Sensing capability reporting method and apparatus, communication system, and storage medium

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a perception capability reporting method and device, a communication system and a storage medium. The perception capability reporting method comprises: registering, to a network storage function network element, a perception capability of a device for collecting perception data sent by the device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communications, and in particular to a sensing capability reporting method and apparatus, a communication system and a storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] In the evolution of 5G-A (5G-Advanced) and 6G networks, integrated communication and sensing technology is a very important direction. Currently, 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) SA1 R19 has completed the research on application scenarios and requirements for sensing services, 3GPP RAN1 R19 is conducting research on integrated communication and sensing channel models, and 3GPP SA2 R20 has also approved the sensing network architecture project.

[0003] The application scenarios of sensing services are very extensive, including local sensing scenarios and wide-area sensing scenarios. Local sensing scenarios usually focus on near-range indoor sensing (such as smart conferencing, posture recognition, etc.), while wide-area sensing scenarios usually focus on long-range outdoor sensing (such as railway safety inspection, vehicle networking, etc.). Summary of the Invention

[0004] The inventors noted that when a Sensing Function (SF) network element is added to the 5GC (5G Core) to handle sensing control, sensing computation, and the sharing of sensing results, the sensing capabilities of the mobile network include the capabilities of the SF network element and the capabilities of the devices used to collect sensing data. Since not all devices in the 5GS (5G System) possess sensing capabilities, if a device without sensing capabilities receives a sensing service request, it will ignore the request, not collect sensing data, and not report any sensing data to the SF network element, thus causing the sensing service request to fail.

[0005] Accordingly, this disclosure provides a perception capability reporting method that can effectively avoid the occurrence of perception service request failures.

[0006] In a first aspect of this disclosure, a sensing capability reporting method is provided, performed by an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) network element, comprising: registering the sensing capabilities of the device, sent by the device for collecting sensing data, to a Network Storage Function (NRF) network element.

[0007] In some embodiments, the sensing capabilities of the device are sent to a Network Open Function (NEF) element, so that the NEF element sends the sensing capabilities of the device to an Application Function (AF).

[0008] In some embodiments, the sensing capabilities of the device are sent to the sensing function SF network element; and the sensing capabilities of the SF network element are received from the SF network element.

[0009] In some embodiments, the SF network element is an independent network element in the core network, or includes the SF-C network element with sensing control plane function and the SF-U network element with sensing user plane function.

[0010] In some embodiments, the device sends changes in its sensing capabilities to the NRF network element.

[0011] In some embodiments, the changes in the sensing capabilities of the device are sent to the NEF network element, so that the NEF network element sends the changes in the sensing capabilities of the device to the AF.

[0012] In some embodiments, changes in the sensing capabilities of the device are sent to SF network elements.

[0013] In some embodiments, the change in the device's sensing capability is used to indicate that the device changes from having a first sensing capability to not having the first sensing capability, or from not having the first sensing capability to having the first sensing capability.

[0014] In some embodiments, the device includes at least one of a radio access network (RAN) device and a user equipment.

[0015] In a second aspect of this disclosure, an AMF network element is provided, comprising: a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to implement the perception capability reporting method as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0016] In a third aspect of this disclosure, a sensing capability reporting method is provided, performed by an SF network element, comprising: registering the sensing capabilities of the SF network element to an NRF network element.

[0017] In some embodiments, the sensing capabilities of the SF network element are sent to the NEF network element, so that the NEF network element sends the sensing capabilities of the SF network element to the AF.

[0018] In some embodiments, the sensing capability of the device for collecting sensing data is received from the AMF network element; the sensing capability of the SF network element is then sent to the AMF network element.

[0019] In some embodiments, the changes in the sensing capabilities of the SF network element are sent to the NRF network element.

[0020] In some embodiments, the changes in the sensing capabilities of the SF network element are sent to the NEF network element, so that the NEF network element sends the changes in the sensing capabilities of the SF network element to the AF.

[0021] In some embodiments, the change in the sensing capability of the SF network element is used to indicate that the SF network element changes from having the second sensing capability to not having the second sensing capability, or changes from not having the second sensing capability to having the second sensing capability.

[0022] In some embodiments, the device receives changes in its sensing capabilities for collecting sensing data from an AMF network element.

[0023] In a fourth aspect of this disclosure, an SF network element is provided, comprising: a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to implement the sensing capability reporting method as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0024] In a fifth aspect of this disclosure, a communication system is provided, comprising: an AMF network element as described in any of the above embodiments; an SF network element as described in any of the above embodiments; and an NRF network element configured to register the sensing capabilities of a device for collecting sensing data transmitted by the AMF network element, and to register the sensing capabilities of the SF network element transmitted by the SF network element.

[0025] In some embodiments, the NRF network element is configured to update the device's sensing capability based on changes in the device's sensing capability transmitted by the AMF network element, and to update the SF network element's sensing capability based on changes in the SF network element's sensing capability transmitted by the SF network element.

[0026] In some embodiments, the NEF network element is configured to send the sensing capabilities of the device transmitted by the AMF network element to the AF, and to send the sensing capabilities of the SF network element transmitted by the SF network element to the AF.

[0027] In some embodiments, the NEF network element is configured to send the changes in the sensing capabilities of the device transmitted by the AMF network element to the AF, and to send the changes in the sensing capabilities of the SF network element transmitted by the SF network element to the AF.

[0028] In a sixth aspect of this disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the method as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0029] In a seventh aspect of this disclosure, a computer program product is provided, including computer instructions, wherein the computer instructions, when executed by a processor, implement the method as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0030] Other features and advantages of this disclosure will become clear from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0031] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a perception network architecture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a perception capability reporting method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an AMF network element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 4 This is a schematic flowchart of a perception capability reporting method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an SF network element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating a perception capability reporting method according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating a perception capability reporting method according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this disclosure, and not all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit this disclosure or its application or use. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this disclosure without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0042] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0043] At the same time, it should be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the accompanying drawings are not drawn according to actual scale.

[0044] Techniques, methods, and equipment known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and equipment should be considered part of the specification.

[0045] In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0046] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be discussed further in subsequent figures.

[0047] With the addition of SF network elements in 5GC to handle perception control, perception computing, and the sharing of perception results, the corresponding perception network architecture is as follows: Figure 1 As shown.

[0048] exist Figure 1 The perceptual network architecture shown includes SF network elements, AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) network elements, NEF (Network Exposure Function) network elements, UDM (Unified Data Management) network elements, NWDAF (Network Data Analytics Function) network elements, LMF (Location Management Function) network elements, PCF (Policy Control Function) network elements, UPF (User Plane Function) network elements, and AF (Application Function).

[0049] It should be noted that RAN (Radio Access Network) includes NG-RAN (Next Generation Radio Access Network), trusted non-3GPP networks, or untrusted non-3GPP networks.

[0050] In use Figure 1 When the network architecture shown performs sensing, the sensing capabilities of the mobile network include the capabilities of the SF network element and the capabilities of the devices used to collect sensing data. Since not all devices in 5GS have sensing capabilities, devices lacking sensing capabilities will ignore the received sensing service request, will not collect sensing data, and will not report any sensing data to the SF network element, thus causing the sensing service request to fail.

[0051] Accordingly, this disclosure provides a perception capability reporting method that can effectively avoid the occurrence of perception service request failures.

[0052] Figure 2 This is a schematic flowchart of a perception capability reporting method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the following perception capability reporting method is executed by an AMF network element, including steps 21-22.

[0053] In step 21, the device receives its own sensing capability information from the device used to collect sensing data.

[0054] In some embodiments, the device for collecting sensing data includes at least one of RAN equipment and UE (User Equipment).

[0055] For example, the UE's sensing capability information includes the sensing area supported by the UE and the sensing data accuracy supported by the UE. The RAN equipment's sensing capability information includes the sensing area served by the RAN and the sensing data accuracy supported by the RAN.

[0056] In step 22, the sensing capability information of the device used to collect sensing data is sent to the NRF (Network Repository Function) network element so that the sensing capability of the device used to collect sensing data is registered with the NRF network element.

[0057] It should be noted that by registering the sensing capabilities of the devices used to collect sensing data to the NRF network element, each network element in the core network can query the NRF network element to know which devices can serve sensing services, thereby effectively avoiding the occurrence of sensing service request failures.

[0058] In some embodiments, the sensing capability information of the device used to collect sensing data is sent to the NEF network element, so that the NEF network element can send the sensing capability information of the device to the AF.

[0059] It should be noted that when generating a sensing service request, the AF selects the appropriate device (e.g., RAN device and / or UE) to collect sensing data based on the sensing capabilities of each device.

[0060] In some embodiments, the sensing capability information of the device used to collect sensing data is sent to the SF network element, and the sensing capability information of the SF network element sent by the SF network element is received.

[0061] It should be noted that the AMF network element and the SF network element exchange sensing capability information, enabling the SF network element to select the appropriate device to collect sensing data based on the sensing service request, and also enabling the AMF network element to select the appropriate SF network element based on the sensing service request.

[0062] In some embodiments, the SF network element is an independent network element in the core network, or has an architecture that separates control plane functions and user plane functions, namely including the SF-C network element with awareness control plane function and the SF-U network element with awareness user plane function.

[0063] In some embodiments, when the sensing capability of a device used to collect sensing data changes, the device sends its sensing capability change information to an AMF network element, which then sends the information to an NRF network element so that the NRF network element can update the sensing capability of the device.

[0064] In some embodiments, the sensing capability change information of the device used to collect sensing data is used to indicate that the device changes from having a first sensing capability to not having a first sensing capability, or from not having a first sensing capability to having a first sensing capability.

[0065] For example, when a UE reports information about changes in its sensing capabilities to an AMF network element, it includes the following two scenarios:

[0066] 1) If a UE that supports the corresponding sensing service no longer supports the sensing service due to changes in its own parameter configuration, the UE will report to the AMF network element that it can no longer support the corresponding sensing service (for example, the UE no longer supports the corresponding sensing area, the UE no longer supports the corresponding sensing data accuracy, etc.).

[0067] 2) If a UE that does not support the corresponding sensing service can support the sensing service after configuring new parameters, the UE will report its own sensing capability information (such as the sensing area supported by the UE, the sensing data accuracy supported by the UE, etc.) to the AMF network element.

[0068] For example, when RAN devices report changes in sensing capabilities to AMF network elements, there are two scenarios:

[0069] 1) If a RAN device that supports the corresponding sensing service no longer supports the sensing service due to changes in its own parameter configuration, the RAN device will report to the AMF network element that it can no longer support the corresponding sensing service (for example, the RAN device can no longer serve the corresponding sensing area, the RAN device can no longer support the corresponding sensing data accuracy, etc.).

[0070] 2) If a RAN device that does not support the corresponding sensing service can support the sensing service after configuring new parameters, the RAN device will report its own sensing capability information (such as the sensing area that the RAN device can serve, the sensing data accuracy that the RAN device can support, etc.) to the AMF network element.

[0071] In some embodiments, information on changes in the sensing capabilities of devices used to collect sensing data is sent to the NEF network element, so that the NEF network element can send the information on the changes in the sensing capabilities of the devices to the AF. This information on changes in sensing capabilities can be used to assist the AF in updating the information on devices (e.g., RAN devices and / or UEs) used to collect sensing data in the sensing service requests it issues.

[0072] In some embodiments, information on changes in the sensing capabilities of the devices used to collect sensing data is sent to the SF network element so that the SF network element can select a suitable device to collect sensing data.

[0073] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an AMF network element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0074] like Figure 3 As shown, the AMF network element 30 can be represented in the form of a general computing device. The AMF network element 30 includes a memory 31, a processor 32, and a bus 33 that connects different system components.

[0075] The memory 31 may include, for example, system memory, non-volatile storage media, etc. System memory may store, for example, an operating system, application programs, a boot loader, and other programs. System memory may include volatile storage media, such as random access memory (RAM) and / or cache memory. Non-volatile storage media may store, for example, instructions for a corresponding embodiment of at least one sensing capability reporting method being executed. Non-volatile storage media include, but are not limited to, disk storage, optical storage, flash memory, etc.

[0076] Processor 32 can be implemented using a general-purpose processor, digital signal processor (DSP), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, discrete hardware components such as discrete gates or transistors. Accordingly, each module, such as the acquisition module, calculation module, and adjustment module, can be implemented by executing instructions in the central processing unit (CPU) running memory to perform the corresponding steps, or by implementing dedicated circuits that perform the corresponding steps.

[0077] For example, processor 32 is configured for memory-based instruction execution implementation such as Figure 1 The method involved in any of the embodiments.

[0078] Bus 33 can use any of the various bus architectures. For example, bus architectures include, but are not limited to, the Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, the Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, and the Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus.

[0079] The interfaces 34, 35, and 36 of the AMF network element 30, as well as the memory 31 and processor 32, can be connected via bus 33. Input / output interface 34 provides a connection interface for input / output devices such as monitors, mice, and keyboards. Network interface 35 provides a connection interface for various networked devices. Storage interface 36 provides a connection interface for external storage devices such as floppy disks, USB flash drives, and SD cards.

[0080] Various aspects of this disclosure are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus, and computer program products according to embodiments of this disclosure. It should be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations thereof, can be implemented by computer-readable program instructions.

[0081] These computer-readable program instructions are provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable device to produce a machine, such that execution of the instructions by the processor produces means for implementing the functions specified in one or more boxes of the flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0082] These computer-readable program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. These instructions cause a computer to work in a particular manner to produce an article of manufacture, including instructions that implement the functions specified in one or more boxes in a flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0083] This disclosure may take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects.

[0084] This disclosure also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement... Figure 1The method involved in any of the embodiments.

[0085] This disclosure also provides a computer program product, including computer instructions, wherein the computer instructions, when executed by a processor, implement as follows: Figure 1 The method involved in any of the embodiments.

[0086] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a sensing capability reporting method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the following sensing capability reporting method is executed by an SF network element to register the sensing capabilities of the SF network element to an NRF network element, including steps 41-42.

[0087] In step 41, the sensing capability information of the SF network element is generated.

[0088] In step 42, the sensing capability information of the SF network element is sent to the NRF network element so that the sensing capability of the SF network element is registered with the NRF network element.

[0089] It should be noted that by registering the sensing capabilities of SF network elements to NRF network elements, each network element in the core network can query NRF network elements to know which SF network elements can serve sensing services, thereby effectively avoiding the occurrence of sensing service request failures.

[0090] In some embodiments, the sensing capability information of the SF network element is sent to the NEF network element, so that the NEF network element can send the sensing capability information of the SF network element to the AF.

[0091] It should be noted that when generating a sensing service request, AF selects the appropriate SF network element to support the network sensing function based on the sensing capabilities of each SF network element.

[0092] In some embodiments, the sensing capability information of the device used to collect sensing data is received from the AMF network element, and the sensing capability information of the SF network element is sent to the AMF network element.

[0093] It should be noted that the AMF network element and the SF network element exchange sensing capability information, enabling the SF network element to select the appropriate device to collect sensing data based on the sensing service request, and also enabling the AMF network element to select the appropriate SF network element based on the sensing service request.

[0094] In some embodiments, information on changes in the sensing capabilities of SF network elements is sent to NRF network elements so that NRF network elements can update the sensing capabilities of SF network elements.

[0095] In some embodiments, the sensing capability change information of an SF network element is used to indicate that the SF network element changes from having a second sensing capability to not having a second sensing capability, or changes from not having a second sensing capability to having a second sensing capability.

[0096] In some embodiments, information on changes in the sensing capabilities of SF network elements is sent to NEF network elements, so that NEF network elements can then send information on the changes in the sensing capabilities of SF network elements to AF. This information on changes in sensing capabilities can be used to assist AF in updating the information of relevant SF network elements in the sensing service requests it issues.

[0097] In some embodiments, the sensing capability change information of the device used to collect sensing data is received from the AMF network element, so that the SF network element can select a suitable device to collect sensing data.

[0098] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an SF network element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0099] like Figure 5 As shown, the SF network element 50 includes a memory 51, a processor 52, a bus 53, an input / output interface 54, a network interface 55, and a storage interface 56. Figure 5 and Figure 3 The difference is that, in Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, processor 52 is configured to implement memory-based instruction execution as follows: Figure 4 The method involved in any of the embodiments.

[0100] This disclosure also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement... Figure 4 The method involved in any of the embodiments.

[0101] This disclosure also provides a computer program product, including computer instructions, wherein the computer instructions, when executed by a processor, implement as follows: Figure 4 The method involved in any of the embodiments.

[0102] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0103] like Figure 6 As shown, the communication system includes AMF network element 61, SF network element 62, and NRF network element 63. AMF network element 61 is... Figure 3 In any embodiment, the AMF network element, SF network element 62 is... Figure 5 SF network elements involved in any of the embodiments.

[0104] AMF network element 61 sends the sensing capability information of the device used to collect sensing data to NRF network element 63. NRF network element 63 registers the sensing capabilities of the device used to collect sensing data so that each network element in the core network can query the NRF network element to know which devices can serve sensing services, thereby effectively avoiding the occurrence of sensing service request failure.

[0105] SF network element 62 sends the SF network element's sensing capability information to NRF network element 63. NRF network element 63 registers the SF network element's sensing capability so that each network element in the core network can query the NRF network element to know which SF network elements can serve sensing services, thereby effectively avoiding the occurrence of sensing service request failure.

[0106] In some embodiments, NRF network element 63 is configured to update the sensing capability of the device used to collect sensing data based on the sensing capability change information of the device used to collect sensing data sent by AMF network element 61. NRF network element 63 is also configured to update the sensing capability of the SF network element based on the sensing capability change of the SF network element sent by SF network element 62.

[0107] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0108] Figure 7 and Figure 6 The difference is that, in Figure 7 The communication system shown includes AMF network element 61, SF network element 62 and NRF network element 63, as well as NEF network element 64 and AF network element 65.

[0109] NEF element 64 is configured to send the sensing capability information of the device used to collect sensing data sent by AMF element 61 to AF 65, so that when AF 65 generates a sensing service request, it can select the appropriate device (e.g., RAN device and / or UE) to collect sensing data based on the sensing capabilities of each device.

[0110] NEF element 64 is configured to send the sensing capability information of SF network elements sent by SF network element 62 to AF 65, so that when AF 65 generates a sensing service request, it can select the appropriate SF network element to support the network sensing function based on the sensing capability of each SF network element.

[0111] In some embodiments, NEF element 64 is configured to send the sensing capability change information of the device sent by AMF element 61 to AF 65. This sensing capability change information can be used to assist AF 65 in updating the device (e.g., RAN device and / or UE) information used to collect sensing data in the issued sensing service request.

[0112] NEF element 64 is configured to send the SF network element's sensing capability change information, sent by SF network element 62, to AF 65. This sensing capability change information can be used to assist AF 65 in updating the relevant SF network element information in the sensing service request it issues.

[0113] The following specific examples illustrate this disclosure.

[0114] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating a perception capability reporting method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, applied to a situation where a perception service request has not yet been issued, including steps 81-89.

[0115] In step 81, the UE used to collect sensing data sends its own sensing capability information to the AMF network element.

[0116] For example, the UE's perception capability information includes the perception area supported by the UE and the perception data accuracy supported by the UE.

[0117] In step 82, the RAN device used to collect sensing data sends its own sensing capability information to the AMF network element.

[0118] For example, the sensing capability information of RAN equipment includes the sensing area served by the RAN and the accuracy of sensing data supported by the RAN.

[0119] In step 83, the AMF network element sends a first sensing capability registration request to the NRF network element. This request includes the UE's sensing capability information and the RAN device's sensing capability information, in order to register the sensing capabilities of the UE and the RAN device used for collecting sensing data with the NRF network element. This allows each network element in the core network to query the NRF network element to determine which devices can serve sensing services, effectively preventing sensing service request failures.

[0120] In step 84, the AMF notifies the NEF network element of the first capability information, which includes the UE's perception capability information and the RAN device's perception capability information.

[0121] In step 85, the NEF element notifies the AF of the first capability information.

[0122] It should be noted that when generating a sensing service request, the AF selects the appropriate RAN device and / or UE to collect sensing data based on the sensing capabilities of each device. Furthermore, when generating a sensing service request, the AF selects the appropriate SF network element to support network sensing functions based on the sensing capabilities of each SF network element.

[0123] In step 86, the AMF network element and the SF network element perform sensing capability interaction.

[0124] The AMF network element sends the UE's perception capability information and the RAN equipment's perception capability information to the SF network element, and the SF network element sends the SF network element's perception capability information to the AMF network element.

[0125] It should be noted that the AMF network element and the SF network element exchange sensing capability information, enabling the SF network element to select appropriate RAN equipment and / or UE to collect sensing data according to the sensing service request, and also enabling the AMF network element to select appropriate SF network element according to the sensing service request.

[0126] In step 87, the SF network element sends a second sensing capability registration request to the NRF network element, wherein the second sensing capability registration request includes the sensing capability information of the SF network element, so as to register the sensing capability of the SF network element to the NRF network element.

[0127] In step 88, the SF network element notifies the NEF network element of the second capability information, which includes the SF network element's sensing capability information.

[0128] In step 89, the NEF network element notifies the AF of the second capability information so that when the AF generates a perception service request, it can select the appropriate SF network element to support the network perception function based on the perception capabilities of each SF network element.

[0129] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating a perception capability reporting method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, applied to the situation after a perception service request is issued, including steps 91-99.

[0130] In step 91, the UE sends the sensing capability change information to the AMF network element.

[0131] For example, when a UE reports information about changes in its sensing capabilities to an AMF network element, it includes the following two scenarios:

[0132] 1) If a UE that supports the corresponding sensing service no longer supports the sensing service due to changes in its own parameter configuration, the UE will report to the AMF network element that it can no longer support the corresponding sensing service (for example, the UE no longer supports the corresponding sensing area, the UE no longer supports the corresponding sensing data accuracy, etc.).

[0133] 2) If a UE that does not support the corresponding sensing service can support the sensing service after configuring new parameters, the UE will report its own sensing capability information (such as the sensing area supported by the UE, the sensing data accuracy supported by the UE, etc.) to the AMF network element.

[0134] In step 92, the RAN device sends the sensing capability change information to the AMF network element.

[0135] For example, RAN devices report changes in sensing capabilities to AMF network elements in the following two scenarios:

[0136] 1) If a RAN device that supports the corresponding sensing service no longer supports the sensing service due to changes in its own parameter configuration, the RAN device will report to the AMF network element that it can no longer support the corresponding sensing service (for example, the RAN device can no longer serve the corresponding sensing area, the RAN device can no longer support the corresponding sensing data accuracy, etc.).

[0137] 2) If a RAN device that does not support the corresponding sensing service can support the sensing service after configuring new parameters, the RAN device will report its own sensing capability information (such as the sensing area that the RAN device can serve, the sensing data accuracy that the RAN device can support, etc.) to the AMF network element.

[0138] In step 93, the AMF sends a first perception capability update request to the NRF network element, wherein the first perception capability update request includes the perception capability change information of the UE and the perception capability change information of the RAN device, so that the NRF network element can update the perception capabilities of the UE and the RAN device.

[0139] In step 94, the AMF notifies the NEF network element of the first capability change information, which includes the UE's perception capability change information and the RAN equipment's perception capability change information.

[0140] In step 95, the NEF network element notifies the AF of the first capability change information. This sensing capability change information can be used to assist the AF in updating the information of the RAN equipment and / or UE used for collecting sensing data in the sensing service request it issues.

[0141] In step 96, the AMF network element notifies the SF network element of the second capability change information so that the SF network element can select appropriate RAN equipment and / or UE to collect sensing data.

[0142] In step 97, the SF network element sends a second sensing capability update request to the NRF network element so that the NRF network element can update the sensing capability of the SF network element.

[0143] In step 98, the SF network element notifies the NEF network element of the third capability change information, which includes the SF's sensing capability change information.

[0144] In step 99, the NEF network element notifies the AF of the third capability change information. This third capability change information can be used to assist the AF in updating the relevant SF network element information in the issued perception service request.

[0145] By implementing the above embodiments of this disclosure, the following beneficial effects can be obtained.

[0146] 1) Before the perception service request is issued, the perception capabilities of the device (RAN and / or UE) used to collect perception data are reported to the AMF network element. Then, the AMF network element registers the device's capabilities with the NRF network element and interacts with the SF network element to realize perception capability interaction, so that when a perception service request is received in the future, the appropriate device can be selected to collect perception data.

[0147] 2) When the perception service request is issued, if the perception capability of the device (RAN and / or UE) used to collect perception data changes, the change in perception capability (including the change from "having perception capability" to "not having perception capability" and the change from "not having perception capability" to "having perception capability") is reported to the AMF network element. Then, the AMF network element sends the change in capability to the NRF network element to realize the perception capability update in the NRF network element.

[0148] 3) After the SF network element completes the interaction between the capabilities of the device used to collect sensing data and its own capabilities, the SF network element further notifies the AF of the device's capabilities / capabilities changes, which can be used to assist the AF in specifying / updating the device information in the sensing service requests it issues.

[0149] It's worth noting that the convergence of communication and sensing is considered by both academia and industry to be one of the most important technological evolution directions in 5G-A / 6G. In local / wide-area sensing scenarios such as gesture recognition, assisted autonomous driving, track safety monitoring, and drone surveillance, reporting the capabilities of devices used to collect sensing data to the core network, and implementing corresponding sensing functions based on these capabilities, will contribute to improving the overall performance and service capabilities of the wireless network.

[0150] In some embodiments, the functional units described above may be implemented as general-purpose processors, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, or any suitable combination thereof for performing the functions described herein.

[0151] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps of the above embodiments can be implemented by hardware or by a program instructing related hardware. The program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, such as a read-only memory, a disk, or an optical disk.

[0152] The description in this disclosure is provided for illustrative and descriptive purposes only and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to its forms. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to better illustrate the principles and practical application of this disclosure and to enable those skilled in the art to understand this disclosure and to design various embodiments with various modifications suitable for a particular purpose.

Claims

1. A sensing capability reporting method, performed by an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) network element, comprising: The sensing capabilities of the device used to collect sensing data are registered to the Network Storage Function (NRF) network element.

2. The perception ability reporting method according to claim 1 further includes: The device's sensing capabilities are sent to the Network Open Function (NEF) network element, so that the NEF network element can send the device's sensing capabilities to the Application Function (AF).

3. The perception ability reporting method according to claim 1 further includes: The sensing capabilities of the device are sent to the sensing function SF network element; The sensing capability of the SF network element is received from the SF network element.

4. The perception ability reporting method according to claim 3, wherein, The SF network element is an independent network element in the core network, or includes the SF-C network element with sensing control plane function and the SF-U network element with sensing user plane function.

5. The perception ability reporting method according to claim 1, further comprising: The device sends the changes in its sensing capabilities to the NRF network element.

6. The perception ability reporting method according to claim 5 further includes: The device sends changes in its sensing capabilities to the NEF network element, so that the NEF network element can send the changes in the device's sensing capabilities to the AF.

7. The perception ability reporting method according to claim 5 further includes: The changes in the sensing capabilities of the device are sent to the SF network element.

8. The perception ability reporting method according to claim 5, wherein, The change in the device's sensing capability is used to indicate that the device changes from having a first sensing capability to not having the first sensing capability, or from not having the first sensing capability to having the first sensing capability.

9. The perception ability reporting method according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein, The device includes at least one of a radio access network (RAN) device and a user equipment.

10. An AMF network element, comprising: Memory; A processor, coupled to a memory, is configured to implement the perception capability reporting method as described in any one of claims 1-9 based on the memory-stored instructions.

11. A sensing capability reporting method, executed by an SF network element, comprising: The sensing capabilities of the SF network element are registered to the NRF network element.

12. The perception ability reporting method according to claim 11, further comprising: The sensing capabilities of the SF network element are sent to the NEF network element, so that the NEF network element can send the sensing capabilities of the SF network element to the AF.

13. The perception ability reporting method according to claim 11, further comprising: The sensing capability of the device that receives data from the AMF network element for collecting sensing data; The sensing capabilities of the SF network element are transmitted to the AMF network element.

14. The perception ability reporting method according to any one of claims 11-13, further comprising: The changes in the sensing capabilities of the SF network element are sent to the NRF network element.

15. The perception ability reporting method according to claim 14, further comprising: The changes in the sensing capabilities of the SF network element are sent to the NEF network element, so that the NEF network element can send the changes in the sensing capabilities of the SF network element to the AF.

16. The perception ability reporting method according to claim 14, wherein, The change in the sensing capability of the SF network element is used to indicate that the SF network element changes from having the second sensing capability to not having the second sensing capability, or changes from not having the second sensing capability to having the second sensing capability.

17. The perception ability reporting method according to claim 14, further comprising: The changes in the sensing capabilities of the device used to collect sensing data are received from the AMF network element.

18. An SF network element, comprising: Memory; A processor, coupled to a memory, is configured to implement the perception capability reporting method as described in any one of claims 11-17 based on the memory-stored instruction execution.

19. A communication system, comprising: The AMF network element as described in claim 10; SF network element as described in claim 18; The NRF network element is configured to register the sensing capabilities of the device for collecting sensing data sent by the AMF network element, and to register the sensing capabilities of the SF network element sent by the SF network element.

20. The communication system according to claim 19, wherein, The NRF network element is configured to update the device's sensing capability based on changes in the device's sensing capability transmitted by the AMF network element, and to update the SF network element's sensing capability based on changes in the SF network element's sensing capability transmitted by the SF network element.

21. The communication system according to claim 19, further comprising: The NEF network element is configured to send the sensing capabilities of the device transmitted by the AMF network element to the AF, and to send the sensing capabilities of the SF network element transmitted by the SF network element to the AF.

22. The communication system according to claim 21, wherein, The NEF network element is configured to send the changes in the sensing capabilities of the device sent by the AMF network element to the AF, and to send the changes in the sensing capabilities of the SF network element sent by the SF network element to the AF.

23. A computer-readable storage medium, wherein, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the perception capability reporting method as described in any one of claims 1-9 and 11-17.

24. A computer program product comprising computer instructions, wherein the computer instructions, when executed by a processor, implement the perception capability reporting method as described in any one of claims 1-9, 11-17.

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