A communication method, apparatus, electronic device, storage medium, and program product

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a communication method, device, electronic equipment, storage medium and program product, a first function network element receives a first request from a second function network element; the first request carries at least a first information, used for requesting a sensing service; based on the first information, a target sensing device is determined; the target sensing device is used to provide a sensing service. In summary, the technical solution provided by the present disclosure can be matched hierarchically, first matching a target function network element based on sensing capability and request demand, and then accurately matching a target sensing device based on the request by the target function network element, so that the efficiency of the communication sensing system is increased, the performance is improved, and the needs of sensing service addressing in complex scenarios are met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, apparatus, electronic device, storage medium, and program product. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the existing mechanism for determining sensing devices is as follows: external applications send sensing requests to the sensing capability open platform; the sensing capability open platform selects sensing service control network elements based on the sensing requests; and the sensing service control network elements further select sensing devices based on the sensing requests. However, existing communication protocols do not explicitly specify how to select sensing devices, which leads to the blindness and randomness of sensing device selection. This can result in problems such as low selection efficiency and frequent selection conflicts, leading to low efficiency and performance degradation of the communication system, and failing to meet actual needs. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure provides a communication method, apparatus, electronic device, storage medium, and program product, which to some extent solves the problem that existing communication protocols do not explicitly specify how to select sensing devices. This leads to the blindness and randomness in the selection of sensing devices, which may result in low selection efficiency, frequent selection conflicts, and other problems, causing the communication system to be inefficient, perform poorly, and fail to meet actual needs.

[0004] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a communication method is provided, applied to a first functional network element, the method comprising: receiving a first request from a second functional network element; the first request carrying at least first information for requesting a sensing service; determining a target sensing device based on the first information; and the target sensing device being used to provide the sensing service.

[0005] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the method of this disclosure, determining a target sensing device based on first information includes: acquiring second information and second granularity information in the first information; the second information is used to indicate the sensing capabilities of a plurality of sensing devices; the first granularity information indicates a sensing range greater than the second granularity information indicates a sensing range; and comparing the second granularity information and the second information to determine the target sensing device.

[0006] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the method disclosed herein, the method further includes: receiving second information from multiple sensing devices; processing the second information from the multiple sensing devices to obtain third information; using the third information to indicate the sensing capability information of the first functional network element; and sending the third information to the second functional network element and / or the third functional network element.

[0007] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the method disclosed herein, the comprehensive processing includes at least one of the following: aggregation processing and summary processing.

[0008] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the method of this disclosure, the sensing device has area sensing capability; the sensing device includes at least one of the following: a base station, a terminal, a radar device, and a non-3GPP connection device.

[0009] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the method disclosed herein, the first functional network element includes at least one of the following: Service Function SF and Service Function Control Plane SF-C; the second functional network element includes at least one of the following: Capability Opening Platform and Network Opening Function NEF; and the third functional network element is Network Storage Resource Function NRF.

[0010] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the method of this disclosure, the first information also includes at least one of the following: application identifier, sensing type, sensing timing, sensing frequency, sensing accuracy, and sensing processing level.

[0011] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the method disclosed herein, the first granularity information includes at least one of administrative identifiers and digital identifiers; the second granularity information includes at least one of the following: two-dimensional latitude and longitude information, and three-dimensional latitude, longitude, and altitude information.

[0012] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a communication method is provided for application to a second functional network element. The method includes: receiving a first request from a sensing service requester; the first request carrying at least first information for requesting sensing services; determining a target functional network element among a plurality of first functional network elements based on the first information and third information; the third information indicating the sensing capabilities of the plurality of first functional network elements; and the target functional network element determining a target sensing device.

[0013] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, a target functional network element is determined among multiple first functional network elements based on first information and third information, including: obtaining first granularity information from the third information and the first information; comparing the first granularity information and the third information to determine the target functional network element.

[0014] Furthermore, according to another aspect of the method disclosed herein, the method further includes: receiving third information from a plurality of first functional network elements; or sending fourth information to a third functional network element; the fourth information being used to request a query of the third information; and receiving the third information from the third functional network element.

[0015] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, obtaining the first granularity information in the first information includes: obtaining the first granularity information carried in the first information; or, determining the first granularity information corresponding to the second granularity information based on the second granularity information carried in the first information and the first association relationship; the first association relationship is the correspondence between the first granularity information supported by the first functional network element and the second granularity information.

[0016] Furthermore, according to another aspect of the method disclosed, the method further includes: sending a first request to the target functional network element.

[0017] Furthermore, according to another aspect of the method disclosed, the sensing service requester includes at least one of the following: an application function platform (AF) and a terminal.

[0018] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a communication system is provided, the system comprising: a first functional network element for implementing the method as described in any of the above claims; and a second functional network element for implementing the method as described in any of the above claims.

[0019] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a communication device is provided, disposed in a first functional network element, the device comprising: a receiving unit for receiving a first request from a second functional network element; the first request carrying at least first information for requesting a sensing service; and a determining unit for determining a target sensing device based on the first information; the target sensing device being used to provide the sensing service.

[0020] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a communication device is provided, disposed in a second functional network element, the device comprising: a receiving unit, configured to receive a first request from a sensing service requester; the first request carrying at least first information for requesting a sensing service; and a determining unit, configured to determine a target functional network element among a plurality of first functional network elements based on the first information and third information; the third information being used to indicate the sensing capabilities of the plurality of first functional network elements; and the target functional network element being used to determine a target sensing device.

[0021] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an electronic device is provided, comprising: a memory for storing computer-readable instructions; and a processor for executing the computer-readable instructions, causing the electronic device to perform the method as described in any embodiment of one aspect.

[0022] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is provided for storing computer-readable instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the method as described in any embodiment of one aspect.

[0023] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a computer program product is provided, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the method as described in any embodiment of one aspect.

[0024] This disclosure provides a communication method, apparatus, electronic device, storage medium, and program product. A first functional network element receives a first request from a second functional network element; the first request carries at least first information for requesting a sensing service; based on the first information, a target sensing device is determined; the target sensing device is used to provide the sensing service. In summary, the first functional network element of this disclosure, by receiving a sensing service request from a second functional network element and using the first information carried in the request as a basis, efficiently filters and determines the target sensing device, achieving precise matching between sensing service needs and service providers. Compared to the lack of specificity and low efficiency in sensing service allocation in traditional communication methods, this disclosure allows for targeted, layered matching. First, a broad matching based on sensing capabilities and request requirements determines the target first functional network element; then, the target first functional network element precisely matches the target sensing device based on the request. This increases the efficiency and performance of the communication sensing system, meeting the needs of sensing service addressing in complex scenarios.

[0025] It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide further illustration of the claimed technology. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent from the more detailed description of the embodiments thereof in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are provided to further illustrate the embodiments of this disclosure and form part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of this disclosure to explain the disclosure and do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings, the same reference numerals generally represent the same components or steps.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0029] Figure 3 An interactive flowchart illustrating a complete communication method provided in this embodiment of the disclosure;

[0030] Figure 4 An interactive flowchart of another complete communication method provided in this disclosure embodiment;

[0031] Figure 5 A structural block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0032] Figure 6 A structural block diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0033] Figure 7 A hardware block diagram of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0034] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a computer-readable storage medium provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0035] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this disclosure more apparent, exemplary embodiments according to this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely some embodiments of this disclosure, and not all embodiments of this disclosure. It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described herein.

[0036] Currently, the existing mechanism for determining sensing devices is as follows: external applications send sensing requests to the sensing capability open platform; the sensing capability open platform selects sensing service control network elements based on the sensing requests; and the sensing service control network elements further select sensing devices based on the sensing requests. However, existing communication protocols do not explicitly specify how to select sensing devices, which leads to the blindness and randomness of sensing device selection. This can result in problems such as low selection efficiency and frequent selection conflicts, leading to low efficiency and performance degradation of the communication system, and failing to meet actual needs.

[0037] Therefore, in response to the aforementioned problems, this disclosure proposes a communication method that, compared to existing methods lacking clear rules and involving random, blind selection, allows for targeted, layered matching. First, it determines target functional network elements through broad matching based on sensing capabilities and request requirements. Then, the target functional network elements precisely match target sensing devices based on requests, thereby increasing the efficiency and performance of the communication system and meeting practical needs. First, please refer to... Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 1 As shown, the communication system includes at least: a first functional network element, a third functional network element, a second functional network element, and a sensing device.

[0038] The first functional network element (SF) is primarily responsible for determining the sensing devices. It selects devices from a pool of sensing devices that meet the task requirements based on task needs, network coverage, device performance, and at least one other factor. The SF can include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: Service Function (SF) and Service Function-Control Plane (SF-C). Specifically, when acting as the SF, it is mainly responsible for scheduling and managing the sensing devices according to business needs. It can receive sensing task requests from the business platform and, combined with its own information on sensing device resources, determine the list of devices participating in the sensing task. The SF-C, as the SF, is primarily responsible for controlling and configuring the sensing devices. It monitors the devices by establishing control connections with them. Once the sensing devices are determined, the SF-C configures them according to task requirements to ensure optimal performance.

[0039] The third functional network element is primarily responsible for storing the sensing capability data of each sensing network element. This third functional network element may include, but is not limited to, a Network Repository Function (NRF). When second functional network elements, etc., need to obtain the capability information of sensing network elements to support business decisions or data processing, they can initiate a query request to the NRF through a standard interface. The NRF will then quickly and accurately return the stored sensing capability data based on the request content.

[0040] The second functional network element is primarily responsible for determining the target sensing network element. It can screen the most suitable network element for performing sensing tasks through a comprehensive analysis of various service requirements, capabilities, and network resource conditions within the network. The second functional network element can include, but is not limited to, at least two of the following: a capability open platform and a Network Exposure Function (NEF). Specifically, in the two embodiments of this disclosure, when determining the target sensing network element, the capability open platform can, based on the service requirements submitted by application developers and combined with its own network resources and network element capability information, screen network elements with corresponding sensing capabilities within the network and determine them as the target sensing network element. Furthermore, the capability open platform can also undertake the management and monitoring responsibilities for open capabilities, ensuring the secure and stable opening of network capabilities. In the other two embodiments of this disclosure, during the determination of the target sensing network element, the NEF can, based on the external application's need for sensing data, screen suitable sensing network elements from within the network and recommend them to the application. Simultaneously, the NEF can also be responsible for managing and controlling the permissions of external applications to access network resources, ensuring network security and privacy.

[0041] Sensing devices can be sensing execution devices with area sensing capabilities. Sensing devices can include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following: base stations, terminals, radar equipment, and non-3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) connection devices. Specifically, base stations, as an important component of mobile communication networks, can sense at least one piece of information such as signal strength, location, and connection status of terminal devices within their coverage area, and can thus serve as sensing devices; terminal devices, such as smartphones and IoT devices, carry multiple sensors and can sense at least one piece of information such as environmental data (e.g., temperature, humidity, light intensity) and user behavior (e.g., location movement, operating habits), and can thus serve as sensing devices; radar equipment, by emitting and receiving electromagnetic waves, can sense at least one piece of information such as the distance, speed, and orientation of target objects, and can thus serve as sensing devices; non-3GPP connection devices, capable of sensing and controlling smart homes, can also serve as sensing devices.

[0042] then, Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 2 As shown, this communication method is applied to the first functional network element, including:

[0043] In step S201, a first request is received from the second functional network element; the first request carries at least first information for requesting sensing services.

[0044] In this disclosure, the first request is mainly initiated by the sensing service requesting direction to the second functional network element (capability open platform or NEF). It can transform specific business requirements into a first request containing first information. The first information carries at least first information representing the sensing area range, and may also include at least one type of information such as the type of sensing service, data accuracy requirements, and sensing data processing level, which will be described in detail below with reference to embodiments.

[0045] In step S202, a target sensing device is determined based on the first information; the target sensing device is used to provide sensing services.

[0046] In this disclosure, after receiving a first request, the first functional network element can parse the first request to determine the first information of the specific business requirement. The first functional network element can also perform legality verification on the first request, including but not limited to at least one of the following: checking whether the identity of the AF is legitimate, whether the request format is correct, and whether the permissions meet the requirements, without restriction. Then, using the sensing capability information of multiple sensing devices stored within itself, the target sensing device is determined.

[0047] In this way, the first functional network element of this disclosure receives the sensing service request from the second functional network element and, based on the first information carried in the request, efficiently filters and determines the target sensing device, achieving precise matching between sensing service needs and service providers. Compared with the lack of specificity and low efficiency in sensing service allocation in traditional communication methods, targeted hierarchical matching can be performed. First, the first functional network element of the target is determined through broad matching based on sensing capabilities and request requirements. Then, the first functional network element of the target is precisely matched with the target sensing device based on the request. This increases the efficiency and performance of the communication sensing system, meeting the needs of sensing service addressing in complex scenarios.

[0048] The following details how this disclosure determines a target sensing device, including the following methods:

[0049] Acquire the second granularity information from the second information and the first information; the second information is used to indicate the sensing capabilities of multiple sensing devices; the first granularity information indicates that the sensing range is greater than the sensing range indicated by the second granularity information;

[0050] The second granularity information is compared with the second information to determine the target sensing device.

[0051] In this disclosure, the second information acquired by the first functional network element can record in detail the specific capability attributes of each sensing device. The second granular information focuses on the micro-level details of the sensing service requirements, such as specific geographical coordinates (latitude and longitude), specific data accuracy requirements (e.g., temperature data accurate to 0.1℃), and data acquisition time intervals (once every 5 minutes).

[0052] During the comparison operation, the first functional network element first preprocesses the second information, eliminating sensing devices that do not currently meet the basic operating conditions. Next, it matches each requirement in the second granular information with the capability attributes of the remaining sensing devices one by one. When multiple sensing devices meet the initial matching conditions, the first functional network element can also perform deep filtering based on a preset priority strategy. Finally, it determines the target sensing device that best meets the requirements and issues sensing task instructions to it. Simultaneously, a real-time monitoring mechanism is established to promptly handle any anomalies during task execution, ensuring the stable and efficient operation of the sensing service.

[0053] The following details the communication method of the first functional network element of this disclosure, which further includes:

[0054] Receive second information from multiple sensing devices;

[0055] The second information from multiple sensing devices is integrated and processed to obtain the third information; the third information is used to indicate the sensing capability information of the first functional network element.

[0056] Send third information to the second functional network element and / or the third functional network element;

[0057] In this disclosure, a first functional network element can receive second information from multiple sensing devices and process it to obtain third information. That is, the first functional network element aggregates and generates dynamic information representing a large-scale dynamic area representing its sensing capabilities. Then, the first functional network element can send the third information to a second and / or a third functional network element, enabling the sharing and synchronization of sensing capability information within the network. When the sensing capabilities of the first functional network element change, it can proactively send out updated third information. After receiving this information, the second functional network element can make decisions based on the latest sensing capability information when subsequently processing sensing service requests and determining target functional network elements.

[0058] The following describes in detail the comprehensive processing of the sensing device disclosed herein, which may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: convergence processing and summary processing.

[0059] Among these, convergence processing refers to the second functional network element centrally integrating the scattered fourth information from multiple sensing devices according to certain rules. Summary processing focuses more on statistically analyzing and refining the characteristic data within the fourth information, such as calculating the average data acquisition accuracy of multiple sensing devices and the total coverage area. Through these comprehensive processing methods, the first functional network element can transform the originally fragmented and complex second information into concise, comprehensive, and representative third information, facilitating its transmission and sharing within the network, and also enabling other network elements to quickly acquire and understand the core content of its sensing capabilities.

[0060] The following details the specific content of the first information disclosed herein. The first information may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: application identifier, sensing type, sensing timing, sensing frequency, sensing accuracy, and sensing processing level.

[0061] Specifically, the application identifier is used to uniquely identify the requester initiating the sensing service request, facilitating access control and service tracking by the first functional network element; the sensing type specifies the category of the object to be sensed, such as personnel, vehicles, and environmental elements, guiding the target functional network element to select appropriate sensing devices; the sensing timing specifies the start and end times and execution cycle of the sensing task, ensuring that the sensing data meets the application's time requirements; the sensing frequency indicates the number of sensing operations per unit time, balancing data timeliness and network transmission pressure; the sensing accuracy defines the accuracy of the data, such as the error range of location information; and the sensing processing level determines the depth of processing of the sensing data within the second functional network element, such as whether preprocessing operations such as data fusion and feature extraction are required.

[0062] The following details the specific content of the first granularity information and the second granularity information disclosed herein, including:

[0063] The first granularity information includes at least one of administrative identifiers and digital identifiers;

[0064] The second granularity information includes at least one of the following: two-dimensional latitude and longitude information, and three-dimensional latitude, longitude, and altitude information.

[0065] In this disclosure, the administrative identifier of the first-level information is based on the national administrative division system, such as provinces, cities, and districts, and is suitable for dividing and managing macro-regions; the digital identifier of the first-level information is assigned a digital label to a geographical region through specific coding rules, such as grid coding and regional ID, which facilitates rapid identification and processing by the network system.

[0066] In this disclosure, the two-dimensional latitude and longitude information of the second granularity information is used for planar geographic positioning, which meets the perception needs of most conventional scenarios; the three-dimensional latitude, longitude and height information of the second granularity information adds a height dimension on the basis of two dimensions, which is suitable for perception tasks of three-dimensional space (such as high-rise buildings, mountains, etc.). The two granularities of information work together to provide accurate geographical range definition for perception tasks of different complexity.

[0067] This disclosure also provides a communication method on the second functional network element side, including:

[0068] Receive a first request from the party requesting the perception service; the first request carries at least first information for requesting the perception service;

[0069] Based on the first information and the third information, a target functional network element is determined among multiple first functional network elements; the third information is used to indicate the sensing capabilities of the multiple first functional network elements; the target functional network element is used to determine the target sensing device.

[0070] In this disclosure, the second functional network element can comprehensively analyze the parsed first information with its own or third information obtained from the third functional network element (NRF). This is because the third information records in detail the sensing capabilities of each first functional network element (SF, SF-C), including at least one of the types of sensing data it can process, supported sensing technologies, data processing capabilities, and covered sensing areas. Therefore, the second functional network element can filter and match the third information corresponding to multiple first functional network elements based on the requirements in the first information to determine the target functional network element. After determining the target functional network element, the second functional network element can forward the relevant first request to the target functional network element. Based on its own processing logic and the information it possesses, the target functional network element further determines the target sensing device that can meet the requirements from the sensing devices and begins to organize and coordinate the execution of the sensing task to ensure that the sensing service can be successfully completed according to the requirements of the sensing service requester.

[0071] In this way, the second functional network element selects and determines the target functional network element based on the first information in the sensing request and the third information indicating the sensing capabilities of each first functional network element. Furthermore, the target functional network element determines the target sensing device based on the first information in the sensing request. Compared to existing methods that lack clear rules and involve random, blind selection, this approach allows for targeted, layered matching. First, target functional network elements are determined through a broad matching process based on sensing capabilities and request requirements. Then, the target functional network elements precisely match the target sensing device based on the request, increasing the efficiency and performance of the communication system and meeting practical needs.

[0072] The following details how this disclosure determines the target functional network element, including the following methods:

[0073] Obtain the first granularity information from the third information and the first information;

[0074] The target functional network element is determined by comparing the first granularity information and the third granularity information.

[0075] In this disclosure, the first granularity information can be understood as coarse-grained information. The second granularity information can be understood as fine-grained information. The indication range of the first granularity information is larger than that of the second granularity information. The first granularity information usually refers to a large geographical area (such as an administrative region or a digitally identified region). The second granularity information can be precise to a specific area (such as latitude and longitude).

[0076] During the comparison operation, the second functional network element (capability open platform or NEF) can first break down and refine the first-level granular information, and then match it one by one with the third-level information to determine the target sensing network element. In this way, based on the macroscopic sensing requirements proposed by the sensing service requester, the first functional network element with corresponding microscopic sensing capabilities can be accurately selected, ensuring the feasibility and efficiency of the sensing task at the execution level. At the same time, this granular matching mechanism also helps to balance the allocation of network resources and avoid resource waste caused by irrelevant network elements participating in the sensing task.

[0077] The following details the methods for obtaining third-party information disclosed herein, including:

[0078] Receive third information from multiple first-function network elements;

[0079] or,

[0080] Send the fourth information to the third functional network element; the fourth information is used to request the query of the third information; receive the third information from the third functional network element.

[0081] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the second functional network element can directly receive third information from multiple first functional network elements. Specifically, during the initialization phase or when their sensing capabilities change (such as adding a sensing area or upgrading sensing technology), the multiple first functional network elements can proactively push detailed third information, including their own sensing range, to the second functional network element. This approach ensures that the second functional network element has real-time knowledge of the latest status of each first functional network element, and the data transmission path is short, reducing delays and data loss risks caused by intermediate links. However, it may increase the information processing burden on the first functional network elements.

[0082] In another embodiment of this disclosure, the second functional network element can obtain third information by sending fourth information to the third functional network element. Specifically, when the second functional network element needs to determine a target functional network element and does not locally store the latest sensing capability information of the first functional network element, it can send fourth information containing query conditions (such as querying the sensing range of the first functional network element within a specific area) to the third functional network element. The third functional network element, as a unified resource information repository in the network, can quickly retrieve and return the required third information based on a preset data index and storage structure. This approach helps to centrally manage and maintain sensing capability data and reduces data redundancy.

[0083] The following details the method for obtaining first-granularity information disclosed herein, including:

[0084] Obtain the first granularity information carried in the first information;

[0085] or,

[0086] Based on the second granularity information carried in the first information and the first association relationship, the first granularity information corresponding to the second granularity information is determined; the first association relationship is the correspondence between the first granularity information and the second granularity information supported by the first functional network element.

[0087] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the first information may include two types: first granularity information and second granularity information. When the requester of the perception service can clearly define the macro-level needs and micro-level details, it will carry both types of granularity information in the first request. For example, in a smart city traffic management scenario, if it is clearly stated that it needs to obtain the real-time traffic flow of all intersections within a certain administrative region (first granularity information) (second granularity information), the first functional network element directly extracts both types of information for subsequent selection of target functional network elements.

[0088] In another embodiment of this disclosure, the first information may only include the second granularity information. In this case, the second functional network element maps the second granularity information to the corresponding first granularity information according to a pre-configured first association relationship. The first association relationship is also something that the second functional network element can support and obtain.

[0089] The following will describe the communication method of the second functional network element after the target functional network element is determined:

[0090] The second functional network element can send a first request to the target functional network element. This further enables the target functional network element to determine the target sensing device based on the needs of the sensing service requester and the sensing capabilities of multiple sensing devices it has acquired.

[0091] The following describes the perception service request method disclosed herein, which may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: an application function platform (AF) and a terminal.

[0092] In this disclosure, the AF (Awareness Controller) can send perception service requests. The AF can transform abstract business logic into specific perception service requests based on diverse business scenarios and needs. For example, in a smart transportation scenario, the AF can generate perception service requests containing detailed information such as the perception range of a specific road segment and vehicle recognition accuracy requirements based on real-time traffic flow analysis needs, and send them to the second functional network element. The AF possesses strong resource coordination and management capabilities, can pre-integrate multiple business needs, generate perception service requests in batches, efficiently schedule communication system resources, and achieve centralized control over perception services.

[0093] In this disclosure, the terminal may also initiate the request for sensing services. The terminal directly reflects the immediate needs of individual users. As the direct carrier of interaction with users, the terminal's requests are often more personalized and real-time, and can flexibly adapt to the differentiated sensing service needs of different users at different times and locations.

[0094] Whether the sensing service request is initiated by the AF or the terminal, it carries key first information through standardized information formats and transmission protocols. This provides accurate basis for the first functional network element to subsequently determine the target sensing device, thereby ensuring the efficient flow and accurate implementation of the sensing service request from the initiating end to the executing end, and meeting the sensing business needs in various complex scenarios.

[0095] For example, Figure 3 This is an interactive flowchart illustrating a complete communication method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. (For example...) Figure 3 As shown: the first functional network element is NEF; the second functional network element is SF-C; and the third functional network element is NRF. The specific steps are as follows:

[0096] 1. When the sensing device sends a registration / reporting sensing capability message (i.e., the fourth information of this disclosure) to SF / SF-C (i.e., the second functional network element of this disclosure), it carries parameters (sensing processing capability information, which may include sensing area, sensing data processing level, supported sensing data types, etc.). Note: At this time, the sensing area information registered by the sensing device is detailed two-dimensional (longitude, latitude) or three-dimensional (longitude, latitude, altitude) information.

[0097] 2. The sensing network element receives the registration of sensing device capabilities and supports the generation of dynamic coarse-grained sensing ranges (i.e., the first information of this disclosure) based on the sensing ranges supported by the sensing devices.

[0098] Note 1: This refers to the ability to aggregate the range information reported by sensing devices and associate it with predefined coarse-grained range information.

[0099] Note 2: The definition of coarse-grained range information can take the following forms:

[0100] ① The identifier (string) of the administrative region must be unique in its naming.

[0101] ② Numerical identifiers can uniquely identify coarse-grained regions through segmentation. For example, a combination of country + province + city + finer-grained region, with each part defined by 2-3 digits. This method requires a unified definition mechanism for coarse-grained information.

[0102] Note 3: Coarse-grained information can also be statically configured uniformly by SF. This is suitable for deployments with fewer SFs, i.e., a group of SFs is responsible for an entire area.

[0103] 3. The sensing network element registers a coarse-grained sensing capability request with the NRF (i.e., the third functional network element of this disclosure), carrying the request, including the sensing network element instance identifier, IP address, and supported sensing area information (coarse-grained). The NRF receives the SF / SF-C sensing capability registration.

[0104] 4. The AF sends a sensing service request (i.e., the first information of this disclosure) to the sensing capability open network element (NEF). The request carries information such as application identifier, sensing request type, and sensing area.

[0105] Note: At this time, the information of the sensing area can be in the following two forms:

[0106] ① Coarse-grained information + fine-grained information. Fine-grained information refers to detailed two-dimensional (longitude, latitude) or three-dimensional (longitude, latitude, altitude) information.

[0107] ② Fine-grained information. If the information carried is fine-grained, the platform should support the conversion of fine-grained information into coarse-grained information, or the platform should support querying the association relationship from fine-grained information to coarse-grained information from external sources.

[0108] 5. The platform / NEF can send a sensing element query request to the NRF, carrying coarse-grained area information.

[0109] 6. NRF sends the query results back to the Nengkai platform, which includes the instance identifier and IP address of SF / SF-C.

[0110] 7. The platform / NEF can send a sensing request to SF / SF-C, which includes sensing area information (fine granularity), time information, sensing frequency (range), accuracy requirements (range), and the level of uploading sensing data processing.

[0111] 8. SF / SF-C selects the sensing device and SF-U according to the sensing request, triggering the sensing service operation and sensing data reporting process.

[0112] For example, Figure 4 An interactive flowchart illustrating another complete communication method provided in this disclosure embodiment. (See attached flowchart.) Figure 4 As shown: the first functional network element is the open platform; the second functional network element is SF-C.

[0113] The specific steps are as follows:

[0114] 1. When the sensing device sends a registration / reporting sensing capability message to SF / SF-C, it carries parameters (sensing processing capability information, which may include the sensing area, sensing data processing level, supported sensing data types, etc.). Note: At this time, the sensing area information registered by the sensing device is detailed two-dimensional (longitude, latitude) or three-dimensional (longitude, latitude, altitude) information.

[0115] 2. The sensing network element receives and registers the sensing device's capabilities, supporting the generation of dynamic coarse-grained sensing ranges based on the sensing ranges supported by the sensing devices.

[0116] Note 1: This refers to the ability to aggregate the range information reported by sensing devices and associate it with predefined coarse-grained range information.

[0117] Note 2: The definition of coarse-grained range information can take the following forms:

[0118] ① The identifier (string) of the administrative region must be unique in its naming.

[0119] ② Numerical identifiers can uniquely identify coarse-grained regions through segmentation. For example, a combination of country + province + city + finer-grained region, with each part defined by 2-3 digits. This method requires a unified definition mechanism for coarse-grained information.

[0120] Note 3: Coarse-grained information can also be statically configured uniformly by SF. This is suitable for deployments with fewer SFs, i.e., a group of SFs is responsible for an entire area.

[0121] 3. The sensing network element SF / SF-C sends a request to Nengkai to register coarse-grained sensing capabilities, carrying the request information including the sensing network element instance identifier, IP address, and supported sensing area information (coarse-grained). The Nengkai platform receives the SF / SF-C sensing capability registration.

[0122] 4. The AF sends a sensing service request to the sensing capability open network element (NEF), which carries information such as application identifier, sensing request type, and sensing area.

[0123] Note: At this time, the information of the sensing area can be in the following two forms:

[0124] ① Coarse-grained information + fine-grained information. Fine-grained information refers to detailed two-dimensional (longitude, latitude) or three-dimensional (longitude, latitude, altitude) information.

[0125] ② Fine-grained information. If the information carried is fine-grained, the platform should support the conversion of fine-grained information into coarse-grained information, or the platform should support querying the association relationship from fine-grained information to coarse-grained information from external sources.

[0126] 5. The platform / NEF can send a sensing request to SF / SF-C, which includes sensing area information (fine granularity), time information, sensing frequency (range), accuracy requirements (range), and the level of processing of the uploaded sensing data.

[0127] 6. The SF / SF-C selects the sensing device and SF-U according to the sensing request, triggering the sensing service operation and sensing data reporting process.

[0128] This disclosure also provides a communication system, the system comprising:

[0129] The first functional network element is used to implement any of the methods described above;

[0130] The second functional network element is used to implement any of the methods mentioned above.

[0131] This disclosure also provides a communication device. Figure 5 A structural block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the communication device 500 is located in the first functional network element and includes:

[0132] The receiving unit 501 is used to receive a first request from the second functional network element; the first request carries at least first information for requesting sensing services;

[0133] The determining unit 502 is used to determine the target sensing device based on the first information; the target sensing device is used to provide sensing services.

[0134] In one exemplary embodiment, the determining unit 502 is specifically configured to: acquire second granularity information from the second information and the first information; the second information is used to indicate the sensing capabilities of multiple sensing devices; the first granularity information indicates that the sensing range is greater than the second granularity information indicates the sensing range; compare the second granularity information and the second information to determine the target sensing device.

[0135] In one exemplary embodiment, the determining unit 502 is further configured to: receive second information from multiple sensing devices; process the second information from the multiple sensing devices to obtain third information; use the third information to indicate the sensing capability information of the first functional network element; and send the third information to the second functional network element and / or the third functional network element.

[0136] In one exemplary embodiment, the determining unit 502 is specifically used for: comprehensive processing including at least one of the following: convergence processing and summary processing.

[0137] In one exemplary embodiment, the determining unit 502 is specifically used to: the sensing device has area sensing capability; the sensing device includes at least one of the following: base station, terminal, radar equipment, and non-3GPP connection equipment.

[0138] In one exemplary embodiment, the determining unit 502 is specifically used for: the first functional network element including at least one of the following: service function SF, service function control plane SF-C; the second functional network element including at least one of the following: capability open platform, network open function NEF; and the third functional network element being network storage resource function NRF.

[0139] In one exemplary embodiment, the receiving unit 501 is specifically used to: the first information further includes at least one of the following: application identifier, sensing type, sensing timing, sensing frequency, sensing accuracy, and sensing processing level.

[0140] In one exemplary embodiment, the receiving unit 501 is specifically used for: the first granularity information includes at least one of administrative identifiers and digital identifiers; the second granularity information includes at least one of the following: two-dimensional latitude and longitude information, and three-dimensional latitude, longitude and altitude information.

[0141] This disclosure also provides a communication device. Figure 6 A structural block diagram of another communication device provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the communication device 600 is located in the second functional network element and includes:

[0142] The receiving unit 601 is used to receive a first request from a sensing service requester; the first request carries at least first information for requesting the sensing service.

[0143] The determining unit 602 is used to determine a target functional network element among a plurality of first functional network elements based on first information and third information; the third information is used to indicate the sensing capabilities of the plurality of first functional network elements; the target functional network element is used to determine the target sensing device.

[0144] In one exemplary embodiment, the determining unit 602 is specifically used to: obtain the first granularity information from the third information and the first information; compare the first granularity information and the third information to determine the target functional network element.

[0145] In one exemplary embodiment, the determining unit 602 is further configured to: receive third information from a plurality of first functional network elements; or, send fourth information to a third functional network element; the fourth information is used to request a query of the third information; and receive the third information from the third functional network element.

[0146] In one exemplary embodiment, the determining unit 602 is further configured to: obtain first granularity information carried in the first information; or, determine the first granularity information corresponding to the second granularity information based on the second granularity information carried in the first information and the first association relationship; the first association relationship is the correspondence between the first granularity information and the second granularity information supported by the first functional network element.

[0147] In one exemplary embodiment, the determining unit 602 is specifically used to: send a first request to the target functional network element.

[0148] In one exemplary embodiment, the determining unit 602 is further configured to: perceive that the service requester includes at least one of the following: an application function platform AF and a terminal.

[0149] Figure 7 This is a hardware block diagram of an electronic device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The electronic device 700 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes at least a processor and a memory for storing computer-readable instructions. When the computer-readable instructions are loaded and executed by the processor, the processor performs the communication method described in any of the preceding embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0150] Figure 7The illustrated electronic device 700 specifically includes a central processing unit (CPU) 701, a graphics processing unit (GPU) 702, and a memory 703. These units are interconnected via a bus 704. The CPU 701 and / or GPU 702 can function as the aforementioned processor, and the memory 703 can function as the aforementioned memory storing computer-readable instructions. Furthermore, the electronic device 700 may also include a communication unit 705, a storage unit 706, an output unit 707, an input unit 708, and an external device 709, all of which are also connected to the bus 704.

[0151] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a computer-readable storage medium provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. (As shown...) Figure 8 As shown, a computer-readable storage medium 800 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure stores computer-readable instructions 801 thereon. When the computer-readable instructions 801 are executed by a processor, the communication method described above with reference to any embodiment of the present disclosure is performed. The computer-readable storage medium includes, but is not limited to, volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory. Volatile memory may include, for example, random access memory (RAM) and / or cache memory. Non-volatile memory may include, for example, read-only memory (ROM), hard disk, flash memory, optical disk, magnetic disk, etc.

[0152] This disclosure further provides a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the communication method described in any of the preceding embodiments of this disclosure.

[0153] The present disclosure provides a communication method, apparatus, electronic device, storage medium, and program product. The first functional network element of this disclosure receives a first request from a second functional network element; the first request carries at least first information for requesting a sensing service; based on the first information, a target sensing device is determined; the target sensing device is used to provide the sensing service. In summary, the first functional network element of this disclosure, by receiving a sensing service request from a second functional network element and using the first information carried in the request as a basis, efficiently filters and determines the target sensing device, achieving precise matching between sensing service needs and service providers. Compared to the lack of specificity and low efficiency in sensing service allocation in traditional communication methods, this disclosure allows for targeted, layered matching. First, a broad matching based on sensing capabilities and request requirements determines the target first functional network element; then, the target first functional network element precisely matches the target sensing device based on the request. This increases the efficiency and performance of the communication sensing system, meeting the needs of sensing service addressing in complex scenarios.

[0154] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this disclosure.

[0155] The basic principles of this disclosure have been described above with reference to specific embodiments. However, it should be noted that the advantages, benefits, and effects mentioned in this disclosure are merely examples and not limitations, and should not be considered as essential features of each embodiment of this disclosure. Furthermore, the specific details disclosed above are for illustrative and facilitative purposes only, and are not limitations. These details do not limit the scope of this disclosure to the necessity of employing the aforementioned specific details for implementation.

[0156] The block diagrams of devices, apparatuses, devices, and systems disclosed herein are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to require or imply that they must be connected, arranged, or configured in the manner shown in the block diagrams. As those skilled in the art will recognize, these devices, apparatuses, devices, and systems can be connected, arranged, and configured in any manner. Words such as “comprising,” “including,” “having,” etc., are open-ended terms meaning “including but not limited to,” and are used interchangeably with them. The terms “or” and “and” as used herein refer to the terms “and / or,” and are used interchangeably with them unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term “such as” as used herein refers to the phrase “such as but not limited to,” and is used interchangeably with it.

[0157] Additionally, as used herein, the “or” used in a list of items beginning with “at least one” indicates a separate list, such that a list of, for example, “at least one of A, B, or C” means A or B or C, or AB or AC or BC, or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Furthermore, the word “exemplary” does not imply that the described example is preferred or better than other examples.

[0158] It should also be noted that in the systems and methods of this disclosure, the components or steps can be decomposed and / or recombined. These decompositions and / or recombinations should be considered as equivalent solutions to this disclosure.

[0159] Various changes, substitutions, and modifications can be made to the technology described herein without departing from the teachings defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, the scope of the claims of this disclosure is not limited to the specific aspects of the processes, machines, manufactures, events, means, methods, and actions described above. Currently existing or later-developed processes, machines, manufactures, events, means, methods, or actions that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding aspects described herein can be utilized. Therefore, the appended claims include such processes, machines, manufactures, events, means, methods, or actions within their scope.

[0160] The above description of the disclosed aspects is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use this disclosure. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but rather to be carried out within the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0161] The above description has been given for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, this description is not intended to limit the embodiments of this disclosure to the forms disclosed herein. Although numerous exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those skilled in the art will recognize certain variations, modifications, alterations, additions, and sub-combinations therein.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a first functional network element, the method includes: Receive a first request from a second functional network element; the first request carries at least first information for requesting perception services; Based on the first information, a target sensing device is identified; the target sensing device is used to provide sensing services.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of determining the target sensing device based on the first information includes: Acquire second information and second granularity information from the first information; the second information is used to indicate the sensing capabilities of multiple sensing devices; the first granularity information indicates that the sensing range is greater than the second granularity information indicates the sensing range. The target sensing device is determined by comparing the second granularity information with the second information.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive second information from multiple sensing devices; The second information from multiple sensing devices is processed to obtain the third information; the third information is used to indicate the sensing capability information of the first functional network element. The third information is sent to the second functional network element and / or the third functional network element.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The comprehensive processing includes at least one of the following: aggregation processing and summary processing.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensing device has regional sensing capability; the sensing device includes at least one of the following: base station, terminal, radar equipment, and non-3GPP connection equipment.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first functional network element includes at least one of the following: Service Function (SF) and Service Function Control Plane (SF-C); the second functional network element includes at least one of the following: Capability Opening Platform and Network Opening Function (NEF); the third functional network element is Network Storage Resource Function (NRF).

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first information also includes at least one of the following: application identifier, perception type, perception timing, perception frequency, perception accuracy, and perception processing level.

8. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first granularity information includes at least one administrative identifier and a digital identifier; The second granularity information includes at least one of the following: two-dimensional latitude and longitude information, and three-dimensional latitude, longitude, and altitude information.

9. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a second functional network element, the method includes: Receive a first request from the party requesting the perception service; the first request carries at least first information for requesting the perception service; Based on the first information and the third information, a target functional network element is determined among a plurality of first functional network elements; the third information is used to indicate the sensing capabilities of the plurality of first functional network elements; the target functional network element is used to determine a target sensing device.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The step of determining the target functional network element among multiple first functional network elements based on the first information and the third information includes: Obtain the third information and the first granularity information from the first information; The first granularity information and the third information are compared to determine the target functional network element.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive the third information from the plurality of first functional network elements; or, Send fourth information to the third functional network element; the fourth information is used to request a query of the third information; receive the third information from the third functional network element.

12. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The step of obtaining the first granularity information from the first information includes: Obtain the first granularity information carried in the first information; or, Based on the second granularity information carried in the first information and the first association relationship, the first granularity information corresponding to the second granularity information is determined; the first association relationship is the correspondence between the first granularity information and the second granularity information supported by the first functional network element.

13. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send the first request to the target functional network element.

14. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The requester of the perception service includes at least one of the following: application function platform (AF) and terminal.

15. A communication system, characterized in that, The system includes: The first functional network element is used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-8; The second functional network element is used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 9-14.

16. A communication device, characterized in that, The device, located in the first functional network element, includes: The receiving unit is configured to receive a first request from a second functional network element; the first request carries at least first information for requesting a sensing service; The determining unit is configured to determine a target sensing device based on the first information; the target sensing device is configured to provide sensing services.

17. A communication device, characterized in that, The device, located in the second functional network element, includes: A receiving unit is configured to receive a first request from a party requesting a sensing service; the first request carries at least first information for requesting the sensing service. The determining unit is configured to determine a target functional network element among a plurality of first functional network elements based on the first information and the third information; the third information is used to indicate the sensing capabilities of the plurality of first functional network elements; and the target functional network element is used to determine a target sensing device.

18. An electronic device, characterized in that, include: Memory, used to store computer-readable instructions; as well as A processor for executing the computer-readable instructions, causing the electronic device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-14.

19. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for storing computer-readable instructions, characterized in that, When the computer-readable instructions are executed by a processor, the processor performs the method as described in any one of claims 1-14.

20. A computer program product, characterized in that, Includes a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the method as described in any one of claims 1-14.

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