit the sensing signal of the first sensing service, the UE can transmit the sensing signal of the first sensing service on the fourth or fifth beam. Then, the base station can receive the echo signal corresponding to the sensing signal of the first sensing service on the second beam. For details regarding the second, fourth, and fifth beams, please refer to the previous introduction; they will not be repeated here.

[0309] It is understandable that the synchronization reference signal in S1105b and the sensing signal of the first sensing service occupy different sub-time units of the same time unit in the time domain. For example, the synchronization reference signal and the sensing signal of the first sensing service occupy different symbols (such as OFDM symbols) in the same time slot in the time domain.

[0310] S1106b: The base station obtains direct path information from the synchronization reference signal and determines a first value based on the direct path information. It also determines the sensing data of the first sensing service based on the first value and the echo signal corresponding to the sensing signal of the first sensing service.

[0311] The implementation of the base station obtaining the direct path information from the synchronization reference signal can refer to the implementation process of S602 above, and the implementation of the base station determining the first value based on the direct path information can refer to the implementation process of S603 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0312] In this embodiment of the application, after receiving the echo signal corresponding to the sensing signal of the first sensing service, the base station can process the echo signal corresponding to the sensing signal of the first sensing service according to the first value to obtain the sensing data of the first sensing service.

[0313] S1107b: The base station sends sensing data for the first sensing service to the SF. Correspondingly, the SF receives the sensing data for the first sensing service from the base station.

[0314] After receiving the sensing data from the first sensing service, SF can process the sensing data accordingly to obtain the sensing results of the first sensing service.

[0315] For details regarding the perception data and perception results of the first perception service, please refer to the explanation of terms in the previous text. They will not be repeated here.

[0316] As can be seen from S1101b to S1107b above, for scenarios where timing offset changes drastically over time or where the system has high real-time requirements for timing offset calibration, the synchronization reference signal can be sent along with (or simultaneously with) the sensing signal. The UE sends the synchronization reference signal through a fixed transmit beam pointing towards the base station, or through a transmit beam with a larger beamwidth (or a wide transmit beam, the beam direction of which includes the direction towards the base station). In this case, the synchronization reference signal includes stronger direct path energy (or a stronger direct path signal strength). This allows the base station to accurately obtain direct path information by detecting the synchronization reference signal, making the acquisition of direct path information more accurate and reasonable. Furthermore, it facilitates the base station in accurately determining the first value to compensate for the transmit / receive delay deviation based on the direct path information, thus achieving the effect of timing synchronization. That is, it can effectively realize timing synchronization between the UE and the base station, thereby effectively improving sensing performance. Furthermore, the UE transmits a synchronization reference signal through a fixed transmit beam pointing towards the sensing area, or transmits a sensing signal through a transmit beam with a larger beamwidth (or a wide transmit beam, the beam direction of which includes the direction towards the sensing area). This facilitates the base station in effectively receiving the echo signal corresponding to the sensing signal of the first sensing service from the sensing area, thereby making the sensing data determined by the base station based on the echo signal more accurate.

[0317] It is understood that, in order to achieve the functions in the above embodiments, the first communication device, the second communication device, and the sensing network element include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to perform each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and method steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed in this application, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0318] Figure 12 and Figure 13 The diagram illustrates the possible communication devices provided in the embodiments of this application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of the first or second communication device or sensing network element in the above method embodiments, and thus can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments. The communication device can be a terminal device, access network device, or sensing network element, or it can be a module in the terminal device, access network device, or sensing network element (e.g., a communication module, circuit or chip responsible for communication and / or sensing functions (such as a modem chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core), chip system, or processor, etc.), or it can be a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the terminal device, access network device, or sensing network element.

[0319] Figure 12 The communication device 1200 shown includes a transceiver unit 1210 (or a communication module, used for sending and receiving data) and a processing unit 1220 (or a processing module). The communication device 1200 can be used to implement the above-described... Figure 6 or Figure 11a or Figure 11b The method embodiments shown illustrate the functions of the first communication device, the second communication device, or the sensing network element. For example, the transceiver unit 1210 can perform the receiving and transmitting actions performed by the first communication device, the second communication device, or the sensing network element in the above method embodiments. The processing unit 1220 can perform other actions besides the transmitting and receiving actions performed by the first communication device, the second communication device, or the sensing network element in the above method embodiments.

[0320] When the communication device 1200 is used to achieve the above Figure 6 or Figure 11a or Figure 11bIn the illustrated method embodiment, the first communication device functions as follows: a transceiver unit 1210 is used to receive a synchronization reference signal from a second communication device on a first beam. The angle between the beam direction of the first beam and the second communication device is less than or equal to a first threshold, and the beamwidth of the first beam is less than or equal to a second threshold. A processing unit 1220 is used to obtain direct path information from the synchronization reference signal. The direct path information characterizes the time delay caused by the synchronization reference signal directly reaching the first communication device from the second communication device. The processing unit 1220 is also used to determine a first value based on the direct path information. The first value is used to compensate for the time delay deviation between the first and second communication devices.

[0321] When the communication device 1200 is used to achieve the above Figure 6 or Figure 11a or Figure 11b In the illustrated method embodiment, the second communication device functions as follows: A transceiver unit 1210 is used to send a synchronization reference signal to the first communication device on a third beam, or to send a synchronization reference signal to the first communication device on a fourth beam. The angle between the beam direction of the third beam and the first communication device is less than or equal to a first threshold, and the beamwidth of the third beam is less than or equal to a second threshold. The beamwidth of the fourth beam is greater than the second threshold. The synchronization reference signal is used by the first communication device to compensate for the time delay deviation between the first and second communication devices. A processing unit 1220 is used to perform corresponding processing operations, such as calling the transceiver unit 1210 to execute the above-described... Figure 6 or Figure 11a or Figure 11b The transmitting and receiving actions required by the second communication device in the method embodiment shown may be used to perform the first sensing service, or to determine whether it has narrow beam transmission capability or supports narrow beam transmission, etc.

[0322] When the communication device 1200 is used to achieve the above Figure 6 or Figure 11a or Figure 11b In the method embodiment shown, when sensing the function of the network element: the transceiver unit 1210 is used to send first information to the first communication device. The first information may include beam information of a first beam. The transceiver unit 1210 is also used to send second information to the first communication device. The second information may include beam information of a third beam. Exemplarily, the transceiver unit 1210 is also used to receive third information from the second communication device. The third information may be used to indicate whether the second communication device has narrow beam transmission capability, or whether the second communication device supports narrow beam transmission. The processing unit 1220 is used to perform corresponding processing operations, such as calling the transceiver unit 1210 to execute the above... Figure 6 or Figure 11a or Figure 11b The method embodiments shown refer to the sending and receiving actions that the sensing network element needs to perform, or the sensing entities that can be used to determine the association of sensing services.

[0323] For a more detailed description of the processing unit 1220 and the transceiver unit 1210, please refer to the above. Figure 6 or Figure 11a or Figure 11b The relevant descriptions in the method embodiments shown will not be repeated here.

[0324] It should be understood that the transceiver unit 1210 in the embodiments of this application can be implemented by an interface circuit or interface circuit-related circuit components, and the processing unit 1220 can be implemented by a processor or processor-related circuit components.

[0325] It should be noted that the module division in the embodiments of this application is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods. Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, exist as separate physical entities, or have two or more units integrated into one unit. The integrated units described above can be implemented in hardware or as software functional units.

[0326] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, or a server, etc.) or processor to execute all or part of the steps of the methods of the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as a USB flash drive, a portable hard drive, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0327] Figure 13The illustrated communication device 1300 includes at least one processor 1320 and interface circuitry 1310. The at least one processor 1320 and interface circuitry 1310 may be coupled to each other. It is understood that interface circuitry 1310 may be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Exemplarily, the communication device 1300 may also include a memory 1330. Memory 1330 is used to store instructions executed by at least one processor 1320, or to store input data required for at least one processor 1320 to execute instructions, or to store data generated after at least one processor 1320 executes instructions.

[0328] When the communication device 1300 is used to achieve the above Figure 6 or Figure 11a or Figure 11b In the method embodiment shown, at least one processor 1320 is used to implement the functions of the processing unit 1220, and the interface circuit 1310 is used to implement the functions of the transceiver unit 1210.

[0329] For example, consider a first communication device as a base station and a second communication device as a UE. When the aforementioned communication device is a chip applied to the UE, the UE chip implements the functions corresponding to the UE in the above method embodiments. For instance, when the UE chip receives information from the base station, it can be understood that the information is first received by other modules in the UE (such as a radio frequency module or antenna), and then sent to the UE chip by these modules. When the UE chip sends information to the base station, it can be understood that the information is first sent to other modules in the UE (such as a radio frequency module or antenna), and then sent to the base station by these modules.

[0330] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip applied to a base station, the base station chip implements the functions corresponding to the base station in the above method embodiments. For example, when the base station chip receives information from the UE, it can be understood that the information is first received by other modules in the base station (such as an RF module or antenna), and then sent to the base station chip by these modules. When the base station chip sends information to the UE, it can be understood that the information is sent down to other modules in the base station (such as an RF module or antenna), and then sent to the UE by these modules.

[0331] In this application, entity A sends information to entity B, either directly or indirectly through other entities. Similarly, entity B receives information from entity A, either directly or indirectly through other entities. Entities A and B can be terminal devices or access network devices, or modules within those devices. Information transmission and reception can be between a terminal device and an access network device, such as between a UE and a base station. Information transmission and reception can also be between two base stations, such as between a CU and a DU. Furthermore, information transmission and reception can be between different modules within a single device, such as between a UE chip and other UE modules, or between a base station chip and other modules within that base station.

[0332] Based on the same concept, embodiments of this application also provide a possible communication system. This communication system may include one or more of a first communication device, a second communication device, or a sensing network element. The first communication device can be used to implement the technical solutions related to the first communication device in the above embodiments. The second communication device can be used to implement the technical solutions related to the second communication device in the above embodiments. The sensing network element can be used to implement the technical solutions related to the sensing network element in the above embodiments.

[0333] Based on the same concept, this application also provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program or instructions that, when run on a communication device (or computer), cause the communication device (or computer) to perform the methods provided in the above embodiments.

[0334] Based on the same concept, embodiments of this application also provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a communication device (or computer), cause the communication device (or computer) to perform the methods provided in the above embodiments.

[0335] The storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access. For example, but not limited to, a computer-readable medium can include RAM, ROM, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer.

[0336] Based on the same concept, embodiments of this application also provide a chip, which may include at least one processor and may also include a memory (or the chip may be coupled to the memory), wherein the at least one processor executes program instructions in the memory to cause the chip to perform the methods provided in the above embodiments. Here, "coupling" refers to two components being directly or indirectly connected to each other, such as coupling referring to an electrical connection between two components.

[0337] Based on the same concept, embodiments of this application also provide a chip system, which includes at least one processor for supporting a computer device in implementing the functions involved in the first communication device or the second communication device or the sensing network element in the above embodiments. In one possible implementation, the chip system further includes a memory for storing necessary programs and data of the computer device. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete components.

[0338] Based on the same concept, embodiments of this application also provide a chip, which may include a processor and a memory (or the chip may be coupled to the memory). The processor executes program instructions in the memory to cause the chip to perform the methods provided in the above embodiments. Here, "coupling" means that two components are directly or indirectly connected to each other, such as coupling can refer to an electrical connection between two components.

[0339] Based on the same concept, embodiments of this application also provide a chip system, which includes a processor for supporting a computer device in implementing the functions involved in the first communication device or the second communication device or the sensing network element in the above embodiments. In one possible implementation, the chip system further includes a memory for storing necessary programs and data of the computer device. This chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete components.

[0340] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application can be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0341] The method steps in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or by a processor executing software instructions. The software instructions can consist of corresponding software modules, which can be stored in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, registers, hard disks, portable hard disks, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), or any other form of storage medium well known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and storage medium can reside in an ASIC. Alternatively, the ASIC can reside in a communication device. Of course, the processor and storage medium can also exist as discrete components in the communication device.

[0342] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. A computer program is a set of instructions that directs each step of an action of an electronic computer or other device with message processing capabilities. It is typically written in a programming language and runs on a target architecture. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are performed, in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program or instructions can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center integrating one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a digital video optical disc; or it can be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive. The computer-readable storage medium can be volatile or non-volatile, or it can include both types of storage media.

[0343] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0344] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In the textual description of this application, the character " / " generally indicates an "or" relationship between the preceding and following related objects; in the formulas of this application, the character " / " indicates a "division" relationship between the preceding and following related objects.

[0345] It is understood that the various numerical designations used in the embodiments of this application are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the process numbers described above does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a first communication device, the method includes: A synchronization reference signal from a second communication device is received on a first beam, wherein the angle between the beam direction of the first beam and the second communication device is less than or equal to a first threshold, and the beamwidth of the first beam is less than or equal to a second threshold. The direct path information is obtained from the synchronization reference signal, and the direct path information is used to characterize the time delay caused by the synchronization reference signal directly reaching the first communication device from the second communication device; Based on the direct path information, a first value is determined, which is used to compensate for the time delay deviation between the first communication device and the second communication device.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The angle between the beam direction of the first beam and the second communication device is 0°.

3. The method as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first beam is related to the location information of both the first and second communication devices.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The method further includes: The echo signal corresponding to the sensing signal of the first sensing service is received on the second beam. The echo signal is used to determine the sensing data of the first sensing service. The angle between the beam direction of the second beam and the center of the sensing area is less than or equal to a third threshold.

5. The method as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The angle between the beam direction of the second beam and the center of the sensing area is 0°.

6. The method as described in claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The synchronization reference signal occupies the first resource, and the sensing signal of the first sensing service occupies the second resource; Wherein, the first resource occupies a first sub-time unit in the time domain, and the second resource occupies a second sub-time unit in the time domain; the first sub-time unit is contained within the first time unit, the second sub-time unit is contained within the second time unit, and the second time unit is located after the first time unit; or... The first resource and the second resource occupy different sub-time units of the same time unit in the time domain.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive first information from the sensing network element, the first information including the beam information of the first beam.

8. The method as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The beam information of the first beam includes the beam identifier of the first beam and / or the beam direction of the first beam.

9. The method as described in claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The first information also includes first indication information, which is used to indicate the activation of the timed synchronization calibration mode, and the timed synchronization calibration mode is used for the first communication device and the second communication device to perform timed synchronization.

10. The method as described in claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The first information also includes the business information of the first sensing service.

11. The method as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The service information of the first sensing service includes at least one of the following: the service identifier of the first sensing service, the service type of the first sensing service, or the sensing requirement information of the first sensing service.

12. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a second communication device, the method includes: A synchronization reference signal is transmitted to the first communication device on a third beam, wherein the angle between the beam direction of the third beam and the first communication device is less than or equal to a first threshold, and the beamwidth of the third beam is less than or equal to a second threshold; or... The synchronization reference signal is transmitted to the first communication device on the fourth beam, wherein the beamwidth of the fourth beam is greater than the second threshold. The synchronization reference signal is used by the first communication device to compensate for the time delay deviation between the first communication device and the second communication device.

13. The method as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The angle between the beam direction of the third beam and the first communication device is 0°.

14. The method as described in claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The third beam is related to the location information of both the first and second communication devices.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12-14, characterized in that, The method further includes: The sensing signal for the first sensing service is transmitted on the fifth beam, wherein the angle between the fifth beam and the center of the sensing area is less than or equal to a third threshold, and the beamwidth of the fifth beam is less than or equal to a second threshold; or, The sensing signal of the first sensing service is transmitted on the fourth beam.

16. The method as described in claim 15, characterized in that, The angle between the beam direction of the fifth beam and the center of the sensing area is 0°.

17. The method as described in claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, The synchronization reference signal occupies the first resource, and the sensing signal of the first sensing service occupies the second resource; Wherein, the first resource occupies a first sub-time unit in the time domain, and the second resource occupies a second sub-time unit in the time domain; the first sub-time unit is contained within the first time unit, the second sub-time unit is contained within the second time unit, and the second time unit is located after the first time unit; or... The first resource and the second resource occupy different sub-time units of the same time unit in the time domain.

18. The method according to any one of claims 12-17, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive second information from the sensing network element, the second information including the beam information of the third beam.

19. The method as described in claim 18, characterized in that, The beam information of the third beam includes the beam identifier of the third beam and / or the beam direction of the third beam.

20. The method as described in claim 18 or 19, characterized in that, The second information also includes a second indication information, which is used to indicate the activation of the timed synchronization calibration mode, and the timed synchronization calibration mode is used for the first communication device and the second communication device to perform timed synchronization.

21. The method as described in claim 18 or 19, characterized in that, The second information also includes the business information of the first sensing service.

22. The method as described in claim 21, characterized in that, The service information of the first sensing service includes at least one of the following: the service identifier of the first sensing service, the service type of the first sensing service, or the sensing requirement information of the first sensing service.

23. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes modules or units for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1-11, or modules or units for performing the method as described in any one of claims 12-22.

24. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes at least one processor and interface circuitry; The interface circuit is used to receive signals from other communication devices and transmit them to the at least one processor, or to send signals from the at least one processor to other communication devices. The at least one processor is configured to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-11 or the method as described in any one of claims 12-22 through logic circuits or execution code instructions.

25. A communication system, characterized in that, Includes a first communication device and a second communication device; Wherein, the first communication device is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-11, and the second communication device is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 12-22.

26. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a communication device, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1-11 or the method as described in any one of claims 12-22 to be implemented.

27. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1-11 or the method as described in any one of claims 12-22 to be implemented.

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