A communication method and apparatus

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and device, which are used to improve the sensing and communication efficiency. Different from the scheme of independently introducing a carrier as a positioning carrier in positioning, in the scheme of the embodiments of the present application, a terminal device reports a CA combination supporting sensing in a communication CA combination, so that a core network device can consider a communication resource when configuring a sensing resource, thereby a cell performing communication can be configured to perform sensing as much as possible, and sensing and communication are coupled to improve the efficiency of sensing and communication.

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] To improve peak data rates, multiple component carriers (CCs) can be aggregated using carrier aggregation (CA), allowing the terminal device to use the sum of the bandwidths of all carriers. In carrier aggregation scenarios, the terminal device can use multiple carriers simultaneously. Of these carriers, one is called the primary component carrier (PCC), and the cell corresponding to the PCC is called the primary cell / primary serving cell (PCell). The other carriers are called secondary component carriers (SCCs), and the cells corresponding to the SCCs are called secondary cells / secondary serving cells (SCells).

[0003] Positioning also supports multi-carrier-based methods to improve positioning accuracy. Similarly, additional carriers can be introduced into sensing to improve sensing accuracy. However, the additional carriers introduced into positioning are completely independent of and incompatible with carrier aggregation in the communication system. If the sensing carriers are configured in the same way as multi-carrier configurations in positioning, the additional carriers introduced into sensing will also be completely independent of and incompatible with carrier aggregation in the communication system, resulting in relatively low sensing and communication efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method and apparatus to improve sensing and communication efficiency.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a communication method, the execution subject of which may be a terminal device or a chip or circuit on the terminal device side. Taking a terminal device as an example, the method includes: sending first information, the first information indicating at least one supported CA combination, the first information further indicating a CA combination among the at least one CA combination that supports sensing; receiving second information, the second information indicating at least one cell for performing sensing; and performing sensing based on the at least one cell.

[0006] Unlike schemes that use a separately introduced carrier for positioning, the scheme in this application involves the terminal device reporting CA combinations that support sensing within the communication CA combinations. This allows the core network device to consider communication resources when configuring sensing resources, thereby maximizing the configuration of communication cells for sensing and achieving coupling between sensing and communication to improve their efficiency. Furthermore, coupling sensing and communication improves resource utilization, enabling the terminal device to use more resources for sensing, thus enhancing sensing accuracy and resolution.

[0007] In one possible design, at least one cell belongs to a first CA combination, which is a sensing-supporting CA combination among at least one combination. This approach enables terminal devices to perform sensing on communicating cells to a certain extent, achieving coupling between communication and sensing.

[0008] In one possible design, the first CA combination is the CA combination currently communicating with the network device. This approach enables the terminal device to perform sensing on the communicating cell, achieving coupling between communication and sensing.

[0009] In one possible design, the method further includes sending third information indicating the CA combination currently communicating with the network device. This approach helps the terminal device perform sensing on the communicating cell, achieving coupling between communication and sensing.

[0010] In one possible design, sensing is performed based on at least one cell, including: receiving a first sensing signal on a carrier of a first cell in at least one cell, and receiving a second sensing signal on a carrier of a second cell in at least one cell; acquiring first sensing data based on the first sensing signal, and acquiring second sensing data based on the second sensing signal; and transmitting the first sensing data and the second sensing data. In this design, the terminal device independently processes and reports the sensing signals from different cells, which maintains the originality of the sensing data and helps improve the accuracy of sensing.

[0011] In one possible design, the method further includes sending the identification information of the first cell and the identification information of the second cell. This design allows the core network equipment to determine the cell corresponding to the sensing data, thereby improving the accuracy of sensing.

[0012] In one possible design, transmitting the first and second sensing data includes: transmitting the first sensing data via a first quality of service stream and transmitting the second sensing data via a second quality of service stream; or, transmitting the first sensing data via a first radio link control (RLC) entity and transmitting the second sensing data via a second RLC entity; or, transmitting the first sensing data via a first carrier and transmitting the second sensing data via a second carrier. This design allows network devices to distinguish sensing data from different cells, thereby improving the accuracy of sensing.

[0013] In one possible design, sensing is performed based on at least one cell, including: receiving a first sensing signal on a carrier of a first cell in at least one cell, and receiving a second sensing signal on a carrier of a second cell in at least one cell; acquiring third sensing data based on the first and second sensing signals; and sending the third sensing data and indication information, wherein the indication information indicates that the third sensing data is associated with the first and second cells. In this approach, the terminal device reduces the reporting overhead of sensing data by fusing sensing signals from different cells, such as processing the sensing signals from the first and second cells to obtain the third sensing data. Furthermore, the indication information allows the network device to clearly identify which cells' sensing data has been fused, thereby improving the accuracy of sensing.

[0014] In one possible design, the method further includes sending a fourth message, which indicates the cell where sensing is expected to be performed. This design helps improve the rationality of sensing configuration.

[0015] In one possible design, the method further includes receiving fifth information, which indicates that the secondary cell be changed to the secondary cell corresponding to the first CA combination, wherein at least one cell belongs to the first CA combination. This approach further facilitates the terminal device in performing sensing on the communicating cell, achieving coupling between communication and sensing.

[0016] Secondly, this application provides a communication method, the execution subject of which can be a core network device or a chip or circuit on the core network device side. Taking a core network device as an example, the method includes: receiving first information, the first information indicating at least one CA combination supported by a terminal device, the first information further indicating a CA combination that supports sensing among the at least one CA combination; determining at least one cell based on the first information; and sending second information, the second information indicating at least one cell for the terminal device to perform sensing.

[0017] Unlike schemes that use a separately introduced carrier for positioning, the scheme in this application involves the terminal device reporting CA combinations that support sensing within the communication CA combinations. This allows the core network device to consider communication resources when configuring sensing resources, thereby maximizing the configuration of communication cells for sensing and achieving coupling between sensing and communication to improve their efficiency. Furthermore, coupling sensing and communication improves resource utilization, enabling the terminal device to use more resources for sensing, thus enhancing sensing accuracy and resolution.

[0018] In one possible design, at least one cell belongs to a first CA combination, which is a sensing-supporting CA combination among at least one combination. This approach enables terminal devices to perform sensing on communicating cells to a certain extent, achieving coupling between communication and sensing.

[0019] In one possible design, the first CA combination is the CA combination currently communicating with the network device. This approach enables the terminal device to perform sensing on the communicating cell, achieving coupling between communication and sensing.

[0020] In one possible design, the method further includes receiving third information indicating the CA combination used for communication between the current terminal device and the network device. This approach helps the terminal device perform sensing on the communication cell, achieving coupling between communication and sensing.

[0021] In one possible design, the third information is carried in a non-access stratum message, or the third information is carried in the user equipment location information.

[0022] In one possible design, determining at least one cell based on first information includes: determining at least one cell based on the first information within the CA combination of current communication between the terminal device and the network device. This method enables the terminal device to perform sensing on the communicating cell, achieving coupling between communication and sensing.

[0023] In one possible design, determining at least one cell based on first information includes: determining at least one cell from at least one CA combination supported by the terminal device according to the first information. This approach enables the terminal device to perform sensing on the communicating cell to a certain extent, achieving coupling between communication and sensing.

[0024] In one possible design, the method further includes receiving first sensing data and second sensing data, where the first sensing data corresponds to a first cell in at least one cell, and the second sensing data corresponds to a second cell in at least one cell. In this design, the terminal device independently processes and reports the sensing signals from different cells, maintaining the originality of the sensing data and improving the accuracy of the sensing.

[0025] In one possible design, the method further includes receiving identification information from a first cell and identification information from a second cell. This design allows core network equipment to determine the cell corresponding to the sensing data, thereby improving the accuracy of sensing.

[0026] In one possible design, receiving the first and second sensing data includes: receiving the first sensing data via a first quality of service stream and receiving the second sensing data via a second quality of service stream; or, receiving the first sensing data via a first transmission channel and receiving the second sensing data via a second transmission channel. This design allows core network equipment to distinguish sensing data from different cells, thereby improving the accuracy of sensing.

[0027] In one possible design, the method further includes: receiving third-party sensing data and indication information, wherein the indication information indicates that the third-party sensing data is associated with a first cell and a second cell, and the first and second cells belong to at least one cell. In the above approach, the reporting overhead of sensing data is reduced by fusing sensing signals from different cells. Furthermore, the indication information allows the core network equipment to clearly identify which cells' sensing data has been fused, thereby improving the accuracy of sensing.

[0028] In one possible design, the method further includes sending a fourth message, which indicates the cell where sensing is expected to be performed. This design helps improve the rationality of sensing configuration.

[0029] In one possible design, the method further includes sending a fifth message indicating that the secondary cell be changed to the secondary cell corresponding to the first CA combination, wherein the first cell belongs to the first CA combination, and at least one cell belongs to the first CA combination. This approach further facilitates the terminal device in performing sensing on the communicating cell, achieving coupling between communication and sensing.

[0030] Thirdly, this application provides a communication method, the execution subject of which can be a network device or a chip or circuit on the network device side. Taking a network device as an example, the method includes: receiving first information from a terminal device, the first information indicating at least one CA combination supported by the terminal device, the first information further indicating a CA combination that supports sensing among the at least one CA combination; sending the first information to a core network device; receiving second information from the core network device, the second information indicating at least one cell for the terminal device to perform sensing; and sending the second information to the terminal device.

[0031] Unlike schemes that use a separately introduced carrier for positioning, the scheme in this application involves the terminal device reporting CA combinations that support sensing within the communication CA combinations. This allows the core network device to consider communication resources when configuring sensing resources, thereby maximizing the configuration of communication cells for sensing and achieving coupling between sensing and communication to improve their efficiency. Furthermore, coupling sensing and communication improves resource utilization, enabling the terminal device to use more resources for sensing, thus enhancing sensing accuracy and resolution.

[0032] In one possible design, at least one cell belongs to a first CA combination, which is a sensing-supporting CA combination among at least one combination. This approach enables terminal devices to perform sensing on communicating cells to a certain extent, achieving coupling between communication and sensing.

[0033] In one possible design, the first CA combination is the CA combination currently communicating with the network device. This approach enables the terminal device to perform sensing on the communicating cell, achieving coupling between communication and sensing.

[0034] In one possible design, the method further includes sending third information to the core network equipment, indicating the CA combination for communication between the current terminal device and the network equipment. This approach helps the terminal device perform sensing on the communication cell, achieving coupling between communication and sensing.

[0035] In one possible design, the third information is carried in the non-access network message, or the third information is carried in the user equipment location information.

[0036] In one possible design, the method further includes: receiving first sensing data and second sensing data from a terminal device, wherein the first sensing data corresponds to a first cell in at least one cell, and the second sensing data corresponds to a second cell in at least one cell; and sending the first sensing data and second sensing data to the core network device. In this design, the terminal device independently processes and reports sensing signals from different cells, which maintains the originality of the sensing data and helps improve the accuracy of sensing.

[0037] In one possible design, the method further includes sending the identification information of the first cell and the identification information of the second cell to the core network equipment. This design allows the core network equipment to determine the cell corresponding to the sensing data, thereby improving the accuracy of sensing.

[0038] In one possible design, sending first and second sensing data to the core network equipment includes: sending the first sensing data via a first quality of service flow and sending the second sensing data via a second quality of service flow; or, sending the first sensing data via a first transmission channel and sending the second sensing data via a second transmission channel. This design allows the core network equipment to distinguish sensing data from different cells, thereby improving the accuracy of sensing.

[0039] In one possible design, the method further includes: receiving first sensing data and second sensing data from a terminal device, wherein the first sensing data corresponds to a first cell in at least one cell, and the second sensing data corresponds to a second cell in at least one cell; generating third sensing data based on the first and second sensing data; and sending the third sensing data and indication information to the core network device, wherein the indication information indicates that the third sensing data is associated with the first and second cells. In this approach, by fusing sensing signals from different cells, the reporting overhead of sensing data can be reduced. Furthermore, the indication information allows the core network device to clearly identify which cells' sensing data has been fused, thereby improving the accuracy of sensing.

[0040] In one possible design, receiving first and second sensing data from a terminal device includes: receiving the first sensing data via a first Quality of Service (QoS) stream and receiving the second sensing data via a second QoS stream; or, receiving the first sensing data via a first Recognition Channel (RLC) entity and receiving the second sensing data via a second RLC entity; or, receiving the first sensing data via a first carrier and receiving the second sensing data via a second carrier. This design allows network devices to distinguish sensing data from different cells, thereby improving the accuracy of sensing.

[0041] In one possible design, the method further includes: receiving fourth information from the terminal device, the fourth information indicating the cell to which the terminal device wishes to perform sensing; and sending the fourth information to the core network device. This design helps improve the rationality of sensing configuration.

[0042] Fourthly, this application provides a communication method, the execution subject of which can be a network device, or a chip or circuit on the network device side. Taking a network device as an example, the method includes: receiving first information from a terminal device, the first information indicating at least one CA combination supported by the terminal device, the first information further indicating a CA combination that supports sensing among the at least one CA combination; determining at least one cell based on the first information; and sending second information to the terminal device, the second information indicating at least one cell for the terminal device to perform sensing.

[0043] Unlike schemes that use a separately introduced carrier for positioning, the scheme in this application involves the terminal device reporting CA combinations that support sensing within the communication CA combinations. This allows the network device to consider communication resources when configuring sensing resources, thereby maximizing the configuration of communication cells for sensing and achieving coupling between sensing and communication to improve their efficiency. Furthermore, coupling sensing and communication improves resource utilization, enabling the terminal device to use more resources for sensing, thus enhancing sensing accuracy and resolution.

[0044] In one possible design, at least one cell belongs to a first CA combination, which is a sensing-supporting CA combination among at least one combination. This approach enables terminal devices to perform sensing on communicating cells to a certain extent, achieving coupling between communication and sensing.

[0045] In one possible design, the first CA combination is the CA combination currently communicating with the network device. This approach enables the terminal device to perform sensing on the communicating cell, achieving coupling between communication and sensing.

[0046] In one possible design, determining at least one cell based on first information includes: determining at least one cell based on the first information within the CA combination of current communication between the terminal device and the network device. This method enables the terminal device to perform sensing on the communicating cell, achieving coupling between communication and sensing.

[0047] In one possible design, determining at least one cell based on first information includes: determining at least one cell from at least one CA combination supported by the terminal device according to the first information. This approach enables the terminal device to perform sensing on the communicating cell to a certain extent, achieving coupling between communication and sensing.

[0048] In one possible design, the method further includes receiving fourth information from the terminal device, which indicates the cell to which the terminal device intends to perform sensing. This design helps improve the rationality of sensing configuration.

[0049] In one possible design, the method further includes: receiving first sensing data and second sensing data from a terminal device, wherein the first sensing data corresponds to a first cell in at least one cell, and the second sensing data corresponds to a second cell in at least one cell; and sending the first sensing data and second sensing data to the core network device. In this design, the terminal device independently processes and reports sensing signals from different cells, which maintains the originality of the sensing data and helps improve the accuracy of sensing.

[0050] In one possible design, the method further includes: receiving first sensing data and second sensing data from a terminal device, wherein the first sensing data corresponds to a first cell in at least one cell, and the second sensing data corresponds to a second cell in at least one cell; determining third sensing data based on the first and second sensing data; and sending the third sensing data and indication information to the core network device, wherein the indication information indicates that the third sensing data is associated with the first and second cells. In this approach, by fusing sensing signals from different cells, the reporting overhead of sensing data can be reduced. Furthermore, the indication information allows the core network device to clearly identify which cells' sensing data has been fused, thereby improving the accuracy of sensing.

[0051] In one possible design, the method further includes: receiving a first sensing signal on a carrier of a first cell in at least one cell, and receiving a second sensing signal on a carrier of a second cell in at least one cell; acquiring first sensing data based on the first sensing signal, and acquiring second sensing data based on the second sensing signal; and sending the first and second sensing data to the core network equipment. This design, by independently processing and reporting the sensing signals from different cells, can maintain the originality of the sensing data, which is beneficial for improving the accuracy of sensing.

[0052] In one possible design, the method further includes: receiving a first sensing signal on a carrier of a first cell in at least one cell, and receiving a second sensing signal on a carrier of a second cell in at least one cell; acquiring third sensing data based on the first and second sensing signals; and sending the third sensing data and indication information to the core network equipment, wherein the indication information indicates that the third sensing data is associated with the first and second cells. In this approach, by fusing sensing signals from different cells, the reporting overhead of sensing data can be reduced. Furthermore, the indication information allows the core network equipment to clearly identify which cells' sensing data has been fused, thereby improving the accuracy of sensing.

[0053] In one possible design, sending first and second sensing data to the core network equipment includes: sending the first sensing data via a first quality of service flow and sending the second sensing data via a second quality of service flow; or, sending the first sensing data via a first transmission channel and sending the second sensing data via a second transmission channel. This design allows the core network equipment to distinguish sensing data from different cells, thereby improving the accuracy of sensing.

[0054] In one possible design, receiving first and second sensing data from a terminal device includes: receiving the first sensing data via a first Quality of Service (QoS) stream and receiving the second sensing data via a second QoS stream; or, receiving the first sensing data via a first Recognition Channel (RLC) entity and receiving the second sensing data via a second RLC entity; or, receiving the first sensing data via a first carrier and receiving the second sensing data via a second carrier. This design allows network devices to distinguish sensing data from different cells, thereby improving the accuracy of sensing.

[0055] In one possible design, the method further includes sending the identification information of the first cell and the identification information of the second cell to the core network equipment. This design allows the core network equipment to determine the cell corresponding to the sensing data, thereby improving the accuracy of sensing.

[0056] In one possible design, the method further includes receiving identification information of a first cell and identification information of a second cell from the terminal device. This design allows the network device to determine the cell corresponding to the sensing data, thereby improving the accuracy of sensing.

[0057] In one possible design, the method further includes sending a sixth message to the core network equipment, the sixth message being used to instruct the terminal equipment to perform sensed cell and / or carrier bandwidth.

[0058] Fifthly, this application also provides a communication device that implements any of the methods provided in the first aspect. This communication device can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the functions described above.

[0059] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a processor configured to support the communication device in performing corresponding functions of the terminal device in the methods described above. The communication device may also include a memory coupled to the processor, which stores necessary program instructions and data for the communication device. Optionally, the communication device further includes interface circuitry for supporting communication between the communication device and devices such as network devices.

[0060] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes corresponding functional modules, each used to implement the steps in the above method. The functions can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the functions described above.

[0061] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a processing unit and a communication unit, which can perform the corresponding functions in the above method examples, as described in the method provided in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0062] Sixthly, this application also provides a communication device having any of the methods provided in the second aspect above. This communication device can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the functions described above.

[0063] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a processor configured to support the communication device in performing corresponding functions of the core network equipment in the methods described above. The communication device may also include a memory coupled to the processor, which stores necessary program instructions and data for the communication device. Optionally, the communication device further includes interface circuitry for supporting communication between the communication device and devices such as network equipment.

[0064] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes corresponding functional modules, each used to implement the steps in the above method. The functions can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the functions described above.

[0065] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a processing unit and a communication unit, which can perform the corresponding functions in the above method examples, as described in the method provided in the second aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0066] Seventhly, this application also provides a communication device having any of the methods provided in the third and fourth aspects above. This communication device can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the functions described above.

[0067] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a processor configured to support the communication device in performing corresponding functions of the network device described above. The communication device may also include a memory coupled to the processor, which stores necessary program instructions and data for the communication device. Optionally, the communication device further includes interface circuitry for supporting communication between the communication device and devices such as terminal devices and core network devices.

[0068] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes corresponding functional modules, each used to implement the steps in the above method. The functions can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the functions described above.

[0069] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a processing unit and a communication unit, which can perform the corresponding functions in the above method examples, as described in the methods provided in the third and fourth aspects, and will not be repeated here.

[0070] Eighthly, a communication device is provided, including a processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is configured to receive signals from other communication devices outside the communication device and transmit them to the processor, or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices outside the communication device. The processor is configured to implement the methods of the first aspect and any possible design via logic circuits or execution code instructions.

[0071] A ninth aspect provides a communication device including a processor and an interface circuit, the interface circuit being configured to receive signals from other communication devices outside the communication device and transmit them to the processor, or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices outside the communication device, the processor being configured to implement the methods of the second aspect and any possible design via logic circuits or execution code instructions.

[0072] In a tenth aspect, a communication device is provided, including a processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is configured to receive signals from other communication devices outside the communication device and transmit them to the processor, or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices outside the communication device. The processor is configured to implement the methods of the aforementioned third or fourth aspect and any possible design through logic circuits or execution code instructions.

[0073] Eleventhly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the method in any possible design of any of the first to fourth aspects described above.

[0074] In a twelfth aspect, a chip system is provided, comprising a processor and potentially a memory, for implementing the methods in any possible design of any of the first to fourth aspects described above. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0075] In a thirteenth aspect, a communication system is provided, the system comprising the apparatus described in the first aspect (such as a terminal device), the apparatus described in the second aspect (such as a core network device), and the apparatus described in the third aspect (such as a network device).

[0076] In a fourteenth aspect, a communication system is provided, the system comprising the apparatus of the first aspect (such as a terminal device) and the apparatus of the fourth aspect (such as a network device).

[0077] The technical effects that can be achieved by any of the technical solutions in aspects five through fourteen above can be described with reference to the technical effects that can be achieved by the technical solution in aspect one above, and the repeated parts will not be repeated. Attached Figure Description

[0078] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a process for processing sensing data in a sensing trajectory scenario;

[0079] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another process for processing sensing data in a sensing trajectory scenario;

[0080] Figure 3 A schematic diagram illustrating various sensing modes provided in embodiments of this application;

[0081] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0082] Figure 5 This is a typical application scenario for sensing;

[0083] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the core network architecture provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0084] Figure 7 A schematic diagram illustrating the architecture for introducing perception-related functions into the core network provided in this application embodiment;

[0085] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the architecture for introducing perception-related functions on the RAN side provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0086] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of possible communication interfaces for the SU provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0087] Figure 10 A flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0088] Figure 11 A flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0089] Figure 12This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0090] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0091] 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.

[0092] The technical solutions of this application embodiment are applicable to integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) systems. An integrated sensing and communication system refers to a system where communication and sensing are coupled together, also known as a harmonized communication and sensing (HCS) system. The core idea of ​​integrated sensing and communication is to add sensing-related capabilities to the communication system, building capabilities such as target detection, tracking, and imaging, thus coupling communication and sensing capabilities onto a single network. The communication system can be a cellular system related to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). Examples include Long Term Evolution (LTE), the sixth generation (5G) mobile communication system / new radio (NR) communication system, future communication systems, or other similar communication systems. Other similar communication systems may include wireless fidelity (WIFI), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), Internet of Things (IoT) systems, non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication systems, etc.

[0093] Before introducing the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application, the terminology, applicable network architecture, etc. involved in the embodiments of this application will be introduced first.

[0094] (1) Perception

[0095] Perception can be understood as a technology capable of acquiring information about the characteristics of the environment and / or objects within it. This information includes, but is not limited to, shape, size, orientation, speed, position, distance between objects, or relative motion. The working principle of perception is as follows: the transmitting end sends a signal for perception (also called a sensing signal), and the receiving end receives the signal reflected from the sensing target (also called an echo signal). Based on the processing of the echo signal, the perception result can be obtained, such as speed, distance, shape, and size. The sensing target can also be called a target, the object being detected, the object being sensed, or the object being sensed, etc., without limitation. The sensing target can be any tangible object in the environment capable of reflecting electromagnetic waves. For example, the sensing target can be a stationary object such as a building. Alternatively, the sensing target can be a mobile object such as a vehicle, drone, or terminal device.

[0096] Perception can also be replaced by: sensing process, sensing operation, sensing detection, or detection processing.

[0097] Sensing signals are also called detection signals, linear frequency modulated signals, radar signals, radar sensing signals, radar detection signals, environmental sensing signals, etc. Sensing signals can be pulse signals or any signal that may be present in a wireless communication system, such as orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signals. For example, sensing signals may include (or be) sounding reference signals (SRS), demodulation reference signals (DMRS), positioning reference signals (PRS), sidelink positioning reference signals (SL-PRS), channel state information reference signals (CSI), synchronization signal blocks (SSB), synchronization signal / physical broadcast channel blocks (SS / PBCH), tracking reference signals (TRS), phase tracking reference signals (PTRS), beam manager reference signals (BMRS), or cell reference signals (CRS), etc. Sensing signals may also include communication information, such as signals carried on the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) or the physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH).

[0098] An echo signal is the signal reflected back to the receiver after a sensing signal is emitted from a transmitter to a target object. By performing autocorrelation processing on the echo signal and the sensing signal, and then transforming them, the time delay of the echo signal relative to the sensing signal in the time domain can be analyzed. This allows us to determine the distance of the sensing target from the transmitter. By comparing the echo signals reflected back from the same target by different transmitted signals, we can convert the signal to the Doppler domain. Combining the Doppler and range domain analyses, we can determine the distance and velocity of the sensing target. Furthermore, the direction of the sensing target relative to the transmitter can be determined by the beam direction of the antenna emitting the sensing signal. The echo signal can be understood as a reflected sensing signal; therefore, it can also be called a sensing signal.

[0099] (2) Perceived data and perceived results

[0100] Sensing data, also known as sensing measurement data, refers to the data obtained after processing echo signals. The processing of echo signals involves multiple stages, and the data obtained from each stage can be called sensing data. For example, the echo signal processing flow may include the following stages: (1) Performing operations such as symbol extraction and cyclic prefix removal (CP) on the echo signal to obtain the time-domain data of the radar frame and separate in-phase (I / quadrature, IQ) data; (2) Performing time-frequency transformation, effective subcarrier extraction, signal estimation, and inverse fast fourier transform (IFFT) on the IQ data to obtain the range (R) spectrum; (3) Performing inter-symbol windowing and fast fourier transform (IFFT) on the R spectrum. (4) Perform FFT on the channel dimension of the RD spectrum to obtain the range / doppler (RDA) spectrum; (5) Detect all valid point target information from the RD spectrum or RDA spectrum to obtain multiple data points. The set of these multiple data points is also called a point cloud. Each data point is used to represent a relative position or an absolute position relative to the sensing device; (6) Cluster the multiple data points to obtain the centroid of the real target.

[0101] Sensing data can represent one or more of the following: time delay, Doppler effect, angle, and intensity of a sampling point; it can also represent one or more of the following: position, distance, velocity, and intensity of a sampling point. For example, sensing data includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: IQ data, RD spectrum, RDA spectrum, distance / velocity (DV) spectrum, distance / velocity / angle (DVA) spectrum, range / velocity (RV) spectrum, range / velocity / angle (RVA) spectrum, set of coordinate points, point cloud, point cluster, cluster trace, centroid of a real target, etc.

[0102] Perception results refer to the results related to business functions and performance obtained through calculation and analysis of perceived data. For example, perception results include the existence of the target to be perceived and information about the target (e.g., speed, distance, angle, orientation, acceleration, position, motion trajectory, imaging results, facial expression, breathing / heart rate, etc.). Some perception results can also be considered as perception data; for example, speed and distance information can be considered as perception data. Perception results also vary depending on the target being perceived. For example, if the target is air, the perception results include air quality and the composition of gases in the air; another example is vehicles, where the perception results include the number of vehicles, their positions, and their motion trajectories.

[0103] Perception results can also be viewed as a type of perception data, and some types of perception data can also be viewed as perception results. For example, perception data can be a movement trajectory, and the movement trajectory can be a perception result.

[0104] Please see Figure 1 This illustrates a workflow for processing perception data in a perception trajectory scenario. Figure 1The illustrated process uses the processing of raw sensing data to obtain the RD spectrum as an example. It should be understood that the RD spectrum is generated based on the range spectrum data of a single frame. After clutter suppression and constant false alarm rate (CFAR) detection, the RD spectrum yields valid point targets within a given frame. Amplitude variation with angle (RVA) estimation is performed on the valid point targets to obtain the range (R), velocity (V), and azimuth angle (A) of all point targets. The obtained point targets are then clustered to obtain the centroids of the true targets. Subsequently, the target's trajectory can be determined based on the clustering information. For example, trajectory association can be performed based on the centroids. Trajectory association includes initializing the trajectory and trajectory state vector using the clustering information of the first frame, and determining whether the trajectory of the previous frame is associated / continuous with the trajectory of the next frame. Afterward, trajectory tracking can be performed, for example, associating the clustered targets of the current frame with existing trajectories, and updating the associated trajectories using Kalman filtering. If multiple consecutive frames do not maintain trajectory consistency over a short period, the trajectory is considered invalid and can be eliminated. Additionally, the trajectory for the next frame can be predicted based on the trajectory of the current frame. For example, trajectory prediction can be performed using a motion model (e.g., a uniformly accelerated linear motion model), and the predicted trajectory can be displayed. It should be understood that trajectory association occurs during or after trajectory prediction. Optionally, after trajectory output, perception performance (e.g., target tracking performance) can be statistically analyzed.

[0105] Trajectory consistency includes one or more of the following: consistency of direction of motion, consistency of distance, consistency of velocity, consistency of position-velocity, or consistency of distance-azimuth. Heading consistency refers to minimal changes in heading over a short period, such as changes within a certain range. Distance consistency refers to roughly the same changes in distance over a short period (or near-uniform motion of the target), such as changes within a certain range. Velocity consistency refers to minimal changes in velocity over a short period, such as changes within a certain range. Position-velocity consistency refers to minimal changes in both position and velocity over a short period, such as changes within both ranges. Distance-azimuth consistency refers to minimal changes in both distance and azimuth over a short period, such as changes within both ranges.

[0106] Please see Figure 2 This demonstrates another workflow for processing perception data in a perception trajectory scenario. Figure 2The illustrated process takes the processing of raw sensing data to obtain the RV spectrum as an example. Clustering the RV spectrum yields clusters of target points. Coordinate transformation and cluster point preprocessing are then performed on the target points within each cluster, followed by cluster-track association. Cluster-track association refers to associating clusters that meet trajectory consistency requirements, forming a single trajectory. This process includes determining the trajectory's start point and target tracking, and then associating multiple trajectories to form a single trajectory. The trajectory association process includes false alarm suppression, which determines whether the trajectories to be associated meet trajectory consistency requirements; if not, they are not associated. Subsequently, multi-station fusion processing can be performed to determine the final trajectory. Multi-station fusion processing refers to the joint processing of sensing data from multiple stations.

[0107] (3) Perception Mode

[0108] Sensing can generally be divided into two modes: single-site sensing and dual-site sensing. In single-site sensing, the transmitting device and the receiving device for the echo signal are the same device. In other words, in single-site sensing, the transmitting device both transmits the sensing signal and receives the echo signal reflected from the surface of the sensing target. Therefore, this single-site sensing mode can also be called a self-transmitting and self-receiving mode, without limitation. In dual-site sensing, the transmitting device and the receiving device for the echo signal are two different devices. In other words, sensing station A transmits the sensing signal, and the echo signal reflected from the surface of the sensing target is received by sensing station B. Therefore, this dual-site sensing mode can also be called the A-transmitting and B-receiving mode. It should be noted that the echo signal is obtained by reflecting the sensing signal from the surface of the sensing target; therefore, this echo signal can still be called the sensing signal. Sensing stations can be network devices or terminal devices.

[0109] For example, see Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating various sensing modes provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 3 The system uses the perceived target to indicate the vehicle and provides six perception modes. These six perception modes are: such as... Figure 3 The mode shown in (1) is the self-transmitting and self-receiving mode of network device A, that is, the mode in which network device A sends sensing signals and receives echo signals; such as Figure 3 The self-transmitting and self-receiving mode of terminal device A shown in (2) refers to the mode in which terminal device A sends sensing signals and receives echo signals; for example... Figure 3 The pattern shown in (3) illustrates the transmission of sensing signals by network device A and the reception of echo signals by network device B; as shown in (3). Figure 3 The mode shown in (4) illustrates the transmission of sensing signals by terminal device A and the reception of echo signals by terminal device B; as shown in (4). Figure 3The pattern shown in (5) illustrates the transmission of sensing signals by network device A and the reception of echo signals by terminal device A; as shown in (5). Figure 3 The mode shown in (6) is the mode in which terminal device A sends sensing signals and network device A receives echo signals. Figure 8 The example is a smartphone.

[0110] Figure 3 The sensing process for all six sensing modes shown includes sensing measurement configuration and reporting of sensing data. Optionally, the sensing process also includes reporting of sensing capabilities. Sensing capabilities mainly include whether sensing is supported, whether a certain sensing method / mode is supported, and whether the device has the function of processing sensing signals. Sensing capabilities are typically reported by the sensing device to the sensing management device. The sensing device refers to the device that performs sensing services / businesses; it can send sensing signals and / or receive echo signals. The sensing management device refers to the devices or units with management functions at each sensing node participating in the sensing process. The sensing management device determines the sensing measurement configuration based on the sensing capabilities reported by the sensing device and configures it for the sensing device. The sensing device performs sensing according to the sensing measurement configuration, obtains sensing data, and sends it to the sensing management device.

[0111] Depending on the different sensing modes, the interaction processes between network elements involved in the sensing process also differ, as shown in Table 1. In Table 1, SF refers to the network element with sensing management functions. The first column in Table 1 represents the sensing mode, the second column represents the interaction between SF and gNB (gNB A and / or gNB B), the third column represents the interaction between SF and UE, the fourth column represents the interaction between gNB and UE, and the fifth column represents the interaction between UEs. Optionally, SF and UE can interact through non-access stratum signaling. In this case, the interaction between SF and UE is transparent to gNB, and the complexity is lower than the interaction between SF, gNB, and UE. It should be noted that in Table 1, gNB in ​​gNB sensing capability reporting includes gNB A and / or gNB B; gNB in ​​gNB sensing measurement reporting includes gNB A and / or gNB B; UE in UE sensing capability reporting includes UE A and / or UE B; and gNB in ​​UE sensing measurement reporting includes UE A and / or UE B.

[0112] Table 1

[0113]

[0114] (4) Network equipment

[0115] Network equipment refers to radio access network (R)AN equipment / RAN nodes. In the embodiments of this application, (R)AN and RAN are interchangeable; for ease of description, RAN is used as an example below. RAN can be a 3GPP-related cellular system, such as a 5G / NR mobile communication system, or a future-oriented evolution system. RAN can also be an open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), a virtualized RAN (vRAN), a non-terrestrial network (NTN), etc. RAN can also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems. RAN equipment can also be called a RAN node, RAN entity, or access node, etc.

[0116] In one possible scenario, a RAN node can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), or a base station in a future mobile communication system. RAN nodes can also be macro base stations, micro base stations, indoor stations, relay nodes, donor / host nodes, or radio controllers. RAN nodes can also be servers, wearable devices, vehicles, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, in V2X technology, the RAN node can be a roadside unit (RSU).

[0117] In another possible scenario, the RAN node can be a module or unit that performs some of the functions of the base station; or multiple RAN nodes can cooperate to assist terminal equipment in achieving wireless access, with different RAN nodes performing some of the functions of the base station. For example, the RAN node can be a CU, DU, or RU. The function of the CU can be implemented by a single entity or by different entities. For example, the function of the CU can be further divided, that is, the control plane and the user plane can be separated and implemented by different entities, namely the control plane CU entity (i.e., CU-control plane (CP) entity) and the user plane CU entity (i.e., CU-user plane (UP) entity). The CU-CP entity and the CU-UP entity can be coupled with the DU to jointly complete the function of the RAN node. The CU and DU can be set up separately or included in the same network element, such as in the baseband unit (BBU). Any of the units among the CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented by software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software modules and hardware modules.

[0118] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples.

[0119] The CU and DU can be configured according to the protocol layer functions of the wireless network they implement: for example, the CU can be configured to implement the functions of the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer and above (such as the Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer and / or the Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) layer); the DU can be configured to implement the functions of the protocol layers below the PDCP layer (such as the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, the Media Access Control (MAC) layer, and / or the Physical (PHY) layer). For specific descriptions of the above protocol layers, please refer to the relevant 3GPP technical specifications or the technical specifications of other applicable communication protocols.

[0120] The above division of the processing functions of CU and DU according to protocol layers is merely an example; other division methods are also possible, and this application does not limit this. For example, in one design, CU or DU can be further divided into processing functions with protocol layers. In one design, some functions of the RLC layer and the functions of the protocol layer above the RLC layer are located in the CU, while the remaining functions of the RLC layer and the functions of the protocol layer below the RLC layer are located in the DU.

[0121] In another possible design, the DU and RU collaborate to implement the PHY layer functionality, or, more specifically, a portion of the PHY layer functionality of the DU can be moved to the RU. A DU can be connected to one or more RUs. The functions of the DU and RU can be configured in various ways depending on the design. For example, the DU may be configured to implement baseband functions, and the RU may be configured to implement mid-RF functions. Alternatively, the DU may be configured to implement higher-level functions in the PHY layer, and the RU may be configured to implement lower-level functions in the PHY layer, or both lower-level and RF functions. Higher-level functions in the physical layer may include a portion of the physical layer's functionality closer to the MAC layer, and lower-level functions may include another portion of the physical layer's functionality closer to the mid-RF side. This application does not limit the specific functions of the DU and RU. The interface between the DU and RU can be called a fronthaul interface. In one design, the CU may not have a PDCP layer; for example, the CU may only include an RRC layer. The CU-CP may not have PDCP-C. The CU-UP may not have PDCP-U, or may not have a CU-UP. In one design, the DU may not have an RLC layer; for example, the DU may only have a MAC and a higher PHY layer.

[0122] When the RAN is O-RAN, it can also have artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. For example, O-RAN includes an intelligent controller. The intelligent controller can be a non-real-time RAN intelligent controller (RIC / non-RT RIC / NRTRIC) or a near-real-time RAN intelligent controller (RIC / nRT RIC / nRT RIC). A non-real-time RIC can be used to implement non-real-time intelligent management of RAN functions, enabling workflows including model training and updates, and guiding applications / functions in the nRT RIC based on policies. A near-real-time RIC can be used to implement near-real-time intelligent management of the RAN. Through data collection and related operations on the E2 interface, near-real-time control and optimization of O-RAN modules and resources are achieved.

[0123] (5) Terminal equipment

[0124] In this application embodiment, anything capable of data communication with a base station can be considered a terminal device. Terminal devices are also called terminals, terminal equipment, user equipment (UE), mobile stations, or mobile terminals, etc. Terminal devices can be widely used in various scenarios. For example, terminal devices can be: mobile phones, computers, mobile internet devices (MID), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, stations (STA), robotic arms, cameras, robots, vehicles, drones, helicopters, airplanes, ships, or smart home devices (such as televisions, air conditioners, robot vacuums, speakers, set-top boxes), relays, customer premises equipment (CPE), etc.

[0125] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the terminal device can also be a terminal device in an IoT system, such as a water meter or electricity meter. IoT is an important component of future information technology development. Its main technical characteristic is connecting objects to networks through communication technology, thereby realizing an intelligent network that enables human-machine interconnection and object-to-object interconnection.

[0126] When the terminal device is applied to V2X, it can also be called a V2X device, such as a smart car, an unmanned car, a driverless car, a pilotless car, or an automobile, or a roadside unit (RSU). All the terminal devices described above, if located on a vehicle (e.g., placed / installed inside the vehicle), can be considered in-vehicle terminal devices. In-vehicle terminal devices can be built into a vehicle's on-board module, on-board unit, on-board component, on-board chip, or on-board unit as one or more components or units. The vehicle can implement the methods of this application through the built-in on-board module, on-board unit, on-board component, on-board chip, or on-board unit. In-vehicle terminal devices can be vehicle equipment, on-board modules, vehicles, on-board units (OBU), RSUs, in-vehicle infotainment systems (or on-board transmitting units) (telematics boxes, T-boxes), chips, or SoCs, etc., and the aforementioned chips or SoCs can be installed in the vehicle, OBU, RSU, or T-box.

[0127] The core network refers to the collective term for core network equipment or functions that provide service support to terminal devices. The core network can be a 5G core network, an evolved 5G core network, or a future core network. The core network includes access and mobility management functions (AMF), session management functions (SMF), user plane functions (UPF), policy control functions (PCF), location management functions (LMF), network exposure functions (NEF), unified data management (UDM), unified data repository (UDR), network data analytics functions (NWDAF), etc., which will not be listed here in detail.

[0128] (6) In the embodiments of this application, "send" and "receive" indicate the direction of signal transmission. For example, "send information to XX" can be understood as the destination of the information being XX, which may include direct transmission via the air interface or indirect transmission by other units or modules via the air interface. "Receive information from YY" can be understood as the sender of the information being YY, which may include direct reception from YY via the air interface or indirect reception from YY via other units or modules via the air interface. "Send" can also be understood as the "output" of the chip interface, and "receive" can also be understood as the "input" of the chip interface. In other words, sending and receiving can be performed between devices, such as between access network devices and terminal devices, or within a device, such as between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within the device via a bus, wiring, or interface.

[0129] 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 / 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.

[0130] In the embodiments of this application, "when," "if," and "if" all refer to the device taking corresponding actions under certain objective circumstances, and are not time-limited, nor do they require the device to perform a judgment action, nor do they imply any other limitations. Unless otherwise specified, "if" and "if" can be substituted, and "when" and "in the case of" can be substituted. "When" and "if" / "if" can be substituted.

[0131] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of the terms "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0132] 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 multiple objects.

[0133] Please see Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a communication system architecture applicable to embodiments of this application. The network architecture comprises four components: terminal equipment, access network, core network (CN), and data network (DN). The terminal equipment, access network, and core network are the main components of the aforementioned network architecture. Logically, they can be divided into user plane and control plane. The control plane is responsible for the management of the mobile network, while the user plane is responsible for the transmission of service data. For example, as shown... Figure 4 As shown, in a 5G communication system, the N2 interface is located between the access network control plane and the core network control plane, the N3 interface is located between the access network user plane and the core network user plane, and the N6 interface is located between the core network user plane and the data network.

[0134] It should be noted that, Figure 4 The network architecture shown is merely illustrative. The communication system described in the embodiments of this application is intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application and does not constitute a limitation on the communication system to which the embodiments of this application apply. For example, the communication system may also include other devices, such as wireless relay devices and wireless backhaul devices, etc. Figure 4 Not shown in the diagram. Those skilled in the art will recognize that, with the evolution of network architecture, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems. When applying the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application to other communication systems, the devices, components, modules, etc., in the embodiments can be replaced with corresponding devices, components, modules in other communication systems, without limitation.

[0135] Figure 4 The network architecture shown can integrate sensing functions to achieve unified communication and sensing. As a typical application scenario of sensing, such as... Figure 5 As shown. Figure 5 Taking an environment that includes one access network device and multiple terminal devices as an example, and using smartphones as terminal devices, and drones, pedestrians and vehicles as sensing targets as examples. Figure 5 For example, solid lines represent communication and dashed lines represent sensing.

[0136] In implementation method 1, sensing-related functions (such as sensing management function (SMF) and / or sensing control function (SCF)) can be introduced on the core network side to realize basic sensing functions, such as sensing authorization, sensing control, sensing measurement data processing, or result output. The specific names of these sensing-related functions are not limited in this application. For example, sensing-related functions can be replaced by any of the following: sensing management network element, sensing management device, sensing management entity, sensing function (SF), integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) management function (ISACMF), ISAC service management function (ISACSMF), or sensing service management function (SSMF), etc.

[0137] Please see Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the core network architecture provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 6 Based on the 5G core network (5G core, 5GC), perception-related functions are introduced on the core network side.

[0138] like Figure 6 As shown, an SF network element has been added to the core network side. Simultaneously, an interface has been added between the SF network element and one or more 5GC network elements, enabling the SF network element to interact with the RAN or UE through the 5GC network element to perceive signaling, etc. For example, in... Figure 6 In this context, the SF can perform sensing interactions with 5GC network elements such as the location management function (LMF), AMF, NEF, UDM, NWDAF, and PCF. Sensing data acquired by the RAN or UE can be transmitted to the SF network element via the control plane or user plane. When sensing data is transmitted to the SF network element via the user plane, it can be forwarded to the SF network element through the UPF or transmitted directly to the SF network element. The interface definitions between the SF and the 5GC network elements (AMF, NEF, UDM, NWDAF, PCF, LMF, and UPF) are as follows.

[0139] 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.

[0140] 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.

[0141] 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.

[0142] NS4: A new interface between SF and NWDAF. Through this interface, SF and NWDAF can jointly complete AI processing related to perception services.

[0143] 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.

[0144] 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.

[0145] 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.

[0146] 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., one or more of these information. It should be noted that the above-mentioned interfaces "NSX (e.g., NS1 to NS6)" are only illustrative examples, and this application embodiment does not limit the names of interfaces between SF network elements and other network elements.

[0147] Among them, SF can be deployed in traditional 5GC, such as Figure 7 As shown in (a) above. Optionally, the SF can be a separate structure of SF-CP and SF-UP. The SF-CP can be a functional unit of a device in the 5GC, or a functional entity independent of the 5GC, and can be connected to the base station through the interface with the AMF.

[0148] Perception-related functions can also be deployed independently of traditional 5GC, such as Figure 7 As shown in (b) above. Optionally, the SF can be a separate structure of SF-CP and SF-UP. When the SF-CP is deployed independently of the 5GC, it can act as a communication node independent of traditional 5GC devices, connecting to the base station through an interface with the base station. The SF-CP can also be connected to traditional sensing devices.

[0149] In implementation method 2, perception-related functions can be introduced on the RAN side. For example, in some scenarios, the RAN side can determine the perception mode based on the perception service requirements sent by the SF, or select appropriate gNBs and / or UEs to participate in perception, and determine the perception measurement configuration. For an introduction to perception-related functions, please refer to the aforementioned content; it will not be repeated here. These perception-related functions can be deployed on the RAN equipment or independently of the RAN equipment.

[0150] Please see Figure 8 This paper illustrates two typical architectures for introducing perception-related functions on the RAN side. The embodiments of this application do not limit the names of the perception-related functions introduced on the RAN side; for example, the function can be called SU.

[0151] like Figure 8 As shown in (a), the SU can be an entity independent of the RAN equipment and can connect to the base station through an interface similar to the Xn interface. For ease of distinction, the interface between the SU and the base station can be called the Xn-S interface. If the base station is a CU-DU structure, the SU can communicate with the CU through the Xn-S interface. When the SU is an entity independent of the RAN equipment, it can also be regarded as a communication node independent of the RAN equipment (e.g., called an SC node).

[0152] like Figure 8 As shown in (b), the SU can be a functional unit in the base station, which can communicate with the CU through an interface similar to F1. For ease of distinction, the interface between the SU and the CU can be called the F1-SC interface.

[0153] Figure 8 The RAN side introduces a SU, which has the function of managing UEs for sensing. Therefore, the base station can communicate with both ordinary UEs and sensing UEs.

[0154] Please see Figure 9 This shows the possible communication interfaces of SU. Figure 9 The possible interfaces of the unit are indicated by dashed lines. For example... Figure 9As shown, the SU can communicate directly with the DU or the UE. The SU can be directly connected to one or more core network elements; for example, the SU may be directly connected to the SF, AMF, or UPF. The SU can also be indirectly connected to one or more core network elements; for example, the SU can connect to the SF via the AMF, or to the SF via the UPF. Alternatively, the SU can connect to the AMF via the CU, and then connect to the SF via the AMF.

[0155] In this embodiment, the SU is deployed on the RAN side and can interact directly with the CU, interacting with the core network through the CU. During the sensing and measurement process, the SU / CU can configure the sensing and measurement configuration for the UE, and the transmission path of this configuration can be: DU→CU / SU→UE. Similarly, the DU obtains sensing data and can send the sensing data to the SU / SC. The transmission path of the sensing data can be DU→SU / SC, or DU→CU→SU / SC.

[0156] It should be noted that, Figures 4-9 The network architecture shown is merely illustrative. The communication system described in the embodiments of this application is intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application and does not constitute a limitation on the communication systems to which the embodiments of this application are applicable. Those skilled in the art will understand that, with the evolution of network architectures, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems. When applying the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application to other communication systems, the devices, components, modules, etc., in the embodiments can be replaced with corresponding devices, components, modules, etc., in other communication systems, without limitation.

[0157] The technical background involved in the application is described below.

[0158] To improve peak data rates, multiple component carriers (CCs) can be aggregated using carrier aggregation (CA), allowing the terminal device to use the sum of the bandwidths of all carriers. In carrier aggregation scenarios, the terminal device can use multiple carriers simultaneously. Of these carriers, one is called the primary component carrier (PCC), and the cell corresponding to the PCC is called the primary cell / primary serving cell (PCell). The other carriers are called secondary component carriers (SCCs), and the cells corresponding to the SCCs are called secondary cells / secondary serving cells (SCells).

[0159] Terminal devices can report CA capabilities to network devices. These CA capabilities can include CA combinations supported by the terminal device, and a CA combination can include multiple CCs. Terminal devices report CA capabilities through band combinations. Network devices can configure CA combinations for terminal devices based on the capabilities reported by the terminal devices.

[0160] Positioning also supports multi-carrier-based methods to improve positioning accuracy. Similarly, additional carriers can be introduced into sensing to improve accuracy. However, the additional carriers introduced in positioning are completely independent of and incompatible with carrier aggregation in the communication system. If the sensing carriers are configured in the same way as multi-carrier configurations in positioning, the additional carriers introduced in sensing will also be completely independent and incompatible with carrier aggregation in the communication system, resulting in low sensing and communication efficiency. For example, the terminal device needs to switch its receiver / transmitter to the sensing carrier before sensing. For instance, a network device configures a CA combination for a terminal device, allowing communication between the network device and the terminal device. If the multi-carrier configuration in sensing is independent of carrier aggregation in communication, the network device will not consider the terminal device's communication resources when configuring sensing resources. Therefore, the terminal device's sensing resources and communication resources may differ, causing the terminal device to switch its receiver / transmitter frequency from communication resources to sensing resources during sensing and vice versa during communication, resulting in low efficiency for both sensing and communication. Furthermore, since the multi-carrier sensing and carrier aggregation in communication are independent of each other, the sensing behavior of the terminal device is carried out within the measurement interval (gap) of communication resources. Therefore, the sensing behavior of the terminal device can lead to communication interruption and low communication efficiency.

[0161] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides a solution based on its embodiments. Unlike solutions that use a separately introduced carrier for positioning, this application's solution involves the terminal device reporting CA combinations that support sensing within the communication CA combinations. This allows the network side (such as network devices, core network devices, etc.) to consider communication resources when configuring sensing resources, thereby enabling the configuration of communication cells for sensing as much as possible. This achieves coupling between sensing and communication, improving the efficiency of both.

[0162] The following sections describe in detail the solutions provided in the embodiments of this application, focusing on scenarios where core network devices are configuration-aware and network devices are configuration-aware, with reference to the accompanying drawings. For example, the core network device can be an SF network element, or it can be other network elements. It should be noted that the network device and the SF network element can directly exchange first information, second information, etc., or they can be forwarded through other core network devices; no specific limitations are made here.

[0163] Example 1: Scenario where core network equipment configures terminal equipment to perform cell sensing.

[0164] like Figure 10 As shown, the method specifically includes:

[0165] S1001, the terminal device sends the first information. Correspondingly, the core network device receives the first information.

[0166] In this application, the first information is used to indicate at least one supported CA combination. The first information further indicates a CA combination that supports sensing among the at least one CA combination. If at least one cell in the cells corresponding to a CA combination supports sensing, it can be understood that the CA combination supports sensing. For example, CA combination supporting sensing can also be described as the terminal device supporting sensing on that CA combination or the CA combination having sensing capability. A CA combination can also be described as a set of CA cells, a set of CA carriers, a list of CA cells, a list of CA carriers, etc.

[0167] The first information indicates the CA combination that supports sensing among at least one CA combination. It can also be described as the first information indicating the sensing capability of the at least one CA combination, or the first information indicating the sensing capability of the cell corresponding to one or more CA combinations among the at least one CA combination, or the first information indicating the CA combination among the at least one CA combination that the terminal device can perform sensing, or the first information indicating the CA combination among the at least one CA combination that has sensing capability, etc. As long as the first information enables the core network device to determine the CA combination that supports sensing among the CA combinations supported by the terminal device, it is acceptable.

[0168] In one exemplary embodiment, the aforementioned first information may be capability information of a terminal device. This capability information includes capability information for at least one frequency band combination, where a frequency band combination can indicate at least one CA combination. For a CA combination that supports sensing, the capability information of the corresponding frequency band combination can indicate that the CA combination supports sensing. For example, this can be indicated by combining the frequency band list and / or feature set of the frequency band combination.

[0169] The terminal device's capability information can report its ability to communicate with network devices. Therefore, the at least one CA combination indicated by the first information is a CA combination supported by the terminal device for communication with network devices. By reporting the sensing capabilities of the CA combination when reporting the communication CA combination, the first information enables the core network device to consider communication resources when configuring sensing resources, thereby configuring sensing resources among communication resources as much as possible to improve the efficiency of sensing and communication.

[0170] Optionally, for a CA that supports sensing, the first information can also indicate the communication and sensing capabilities of the CA. For example, the first information can indicate the communication and sensing capabilities of the CA through the capability information of the frequency band combination corresponding to the CA.

[0171] The following describes two methods for terminal devices to send the first information to core network devices.

[0172] In method 1-1, the terminal device can send first information to the core network device via non-access stratum (NAS) messages. For example, the terminal device sends a first NAS message, which carries the first information. After receiving the first NAS message, the network device forwards it to the core network device.

[0173] Optionally, in Method A, the terminal device can also send third information to the core network device, indicating the CA combination currently communicating with the network device. For example, the first NAS message can also carry third information. Of course, the terminal device can also send third information through other messages; this is not specifically limited here.

[0174] In one exemplary description, the “CA combination currently used by the terminal device to communicate with the network device” in this application can be alternatively described as “the CA combination currently configured for the terminal device”.

[0175] In methods 1-2, the terminal device can send the first information to the network device through air interface resources. The network device sends the first information to the core network device through the interface between it and the core network device (such as the NG interface). For example, the network device can send the first information to the core network device through the terminal device context management process between it and the core network device. For example, the network device can send the first information to the core network device through Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session resource setup response (PDUSESSION RESOURCE SETUP RESPONSE) message, PDU session resource modification response (PDU SESSION RESOURCE MODIFY RESPONSE) message, UE context modification response (UE CONTEXT MODIFICATION RESPONSE) message, PATH SWITCH REQUEST message, INITIAL UE MESSAGE message, and UPLINK NAS TRANSPORT message.

[0176] Optionally, the network device can also send third information to the core network device, indicating the CA combination currently used by the terminal device in communicating with the network device. For example, the network device can send third information to the core network device using user equipment location information.

[0177] For example, NR user location information can be shown in Table 2.

[0178] Table 2

[0179]

[0180] Among them, the NG cell global identifier (CGI) indicates information about the primary cell through which the terminal device is currently communicating with the network device. Sensing cell information indicates information about the secondary cells activated by the terminal device.

[0181] It should be noted that "Sensing cell information" is just an example name and is not specifically limited here.

[0182] The above method, by introducing secondary cell information into the UE location process such as NR user location information, enables the core network equipment to determine the CA combination for communication between the current terminal equipment and the network equipment. This helps the core network equipment configure the current cell for communication between the terminal equipment and the network equipment to perform sensing, thereby improving the efficiency of sensing and communication.

[0183] Optionally, the terminal device can also send a fourth piece of information to the core network device. This fourth piece of information is used to indicate the cell for which sensing is desired. The method of sending the fourth piece of information is similar to that of sending the third piece of information, and will not be repeated here.

[0184] S1002, the core network equipment determines at least one cell based on the first information.

[0185] The above-mentioned at least one cell is used for terminal devices to perform sensing (the method of terminal devices performing sensing will be described in S1004 below), and these at least one cell will be referred to as the cell for performing sensing below.

[0186] In one example, the cells performing the aforementioned sensing action belong to the first CA combination, which is at least one CA combination that supports sensing. For instance, if the first CA combination corresponds to N cells, and M of these N cells support sensing, then the cells performing the sensing action can be all or some of these M cells, where N is an integer greater than 1 and M is an integer greater than 0 and not greater than N.

[0187] Optionally, the first CA combination is the CA combination used for communication between the current terminal device and the network device. This method enables the terminal device to perform sensing on the communication cell, achieving coupling between sensing and communication.

[0188] The following describes two methods by which core network equipment determines the cells to perform sensing.

[0189] In method 2-1, the core network device can determine the cell for performing sensing based on the first information from the CA combination in the current communication between the terminal device and the network device. For example, the core network device can select a CA combination that supports sensing from the CA combination in the current communication between the terminal device and the network device, and configure the cells that support sensing in the cells corresponding to that CA combination as the cells for the terminal device to perform sensing.

[0190] The above methods enable terminal devices to perform sensing on the communication cell, thus achieving the coupling of communication and sensing.

[0191] In method 2-2, the core network device can determine the cell to perform sensing based on the first information from at least one CA combination supported by the terminal device. For example, the core network device can select a CA combination that supports sensing from at least one CA combination supported by the terminal device, and configure the cells that support sensing among the cells corresponding to that CA combination as the cells for which the terminal device performs sensing.

[0192] The above methods enable terminal devices to perform sensing on the communication cell to a certain extent, thus achieving the coupling of communication and sensing.

[0193] In one possible implementation, the core network device can use method 2-1 above to determine the cell for sensing. If neither the CA combination used for communication between the current terminal device and the network device supports sensing, the core network device can use method 2-2 above to determine the cell for sensing. This approach allows the terminal device to perform sensing on the cell where it is communicating, thus achieving coupling between communication and sensing.

[0194] Furthermore, if the core network device determines at least one cell using the method described in 2-2 above—that is, the cell performing sensing does not belong to the CA combination used for communication between the current terminal device and the network device—the core network device can reconfigure the CA combination of the terminal device. For example, the core network device can release the secondary cell corresponding to the CA combination used for communication between the current terminal device and the network device, and add the secondary cell corresponding to the first CA combination (i.e., the CA combination corresponding to the cell performing sensing). Alternatively, the core network device can instruct the terminal device via the fifth information to change the secondary cell to the secondary cell corresponding to the first CA combination (i.e., the CA combination corresponding to the cell performing sensing). These methods further facilitate the terminal device to perform sensing on the communicating cell, achieving coupling between communication and sensing.

[0195] In one possible implementation, if the core network device receives the fourth information, it can determine the cell to perform sensing based on the fourth information. For example, the core network device can select a CA combination that supports sensing and includes the cell that the terminal device wants to perform sensing from the CA combination currently used by the terminal device and the network device or from at least one CA combination supported by the terminal device.

[0196] As an example, when determining which cells to perform sensing, core network equipment can also consider sensing requirements such as resolution and accuracy requirements of the sensing service.

[0197] S1003, the core network equipment sends the second information. Correspondingly, the terminal equipment receives the second information.

[0198] The second information indicates at least one cell used to perform sensing.

[0199] The following describes two methods for core network equipment to send second information to terminal equipment.

[0200] Method 3-1: Core network devices can send second information to terminal devices via NAS messages. For example, the core network device sends a second NAS message, which carries the second information. The network device forwards the second NAS message to the terminal device after receiving it.

[0201] In method 3-2, the core network device sends the second information to the network device through an interface (such as the NG interface). After receiving the second information, the network device can send the second information to the terminal device through air interface resources.

[0202] S1004, The terminal device performs sensing based on at least one cell.

[0203] The following section presents two examples of terminal devices performing perception, using perception modes as an example.

[0204] Example 1: A sensing mode in which a terminal device receives a sensing signal, for example, a sensing mode in which a network device sends a sensing signal and the terminal device receives the sensing signal, or a sensing mode in which a terminal device sends a sensing signal and receives the sensing signal.

[0205] Based on the above sensing modes, the terminal device performs sensing based on at least one cell, which can be achieved as follows: the terminal device receives sensing signals on the carriers of the at least one cell respectively, acquires sensing data based on the received sensing signals, and reports it. Specifically, in the sensing mode where the network device sends the sensing signal and the terminal device receives the sensing signal, the sensing signal is sent by the network device, meaning the network device sends the sensing signal on the carriers of the at least one cell respectively. In the sensing mode where the terminal device sends and receives the sensing signal, the sensing signal is sent by the terminal device itself, meaning the terminal device sends the sensing signal on the carriers of the at least one cell respectively.

[0206] The following uses the first sensing signal on the first cell and the second sensing signal on the second cell in at least one of the above cells as examples to introduce two ways in which the terminal device performs sensing.

[0207] In method 4-1, the terminal device receives a first sensing signal on a carrier of a first cell in at least one cell, and a second sensing signal on a carrier of a second cell in at least one cell. The terminal device acquires first sensing data based on the first sensing signal, acquires second sensing data based on the second sensing signal, and sends the first sensing data and the second sensing data to the network device.

[0208] In method 4-1, the terminal device independently processes and reports the sensing signals of different cells. For example, it processes the sensing signal of the first cell to obtain the first sensing data and reports it, and processes the sensing signal of the second cell to obtain the second sensing data and reports it. This can maintain the originality of the sensing data and help improve the accuracy of sensing.

[0209] To enable network devices to distinguish between the sensing data from the first cell and the sensing data from the second cell, the terminal device can also send the identification information of the cell corresponding to the sensing data. For example, the terminal device can send the identification information of the first cell when sending the first sensing data, and send the identification information of the second cell when sending the second sensing data.

[0210] Alternatively, the terminal device can send sensing data from two cells through different Quality of Service (QoS) streams. For example, the terminal device can send first sensing data through a first QoS stream and second sensing data through a second QoS stream. Optionally, the network device can indicate to the terminal device the mapping between QoS streams and sensing data, or the mapping between QoS streams and cells.

[0211] Alternatively, the terminal device can send sensing data for two cells through different RLC entities. For example, the terminal device can send first sensing data through a first RLC entity and second sensing data through a second RLC entity. Optionally, the network device can indicate to the terminal device the correspondence between RLC entities and sensing data, or the correspondence between RLC entities and cells.

[0212] Alternatively, the terminal device can transmit sensing data from two cells via different carriers. For example, the terminal device can transmit first sensing data via a first carrier and second sensing data via a second carrier. Optionally, the network device can indicate to the terminal device the correspondence between carriers and sensing data or the correspondence between carriers and cells.

[0213] It should be noted that the above four differentiation methods can also be implemented in combination. For example, the terminal device can send first sensing data carrying the identification information of the first cell through the first QoS stream, and send second sensing data carrying the identification information of the first cell through the second QoS stream. Another example is that the terminal device can send first sensing data and sensing data of a third cell among the at least one of the aforementioned cells through the first QoS stream. When sending the first sensing data and the sensing data of the third cell through the first QoS stream, the first sensing data can be sent through the first carrier, and the sensing data of the third cell can be sent through the third carrier. Similarly, the terminal device can send second sensing data and sensing data of a fourth cell among the at least one of the aforementioned cells through the second QoS stream. When sending the second sensing data and the sensing data of the fourth cell through the second QoS stream, the first sensing data can be sent through the second carrier, and the sensing data of the fourth cell can be sent through the fourth carrier. Other combinations are not listed here.

[0214] Optionally, after receiving the first sensing data and the second sensing data, the network device may perform fusion processing on the first sensing data and the second sensing data and then report it to the core network device, or it may forward the first sensing data and the second sensing data to the core network device.

[0215] Taking converged processing as an example, after receiving the first and second sensing data, the network device can process the first and second sensing data to obtain the third sensing data, and then report the third sensing data to the core network device.

[0216] Optionally, the network device can also send indication information to the core network device, indicating the cell associated with the reported sensing data, or in other words, which cells the reported sensing data was generated from. For example, if the third sensing data is generated from the first sensing data of the first cell and the second sensing data of the second cell, the indication information can indicate that the third sensing data is associated with the first and second cells.

[0217] Taking forwarding as an example, after receiving the first and second sensing data, the network device can send the first and second sensing data to the core network device.

[0218] To enable core network devices to distinguish between the sensing data of the first cell and the sensing data of the second cell, the network devices can also send the identification information of the cell corresponding to the sensing data. For example, the network device can send the identification information of the first cell when sending the first sensing data, and send the identification information of the second cell when sending the second sensing data.

[0219] Alternatively, network devices can transmit sensing data from two cells through different QoS streams. For example, a network device can transmit first sensing data through a first QoS stream and second sensing data through a second QoS stream.

[0220] Alternatively, network devices can transmit sensing data from two cells through different transmission channels. For example, a network device can transmit first sensing data through a first transmission channel and second sensing data through a second transmission channel.

[0221] It should be noted that the above three differentiation methods can also be implemented in combination. For example, the network device can send first sensing data carrying the identification information of the first cell through the first QoS stream, and send second sensing data carrying the identification information of the first cell through the second QoS stream. Another example is that the network device can send first sensing data and sensing data of a third cell among the at least one of the aforementioned cells through the first QoS stream. When sending the first sensing data and the sensing data of the third cell through the first QoS stream, the first sensing data can be sent through the first transmission channel, and the sensing data of the third cell can be sent through the third transmission channel. Similarly, the network device can send second sensing data and sensing data of a fourth cell among the at least one of the aforementioned cells through the second QoS stream. When sending the second sensing data and the sensing data of the fourth cell through the second QoS stream, the first sensing data can be sent through the second transmission channel, and the sensing data of the fourth cell can be sent through the fourth transmission channel. Other combinations are not listed here.

[0222] In method 4-2, the terminal device receives a first sensing signal on the carrier of the first cell in at least one cell and a second sensing signal on the carrier of the second cell in at least one cell; it obtains third sensing data based on the first and second sensing signals and sends the third sensing data to the core network device through the network device.

[0223] In method 4-2, the terminal device can reduce the reporting overhead of sensing data by fusing sensing signals from different cells, such as processing the sensing signals from the first cell and the second cell to obtain the third sensing data.

[0224] Optionally, the terminal device can also send indication information to the core network device via the network device. The indication information indicates the cell associated with the reported sensing data, or can be understood as indicating which cells' sensing signals the reported sensing data was generated from. For example, if the third sensing data is generated based on the first sensing signal of the first cell and the second sensing signal of the second cell, the indication information can indicate that the third sensing data is associated with the first cell and the second cell.

[0225] Optionally, the network device can instruct the terminal device on how to process the sensing signals of the first and second cells.

[0226] For example, the network device can instruct the terminal device to process and transmit the sensing signals of the first cell and the second cell respectively. Then, the terminal device can use the above method 4-1 to obtain first sensing data based on the first sensing signal, obtain second sensing data based on the second sensing signal, and send the first sensing data and the second sensing data to the network device. Alternatively, the network device can instruct the terminal device to process and transmit the sensing signals of the first cell and the second cell together. Then, the terminal device can use the above method 4-2 to obtain third sensing data based on the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal, and send the third sensing data to the core network device through the network device.

[0227] For example, the network device can instruct the terminal device whether to process and transmit the sensing signals of the first cell and the second cell respectively. If the instruction is yes, the terminal device can acquire first sensing data based on the first sensing signal and second sensing data based on the second sensing signal as described in method 4-1 above, and then send the first and second sensing data to the network device; if the instruction is no, the terminal device can acquire third sensing data based on the first and second sensing signals as described in method 4-2 above, and then send the third sensing data to the core network device through the network device.

[0228] For example, the network device can instruct the terminal device whether to process and transmit the sensing signals from the first and second cells in combination. If the instruction is yes, the terminal device can acquire third sensing data based on the first and second sensing signals as described in method 4-2 above, and send the third sensing data to the core network device through the network device; if the instruction is no, the terminal device can acquire first sensing data based on the first sensing signal and second sensing data based on the second sensing signal as described in method 4-1 above, and send the first and second sensing data to the network device.

[0229] Example 2: Sensing mode in which the terminal device sends sensing signals, for example, a sensing mode in which the terminal device sends sensing signals and the network device receives the echo signals.

[0230] Based on the above sensing mode, the terminal device can perform sensing based on at least one cell in the following way: the terminal device sends sensing signals to the network device on the carrier of the at least one cell respectively, for example, sending sensing signal a on the first cell of the at least one cell, sending sensing signal b on the second cell of the at least one cell, etc.

[0231] After receiving the sensing signal, the network device can process the sensing signals from different cells independently. The specific processing method is similar to that of the terminal device in Example 1, which processes the sensing signals from different cells independently. For details, please refer to the relevant description in Method 4-1 above. In this method, the network device reports the sensing data in a similar way to the reporting method of the network device after receiving the first and second sensing data in Method 4-1 above. For details, please refer to the relevant description in Method 4-1 above.

[0232] After receiving the sensing signal, the network device can also fuse sensing information from different cells. The specific processing method is similar to that of the terminal device in Example 1, which fuses sensing information from different cells. For details, please refer to the relevant description in Method 4-2 above. In this method, the network device reports sensing data in a similar way to the terminal device in Method 4-2 above. For details, please refer to the relevant description in Method 4-1 above.

[0233] Unlike schemes that use a separately introduced carrier for positioning, the scheme in this application involves the terminal device reporting CA combinations that support sensing within the communication CA combinations. This allows the core network device to consider communication resources when configuring sensing resources, thereby maximizing the configuration of communication cells for sensing and achieving coupling between sensing and communication to improve their efficiency. Furthermore, coupling sensing and communication improves resource utilization, enabling the terminal device to use more resources for sensing, thus enhancing sensing accuracy and resolution.

[0234] Example 2: Scenario where network devices configure terminal devices to perform cell awareness. In this scenario, the method of configuring network devices to perform cell awareness is similar to that of core network devices, except that in Example 1, the final receiver of the first and fourth information is the core network device, while in Example 2, the final receiver of the first and fourth information is the network device. In Example 1, the sender of the second information is the core network device, i.e., the core network device configures the terminal device to perform cell awareness, while in Example 2, the sender of the second information is the network device, i.e., the network device configures the terminal device to perform cell awareness. Furthermore, in the scenario where network devices configure terminal devices to perform cell awareness, since the network device knows the CA combination currently used for communication between the terminal device and the network device, the terminal device does not need to send the third information to the network device.

[0235] like Figure 11 As shown, the method specifically includes:

[0236] S1101, the terminal device sends the first information. Correspondingly, the network device receives the first information.

[0237] For a description of the first information, please refer to the description of the first information in Example 1 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0238] Optionally, the terminal device may also send a fourth message to the network device, which is used to indicate the cell for which sensing is desired.

[0239] S1102, the network device determines at least one cell based on the first information.

[0240] The above-mentioned at least one cell is used for terminal device to perform sensing, and these at least one cell will be referred to as the cell for performing sensing below.

[0241] In one example, the cells performing the aforementioned sensing action belong to the first CA combination, which is a CA combination that supports sensing among at least one combination. For example, if the first CA combination corresponds to N cells, and M of these N cells support sensing, then the cells performing the sensing action can be all or some of these M cells, where N is an integer greater than 1 and M is an integer greater than 0 and not greater than N.

[0242] Optionally, the first CA combination is the CA combination used for communication between the current terminal device and the network device. This method enables the terminal device to perform sensing on the communication cell, achieving coupling between sensing and communication.

[0243] In one exemplary description, the “CA combination currently used by the terminal device to communicate with the network device” in this application can be alternatively described as “the CA combination currently configured for the terminal device”.

[0244] The method by which network devices determine the cells to be used for sensing is similar to the method by which core network devices determine the cells to be used in Embodiment 1. For details, please refer to the relevant description in Embodiment 1, which will not be repeated here.

[0245] In one possible implementation, if the network device receives the fourth information, it can determine the cell to perform sensing based on the fourth information. For example, the network device can select a CA combination that supports sensing and includes the cell that the terminal device wants to perform sensing from the CA combination currently used by the terminal device and the network device or from at least one CA combination supported by the terminal device.

[0246] As an example, when determining which cells to perform sensing operations, network devices can also consider sensing requirements such as resolution and accuracy requirements of the sensing service. Optionally, these sensing requirements can be sent to the network devices by the core network devices.

[0247] S1103, the network device sends the second information. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the second information.

[0248] The second information indicates at least one cell used to perform sensing.

[0249] S1104, The terminal device performs sensing based on at least one cell.

[0250] The specific methods by which the terminal device performs perception can be found in the descriptions of Examples 1 and 2 in Embodiment 1 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0251] Optionally, the network device can also send a sixth piece of information to the core network device. This sixth piece of information is used to instruct the terminal device on the cell and / or carrier bandwidth for sensing. This method allows the core network device to determine the resolution, sensing accuracy, etc., of the terminal device's sensing based on the cell and / or carrier bandwidth used for sensing.

[0252] Unlike schemes that use a separately introduced carrier for positioning, the scheme in this application involves the terminal device reporting CA combinations that support sensing within the communication CA combinations. This allows the core network device to consider communication resources when configuring sensing resources, thereby maximizing the configuration of communication cells for sensing and achieving coupling between sensing and communication to improve their efficiency. Furthermore, coupling sensing and communication improves resource utilization, enabling the terminal device to use more resources for sensing, thus enhancing sensing accuracy and resolution.

[0253] Based on the same inventive concept as the method embodiments, this application provides a communication device, the structure of which can be as follows: Figure 12 As shown, it includes a communication unit 901 and a processing unit 902.

[0254] In one embodiment, the communication device can specifically be used to implement Figure 10 or Figure 11 In the embodiments, the method executed by the terminal device may be the terminal device itself, or a chip or chipset within the terminal device, or a part of a chip for performing related method functions. Specifically, the communication unit 901 is configured to send first information indicating at least one supported CA combination, further indicating a CA combination among the at least one supporting sensing; and to receive second information indicating at least one cell for performing sensing. The processing unit 902 is configured to perform sensing based on the at least one cell.

[0255] Optionally, the communication unit 901 is also configured to send third information, the third information indicating the CA combination currently communicating with the network device.

[0256] For example, the processing unit 902 is specifically configured to: receive a first sensing signal on the carrier of the first cell of the at least one cell via the communication unit 901, receive a second sensing signal on the carrier of the second cell of the at least one cell; and transmit the first sensing data and the second sensing data via the communication unit 901, or transmit third sensing data and indication information.

[0257] Wherein, the first sensing data is determined based on the first sensing signal, the second sensing data is determined based on the second sensing signal, the third sensing data is determined based on the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal, and the indication information indicates that the third sensing data is associated with the first cell and the second cell.

[0258] For example, when processing unit 902 sends the first sensing data and the second sensing data, it is specifically used to: send the first sensing data through a first quality of service stream and send the second sensing data through a second quality of service stream; or, send the first sensing data through a first RLC entity and send the second sensing data through a second RLC entity; or, send the first sensing data through a first carrier and send the second sensing data through a second carrier.

[0259] Optionally, the communication unit 901 is also configured to send fourth information, which is used to indicate the cell where sensing is to be performed.

[0260] Optionally, the communication unit 901 is further configured to receive fifth information, the fifth information being used to indicate changing the secondary cell to the secondary cell corresponding to the first CA combination, wherein the at least one cell belongs to the first CA combination.

[0261] In one embodiment, the communication device can specifically be used to implement Figure 10 In the embodiments, the method executed by the core network device can be the core network device itself, or a chip or chipset within the core network device, or a part of a chip for performing related method functions. Specifically, a communication unit 901 is configured to receive first information, which indicates at least one CA combination supported by the terminal device, and further indicates a CA combination among the at least one CA combination that supports sensing; a processing unit 902 is configured to determine at least one cell based on the first information; and the communication unit 901 is further configured to send second information, which indicates at least one cell for the terminal device to perform sensing.

[0262] Optionally, the communication unit 901 is also configured to receive third information, the third information indicating the CA combination of the current communication between the terminal device and the network device.

[0263] For example, processing unit 902 is specifically configured to: determine the at least one cell based on the first information in the CA combination currently used for communication between the terminal device and the network device; or, determine the at least one cell based on the first information in the at least one CA combination supported by the terminal device.

[0264] Optionally, the communication unit 901 is further configured to receive first sensing data and second sensing data, wherein the first sensing data corresponds to a first cell in the at least one cell, and the second sensing data corresponds to a second cell in the at least one cell.

[0265] Optionally, the communication unit 901 is further configured to receive third sensing data and indication information, the indication information indicating that the third sensing data is associated with a first cell and a second cell, the first cell and the second cell belonging to the at least one cell.

[0266] For example, the communication unit 901 is specifically used to: receive the first sensing data through a first quality of service stream and receive the second sensing data through a second quality of service stream; or, receive the first sensing data through a first transmission channel and receive the second sensing data through a second transmission channel.

[0267] Optionally, the communication unit 901 is also configured to send fourth information, which is used to indicate the cell where sensing is to be performed.

[0268] Optionally, the communication unit 901 is further configured to send fifth information, the fifth information being used to indicate changing the secondary cell to the secondary cell corresponding to the first CA combination, wherein the first cell belongs to the first CA combination, and the at least one cell belongs to the first CA combination.

[0269] In one embodiment, the communication device can specifically be used to implement Figure 11 In this embodiment, the method is executed by the network device. The device can be the network device itself, or a chip or chipset within the network device, or a part of a chip that performs the relevant method function. Specifically, a communication unit 901 receives first information from a terminal device, the first information indicating at least one CA combination supported by the terminal device, and further indicating a CA combination among the at least one CA combination that supports sensing. A processing unit 902 determines at least one cell based on the first information. The communication unit 901 further sends second information to the terminal device, the second information indicating at least one cell for the terminal device to perform sensing.

[0270] For example, processing unit 902 is specifically configured to: determine the at least one cell based on the first information among the CA combinations currently communicating with the terminal device; or, determine the at least one cell based on the first information among the at least one CA combinations supported by the terminal device.

[0271] Optionally, the communication unit 901 is further configured to receive fourth information from the terminal device, the fourth information being used to indicate the cell that the terminal device wishes to perform sensing.

[0272] Optionally, the communication unit 901 is further configured to receive first sensing data and second sensing data from the terminal device, wherein the first sensing data corresponds to a first cell in the at least one cell and the second sensing data corresponds to a second cell in the at least one cell; and to send the first sensing data and the second sensing data to the core network device, or to send third sensing data and indication information to the core network device, wherein the indication information indicates that the third sensing data is associated with the first cell and the second cell, and the third sensing data is determined based on the first sensing data and the second sensing data.

[0273] Optionally, the communication unit 901 is further configured to receive a first sensing signal on the carrier of the first cell of the at least one cell, and receive a second sensing signal on the carrier of the second cell of the at least one cell; send the first sensing data and the second sensing data to the core network equipment, or send third sensing data and indication information to the core network equipment;

[0274] Wherein, the first sensing data is determined based on the first sensing signal, the second sensing data is determined based on the second sensing signal, the third sensing data is determined based on the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal, and the indication information indicates that the third sensing data is associated with the first cell and the second cell.

[0275] For example, the communication unit 901 is specifically used to: send the first sensing data through a first quality of service stream and send the second sensing data through a second quality of service stream; or, send the first sensing data through a first transmission channel and send the second sensing data through a second transmission channel.

[0276] For example, the communication unit 901 is specifically configured to: receive the first sensing data through a first quality of service stream and receive the second sensing data through a second quality of service stream; or, receive the first sensing data through a first radio link control (RLC) entity and receive the second sensing data through a second RLC entity; or, receive the first sensing data through a first carrier and receive the second sensing data through a second carrier.

[0277] Optionally, the communication unit 901 is further configured to send a sixth message to the core network device, the sixth message being used to instruct the terminal device to perform sensed cell and / or carrier bandwidth.

[0278] The module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and represents only one logical functional division. In actual implementation, other division methods may be used. Furthermore, the functional modules in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into a single processor, exist as separate physical entities, or be integrated into a single module. The integrated modules described above can be implemented in hardware or as software functional modules. It is understood that the functions or implementations of the modules in the embodiments of this application can be further described in the relevant descriptions of the method embodiments.

[0279] In one possible approach, the communication device can be as follows: Figure 13 As shown, the device can be a communication device or a chip within a communication device, wherein the communication device can be either the first device or the second device in the above embodiments. The device includes a processor 1001 and a communication interface 1002, and may also include a memory 1003. The processing unit 902 can be the processor 1001. The communication unit 901 can be the communication interface 1002. Optionally, the processor 1001 and the memory 1003 can also be integrated together.

[0280] The processor 1001 can be a CPU, a digital processing unit, or something similar. The communication interface 1002 can be a transceiver, an interface circuit such as a transceiver circuit, or a transceiver chip, etc. The device also includes a memory 1003 for storing the program executed by the processor 1001. The memory 1003 can be non-volatile memory, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD), or it can be volatile memory, such as random-access memory (RAM). The memory 1003 can be any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures that can be accessed by a computer, but is not limited to this.

[0281] The processor 1001 is used to execute the program code stored in the memory 1003, specifically to perform the actions of the aforementioned processing unit 902, which will not be described in detail here. The communication interface 1002 is specifically used to perform the actions of the aforementioned communication unit 901, which will not be described in detail here.

[0282] This application embodiment does not limit the specific connection medium between the communication interface 1002, processor 1001, and memory 1003. This application embodiment... Figure 13 The memory 1003, processor 1001, and communication interface 1002 are connected via a bus 1004. Figure 13 The connections between other components are shown in bold lines only and are not intended to be limiting. Buses can be categorized as address buses, data buses, control buses, etc. For ease of illustration, Figure 13 The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0283] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing computer software instructions required to execute the processor, including a program required to execute the processor.

[0284] This application also provides a communication system, including methods for implementing... Figure 10 In the embodiments, the communication device for implementing the terminal device function is used to achieve the following: Figure 10 In the embodiments, a communication device for implementing network device functions and a communication device for implementing network device functions are described. Figure 10 The communication device in the embodiment is a core network device function.

[0285] This application also provides a communication system, including methods for implementing... Figure 11 In the embodiments, a communication device for implementing terminal device functions and a communication device for implementing terminal device functions are provided. Figure 11 The embodiment is a communication device that functions as a network device.

[0286] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this application can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this application can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0287] This application is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to this application. It should be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, generate instructions for implementing the flowchart illustrations. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0288] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0289] 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.

[0290] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the scope of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Send first information, the first information being used to indicate at least one supported carrier aggregation CA combination, the first information further indicating a CA combination among the at least one CA combination that supports sensing; Receive second information, the second information indicating at least one cell for performing sensing; Sensing is performed based on at least one of the cells.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one cell belongs to a first CA combination, which is a CA combination that supports sensing among the at least one combination.

3. The method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first CA combination is the CA combination currently communicating with the network device.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a third message indicating the CA combination currently communicating with the network device.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The process of performing sensing based on the at least one cell includes: A first sensing signal is received on the carrier of the first cell of the at least one cell, and a second sensing signal is received on the carrier of the second cell of the at least one cell; Send the first sensing data and the second sensing data, or send the third sensing data and indication information; Wherein, the first sensing data is determined based on the first sensing signal, the second sensing data is determined based on the second sensing signal, the third sensing data is determined based on the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal, and the indication information indicates that the third sensing data is associated with the first cell and the second cell.

6. The method as described in claim 5, characterized in that, Sending the first sensing data and the second sensing data includes: The first sensed data is sent through a first quality of service stream, and the second sensed data is sent through a second quality of service stream. Alternatively, the first sensing data is sent through the first radio link control RLC entity, and the second sensing data is sent through the second RLC entity; Alternatively, the first sensing data can be transmitted via a first carrier, and the second sensing data can be transmitted via a second carrier.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a fourth message, which is used to indicate the cell where sensing is expected to be performed.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4-7, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive fifth information, the fifth information being used to indicate communication with network devices on a first CA combination, wherein the at least one cell belongs to the first CA combination.

9. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Receive first information, the first information being used to indicate at least one carrier aggregation (CA) combination supported by the terminal device, the first information further indicating a CA combination among the at least one CA combination that supports sensing. At least one cell is identified based on the first information; Send a second message, the second message indicating at least one cell for the terminal device to perform sensing.

10. The method as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The at least one cell belongs to a first CA combination, which is a CA combination that the terminal device in the at least one combination supports sensing.

11. The method as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The first CA combination is the CA combination that the terminal device is currently communicating with the network device.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9-11, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive third information, which indicates the CA combination for the current communication between the terminal device and the network device.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9-12, characterized in that, The step of determining at least one cell based on the first information includes: In the CA combination of the current terminal device and network device communication, the at least one cell is determined based on the first information; Alternatively, the at least one cell may be determined based on the first information from the at least one CA combination supported by the terminal device.

14. The method according to any one of claims 9-13, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive first sensing data and second sensing data, wherein the first sensing data corresponds to a first cell in the at least one cell, and the second sensing data corresponds to a second cell in the at least one cell; Alternatively, receive third sensing data and indication information, the indication information indicating that the third sensing data is associated with a first cell and a second cell, the first cell and the second cell belonging to the at least one cell.

15. The method as described in claim 14, characterized in that, The receiving of the first sensing data and the second sensing data includes: The first sensed data is received through a first quality of service stream, and the second sensed data is received through a second quality of service stream. Alternatively, the first sensing data can be received through a first transmission channel, and the second sensing data can be received through a second transmission channel.

16. The method according to any one of claims 9-15, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a fourth message, which is used to indicate the cell where sensing is expected to be performed.

17. The method according to any one of claims 9, 10, and 12-16, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a fifth message, the fifth message being used to indicate communication with network devices on a first CA group, wherein the at least one cell belongs to the first CA group.

18. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Receive first information from a terminal device, the first information being used to indicate at least one carrier aggregation (CA) combination supported by the terminal device, the first information also indicating a CA combination among the at least one CA combination that supports sensing. At least one cell is identified based on the first information; Send a second message to the terminal device, the second message indicating at least one cell for the terminal device to perform sensing.

19. The method as described in claim 18, characterized in that, The at least one cell belongs to a first CA combination, which is a CA combination that the terminal device in the at least one combination supports sensing.

20. The method as described in claim 19, characterized in that, The first CA combination is the CA combination that the terminal device is currently communicating with the network device.

21. The method according to any one of claims 18-20, characterized in that, The step of determining at least one cell based on the first information includes: The at least one cell is determined based on the first information in the CA combination currently communicating with the terminal device; Alternatively, the at least one cell may be determined based on the first information from the at least one CA combination supported by the terminal device.

22. The method according to any one of claims 18-21, characterized in that, The method further includes: The terminal device receives fourth information, which indicates the cell to which the terminal device wishes to perform sensing.

23. The method according to any one of claims 18-22, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive first sensing data and second sensing data from the terminal device, wherein the first sensing data corresponds to a first cell in the at least one cell, and the second sensing data corresponds to a second cell in the at least one cell; The first sensing data and the second sensing data are sent to the core network device, or the third sensing data and indication information are sent to the core network device, wherein the indication information indicates that the third sensing data is associated with the first cell and the second cell, and the third sensing data is determined based on the first sensing data and the second sensing data.

24. The method according to any one of claims 18-23, characterized in that, The method further includes: A first sensing signal is received on the carrier of the first cell of the at least one cell, and a second sensing signal is received on the carrier of the second cell of the at least one cell; Send the first sensing data and the second sensing data to the core network device, or send the third sensing data and indication information to the core network device; Wherein, the first sensing data is determined based on the first sensing signal, the second sensing data is determined based on the second sensing signal, the third sensing data is determined based on the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal, and the indication information indicates that the third sensing data is associated with the first cell and the second cell.

25. The method as described in claim 23 or 24, characterized in that, Sending the first sensing data and the second sensing data to the core network device includes: The first sensed data is sent through a first quality of service stream, and the second sensed data is sent through a second quality of service stream. Alternatively, the first sensing data can be sent through the first transmission channel, and the second sensing data can be sent through the second transmission channel.

26. The method as described in claim 23, characterized in that, Receiving the first sensing data and the second sensing data from the terminal device includes: The first sensed data is received through a first quality of service stream, and the second sensed data is received through a second quality of service stream. Alternatively, the first sensing data can be received by a first wireless link control RLC entity, and the second sensing data can be received by a second RLC entity. Alternatively, the first sensing data can be received via a first carrier, and the second sensing data can be received via a second carrier.

27. The method according to any one of claims 18-26, characterized in that, The method further includes: The sixth information is sent to the core network equipment, which instructs the terminal equipment to perform sensed cell and / or carrier bandwidth.

28. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes units or modules for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1-8, or units or modules for performing the method as described in any one of claims 9-17, or units or modules for performing the method as described in any one of claims 18-27.

29. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a processor and a memory, the memory being used to store program instructions, the processor executing the program instructions causing the method of any one of claims 1-8 to be executed, or the method of any one of claims 9-17 to be executed, or the method of any one of claims 18-27 to be executed.

30. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer-readable instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1-27 to be performed.

31. A computer program product, characterized in that, When the computer program product is run on the device, the device causes the device to perform the method according to any one of claims 1-27.

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