A communication method and apparatus

Abstract

A communication method and device. A network device sends first information, the first information indicating a first subcarrier spacing and a second subcarrier spacing, the first subcarrier spacing supporting communication, the second subcarrier spacing supporting sensing, and the first subcarrier spacing being smaller than the second subcarrier spacing. Embodiments of the present application can flexibly provide different communication configurations (for example, different subcarrier spacings) for different service scenarios, so that the corresponding services can be better executed. For example, a signal used for sensing is a pulse wave, using a larger subcarrier spacing to support sensing can be more compatible with the format of the pulse wave, and is beneficial to cover a longer sensing distance.

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] Sensing refers to the detection of parameters of targets in the physical environment, such as the target's position and velocity. Sensing can also be called detection. In an integrated sensing and communications (ISAC) system, both communication and sensing services are executed. The execution requirements of communication and sensing services may differ. For example, pulse waves, commonly used in sensing services, may require shorter time-domain symbols for better compatibility with pulse wave formats, while communication services may have less of a need for this.

[0003] However, the current use of the same communication configuration to perform communication and sensing services cannot flexibly adapt to different business scenarios. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method and apparatus to enable flexible adaptation of communication configurations to different business scenarios. The communication method and apparatus can also be considered a sensing method and apparatus, or an integrated sensing and communication method and apparatus, or an integrated communication and sensing method and apparatus.

[0005] In a first aspect, a first communication method is provided, which can be applied to a first device. The first device is, for example, a network-side device. This network-side device is also referred to as a network device. The network device is, for example, a network equipment, or other equipment including network equipment functions, or a circuit, or a system-on-a-chip (or chip) or other functional module capable of implementing the functions of the network equipment, and the system-on-a-chip or functional module is, for example, disposed within the network equipment. The network equipment includes, for example, core network equipment and / or access network equipment. The access network equipment can be a non-ORAN architecture or an ORAN architecture; or, the access network equipment can be a CU, DU, or RU under an ORAN architecture. The access network equipment is, for example, located on the ground, or the access network equipment is, for example, a satellite, or located on a satellite. The method includes: transmitting first information, the first information indicating a first subcarrier spacing and a second subcarrier spacing, the first subcarrier spacing supporting communication, the second subcarrier spacing supporting sensing, and the first subcarrier spacing being smaller than the second subcarrier spacing.

[0006] This application embodiment can provide a first subcarrier spacing and a second subcarrier spacing. The first subcarrier spacing supports communication, and the second subcarrier spacing supports sensing. That is, this application embodiment can flexibly provide different communication configurations (e.g., different subcarrier spacings) for different service scenarios, enabling the corresponding services to be executed better. In addition, the waveform of the signal used for sensing can be a pulse wave. Using a larger subcarrier spacing to support sensing is more compatible with the pulse wave format and is beneficial for covering a longer sensing distance.

[0007] In one alternative implementation, the first subcarrier spacing supports OFDM signals; the second subcarrier spacing supports LFM signals. For example, the OFDM signal can be used for communication, and the LFM signal can be used for sensing. The OFDM signal helps reduce or eliminate near-end blind spots, achieving blind-spot-free communication coverage; the LFM signal is a pulse wave, which helps achieve long-distance coverage.

[0008] In one alternative implementation, the first subcarrier spacing is 30 kHz, and the second subcarrier spacing is 240 kHz or 480 kHz. Alternatively, the first and / or second subcarrier spacing can also be other values, and there is no limitation thereto.

[0009] In an optional implementation, the first subcarrier interval further supports sensing and the LFM signal; the second subcarrier interval further supports communication and the first subcarrier interval further supports the OFDM signal. This application does not limit a subcarrier interval to only one function; in this application, a subcarrier interval can have multiple functions, which helps improve the utilization rate of the subcarrier interval. For example, in the first subcarrier interval, the LFM signal can be used for sensing and / or communication, and the OFDM signal can be used for sensing and / or communication; in the second subcarrier interval, the LFM signal can be used for sensing and / or communication, and the OFDM signal can be used for sensing and / or communication. That is, this application also does not limit a signal to only one function; in this application, a signal (e.g., an OFDM signal or an LFM signal) can also have multiple functions, which helps improve signal utilization and reduce the overhead of a single-function signal.

[0010] In one alternative implementation, the OFDM signal includes a CP-OFDM signal and / or a DFT-s-OFDM signal. In addition, the OFDM signal may include other signals, without limitation.

[0011] In one optional implementation, the sensing accuracy of the sensing service supported by the first subcarrier interval is less than the first accuracy, and the sensing accuracy of the sensing service supported by the second subcarrier interval is greater than or equal to the first accuracy. This embodiment of the application can allocate sensing services with different sensing accuracies to different subcarrier intervals for execution. This allows different subcarrier intervals to execute sensing services, improving the utilization rate of subcarrier intervals, and also allows for the reasonable allocation of sensing services among different subcarrier intervals, avoiding confusion.

[0012] In one optional implementation, the communication delay of the communication service supported by the first subcarrier interval is greater than or equal to a first delay, and the communication delay of the communication service supported by the second subcarrier interval is less than the first delay; and / or, the communication rate of the communication service supported by the first subcarrier interval is less than or equal to a first rate, and the communication rate of the communication service supported by the second subcarrier interval is greater than the first rate. This application embodiment can allocate communication services with different communication rates and / or communication delays to different subcarrier intervals for execution. This allows different subcarrier intervals to execute communication services, improving the utilization rate of subcarrier intervals, and also allows for the reasonable allocation of communication services among different subcarrier intervals, avoiding confusion.

[0013] In one optional implementation, the first information further indicates one or more of the following: a first frequency, which is the frequency of the BWP corresponding to the first subcarrier interval; a second frequency, which is the frequency of the BWP corresponding to the second subcarrier interval; first time information, which indicates the time during which the first terminal operates in the first subcarrier interval; second time information, which indicates the time during which the first terminal operates in the second subcarrier interval; or, within the first time window, only switching between the first subcarrier interval and the second subcarrier interval is supported. The first information may also indicate one or more of the above information, enabling the first terminal to configure the first subcarrier interval and the second subcarrier interval accordingly. Optionally, the first information may also indicate first time information and / or second time information, allowing the first terminal to determine the time to operate in the first subcarrier interval and / or the second subcarrier interval, eliminating the need for network devices to indicate the first terminal's subcarrier interval through other signaling, thus improving system intelligence and saving signaling overhead.

[0014] In an optional implementation, the method further includes: sending second information, the second information being used to instruct the first terminal to switch from the first subcarrier interval to the second subcarrier interval. For example, the network device can dynamically instruct the first terminal to switch subcarrier intervals according to service requirements, so that the first terminal's switching of subcarrier intervals better meets service requirements.

[0015] In one optional implementation, the second information further includes third time information, which indicates the time during which the first terminal operates in the second subcarrier interval. The second information may also indicate the time during which the first terminal operates in the second subcarrier interval, allowing the first terminal to switch back to the first subcarrier interval without further instruction from the network device, thus reducing signaling overhead.

[0016] In one optional implementation, sending the second information includes: detecting an instruction for executing a service supported by the second subcarrier interval, and then sending the second information. This instruction may originate from the core network. If the network device detects an instruction from the core network indicating a service supported by the second subcarrier interval, the network device may instruct the first terminal to switch to the second subcarrier interval to execute that service.

[0017] In an optional implementation, the method further includes: receiving third information, the third information indicating that the first terminal has the capability to support at least two subcarrier intervals. Different terminals may have the same or different capabilities. To enable network devices to better schedule and configure the first terminal, the first terminal can indicate its capabilities to the network device, so that the network device's scheduling or configuration of the first terminal matches its capabilities.

[0018] In one optional implementation, the third information is used to indicate that the first terminal has the capability to support at least two subcarrier intervals, including: the third information is used to indicate that the first terminal supports both the first subcarrier interval and the second subcarrier interval on the same carrier, and that the first terminal supports communication on the first subcarrier interval and sensing on the second subcarrier interval. The third information can indicate that the first terminal supports multiple subcarrier intervals on the same carrier, thereby allowing the network device to configure multiple subcarrier intervals on the same carrier.

[0019] In an optional implementation, the third information is used to indicate that the first terminal supports both the first subcarrier spacing and the second subcarrier spacing on the same carrier. This includes: the third information indicating that the first terminal supports a subcarrier spacing combination including the first subcarrier spacing and the second subcarrier spacing on the same carrier, wherein in the subcarrier spacing combination, the first subcarrier spacing is 30 kHz, and the second subcarrier spacing is 240 kHz or 480 kHz. The third information can indicate the subcarrier spacing combination of the first terminal, and can also indicate the specific subcarrier spacing included in the subcarrier spacing combination, which is more conducive to the rational configuration of network devices.

[0020] Secondly, a second communication method is provided, which can be applied to a second device. The second device is, for example, a terminal-side device. This terminal-side device is also referred to as a terminal device or a terminal. The terminal device is, for example, a terminal equipment, or other equipment including terminal equipment functions, or a circuit, or a chip system (or a chip, such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core) or other functional module, which can implement the functions of the terminal equipment, and is, for example, disposed in the terminal equipment. The following description uses the terminal device as an example of a first terminal. The method includes: receiving first information, the first information indicating a first subcarrier interval and a second subcarrier interval, the first subcarrier interval supporting communication, the second subcarrier interval supporting sensing, and the first subcarrier interval being smaller than the second subcarrier interval.

[0021] In one alternative implementation, the first subcarrier spacing supports OFDM signals; the second subcarrier spacing supports LFM signals.

[0022] In one alternative implementation, the first subcarrier spacing is 30 kHz, and the second subcarrier spacing is 240 kHz or 480 kHz.

[0023] In one alternative implementation, the first subcarrier spacing further supports sensing and the first subcarrier spacing further supports the LFM signal; the second subcarrier spacing further supports communication and the first subcarrier spacing further supports the OFDM signal.

[0024] In one alternative implementation, the OFDM signal includes a CP-OFDM signal and / or a DFT-s-OFDM signal.

[0025] In one optional implementation, the sensing accuracy of the sensing service supported by the first subcarrier interval is less than the first accuracy, and the sensing accuracy of the sensing service supported by the second subcarrier interval is greater than or equal to the first accuracy.

[0026] In one optional implementation, the communication delay of the communication service supported by the first subcarrier interval is greater than or equal to a first delay, and the communication delay of the communication service supported by the second subcarrier interval is less than the first delay; and / or, the communication rate of the communication service supported by the first subcarrier interval is less than or equal to a first rate, and the communication rate of the communication service supported by the second subcarrier interval is greater than the first rate.

[0027] In one optional implementation, the first information further indicates one or more of the following: a first frequency, the first frequency being the frequency of the BWP corresponding to the first subcarrier interval; a second frequency, the second frequency being the frequency of the BWP corresponding to the second subcarrier interval; first time information, the first time information indicating the time information of the first terminal operating in the first subcarrier interval; second time information, the second time information indicating the time information of the first terminal operating in the second subcarrier interval; or, only switching between the first subcarrier interval and the second subcarrier interval is supported within the first time window.

[0028] In an optional implementation, the method further includes: configuring the first subcarrier interval and the second subcarrier interval according to the first information, and activating the first subcarrier interval.

[0029] In one optional implementation, the method further includes: receiving second information, the second information being used to instruct the first terminal to switch from the first subcarrier interval to the second subcarrier interval; and switching to the second subcarrier interval according to the second information.

[0030] In one optional implementation, the second information further includes third time information, and the method further includes: switching to the first subcarrier interval when the end time corresponding to the third time information arrives.

[0031] In an optional implementation, the method further includes: sending third information, the third information being used to indicate that the first terminal has the capability to support at least two subcarrier intervals.

[0032] In one optional implementation, the third information is used to indicate that the first terminal has the ability to support at least two subcarrier intervals, including: the third information is used to indicate that the first terminal supports the first subcarrier interval and the second subcarrier interval on the same carrier, and the first terminal supports communication on the first subcarrier interval and supports sensing on the second subcarrier interval.

[0033] In an optional implementation, the third information is used to instruct the first terminal to support the first subcarrier spacing and the second subcarrier spacing on the same carrier, including: the third information is used to instruct the first terminal to support a subcarrier spacing combination including the first subcarrier spacing and the second subcarrier spacing on the same carrier, wherein, in the subcarrier spacing combination, the first subcarrier spacing is 30kHz, and the second subcarrier spacing is 240kHz or 480kHz.

[0034] For the technical effects of the second aspect or various alternative implementation methods, please refer to the introduction of the technical effects of the first aspect or corresponding implementation methods.

[0035] Thirdly, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus can be the first apparatus described in the first aspect above. The apparatus possesses the functions of the first apparatus described above. For example, the apparatus is capable of implementing the functions described in the first aspect above. For instance, the apparatus includes modules, units, or means corresponding to performing the operations involved in the first aspect above. These modules, units, or means can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. The first apparatus is, for example, a network device, or other device including network device functions, or a chip system (or chip or circuit) or other functional module capable of implementing the functions of a network device. This chip system or functional module is, for example, disposed within a network device. The network device includes, for example, core network equipment and / or access network equipment. In one optional implementation, the apparatus includes a baseband device and a radio frequency device. In another optional implementation, the apparatus includes a processing unit (sometimes also called a processing module) and a transceiver unit (sometimes also called a transceiver module). A transceiver unit can perform both sending and receiving functions. When the transceiver unit performs the sending function, it can be called a sending unit (sometimes also called a sending module), and when it performs the receiving function, it can be called a receiving unit (sometimes also called a receiving module). The sending unit and the receiving unit can be the same functional module, which is called the transceiver unit and can perform both sending and receiving functions; or, the sending unit and the receiving unit can be different functional modules, and the transceiver unit is a collective term for these functional modules.

[0036] In one optional implementation, the transceiver unit (or the transmitting unit) is configured to transmit first information, the first information indicating a first subcarrier interval and a second subcarrier interval, the first subcarrier interval supporting communication, the second subcarrier interval supporting sensing, and the first subcarrier interval being smaller than the second subcarrier interval.

[0037] In an alternative embodiment, the device further includes a storage unit (sometimes also called a storage module), the processing unit being coupled to the storage unit and executing programs or instructions in the storage unit to enable the device to perform the functions of the first device described in the first aspect above.

[0038] Fourthly, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus can be the second apparatus described in the second aspect above. The apparatus possesses the functions of the second apparatus described above. For example, the apparatus is capable of implementing the functions described in the second aspect above. For instance, the apparatus includes modules, units, or means corresponding to performing the operations involved in the second aspect above. These modules, units, or means can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. The second apparatus is, for example, a terminal device, or other device including terminal device functions, or a chip system (or chip or circuit) or other functional module capable of implementing the functions of a terminal device. This chip system or functional module is, for example, disposed within a terminal device. In one optional implementation, the apparatus includes a baseband device and a radio frequency device. In another optional implementation, the apparatus includes a processing unit (sometimes also called a processing module) and a transceiver unit (sometimes also called a transceiver module). For details on the implementation of the transceiver unit, please refer to the relevant description in the third aspect.

[0039] In one optional implementation, the transceiver unit (or the receiving unit) is configured to receive first information, the first information indicating a first subcarrier interval and a second subcarrier interval, the first subcarrier interval supporting communication, the second subcarrier interval supporting sensing, and the first subcarrier interval being smaller than the second subcarrier interval.

[0040] In an alternative embodiment, the device further includes a storage unit (sometimes also called a storage module), the processing unit being coupled to the storage unit and executing programs or instructions in the storage unit to enable the device to perform the functions of the second device described in the second aspect above.

[0041] Fifthly, an apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising a memory and one or more processors. The memory is used to store part or all of a computer program or instructions necessary for implementing the functions described in the first aspect above. The one or more processors are executable to carry out the computer program or instructions, such that, when executed, the apparatus implements the methods in any possible design or implementation of the first aspect above.

[0042] In one possible design, the device may further include interface circuitry, wherein the processor is configured to communicate with other devices or components via the interface circuitry.

[0043] In one possible design, the device may also include the memory.

[0044] The aforementioned device may be a network device, a communication module in a network device, or a chip in a network device that is responsible for communication functions, such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip) or a SoC or SIP chip that contains a modem module.

[0045] A sixth aspect provides an apparatus comprising a memory and one or more processors. The memory is used to store part or all of a computer program or instructions necessary for implementing the functions described in the second aspect above. The one or more processors are executable to carry out the computer program or instructions, such that, when executed, the apparatus implements the methods in any possible design or implementation of the second aspect above.

[0046] In one possible design, the device may further include interface circuitry, wherein the processor is configured to communicate with other devices or components via the interface circuitry.

[0047] In one possible design, the device may also include the memory.

[0048] The aforementioned device may be a terminal device, a communication module in a terminal device, or a chip in a terminal device that is responsible for communication functions, such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip) or a SoC or SIP chip that contains a modem module.

[0049] A seventh aspect provides a communication system including a network device. The network device is used to perform the method described in the first aspect, which is executed by the first apparatus. For example, the network device can be implemented using the apparatus described in the third or fifth aspect.

[0050] Optionally, the communication system may further include a first terminal. The first terminal is used to perform the method described in the second aspect, which is executed by the second device. For example, the first terminal can be implemented using the device described in the fourth or sixth aspect.

[0051] Optionally, the communication system may also be called a sensing system, a communication-sensing integrated system, or a communication-sensing integrated system, etc. There are no restrictions on the name.

[0052] Eighthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided for storing a computer program or instructions that, when executed, cause the method performed by the first or second means in the preceding aspects to be implemented.

[0053] Ninthly, a computer program product containing instructions is provided, which, when the computer program or instructions are run on a computer, causes the methods described in the above aspects to be implemented.

[0054] In a tenth aspect, a chip system is provided, including a processor and an interface, the processor being configured to call and execute instructions from the interface to enable the chip system to implement the methods described above. Attached Figure Description

[0055] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a single-station sensing mode;

[0056] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a dual-station sensing mode;

[0057] Figure 3 and Figure 4 These are schematic diagrams illustrating two network architectures used in embodiments of this application;

[0058] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0059] Figure 6 This is an example of how the first subcarrier spacing and the second subcarrier spacing are supported by different BWPs in the embodiments of this application;

[0060] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of an apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of another device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0062] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0063] In this application embodiment, the number of nouns, unless otherwise specified, refers to "singular nouns or plural nouns," that is, "one or more." "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 mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the related objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B means: A or B. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c means: a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0064] The ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" mentioned in the embodiments of this application are used to distinguish multiple objects, and are not used to limit the size, content, order, timing, priority, or importance of the multiple objects. Furthermore, the numbering of steps in the various embodiments described in this application is only to distinguish different steps and is not used to limit the order in which the steps are performed.

[0065] The following explanations of some terms or concepts used in the embodiments of this application are provided to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0066] In this embodiment of the application, the terminal device is a device with wireless transceiver function, which may be a fixed device, a mobile device, a handheld device (e.g., a mobile phone), a wearable device, an in-vehicle device, or a wireless device (e.g., a communication module, a modem, or a chip system, etc.) built into the above devices. The terminal devices are used to connect people, objects, and machines, and can be widely used in various scenarios, including but not limited to the following: sensing scenarios, cellular communication, device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-to-machine / machine-type (M2M / MTC) communication, Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), industrial control, self-driving, remote medical care, smart grid, smart furniture, smart office, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart city, drones, robots, and terminal devices in indoor commercial scenarios (such as mobile phone screen mirroring, file sharing, and mobile phone to VR glasses). When the terminal equipment is applied to V2X, it can also be called a V2X device, such as a smart car, digital car, unmanned car, driverless car, pilotless car, or automobile, self-driving car, or autonomous car, pure electric vehicle (EV), hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), range-extended electric vehicle (REEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), new energy vehicle, or roadside unit (RSU). The terminal equipment can also be a device used in D2D communication, such as an electricity meter or water meter.

[0067] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the terminal device can also be a terminal device in an IoT system. IoT is an important component of the future development of information technology. Its main technical feature is to connect objects to the network through communication technology, thereby realizing an intelligent network of human-machine interconnection and object-to-object interconnection.

[0068] The various terminal devices described above, if located in a vehicle (e.g., placed inside or installed inside a vehicle), can all be considered in-vehicle terminal devices, also known as on-board units (OBUs). The terminal device of this application can also be an in-vehicle module, in-vehicle component, in-vehicle chip, or in-vehicle unit built into a vehicle as one or more components or units. The vehicle can implement the methods of this application through the built-in in-vehicle module, in-vehicle component, in-vehicle chip, or in-vehicle unit.

[0069] The terminal equipment may sometimes be referred to as user equipment (UE), terminal, access station, UE station, remote station, wireless communication equipment, or user device, etc.

[0070] In this application embodiment, the communication device used to implement the terminal device function can be the terminal device itself, or it can be a device capable of supporting the terminal device in implementing the function, such as a chip system. This device can be installed in the terminal device. In the technical solutions provided in this application embodiment, the terminal device is used as an example to describe the technical solutions provided in this application embodiment. Furthermore, for ease of description, the terminal device in this application embodiment is described using a UE as an example.

[0071] The network devices in this application embodiment include, for example, access network devices and / or core network devices. The access network devices are devices with wireless transceiver capabilities, used to communicate with the terminal devices. The access network devices include, but are not limited to, base stations (base transceiver stations (BTS), Node B, evolved Node B (eNodeB) / eNB, or the next generation Node B (gNodeB) / gNB), transmission reception points (TRPs), base stations evolved from the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), access nodes in Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) systems, wireless relay nodes, wireless backhaul nodes, etc. The base stations can be: macro base stations, micro base stations, pico base stations, small cells, relay stations, etc. Multiple base stations can support networks using the same access technology or networks using different access technologies. A base station can contain one or more co-located or non-co-located transmission and reception points. The access network equipment can also be a radio controller, centralized unit (CU), and / or distributed unit (DU) in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario. The access network equipment can also be a server, etc. For example, the network equipment in V2X technology can be a roadside unit (RSU). The following description uses a base station as an example to illustrate the access network equipment. The base station can communicate with the terminal device, or it can communicate with the terminal device through a relay station. The terminal device can communicate with multiple base stations in different access technologies. The core network equipment is used to implement functions such as mobility management, data processing, session management, policy and billing. The names of the equipment implementing core network functions may differ in systems using different access technologies; this application does not limit this. Taking the 5th generation (5G) mobile communication technology system as an example, the core network equipment includes: access and mobility management function (AMF), session management function (SMF), policy control function (PCF) or user plane function (UPF), etc.

[0072] In the CU-DU architecture, access network equipment can include centralized units (CU) and distributed units.

[0073] One or more logical network elements, such as distributed unit (DU), control plane (CP), user plane (UP), or radio unit (RU). CU and DU can be separate entities or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RU can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as remote radio unit (RRU), active antenna unit (AAU), or remote radio head (RRH).

[0074] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an open RAN (ORAN) system, CU can also be called open CU (open CU, O-CU), DU can also be called open DU (open DU, O-DU), CU-CP can also be called open CU-CP (open CU-CP, O-CU-CP), CU-UP can also be called open CU-UP (open CU-CP, O-CU-UP), and RU can also be called open RU (open RU, O-RU). For ease of description, the embodiments of this application use CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in the embodiments of this application can be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module.

[0075] Optionally, in various embodiments of this application, if the network device is a distributed architecture, such as the network device including CU and DU, or including CU-CP, CU-UP and DU, then the network device sends information to the UE, specifically the DU included in the network device sends information to the UE; the network device receives information from the UE, specifically the DU included in the network device receives information from the UE.

[0076] In this application embodiment, the communication device used to implement the network device function can be a network device itself, or it can be a device capable of supporting the network device in implementing that function, such as a chip system. This device can be installed within the network device. In the technical solutions provided in this application embodiment, the example of a network device being used to implement the network device function is used to describe the technical solutions provided in this application embodiment.

[0077] Sensing, in this context, refers to the ability to detect parameters of targets in the physical environment, such as their position and velocity. It can be understood that sensing devices detect targets by emitting electromagnetic waves and analyzing the echo signals reflected from objects. In this sense, sensing can also be called detection.

[0078] A sensing signal is a signal used to sense (or detect) a target (or object). Sensing signals are also called detection signals, linear frequency modulated signals, radar signals, radar sensing signals, radar detection signals, or environmental sensing signals, etc. Sensing signals can be pulse signals or signals from wireless communication systems. For example, 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. Pseudo-random sequences include any of the following sequences: longest linear feedback shift register sequence (m-sequence) or Gold sequence. Predefined sequences can be, for example, random data symbols, such as random data symbols modulated by quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) or quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM).

[0079] Communication signals are signals transmitted between communication devices for the purpose of communication. 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).

[0080] An echo signal is a signal generated when a sensed signal is reflected by a target. Both the echo signal and the sensed signal can reflect the parameters of the target. For example, the time delay of the echo signal relative to the sensed signal can reflect the distance of the target relative to the transmitter, and the Doppler shift of the echo signal relative to the sensed signal can reflect the velocity of the target.

[0081] Communication-sensing fusion signals, also known as synthetic-sensing fusion signals, synthetic signals, or integrated synthetic-sensing signals, are signals used for both communication and sensing. When used for communication, the fusion signal carries the communication data or reference signal sequence that needs to be transmitted between communication devices. When used for sensing, the fusion signal can be understood as being used to sense (or detect) targets.

[0082] A target can be any tangible object in the environment capable of reflecting electromagnetic waves, such as mountains, forests, or buildings, and can also include mobile objects such as vehicles, drones, pedestrians, and terminal devices. A target can also be referred to as a sensed target, a detected target, a sensed object, a detected object, or a sensed device, etc., and this application does not limit the terminology. For electromagnetic sensing, a target can generally be modeled as at least one scattering point (also called a scattering center), and the process of a target reflecting, scattering, or diffracting electromagnetic waves can be equivalent to the process of at least one scattering point reflecting, scattering, or diffracting electromagnetic waves. For point targets, the target can be modeled by one scattering point; for extended targets, the target can be modeled by multiple scattering points.

[0083] Precision, also known as perception precision, describes the error between the perceived result and the ideal, true result. Taking distance perception as an example, if the distance between the perceived target and the sensing device is obtained as 6 meters (m), while the actual distance between the perceived target and the sensing device is 5 meters, then the perception error is 1 meter, also known as perception precision of 1 meter.

[0084] Communication-sensing integration is a key technology in next-generation wireless communication networks. It aims to merge wireless communication and sensing functions into a single system, utilizing the various propagation characteristics of wireless signals to achieve sensing functions such as target localization, detection, imaging, and identification. This allows for the acquisition of information about the surrounding physical environment, the enhancement of communication capabilities, and a higher level of user experience. Sensing can also be referred to as detection.

[0085] In sensing, based on the different sender and receiver of the sensing signal, sensing modes can be divided into two types: single-station sensing and dual-station sensing. Single-station sensing mode, also known as self-transmitting and self-receiving mode, refers to a mode where the device sending the sensing signal and the device receiving the echo signal reflected from the target are the same device, such as... Figure 1 As shown, both the device transmitting the sensing signal and the device receiving the echo signal are device 1; the dual-station sensing mode, also known as A-transmit B-receive mode or self-transmit and other-receive mode, refers to a mode where the device transmitting the sensing signal and the device receiving the echo signal reflected from the target are different devices, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the device that sends the sensing signal is device 2, and the device that receives the echo signal is device 3. Figure 1 and Figure 2All examples assume the target (or scatterer) is a vehicle. Typical single-site sensing scenarios include sensing modes where the base station transmits and receives data independently, and sensing modes where the UE transmits and receives data independently. Typical dual-site sensing scenarios include sensing modes where base station A transmits and base station B receives data, sensing modes where the base station transmits and the UE receives data, and sensing modes where the UE transmits and the base station receives data.

[0086] In short, the embodiments of this application can provide a first subcarrier spacing and a second subcarrier spacing. The first subcarrier spacing supports communication, and the second subcarrier spacing supports sensing. That is, the embodiments of this application can flexibly provide different communication configurations (e.g., different subcarrier spacings) for different service scenarios, enabling the corresponding services to be executed better. In addition, the waveform of a signal used for sensing (e.g., an LFM signal) can be a pulse wave. Using a larger subcarrier spacing to support sensing is more compatible with the pulse wave format and is beneficial for covering a longer sensing distance.

[0087] The communication method provided in this application can be applied to fourth-generation (4G) communication systems, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, and also to fifth-generation (5G) communication systems, such as 5G New Radio (NR) systems, or to future communication systems. The method provided in this application can also be applied to Bluetooth systems, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) systems, Long Range Radio (LoRa) systems, or vehicle-to-everything (V2X) systems. The method provided in this application can also be applied to satellite communication systems, wherein the satellite communication system can be integrated with the aforementioned communication systems. The method provided in this application can also be applied to low-altitude communication networks, wherein the low-altitude communication network can achieve real-time monitoring and data transmission of low-altitude aircraft and their onboard sensors and other equipment through wireless networking, satellite relay, and mobile communication technologies.

[0088] For reference Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a potential perceptual network architecture. Figure 3 It is based on the 5G core network (5G core, 5GC). Figure 3 The network architecture shown can also be an application scenario of the embodiments of this application.

[0089] exist Figure 3The architecture shown includes a new sensing function (SF) network element, also known simply as a sensing network element. This SF can be a device or component that provides sensing functionality to the network; it can also be called a sensing management function (SMF), or have other names. This SF can be deployed on the core network side or the RAN side. Figure 3 Taking deployment in the core network as an example. Figure 3 In the network architecture shown, the SF can reuse the interfaces between the location management function (LMF) and other 5GC network elements such as AMF, network exposure function (NEF), unified data management (UDM), network data analytics function (NWDAF), and PCF for sensing interaction. Sensing signaling between the SF and the radio access network (RAN) or UE can be transmitted through the AMF; sensing measurement data acquired by the RAN or UE can be transmitted to the SF via the control plane, for example, by reusing the Long Term Evolution (LTE) positioning protocol (LPP) or the New Radio (NR) Positioning Protocol Annex (NRPPa) protocol, or it can be transmitted via the user plane, forwarded to the SF through the UPF, or directly transmitted to the SF.

[0090] The newly added SF in this network architecture can realize basic sensing functions, such as sensing authorization, sensing control, sensing measurement data processing, or result output. Specifically, interfaces are set up and interaction is established between the SF and 5GC network elements such as AMF, NEF, UDM, NWDAF, PCF, LMF, and UPF, as defined below.

[0091] NS1: A new interface between SF and AMF, which can transmit sensing and control signaling. Additionally, this interface can also transmit sensing measurement data in scenarios where sensing measurement data is uploaded to the control plane.

[0092] NS2: A new interface between SF and NEF. This interface can transmit signaling messages between sensing network elements relayed through NEF and application functions (AF) on the service side, and at the same time open the sensing results to the AF.

[0093] NS3: A new interface between SF and UDM. This interface can be used for authentication or authorization, and to obtain UE-aware subscription information, service AMF information, or other information.

[0094] NS4: A new interface between SF and NWDAF. Through this interface, SF and NWDAF can jointly complete artificial intelligence (AI) processing related to perception services.

[0095] NS5: A new interface between SF and PCF. Through this interface, SF can transmit information such as sensing requirements, quality of service (QoS) requirements, or sensing results of sensing services to PCF. PCF can then make decisions to generate policy control and charging (PCC) policies related to sensing services.

[0096] NS6: A new interface between SF and LMF. Through this interface, SF can obtain location-related information, such as the sensing area, the RAN information of the sensing target, and the location information of the sensed UE.

[0097] NS7: A new interface between SF and UPF. Sensing measurement data can be directly transmitted from (R)AN to SF via UPF, or indirectly forwarded to SF via UPF. In scenarios where (R)AN performs sensing, forwarding via UPF can improve the functionality of UPF to support data transmission at the (R)AN granularity.

[0098] In addition to the newly added interfaces mentioned above, existing interfaces (such as N1, N2, N5, N8, N33, etc.) can also support the transmission of information related to sensing services, such as authentication information, sensing service type, sensing service quality requirements, sensing measurement data, or sensing results, etc.

[0099] Figure 3Taking the SF (Side Array) as an independent device as an example; alternatively, the SF and LMF (Location Management Array) can be co-located, meaning the network element used for handling sensing services and the network element used for handling positioning services can be the same network element; or the SF can be co-located with other core network elements, such as the AMF (Location Management Array). The LMF is the core network element in 5GC that provides control plane positioning, capable of calculating and feeding back location information in the 5G network, providing functions such as positioning process management, UE capability acquisition, auxiliary data provision, and UE location estimation. Optionally, if the SF and LMF are co-located, the LMF and the gateway mobile location center (GMLC) can be functionally enhanced to support basic sensing functions. The GMLC can be the first network element within the operator's network to process sensing requests, performing privacy checks or authorization functions, routing sensing requests to the AMF, or performing LMF selection, etc.

[0100] For example, if the SF and LMF are co-located, an additional interface can be added between the LMF and GMLC to transmit information related to awareness services, such as adding an NL9 interface. Additionally, interfaces related to the LMF and GMLC (such as one or more of the following: NL1 interface between AMF and LMF, NL2 interface between AMF and GMLC, NL5 interface between NEF and GMLC, or NL6 interface between UDM and GMLC) can also support the transmission of information related to awareness services, as detailed below.

[0101] N33: The interface between AF and NEF, through which information such as the type of sensing business, business requirements, and sensing results can be transmitted.

[0102] NL5: The interface between NEF and GMLC, through which information such as the type of sensing business, business requirements, and sensing results can be transmitted.

[0103] NL6: The interface between GMLC and UDM, through which privacy inspection data can be transferred.

[0104] NL2: The interface between NEF and AMF, through which information such as the perceived business type, business requirements, and perceived results can be transmitted.

[0105] NL1: The interface between AMF and LMF, through which information such as perceived business type, business requirements, and perceived results can be transmitted.

[0106] NL9: A new interface between GMLC and LMF, through which information such as the type of sensing business, business requirements, and sensing results can be transmitted.

[0107] Can be referenced again Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another potential perceptual network architecture. Figure 4It is based on 5GC. Figure 4 The network architecture shown can also be another application scenario of the embodiments of this application.

[0108] exist Figure 4 In the network architecture shown, the SF (Sensitive Detection) is relatively independent of the existing core network elements. The SF requires little or no interaction with the core network elements. For scenarios where sensing needs exist only in a specific area, or where sensing is the only requirement, this network architecture can provide sensing services without 5GC control or with only a few network elements involved in control. Furthermore, localized deployment of the SF ensures that sensing measurement data or results do not leave the campus, thus meeting enterprises' security and privacy requirements for sensing measurement data or results, and reducing sensing latency. This network architecture is relatively simple, flexible, efficient, has few transmission nodes, and is easy to deploy. Optionally, this network architecture can support UE-related sensing needs, and implementation schemes for functions such as authorization, mobility management, and billing can be considered as needed.

[0109] In this network architecture, the SF can directly establish a connection with the RAN node. Control plane sensing signaling and user plane sensing measurement data can be transmitted via the newly defined interface NS1. When the UE participates in sensing, control plane signaling can be forwarded to the SF via the AMF, and sensing measurement data can be transmitted via NS1. Furthermore, there can also be an interface between the SF and 5GC network elements (such as AMF, NEF, or NWDAF) to control the AF to provide sensing service requirements to the SF through core network functions. The interface between the SF and 5GC network elements is described below.

[0110] NS1: A new interface between the SF and (R)AN, which can transmit sensing control signaling or sensing measurement data. In one implementation, the SF can also be deployed on the RAN side; for example, the SF can be co-located with access network equipment (e.g., a base station), or the SF can be a standalone device within the access network.

[0111] NS2: A new interface that may be added between SF and AMF. This interface can receive awareness service requirements from UE, or transmit signaling between SF and other network elements in the core network, such as transmitting interaction messages between SF and UDM.

[0112] NS3: A potential new interface between SF and NEF. This interface can transmit signaling between SF and the service-side AF via NEF, and can also expose the sensing results to the AF. The interaction between SF and AF may not go through NEF. In actual deployment, NS2 and NS3 may be chosen as one of the two options. That is, the AF can send sensing service requests indirectly to SF or directly to SF (without NEF) via NS2 (NEF); or, the AF can send sensing service requests to SF via N33 (NEF) and NS2 (AMF).

[0113] NS4: A potential new interface between SF and NWDAF, through which SF and NWDAF can jointly perform intelligent analysis and prediction to generate perception results.

[0114] Figure 3 or Figure 4 These examples all use the network including SF as an example. Alternatively, the network may not include SF, but rather other network elements implement the sensing-related functions, such as AMF and / or LMF.

[0115] The embodiments of this application can be applied to Figures 1-4 The scenario shown in any of the attached figures can also be used in other scenarios, such as any scenario involving sensing services.

[0116] The method provided in the embodiments of this application is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In various embodiments of this application, the signal used for communication is referred to as a communication signal, the signal used for both communication and sensing is referred to as a fusion signal, and the signal used for sensing is referred to as a sensing signal. Both the communication signal and the fusion signal can carry information for communication, such as data and / or control information originating from higher layers. In various embodiments of this application, the signal used for sensing includes, for example, a sensing signal and / or a fusion signal. In various embodiments of this application, the time unit is, for example, a radio frame, a subframe, a slot, a mini-slot, a time-domain symbol group, or a time-domain symbol. In the accompanying drawings corresponding to various embodiments of this application, steps indicated by dashed lines are optional steps. In various embodiments of this application, the frequency domain unit is, for example, a bandwidth part (BWP), a resource block (RB) set, or an RB, or other frequency domain units, without limitation.

[0117] In the various embodiments of this document, "network element" can also be replaced with "entity" or "functional entity". For example, a sensing network element can also be called a sensing entity, a sensing functional entity, or a sensing functional network element, etc., and "sensing network element" will be used as an example below. In the various embodiments of this document, a sensing network element can also be called a sensing service function, etc., and there is no limitation on the name. Optionally, a sensing network element can be used to realize the sensing of a sensing target, such as determining the location of the sensing target or reconstructing the environment of the sensing target, etc., without limitation. The embodiments of this application do not limit the deployment of sensing network elements. For example, a sensing network element can be deployed in the core network or in the access network, without limitation. For example, a sensing network element can also be a network management platform or a network management device, etc. It should be understood that in future communication systems, the functional entity used to sense the sensing target can still be called a sensing network element, or it can have other names, and the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0118] The various embodiments described herein can be applied to Figures 1-4 The network architecture shown in any of the accompanying figures. For example, the first UE described in the various embodiments of this document may be... Figure 1 Device 1 in the embodiments of this document may not participate in sensing; or, the first UE in the embodiments of this document may be... Figure 2 Device 3 in the document, the network device described in the various embodiments of this document can be... Figure 2 Device 2 in the document; or, the first UE described in the various embodiments herein may be device 2. Figure 2 Device 2 in this document, the network device described in the various embodiments can be... Figure 2 Device 3 in the document; or, the first UE described in the various embodiments herein may be device 3. Figure 2 Device 2 or Device 3 in the embodiments of this document may not participate in sensing; or, the first UE in the embodiments of this document may be Figure 3 The UE in this document, and the network devices described in the various embodiments, can be... Figure 3 The (R)AN in the document, or the network device described in the various embodiments herein, may not participate in sensing; or, the first UE described in the various embodiments herein may be... Figure 4 The UE in this document, and the network devices described in the various embodiments, can be... Figure 4 The (R)AN in the document, or the network devices described in the various embodiments herein, may not participate in sensing.

[0119] The following describes a communication method provided by an embodiment of this application. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 5 The flowchart below shows the method. Optionally, this communication method can also be called a sensing method, or an integrated communication and sensing method, or an integrated communication and sensing method, etc.

[0120] S501, The network device sends the first information. Correspondingly, the first UE receives the first information. The first information can be sent via broadcast or unicast.

[0121] Optionally, the first information may be, for example, higher-layer signaling or physical-layer signaling. The higher-layer signaling may include, for example, radio resource control (RRC) signaling or media access control (MAC) control element (CE). The physical-layer signaling may include, for example, downlink control information (DCI).

[0122] The first information can indicate the first subcarrier spacing and the second subcarrier spacing. For example, the first information is configuration information, which can be used to configure the first subcarrier spacing and the second subcarrier spacing. Optionally, the first subcarrier spacing and the second subcarrier spacing can be located on the same carrier; that is, embodiments of this application can configure different subcarrier spacings on the same carrier to suit different service scenarios. The first subcarrier spacing can support communication, or the first subcarrier spacing can support communication services. The second subcarrier spacing can support sensing, or the second subcarrier spacing can support sensing services. Therefore, embodiments of this application can flexibly provide different communication configurations (e.g., different subcarrier spacings) for different service scenarios, enabling the corresponding services to be executed better.

[0123] In this embodiment, different subcarrier spacings can be supported by the same frequency domain unit, or they can be supported by different frequency domain units. For example, the first subcarrier spacing and the second subcarrier spacing can be supported by the same frequency domain unit; or, the first subcarrier spacing can be supported by a first frequency domain unit, and the second subcarrier spacing can be supported by a second frequency domain unit, where the first and second frequency domain units are different. Taking a BWP as an example, the first and second subcarrier spacings can be supported by the same BWP; or, the first subcarrier spacing can be supported by a first BWP, and the second subcarrier spacing can be supported by a second BWP, where the first and second BWPs are different. Please refer to... Figure 6 This is an example of a first subcarrier spacing supported by a first BWP and a second subcarrier spacing supported by a second BWP. Figure 6 Taking a first subcarrier spacing of 30kHz and a second subcarrier spacing of 480kHz as an example. Additionally, Figure 6 The frequency domain positions and bandwidths of the first and second BWPs are just examples. In practice, there are no restrictions on the frequency domain positions or bandwidths of the first and second BWPs.

[0124] Optionally, the first subcarrier spacing can be smaller than the second subcarrier spacing. For example, embodiments of this application can use orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signals for communication, meaning the first subcarrier spacing can support OFDM signals. OFDM signals have continuous waveforms, therefore, they can support narrower or smaller subcarrier spacings. For this reason, the first subcarrier spacing can be smaller. For example, the first subcarrier spacing is 30kHz, or it can be other values. While embodiments of this application can use OFDM signals for communication, they are not limited to using only OFDM signals. For example, embodiments of this application can also use other signals for communication, and the first subcarrier spacing can also support these other signals. These other signals include, for example, linear frequency modulation (LFM) signals, and are not limited thereto. It can be understood that the first subcarrier spacing can support OFDM signals, or support both OFDM and LFM signals.

[0125] For example, to integrate air-to-air communication and sensing, LFM signals with a large sensing coverage area can be used for sensing; that is, the second subcarrier spacing can support LFM signals. The waveform of an LFM signal is a pulse wave, and for LFM signals, a wider or larger subcarrier spacing can be considered. A wider or larger subcarrier spacing corresponds to a shorter OFDM symbol duration; for example, a 480kHz subcarrier spacing corresponds to an OFDM length of approximately 2 microseconds, which is more compatible with the pulse wave format and beneficial for long-range detection and duplex handover. Therefore, the second subcarrier spacing can be relatively large. For example, the second subcarrier spacing can be 240kHz or 480kHz, or it can be other values. While this application embodiment can use LFM signals for sensing, it is not limited to using only LFM signals. For example, this application embodiment can also use other signals for sensing, and the second subcarrier spacing can also support these other signals. These other signals include, for example, OFDM signals, and there is no limitation on this. Using OFDM signals for sensing helps eliminate near-end blind spots. This can be understood as the second subcarrier spacing supporting LFM signals, or supporting both OFDM and LFM signals.

[0126] Among them, the OFDM signals described in the embodiments of this application include, for example, spread-spectrum orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (DFT-s-OFDM) signals and / or cyclic prefix (CP)-OFDM signals based on discrete Fourier transform.

[0127] Optionally, the first subcarrier spacing may support sensing or sensing services in addition to communication. For example, the first subcarrier spacing may support OFDM signals, which can be used for both communication and sensing; or, the first subcarrier spacing may support both OFDM and LFM signals, wherein the OFDM signals can be used for both communication and / or sensing, and the LFM signals can be used for both communication and / or sensing.

[0128] Optionally, the second subcarrier spacing can support communication or communication services in addition to sensing. For example, the second subcarrier spacing can support LFM signals, which can be used for both communication and sensing; or, the second subcarrier spacing can support OFDM signals and LFM signals, wherein the OFDM signals can be used for both communication and / or sensing, and the LFM signals can be used for both communication and / or sensing.

[0129] As can be seen, in this embodiment, a subcarrier spacing is not limited to only one function, but can be used for multiple functions, thereby improving the utilization rate of the subcarrier spacing. Furthermore, the LFM signal is not limited to sensing, but can also be used for communication. This expands the application range of the LFM signal and improves signal utilization.

[0130] The first subcarrier interval can support only communication, or it can support both communication and sensing. If the first subcarrier interval can also support sensing, then both the first and second subcarrier intervals can support sensing. Optionally, the sensing services supported by the first and second subcarrier intervals can differ, allowing the first UE to execute the corresponding sensing service through a certain subcarrier interval, avoiding confusion. Optionally, the sensing accuracy of the sensing service supported by the first subcarrier interval can be less than the first accuracy, and the sensing accuracy of the sensing service supported by the second subcarrier interval can be greater than or equal to the first accuracy. Alternatively, the sensing accuracy of the sensing service supported by the first subcarrier interval can be less than or equal to the first accuracy, and the sensing accuracy of the sensing service supported by the second subcarrier interval can be greater than the first accuracy. This can be understood as the second subcarrier interval supporting sensing services with higher sensing accuracy requirements, while the first subcarrier interval, primarily supporting communication, can support sensing services with lower sensing accuracy requirements. The first accuracy may be predefined by the protocol, configured by the network device, or the first UE may not need to sense the first accuracy; the network device can simply configure the first UE to operate in a specific subcarrier interval. The above method can distinguish the sensing services corresponding to different subcarrier intervals by sensing accuracy, or it can also distinguish the sensing services corresponding to different subcarrier intervals by other parameters, without any restrictions.

[0131] For example, in communication services, some UEs do not require high-speed data transmission. To reduce energy consumption, these UEs have lower hardware and software complexity, and their communication bandwidth can be smaller. However, for sensing services, sensing accuracy depends on sensing bandwidth; the larger the sensing bandwidth, the higher the sensing accuracy. Therefore, transmitting sensing reference signals on the communication carrier may result in low sensing accuracy; while increasing the UE's communication bandwidth to transmit sensing reference signals would increase UE power consumption and cost. To address this, in one embodiment of this application, different BWPs can support different subcarrier intervals. For example, the first subcarrier interval can be supported by a first BWP, and the second subcarrier interval can be supported by a second BWP, with the first and second BWPs being different. The first BWP is mainly used for communication, and the second BWP is mainly used for sensing. The bandwidth of the second BWP can be greater than that of the first BWP (e.g., ...). Figure 6 (As shown). Therefore, the first UE can perform sensing services with high sensing accuracy requirements on the second BWP, ensuring sensing accuracy; for communication services, the first UE can mainly perform them on the first BWP, thereby reducing the power consumption and cost of the first UE.

[0132] The second subcarrier interval may support only sensing, or it may support both communication and sensing. If the second subcarrier interval also supports communication, then both the first and second subcarrier intervals can support communication. Optionally, the communication services supported by the first and second subcarrier intervals may differ, allowing the first UE to execute the corresponding communication service through a certain subcarrier interval, avoiding confusion. Optionally, the communication delay of the communication service supported by the first subcarrier interval may be greater than or equal to the first delay, and the communication delay of the communication service supported by the second subcarrier interval may be less than the first delay (or, the communication delay of the communication service supported by the first subcarrier interval may be greater than the first delay, and the communication delay of the communication service supported by the second subcarrier interval may be less than or equal to the first delay); and / or, the communication rate of the communication service supported by the first subcarrier interval may be less than or equal to the first rate, and the communication rate of the communication service supported by the second subcarrier interval may be greater than the first rate (or, the communication rate of the communication service supported by the first subcarrier interval may be less than the first rate, and the communication rate of the communication service supported by the second subcarrier interval may be greater than or equal to the first rate). This can be understood as follows: because the second subcarrier interval is larger, the corresponding OFDM symbol duration is shorter, thus the second subcarrier interval can support communication services with high latency and / or high data rate requirements; conversely, the first subcarrier interval is smaller, the corresponding OFDM symbol duration is longer, thus the first subcarrier interval can support communication services with lower latency and / or lower data rate requirements. The first latency and / or the first data rate are, for example, predefined by the protocol, configured by the network device, or the first UE may not be aware of the first latency and / or the first data rate, and the network device can configure the first UE to operate in a specific subcarrier interval. The above method can distinguish the communication services corresponding to different subcarrier intervals through latency and / or data rate, or it can also distinguish the communication services corresponding to different subcarrier intervals through other parameters; there are no restrictions on this.

[0133] The first UE receives the first information. Optionally, it can configure the first subcarrier spacing and the second subcarrier spacing based on the first information. For this, please refer to S502.

[0134] Optionally, the first information may also indicate one or more of the following: a first frequency, a second frequency, first time information, second time information, or, within the first time window, only switching between the first subcarrier interval and the second subcarrier interval is supported (or, the first subcarrier interval and the second subcarrier interval are associated). The first UE can configure the first subcarrier interval and the second subcarrier interval according to the indication of the first information. In addition to being configured with the first and second subcarrier intervals, the first UE may also be configured with other subcarrier intervals, without limitation. The subcarrier intervals of the first UE involved in the embodiments of this application include the first subcarrier interval and the second subcarrier interval. The first UE can switch between the first and second subcarrier intervals, therefore, the first and second subcarrier intervals are considered to be associated. The first information can indicate this association, so that the first UE can switch between these two subcarrier intervals. Optionally, the first UE may switch only between the first and second subcarrier intervals within the first time window, while outside the first time window, there is no restriction on which specific subcarrier intervals the first UE switches between, so that all the subcarrier intervals configured for the first UE can be used. The first time window is, for example, predefined by the protocol, configured by the network device (e.g., indicated by first information or other information), or pre-configured in the first UE.

[0135] In this embodiment, if the first subcarrier interval and the second subcarrier interval correspond to different frequency domain units (e.g., BWPs), the first UE switches the subcarrier interval, specifically by switching the frequency domain unit (e.g., switching BWPs). For example, if the first subcarrier interval is supported by the first BWP and the second subcarrier interval is supported by the second BWP, then the first UE switches from the first subcarrier interval to the second subcarrier interval, specifically by switching from the first BWP to the second BWP; or, the first UE switches from the second subcarrier interval to the first subcarrier interval, specifically by switching from the second BWP to the first BWP.

[0136] Alternatively, if the first subcarrier spacing and the second subcarrier spacing correspond to the same frequency domain unit (e.g., BWP), then the first UE can switch the subcarrier spacing on that frequency domain unit without involving the switching of the frequency domain unit.

[0137] The first frequency can be the frequency of the frequency domain unit corresponding to the first subcarrier interval, such as the frequency of the BWP corresponding to the first subcarrier interval. Optionally, the first frequency can be the center frequency, start frequency, or end frequency of the BWP corresponding to the first subcarrier interval. The second frequency can be the frequency of the frequency domain unit corresponding to the second subcarrier interval, such as the frequency of the BWP corresponding to the second subcarrier interval. Optionally, the second frequency can be the center frequency, start frequency, or end frequency of the BWP corresponding to the second subcarrier interval. If the first subcarrier interval and the second subcarrier interval correspond to the same frequency domain unit, such as the same BWP, then the first frequency and the second frequency indicated by the first information can be the same, or the first information can indicate only one of the frequencies.

[0138] The first time information is the time information of the BWP corresponding to the first subcarrier interval. For example, the first time information indicates the time during which the first UE operates in the first subcarrier interval. The first time information can indicate one or more time points, or indicate one or more time periods. Specifically, the first time information can indicate a time period by indicating the start time and duration of a time period, or by indicating the start time and end time of a time period, or by indicating the end time and duration of a time period. For example, if the first time information indicates a first time period, then the first UE can operate in the first subcarrier interval during the first time period and can operate in the second subcarrier interval outside the first time period.

[0139] The second time information is the time information of the BWP corresponding to the second subcarrier interval. For example, the second time information indicates the time during which the first UE operates in the second subcarrier interval. The second time information can indicate one or more time points, or one or more time periods. For information on how the second time information indicates time periods, please refer to the relevant introduction to the first time information. For example, if the second time information indicates a second time period, then the first UE can operate in the second subcarrier interval during the second time period and can operate in the first subcarrier interval outside the second time period.

[0140] If the first information indicates both first and second time information, the first UE can determine its operating time in the first and second subcarrier intervals based on the first and second time information. Alternatively, if the first information indicates both first and second time information, the first UE can operate in both the first and second subcarrier intervals according to the first and second time information. For example, if the first information indicates first time information but not second time information, the first UE can operate in the first subcarrier interval during the time indicated by the first time information, and can operate in the second subcarrier interval during the time not indicated by the first time information (or outside the time indicated by the first time information). As another example, if the first information indicates second time information but not first time information, the first UE can operate in the second subcarrier interval during the time indicated by the second time information, and can operate in the first subcarrier interval during the time not indicated by the second time information (or outside the time indicated by the second time information). Yet another example, if the first information indicates both first and second time information, the first UE can operate in the first subcarrier interval during the time indicated by the first time information, and can operate in the second subcarrier interval during the time indicated by the second time information. As can be seen, the first UE can automatically switch between the first subcarrier interval and the second subcarrier interval according to the configuration of the first information, without requiring more instructions from the network device, which helps to save signaling overhead.

[0141] For example, for the first UE, communication services may be more important or primary, or communication services may be the primary service of the first UE. Therefore, after configuring the first subcarrier interval and the second subcarrier interval according to the first information, the first UE can also activate the first subcarrier interval, thereby operating in the first subcarrier interval. Alternatively, the first subcarrier interval can be the subcarrier interval that the first UE activates by default. The first information can indicate first time information and / or second time information, which the first UE can use to determine when to switch to the second subcarrier interval. For example, the first UE can switch to the second subcarrier interval during periods not indicated by the first time information, or during periods indicated by the second time information.

[0142] For example, the first information indicates the second time information but does not indicate the first time information, where the second time information includes a start time t1 and a duration T. The first UE receives the first information, configures a first subcarrier interval and a second subcarrier interval according to the first information, and activates the first subcarrier interval by default, so the first UE operates in the first subcarrier interval. At t1, the first UE switches from the first subcarrier interval to the second subcarrier interval. At t1+T, the first UE switches from the second subcarrier interval to the first subcarrier interval.

[0143] Alternatively, the first information may not indicate the first time information and the second time information. In this case, optionally, the network device can instruct the first UE to switch subcarrier intervals using other information. For example, the network device can send second information that instructs the first UE to switch from the first subcarrier interval to the second subcarrier interval. For example, the second information includes an identifier of the destination subcarrier interval (which is the second subcarrier interval) and a switching instruction; or, the second information can instruct the first UE to switch from the second subcarrier interval to the first subcarrier interval. For example, the second information includes an identifier of the destination subcarrier interval (which is the first subcarrier interval) and a switching instruction; or, the second information can instruct the first UE to switch subcarrier intervals. For example, the second information includes a switching instruction but does not include an identifier of the destination subcarrier interval. Optionally, the transmission step of the second information can occur after S501. Once the first UE receives the second information, it can switch subcarrier intervals according to the second information. Wherein, if the second information only instructs the switching of subcarrier intervals and does not indicate the destination subcarrier interval, the first UE can switch according to the association between the first and second subcarrier intervals. For example, if the first UE was operating in the first subcarrier interval before the handover, it can switch to the second subcarrier interval according to the second information; or, if the first UE was operating in the second subcarrier interval before the handover, it can switch to the first subcarrier interval according to the second information.

[0144] For example, upon detecting an instruction to perform a service supported by a second subcarrier interval, a network device may send second information. This instruction may originate from the core network, for example. For instance, a core network element may send a first instruction to the network device, which may indicate a first service, or the first instruction may instruct the network device to perform the first service. The first service may be, for example, a service supported by the second subcarrier interval, such as a sensing service or a communication service. If the first service is, for example, a service of a first UE, or if the first service requires the participation of the first UE, the network device may send second information that may instruct the first UE to switch subcarrier intervals, or instruct the first UE to switch to the second subcarrier interval.

[0145] Specifically, if the first service is a communication service, the core network element can be a network element corresponding to the communication service, such as AMF, SMF, or other core network elements; or, if the first service is a sensing service, the core network element can be a network element corresponding to the sensing service, such as SF, LMF, or other network elements with sensing functions. If the first service is a sensing service, the network element corresponding to the sensing service can be a core network element, an access network element, or a network element located between the access network and the core network, etc., without restriction.

[0146] For example, network devices can detect service conditions in real time and predict service change trends, so that they can instruct the first UE to switch subcarrier intervals at appropriate times (such as when an instruction is detected to execute a service supported by the second subcarrier interval), making the first UE's switching of subcarrier intervals more in line with service requirements.

[0147] Optionally, the second information may also include third time information, which indicates the duration for which the first UE operates in the second subcarrier interval. The third time information may include, for example, a start time and a duration, or an end time and a duration, or both, or only the duration. Optionally, the third time information may indicate a timer, where the start time can be the start time of the timer, the end time can be the end time of the timer, and the duration can be the duration of the timer. If the third time information only includes the duration, the first UE can perform a handover upon receiving the second information, and the time of receiving the second information can be used as the start time of the duration (e.g., the first UE starts the timer upon receiving the second information). When the end time corresponding to the third time information arrives (e.g., when the timer times out), the first UE can switch from the second subcarrier interval to the first subcarrier interval. The network device can instruct the first UE to switch to the second subcarrier interval and also indicate the duration for which the first UE operates in the second subcarrier interval through the second information, without sending additional signaling to indicate the time, thus saving signaling overhead.

[0148] Alternatively, the second information may not include time information, allowing the first UE to decide whether to switch to the first subcarrier interval based on service transmission status. For example, the first UE can switch from the second subcarrier interval to the first subcarrier interval when the first service is completed.

[0149] Alternatively, the second information may not include time information, allowing the network device to instruct the first UE to switch to the first subcarrier interval based on service transmission status. For example, upon completion of the first service, the network device sends a fourth message to the first UE, instructing the first UE to switch from the second subcarrier interval to the first subcarrier interval, or instructing the first UE to switch subcarrier intervals. Upon receiving the fourth message, the first UE can switch from the second subcarrier interval to the first subcarrier interval based on the fourth message.

[0150] If the second information does not include time information, the network device or the first UE can decide whether to switch to the first subcarrier interval based on the service transmission situation, so that the switching of the subcarrier interval is more in line with the service transmission.

[0151] Optionally, the second information above can be based on the example of the first UE operating in the first subcarrier interval before switching subcarrier intervals, or on the example of the first UE being activated in the first subcarrier interval by default. If the first UE is operating in the second subcarrier interval before switching subcarrier intervals, or if the first UE is activated in the second subcarrier interval by default, then the second information can instruct the first UE to switch subcarrier intervals, or instruct the first UE to switch to the first subcarrier interval. This will not be elaborated further.

[0152] Optionally, the second information may be, for example, higher-layer signaling or physical-layer signaling. The higher-layer signaling may include, for example, RRC signaling or MAC CE. The physical-layer signaling may include, for example, DCI.

[0153] The solution provided in this application can be applied to various UEs, but the capabilities of different UEs may vary. For example, some UEs can support multiple subcarrier intervals, while some UEs may only support one subcarrier interval. To enable the network device to know the capabilities of the UE and thus trigger the corresponding UE to execute the solution provided in this application, optionally, the method may further include S503, whereby the first UE can send third information to the network device, the third information indicating the capabilities of the first UE. Optionally, S503 may occur before S501. For example, the third information indicates that the first UE has the capability to support at least two subcarrier intervals. Optionally, the third information may also indicate that the first UE supports the at least two subcarrier intervals carried by a single frequency domain element, for example, indicating that the at least two subcarrier intervals are carried by a single BWP; or, the third information may also indicate that the first UE supports the at least two subcarrier intervals carried by multiple frequency domain elements, for example, indicating that the at least two subcarrier intervals are carried by multiple BWPs, for example, the at least two subcarrier intervals and BWPs can correspond one-to-one. Once the network device receives the third information, it can trigger the first UE to execute the technical solution of this application.

[0154] Optionally, the third information indicates that the first UE has the capability to support at least two subcarrier intervals. For example, one implementation includes the third information indicating that the first UE supports a first subcarrier interval and a second subcarrier interval on the same carrier. Optionally, the third information may also indicate that the first UE supports communication on the first subcarrier interval and / or sensing on the second subcarrier interval. Optionally, the third information may also indicate that the first UE supports the first subcarrier interval and the second subcarrier interval being carried by a single frequency domain element, or by carrying them separately through two frequency domain elements.

[0155] Optionally, the third information indicates that the first UE supports a first subcarrier spacing and a second subcarrier spacing on the same carrier. For example, one implementation may include the third information indicating that the first UE supports a combination of subcarrier spacings including a first subcarrier spacing and a second subcarrier spacing on the same carrier. Optionally, the third information may also indicate specific first and second subcarrier spacings. For example, the third information may indicate that in the subcarrier spacing combination, the first subcarrier spacing is 30 kHz, and the second subcarrier spacing is 240 kHz or 480 kHz. Optionally, the third information may also indicate that the first UE supports the subcarrier spacing combination being carried by a single frequency domain unit or by multiple frequency domain units respectively.

[0156] The third information enables network devices to configure subcarrier spacing more appropriately for the first UE.

[0157] Optionally, the third information may be included in the UE capability information message, or in the UE assistance information (UAI) message, or in other uplink messages.

[0158] In summary, the embodiments of this application can provide a first subcarrier spacing and a second subcarrier spacing. The first subcarrier spacing supports communication, and the second subcarrier spacing supports sensing. That is, the embodiments of this application can flexibly provide different communication configurations (e.g., different subcarrier spacings) for different service scenarios, enabling the corresponding services to be executed better.

[0159] In this embodiment, various signals (such as OFDM signals or LFM signals) can be used for both communication and sensing, which improves signal utilization, reduces the transmission overhead of signals that can only be used for a single function, and improves resource utilization.

[0160] In this embodiment, the network device achieves intelligent and efficient subcarrier interval switching through a dynamic scheduling mechanism (e.g., the second information), reducing switching latency and improving switching efficiency. Furthermore, an adaptive switching mechanism based on a timer (taking the third time information as an example) is introduced, enabling the first UE to automatically switch subcarrier intervals between sensing and communication services, enhancing the system's adaptability and flexibility. Therefore, the first UE can spontaneously switch subcarrier intervals based on the network device's pre-configuration (e.g., the first time information and / or the second time information configured by the first information) or dynamic scheduling (e.g., the second information), improving the system's flexibility and the first UE's initiative.

[0161] Figure 7A schematic diagram of a device provided in an embodiment of this application is given. The device 700 may be... Figure 5 The network device or its circuitry described in the illustrated embodiment is used to implement the method corresponding to the network device in the above method embodiments. Alternatively, the apparatus 700 may be... Figure 5 The first UE or its circuit system described in the illustrated embodiment is used to implement the method corresponding to the first UE in the above method embodiments. For example, one type of circuit system is a chip system.

[0162] Since the device 700 in the embodiments of this application can implement a communication method, the device 700 can also be called a sensing device. In implementation, the device 700 may have sensing function but no communication function, or it may have both sensing and communication functions. If the device 700 has communication function, it may also be called a communication device, etc., without limitation.

[0163] The device 700 includes at least one processor 701. The processor 701 can be used for internal processing within the device to implement certain control processing functions. Optionally, the processor 701 includes instructions. Optionally, the processor 701 can store data. Optionally, different processors can be independent devices, located in different physical locations, or located on different integrated circuits. Optionally, different processors can be integrated into one or more processors, for example, integrated on one or more integrated circuits.

[0164] Optionally, the device 700 includes one or more memories 703 for storing instructions. Optionally, the memories 703 may also store data. The processor and the memories may be separate or integrated together.

[0165] Optionally, the device 700 includes a communication line 702 and at least one communication interface 704. Since the memory 703, communication line 702, and communication interface 704 are all optional, therefore... Figure 7 All are represented by dashed lines.

[0166] Optionally, device 700 may further include a transceiver and / or an antenna. The transceiver can be used to send information to or receive information from other devices. The transceiver may be referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver circuit, input / output interface, etc., and is used to realize the transmission and reception functions of device 700 via the antenna. Optionally, the transceiver includes a transmitter and a receiver. For example, the transmitter can be used to generate a radio frequency (RF) signal from a baseband signal, and the receiver can be used to convert the RF signal back into a baseband signal.

[0167] The processor 701 may include a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits for controlling the execution of programs according to the present application.

[0168] Communication line 702 may include a path for transmitting information between the aforementioned components.

[0169] The communication interface 704 uses any transceiver-like device for communicating with other devices or communication networks, such as Ethernet, radio access network (RAN), wireless local area network (WLAN), wired access network, etc.

[0170] The memory 703 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device capable of storing static information and instructions, random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage device capable of storing information and instructions, or it may be an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital versatile optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory 703 may exist independently and be connected to the processor 701 via communication line 702. Alternatively, the memory 703 may be integrated with the processor 701.

[0171] The memory 703 stores computer execution instructions for implementing the scheme of this application, and its execution is controlled by the processor 701. The processor 701 executes the computer execution instructions stored in the memory 703, thereby realizing... Figure 5 The steps performed by the first UE or network device in the illustrated embodiment.

[0172] Optionally, the computer execution instructions in the embodiments of this application may also be referred to as application code, and the embodiments of this application do not specifically limit this.

[0173] In a specific implementation, as one example, the processor 701 may include one or more CPUs, for example... Figure 7 CPU0 and CPU1 in the CPU.

[0174] In a specific implementation, as one embodiment, device 700 may include multiple processors, for example... Figure 7 Processors 701 and 705 are described in the text. Each of these processors can be a single-core (single-CPU) processor or a multi-core (multi-CPU) processor. Here, "processor" can refer to one or more devices, circuits, and / or processing cores used to process data (e.g., computer program instructions).

[0175] when Figure 7 When the device shown is a chip, such as a network device chip or a first UE chip, the chip includes a processor 701 (and may also include a processor 705), a communication line 702, and a communication interface 704. Optionally, it may include a memory 703. Specifically, the communication interface 704 may be an input interface, pins, or circuits, etc. The memory 703 may be a register, cache, etc. The processor 701 and processor 705 may be a general-purpose CPU, microprocessor, ASIC, or one or more integrated circuits for controlling the execution of a program that controls the communication method of any of the above embodiments.

[0176] This application embodiment can divide the device into functional modules according to the above method example. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional modules, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated modules can be implemented in hardware or as software functional modules. The module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division; in actual implementation, other division methods may be used. For example, in the case of dividing the device into functional modules corresponding to each function... Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of an apparatus. The apparatus 800 can be the first UE or network device involved in the above-described method embodiments, or a chip in the network device or the first UE. The apparatus 800 includes a processing unit 802 and a transceiver unit 801. Since the apparatus 800 in the embodiments of this application can implement a communication method, the apparatus 800 can also be called a communication apparatus. Furthermore, since the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application can also be called a sensing method, a communication-sensing integrated method, or a sensing-integrated method, etc., the apparatus 800 can also be called a sensing apparatus. In implementation, the apparatus 800 can have sensing functions and / or communication functions.

[0177] It should be understood that the device 800 can be used to implement the steps performed by the first UE or network device in the communication method of the embodiments of this application, and the relevant features can be referred to above. Figure 5 The embodiments shown are not described in detail here.

[0178] Optional, Figure 8 The functions / implementation process of the transceiver unit 801 and the processing unit 802 can be obtained through Figure 7 The processor 701 in the memory calls computer execution instructions stored in memory 703 to implement the function. Alternatively, Figure 8 The function / implementation process of the processing unit 802 in the middle can be achieved through Figure 7 The processor 701 in the memory calls computer execution instructions stored in the memory 703 to implement this. Figure 8 The function / implementation process of the transceiver unit 801 in the middle can be obtained through Figure 7 It is implemented using the 704 communication interface.

[0179] Optionally, when the device 800 is a chip or circuit, the function / implementation process of the transceiver unit 801 can also be implemented through pins or circuits. Optionally, the transceiver unit 801 may include a transmitting unit and / or a receiving unit, whereby the transmitting unit implements the transmitting function and the receiving unit implements the receiving function; or, the transceiver unit 801 may be an integral module capable of implementing both transmitting and / or receiving functions. Optionally, the transceiver unit 801 can be implemented using a transceiver.

[0180] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions that, when executed, implement the methods performed by the first UE and / or network device in the aforementioned method embodiments. Thus, the functions described in the above embodiments can be implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to it, or a 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, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0181] This application also provides a computer program product comprising: computer program code, which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method executed by the first UE and / or network device in any of the foregoing method embodiments.

[0182] This application also provides a processing apparatus, including a processor and an interface; the processor is used to execute the method performed by the first UE and / or network device involved in any of the above method embodiments.

[0183] 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 instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., DVD), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., solid-state disk (SSD)).

[0184] The various illustrative logic units and circuits described in the embodiments of this application can be implemented or operate the described functions using a general-purpose processor, digital signal processor (DSP), ASIC, field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor; alternatively, it can be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor can also be implemented using a combination of computing devices, such as a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors combined with a digital signal processor core, or any other similar configuration.

[0185] The steps of the methods or algorithms described in the embodiments of this application can be directly embedded in hardware, software units executed by a processor, or a combination of both. The software units can be stored in RAM, flash memory, ROM, erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), EEPROM, registers, hard disks, removable disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium in the art. Exemplarily, the storage medium can be connected to the processor so that the processor can read information from the storage medium and write information to the storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium can also be integrated into the processor. The processor and storage medium can be disposed in an ASIC, which can be disposed in the terminal device. Optionally, the processor and storage medium can also be disposed in different components of the terminal device.

[0186] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable equipment to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable equipment for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0187] The contents of the various embodiments of this application can be referenced to each other. Unless otherwise specified or there is a logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced to each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0188] It is understood that in the embodiments of this application, the first UE and / or network device may perform some or all of the steps in the embodiments of this application. These steps or operations are merely examples. In the embodiments of this application, other operations or variations of various operations may also be performed. Furthermore, the steps may be performed in different orders as presented in the embodiments of this application, and it is not necessary to perform all the operations in the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Send a first message, the first message indicating a first subcarrier interval and a second subcarrier interval, the first subcarrier interval supporting communication, the second subcarrier interval supporting sensing, and the first subcarrier interval being smaller than the second subcarrier interval.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first subcarrier spacing supports orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signals; The second subcarrier spacing supports linear frequency modulation (LFM) signals.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first subcarrier spacing is 30 kHz, and the second subcarrier spacing is 240 kHz or 480 kHz.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first subcarrier spacing also supports sensing, and the first subcarrier spacing also supports LFM signals; The second subcarrier spacing also supports communication, and the first subcarrier spacing also supports OFDM signals.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The OFDM signal includes cyclic prefix orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (CP-OFDM) signal and / or spread spectrum orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (DFT-s-OFDM) signal based on discrete Fourier transform.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The sensing accuracy of the sensing service supported by the first subcarrier interval is less than the first accuracy, and the sensing accuracy of the sensing service supported by the second subcarrier interval is greater than or equal to the first accuracy.

7. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The communication delay of the communication service supported by the first subcarrier interval is greater than or equal to the first delay, and the communication delay of the communication service supported by the second subcarrier interval is less than the first delay; and / or, The communication rate of the communication service supported by the first subcarrier interval is less than or equal to the first rate, and the communication rate of the communication service supported by the second subcarrier interval is greater than the first rate.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The first information also indicates one or more of the following: The first frequency is the frequency of the bandwidth portion (BWP) corresponding to the first subcarrier interval. The second frequency is the frequency of the BWP corresponding to the second subcarrier spacing; First time information, the first time information indicates the time during which the first terminal operates in the first subcarrier interval; Second time information, indicating the time during which the first terminal operates within the second subcarrier interval; or... Within the first time window, only switching between the first subcarrier interval and the second subcarrier interval is supported.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a second message, which instructs the first terminal to switch from the first subcarrier interval to the second subcarrier interval.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The second information also includes third time information, which indicates the time during which the first terminal operates within the second subcarrier interval.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, Send a second message, including: Upon detecting an instruction to execute the service supported by the second subcarrier interval, the second information is sent.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive third information, which indicates that the first terminal has the capability to support at least two subcarrier intervals.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The third information is used to indicate that the first terminal has the capability to support at least two subcarrier intervals, including: The third information is used to indicate that the first terminal supports the first subcarrier interval and the second subcarrier interval on the same carrier, and that the first terminal supports communication on the first subcarrier interval and sensing on the second subcarrier interval.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The third information is used to instruct the first terminal to support both the first subcarrier spacing and the second subcarrier spacing on the same carrier, including: The third information is used to indicate that the first terminal supports a subcarrier spacing combination including the first subcarrier spacing and the second subcarrier spacing on the same carrier, wherein, in the subcarrier spacing combination, the first subcarrier spacing is 30kHz and the second subcarrier spacing is 240kHz or 480kHz.

15. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Receive first information, the first information indicating a first subcarrier interval and a second subcarrier interval, the first subcarrier interval supporting communication, the second subcarrier interval supporting sensing, and the first subcarrier interval being smaller than the second subcarrier interval.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The first subcarrier spacing supports OFDM signals; The second subcarrier spacing supports LFM signals.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, The first subcarrier spacing is 30 kHz, and the second subcarrier spacing is 240 kHz or 480 kHz.

18. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that, The first subcarrier interval also supports sensing, and the first subcarrier interval also supports the LFM signal; The second subcarrier spacing also supports communication, and the first subcarrier spacing also supports the OFDM signal.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The OFDM signal includes CP-OFDM signal and / or DFT-s-OFDM signal.

20. The method according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that, The sensing accuracy of the sensing service supported by the first subcarrier interval is less than the first accuracy, and the sensing accuracy of the sensing service supported by the second subcarrier interval is greater than or equal to the first accuracy.

21. The method according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that, The communication delay of the communication service supported by the first subcarrier interval is greater than or equal to the first delay, and the communication delay of the communication service supported by the second subcarrier interval is less than the first delay; and / or, The communication rate of the communication service supported by the first subcarrier interval is less than or equal to the first rate, and the communication rate of the communication service supported by the second subcarrier interval is greater than the first rate.

22. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 21, characterized in that, The first information also indicates one or more of the following: The first frequency is the frequency of the BWP corresponding to the first subcarrier spacing; The second frequency is the frequency of the BWP corresponding to the second subcarrier spacing; First time information, the first time information indicates the time information during which the first terminal operates in the first subcarrier interval; Second time information, the second time information indicates the time information in which the first terminal operates during the second subcarrier interval; or, Within the first time window, only switching between the first subcarrier interval and the second subcarrier interval is supported.

23. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 22, characterized in that, The method further includes: Configure the first subcarrier interval and the second subcarrier interval according to the first information, and activate the first subcarrier interval.

24. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 23, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive second information, the second information being used to instruct the first terminal to switch from the first subcarrier interval to the second subcarrier interval; Switch to the second subcarrier interval based on the second information.

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that, The second information also includes third time information, and the method further includes: When the end time corresponding to the third time information is reached, switch to the first subcarrier interval.

26. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 25, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a third message, which indicates that the first terminal has the capability to support at least two subcarrier intervals.

27. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that, The third information is used to indicate that the first terminal has the capability to support at least two subcarrier intervals, including: The third information is used to indicate that the first terminal supports the first subcarrier interval and the second subcarrier interval on the same carrier, and that the first terminal supports communication on the first subcarrier interval and sensing on the second subcarrier interval.

28. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that, The third information is used to instruct the first terminal to support both the first subcarrier spacing and the second subcarrier spacing on the same carrier, including: The third information is used to indicate that the first terminal supports a subcarrier spacing combination including the first subcarrier spacing and the second subcarrier spacing on the same carrier, wherein, in the subcarrier spacing combination, the first subcarrier spacing is 30kHz and the second subcarrier spacing is 240kHz or 480kHz.

29. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The network device sends first information, which indicates a first subcarrier interval and a second subcarrier interval. The first subcarrier interval supports communication, and the second subcarrier interval supports sensing. The first subcarrier interval is smaller than the second subcarrier interval. The first terminal receives the first information.

30. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 14, or a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 15 to 28.

31. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a processor, which is configured to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 14, or the method as described in any one of claims 15 to 28.

32. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium is used to store a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 14 to be performed, or causes the method as described in any one of claims 15 to 28 to be performed.

33. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 14, or causes the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 15 to 28.

34. A communication system, characterized in that, The communication system includes network equipment and a first terminal, wherein... The network device is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 14; The first terminal is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 15 to 28.

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