A perception method and apparatus

Abstract

This application provides a sensing method and apparatus. The method includes: a first device sending first information to at least one second device to request the at least one second device to perform a sensing measurement. The first information includes sensing measurement information and time information, the time information being used for the at least one second device to synchronously perform the sensing measurement. Then, the first device receives second information from the at least one second device, the second information including the sensing measurement result of the second device, the sensing measurement result being obtained by the second device performing the sensing measurement based on the first information. Therefore, when the first device and the at least one second device jointly perform a sensing measurement, the at least one second device can synchronously perform the sensing measurement according to the time information to ensure synchronization during joint sensing measurement. This not only allows for efficient joint sensing measurement but also improves sensing performance.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With the development of emerging applications such as motion-sensing games, indoor 3D reconstruction, and embody intelligence, next-generation wireless networks are expected to provide capabilities beyond mere connectivity. These capabilities aim to support a rich array of application-layer services. In terms of applications, a range of applications (such as motion-sensing games, indoor 3D reconstruction, and embody intelligence) currently require multi-sensor collaborative sensing to compensate for the limitations of individual sensors in terms of modality, dimension, or viewpoint, thereby improving the coverage and accuracy of the sensing results.

[0003] However, current multi-sensor joint sensing schemes have some problems. For example, the lack of a precise measurement synchronization mechanism makes it easy for the sensing results of each sensor to differ significantly. Also, different sensors compete for channel transmission opportunities at different times, resulting in a long time for all sensors to complete the reporting of sensing results, thus leading to coarse sensing granularity and poor real-time performance. In addition, due to cross-vendor equipment and wireless channel competition for access, the usability of multi-sensor fusion sensing schemes based on post-fusion or proprietary equipment and private protocols is poor.

[0004] Therefore, how to provide an efficient joint sensing method to improve sensing performance has become a problem that needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application proposes a sensing method and apparatus for achieving efficient joint sensing to improve sensing performance.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a sensing method, which can be applied to a first device, or a component of the first device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first device, or a device used in conjunction with the first device. Taking the application of this method to a first device as an example, the method includes: the first device sending first information to at least one second device, the first information being used to request the second device to perform sensing measurements, the first information including sensing measurement information and time information, the time information being used by the at least one second device to synchronously perform sensing measurements; the first device receiving second information from the at least one second device, the second information including the sensing measurement results of the second device.

[0007] In the above description, the first device and the second device are different devices or apparatuses. For example, if the above method is applied to a wireless local area network (WLAN), the first device can be an access point device, such as an access point (AP) or an AP multi-link device (MLD), and the second device can be a non-access point device, such as a non-AP station (Non-AP STA) or a non-AP MLD. If the above method is applied to a StarFlash system, the first device can be a grant (G) node or management device, and the second device can be a terminal (T) node or terminal device. If the above method is applied to a wireless wide area network (WAN), the first device can be a base station, and the second device can be a terminal device.

[0008] In the above method, a first device sends first information to at least one second device to request the at least one second device to perform sensing measurements. The first information includes sensing measurement information and time information, with the time information used for the at least one second device to synchronously perform sensing measurements. Then, the first device receives second information from the at least one second device, which includes the sensing measurement results obtained by the second device based on the first information. Therefore, when the first device and the at least one second device jointly perform sensing measurements, the at least one second device performs sensing measurements based on the sensing measurement information and can also synchronously perform sensing measurements based on the time information. This avoids poor real-time performance and sensing capabilities in the joint sensing measurements due to large time differences in the sensing measurements performed by the at least one second device. Thus, this method can guarantee the synchronization of multiple devices when jointly performing sensing measurements, which not only enables efficient joint sensing measurements but also improves sensing performance (e.g., sensing accuracy and precision).

[0009] In one possible implementation, the time information includes at least one time indication information; the at least one time indication information includes a time indication information used to indicate the start time of the at least one second device performing sensing measurement; or, the at least one time indication information includes multiple time indication information, each of which corresponds to one of the at least one second device, and the multiple time indication information is used to indicate the start time of the at least one second device performing sensing measurement.

[0010] With this implementation, the at least one second device can share the same time indication information to determine the start time of the sensing measurement, so that the at least one second device can perform the sensing measurement synchronously, and the signaling overhead of the indication can be reduced. The at least one second device can also use different time indication information to accurately determine the start time of its own sensing measurement, so that the at least one second device can perform the sensing measurement synchronously.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the time indication information can be time synchronization function information. In this implementation, using the time synchronization function information to indicate the start time of the sensing measurement performed by the at least one second device enables the first device and the at least one second device to perform sensing measurements on the same time base.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the first information further includes a first field; when the value of the first field is a first value, the first value indicates that the at least one second device shares the time indication information; when the value of the first field is a second value, the second value indicates that the at least one second device does not share the time indication information. This implementation allows the second device to know whether it shares the same time indication information with other devices, facilitating accurate reading of the corresponding time indication information in the first information.

[0013] In one possible implementation, when the first field is a first value, the first information also includes at least one of the following:

[0014] (1) Second field; The second field is used to indicate the number of second devices requesting the execution of sensing measurements;

[0015] (2) Third field; The third field is used to indicate the associated identifier of the at least one second device.

[0016] With this implementation, when at least one second device shares the same time indication information, the at least one second device is able to obtain information about each second device sharing the same time indication information.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the aforementioned sensed measurement information includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following:

[0018] (1) The sequence number of the sensing measurement; the sequence number of the sensing measurement is used to indicate the sequence number of the sensing measurement in the sensing measurement group; (2) The type information of the sensing measurement; (3) The configuration information of the time and frequency resources of the sensing measurement; (4) The power information of the sensing measurement.

[0019] This implementation method enables the second device to effectively and accurately complete the corresponding sensing measurements.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the second information also includes a sequence number of the sensing measurement, which is used to identify the sensing measurement result of the second device. With this implementation, the first device can accurately obtain the sensing measurement result for this sensing measurement.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: a first device receiving capability information from the at least one second device, the capability information of the second device including sensing capability information and sensing response capability information; the first device generating sensing measurement information based on the sensing capability information of the at least one second device; and generating time information based on the sensing response capability information of the at least one second device and the time information of the first device. Optionally, this implementation can be performed before the first device sends the first information to the at least one second device.

[0022] For example, the sensing capability information of the second device includes at least one of the following:

[0023] (1) Whether the second device has sensor indication information; (2) The sensor type of the second device; (3) Whether the second device supports direct triggering of sensing measurement indication information; (4) The number of times the second device performs sensing measurement within a set time; (5) The amount of data resulting from one sensing measurement performed by the second device; (6) The frequency of the second device performing sensing measurement;

[0024] For example, the sensing response capability information of the second device includes at least one of the following:

[0025] (1) The response delay time of the operating system of the second device; (2) The delay time from when the sensor of the second device is triggered to when the second device begins to perform sensing measurements.

[0026] This implementation method ensures the validity and accuracy of the sensing measurement information and time information provided by the first device to the at least one second device, which helps to improve sensing efficiency and sensing performance.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the first device receives second information from the at least one second device, including: the first device sending third information to the at least one second device, the third information instructing the second device to report a sensing measurement result; and then, the first device receives the second information from the at least one second device. In this implementation, the at least one second device is triggered to report a corresponding sensing measurement result to the first device by an instruction from the first device.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the third information includes indication information of the resource units (RUs) of the second device, which are allocated based on the second device's sensing capability information. Through this implementation, the first device can allocate resource units to the second device according to its sensing capability information, ensuring that the resources used by the second device to report sensing measurement results are reasonable and accurate, avoiding excessive or insufficient resource allocation. This not only improves resource utilization but also helps enhance the performance of joint sensing.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the first device sends first information to the at least one second device, including: the first device sending the first information to the at least one second device; then, the first device receives fourth information from the at least one second device, the fourth information indicating whether the second device accepts to perform sensing measurements at a corresponding start time. With this implementation, the first device, when instructing the at least one second device to perform sensing measurements at a start time, can effectively and accurately determine whether the at least one second device accepts, thereby accurately deciding on subsequent steps.

[0030] Secondly, this application provides a sensing method that can be applied to a second device, or a component of the second device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second device, or a device used in conjunction with the second device. Taking the application of this method to a second device as an example, the method includes: the second device receiving first information from a first device, the first information being used to request the second device to perform sensing measurements, the first information including sensing measurement information and time information, the time information being used for at least one second device to synchronously perform sensing measurements; the second device sending second information to the first device, the second information including the result of the second device performing sensing measurements based on control information.

[0031] In the above description, the first device and the second device are different devices or apparatuses. For example, if the above method is applied to a wireless local area network (WLAN), the first device can be an access point device, such as an AP or AP MLD, and the second device can be a non-access point device, such as a Non-AP STA or Non-AP MLD. If the above method is applied to a StarFlash system, the first device can be a management node or management device, and the second device can be a terminal node or terminal device. If the above method is applied to a wireless wide area network (WAN), the first device can be a base station, and the second device can be a terminal device.

[0032] In the above method, the second device receives first information from the first device. This first information requests the second device to perform sensing measurements. The first information includes sensing measurement information and time information. This time information is used for at least one second device to synchronously perform sensing measurements. Thus, the second device can perform sensing measurements based on the sensing measurement information and can also achieve synchronous sensing measurements with other participating devices based on the time information, and report the sensing measurement results to the first device. This method avoids large time differences in the sensing measurements performed by participating devices, which could lead to poor real-time performance and sensing capabilities in joint sensing measurements. It ensures the synchronization of multiple devices when jointly performing sensing measurements, thereby not only efficiently completing joint sensing measurements but also improving sensing performance (e.g., sensing accuracy and precision).

[0033] In one possible implementation, the time information includes at least one time indication information; the at least one time indication information includes a single time indication information used to indicate the start time of the sensing measurement performed by at least one second device; or, the at least one time indication information includes multiple time indication information, each corresponding one-to-one with at least one second device, the multiple time indication information used to indicate the start time of the sensing measurement performed by the at least one second device. With this implementation, at least one second device can share the same time indication information to determine the start time of the sensing measurement, enabling the at least one second device to perform the sensing measurement synchronously, and also reducing the signaling overhead of the indication; at least one second device can also use different time indication information to accurately determine the start time of its own sensing measurement, enabling the at least one second device to perform the sensing measurement synchronously.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the time indication information can be time synchronization function information. In this implementation, using the time synchronization function information to indicate the start time of at least one second device performing sensing measurements enables the first device and at least one second device to perform sensing measurements on the same time base.

[0035] In one possible implementation, the first information further includes a first field; when the value of the first field is a first value, the first value indicates that at least one second device shares the time information; when the value of the first field is a second value, the second value indicates that at least one second device does not share the time information. Through this implementation, the second device can determine whether it shares the same time indication information with other devices, facilitating accurate reading of the corresponding time indication information in the first information.

[0036] In one possible implementation, when the first field is a first value, the first information also includes at least one of the following:

[0037] (1) Second field; The second field is used to indicate the number of second devices requesting the execution of sensing measurements;

[0038] (2) Third field; The third field is used to indicate the associated identifier of the at least one second device.

[0039] This implementation enables a second device to obtain information about each other when at least one second device shares the same time indication information.

[0040] In one possible implementation, the aforementioned sensed measurement information includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following:

[0041] (1) The sequence number of the sensing measurement; the sequence number of the sensing measurement is used to indicate the sequence number of the sensing measurement in the sensing measurement group; (2) The type information of the sensing measurement; (3) The configuration information of the time and frequency resources of the sensing measurement; (4) The power information of the sensing measurement.

[0042] Through this implementation method, the second device can effectively and accurately complete the corresponding sensing measurements.

[0043] In one possible implementation, the second information also includes a sequence number of the sensing measurement, which is used to identify the sensing measurement result of the second device. This implementation enables the first device to accurately obtain the sensing measurement result for this specific sensing measurement.

[0044] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: the second device sending its capability information to the first device, the capability information including sensing capability information and sensing response capability information. Optionally, this implementation can be performed before the second device receives the first information from the first device.

[0045] For example, the sensing capability information of the second device includes at least one of the following:

[0046] (1) Whether the second device has sensor indication information; (2) The sensor type of the second device; (3) Whether the second device supports direct triggering of sensing measurement indication information; (4) The number of times the second device performs sensing measurement within a set time; (5) The amount of data resulting from one sensing measurement performed by the second device; (6) The frequency of the second device performing sensing measurement;

[0047] For example, the sensing response capability information of the second device includes at least one of the following:

[0048] (1) The response delay time of the operating system of the second device; (2) The delay time from when the sensor of the second device is triggered to when the second device begins to perform sensing measurements.

[0049] This implementation method enables the first device to provide the second device with effective and accurate sensing measurement information and time information, which helps to improve subsequent sensing efficiency and sensing performance.

[0050] In one possible implementation, the second device sends second information to the first device, including: the second device receiving third information from the first device, the third information being used to instruct the second device to report the result of the sensing measurement; and the second device sending the second information to the first device. In this implementation, the second device is triggered to report the corresponding sensing measurement result to the first device by an instruction from the first device.

[0051] In one possible implementation, the third information includes the configuration information of the resource units (RUs) of the second device, which are allocated based on the sensing capability information of the second device. This implementation ensures that the resources used by the second device to report sensing measurement results are reasonable and accurate, avoiding excessive or insufficient resource allocation. This not only improves resource utilization but also helps to enhance the performance of joint sensing.

[0052] In one possible implementation, the second device receives first information from the first device, including: the second device receiving the first information from the first device; and the second device sending fourth information to the first device, the fourth information indicating whether the second device accepts the sensing measurement at the corresponding start time. With this implementation, when instructing the second device to perform the sensing measurement at the start time, the first device can effectively and accurately determine whether the second device accepts, and thus accurately decide on subsequent steps, such as whether to instruct the second device to report the sensing measurement results.

[0053] The second aspect described above and its various possible implementations are illustrated by taking a second device as an example. In the embodiments of this application, the number of second devices jointly performing sensing measurements is at least one. When there are multiple second devices, each second device can be implemented with reference to the second aspect and its various possible implementations.

[0054] Thirdly, this application provides a communication device, which is a first device or a chip corresponding to the first device. The communication device has the function of implementing the first aspect described above and any possible implementation thereof. The communication device can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0055] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processor configured to support the communication device in performing the corresponding functions of the first device in the method described above. The communication device may also include a memory coupled to the processor, which stores necessary program instructions and data for the communication device. This application does not limit the number of the aforementioned processors and / or memories; there may be one or more.

[0056] Optionally, the communication device further includes an interface circuit for supporting communication between the communication device and other communication devices, such as the transmission and reception of data or signals. For example, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, or other type of communication interface.

[0057] In one possible design, the communication device includes corresponding functional modules, each used to implement the steps in the above method. The functions can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the functions described above.

[0058] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processing unit and a communication unit, which can perform the corresponding functions in the above method examples, as described in the method provided in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0059] Fourthly, this application provides a communication device, which is a second device or a chip corresponding to a second device. The communication device has the function of implementing the second aspect described above and any of its possible implementations. The communication device can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0060] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processor configured to support the communication device in performing the corresponding functions of the second device in the method described above. The communication device may also include a memory coupled to the processor, which stores necessary program instructions and data for the communication device. This application does not limit the number of the aforementioned processors and / or memories; there may be one or more.

[0061] Optionally, the communication device further includes an interface circuit for supporting communication between the communication device and other communication devices, such as the transmission and reception of data or signals. For example, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, or other type of communication interface.

[0062] In one possible design, the communication device includes corresponding functional modules, each used to implement the steps in the above method. The functions can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the functions described above.

[0063] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processing unit and a communication unit, which can perform the corresponding functions in the above method examples, as described in the method provided in the second aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0064] Fifthly, this application provides a communication device, including a processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is used to receive signals from other communication devices outside the communication device and transmit them to the processor, or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices outside the communication device. The processor implements the methods in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof through logic circuits or execution code instructions. This application does not limit the number of processors described in the fifth aspect; there may be one or more.

[0065] Sixthly, this application provides a communication device, including a processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is used to receive signals from other communication devices outside the communication device and transmit them to the processor, or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices outside the communication device. The processor is used to implement the methods in the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof through logic circuits or execution code instructions. This application does not limit the number of processors described in the sixth aspect; there may be one or more.

[0066] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a communication system, which includes a first device and a second device, wherein the first device is used to implement the method in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof, and the second device is used to implement the method in the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0067] Eighthly, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the methods of any one of the first and second aspects and any possible implementation thereof.

[0068] Ninthly, this application provides a computer program product storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the methods of any one of the first and second aspects and any possible implementation thereof.

[0069] In a tenth aspect, this application provides a chip system including a processor and potentially a memory, for implementing the methods of any one of the first and second aspects and any possible implementation thereof. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0070] It should be noted that the technical effects that can be achieved by any of the third to tenth aspects or any of the third to tenth aspects can be referred to the description of the technical effects that can be achieved by any of the first and second aspects or any of the first and second aspects, which will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0071] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a WLAN network architecture applicable to an embodiment of this application;

[0072] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating a sensing method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0073] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a method flow for one embodiment of this application is provided;

[0074] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a frame format for carrying capability information in an embodiment of this application;

[0075] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a frame format carrying time indication information provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0076] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a method flow for another embodiment of this application is provided;

[0077] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another frame format for carrying time indication information in an embodiment of this application;

[0078] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0079] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another communication device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0080] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a chip device structure according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0081] The scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0082] To better understand the solutions provided in the embodiments of this application, some terms and concepts involved in the embodiments of this application will be explained below. These explanations are intended to make the embodiments of this application easier to understand and should not be regarded as limiting the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0083] (1) Time synchronization function (TSF):

[0084] Time Sequence Formatting (TSF) is a feature defined in the 802.11 standard used to synchronize time among devices in a network. The main function of TSF is to ensure that all devices in the network have a unified time base, thereby guaranteeing the accuracy and reliability of network operations.

[0085] The functions of TSF include at least one of the following:

[0086] Time Consistency: By periodically publishing TSF values, TSF ensures that all devices in the network have a unified time reference, which helps reduce communication errors and delays caused by time differences.

[0087] Synchronization network operation: In an infrastructure network, the access point (or base station) is responsible for maintaining the TSF (Time Sequence Time). All workstations connected to it must recognize and accept the base station's TSF as valid. Stations can obtain and adjust their internal timers via beacon frames and probe response frames to maintain synchronization with the network time.

[0088] Reduce communication delays and errors: Time synchronization can reduce communication delays and errors caused by time differences, thereby improving network stability and reliability.

[0089] Through the above, TSF enables devices in a wireless network to communicate efficiently and accurately, thereby improving overall network performance and user experience.

[0090] (2) Resource Unit RU:

[0091] An RU refers to a set of subcarriers that are divided within a channel frequency band for the allocation and management of spectrum resources. RUs include full RUs and partial RUs.

[0092] Full RU: A set of consecutive subcarriers occupying the entire channel frequency band. For example, in a 20MHz channel, a Full RU contains 242 subcarriers, suitable for high-bandwidth transmission needs of a single user, such as high-definition video streaming and high-speed file downloads.

[0093] Partial RU: This is a portion of the channel frequency band, consisting of a smaller set of subcarriers. For example, in a 20MHz channel, it can be divided into multiple smaller units such as 26-tone, 52-tone, 106-tone, etc. It is suitable for scenarios where multiple users share the channel and can dynamically adjust the size and allocation strategy of the RU according to user needs.

[0094] In the embodiments of this application, "at least one" refers to one or more, and "more than one" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0095] Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, the ordinal numbers such as "first," "second," or "1," "2," etc. (except in special cases indicating numerical values) mentioned in the embodiments of this application are used to distinguish multiple objects and are not used to limit the size, content, order, timing, priority, or importance of the multiple objects. For example, "first information" and "second information" are only used to distinguish different information, and do not indicate a difference in the size, priority, or importance of the two pieces of information. Similarly, "STA1" and "STA2" are only used to distinguish different sites, and do not indicate a difference in the size, priority, or importance of the two sites.

[0096] It should be noted that in this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or explanations. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner. In the embodiments of this application, "of," "relevant," and "corresponding" may sometimes be used interchangeably, and it should be pointed out that their intended meanings are consistent unless their distinction is emphasized.

[0097] The terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, used in the following description of embodiments of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include other steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices. Furthermore, the term "for indicating" used in the description of embodiments of this application can include both direct and indirect indication. When describing an indication message for indicating A, it may include whether the indication message directly indicates A or indirectly indicates A, but does not necessarily mean that the indication message carries A.

[0098] The foregoing section introduced some terms and concepts involved in the embodiments of this application. The following section introduces the technical problems, solutions, and devices involved in the embodiments of this application.

[0099] With the development of emerging applications such as motion-sensing games, indoor 3D reconstruction, and embody intelligence, next-generation wireless networks are expected to provide capabilities beyond mere connectivity. These capabilities aim to support a rich array of application-layer services. In terms of applications, a range of applications (such as motion-sensing games, indoor 3D reconstruction, and embody intelligence) currently require multi-sensor collaborative sensing to compensate for the limitations of individual sensors in terms of modality, dimension, or viewpoint, thereby improving the coverage and accuracy of the sensing results.

[0100] However, current multi-sensor joint sensing schemes have some problems. For example, the lack of a precise measurement synchronization mechanism makes it easy for the sensing results of each sensor to differ significantly. Also, different sensors compete for channel transmission opportunities at different times, resulting in a long time for all sensors to complete the reporting of sensing results, thus leading to coarse sensing granularity and poor real-time performance. In addition, due to cross-vendor equipment and wireless channel competition for access, the usability of multi-sensor fusion sensing schemes based on post-fusion or proprietary equipment and private protocols is poor.

[0101] To address the aforementioned problems, embodiments of this application provide a sensing method and apparatus for achieving efficient joint sensing, thereby improving sensing performance and offering good usability. The method and apparatus are based on the same inventive concept, and their problem-solving principles are similar; therefore, implementations of the apparatus and method can be mutually referenced, and repeated details will not be elaborated further.

[0102] This application's embodiments can be applied to wireless local area network (WLAN) scenarios. For example, they can be applied to IEEE 802.11 system standards, such as 802.11be, Wi-Fi 7, or Extremely High Throughput (EHT), 802.11bf, and next-generation standards like Wi-Fi 8 or even later. Alternatively, this application's embodiments can also be applied to WLAN systems such as Internet of Things (IoT) networks or Vehicle-to-X (V2X) networks. Of course, this application's embodiments can also be applied to StarFlash communication systems, as well as other possible communication systems, such as 5th generation (5G) systems, new radio (NR) systems, or future communication systems.

[0103] This application can support the Spark Link / NearLink standard protocol. It can also support IEEE protocols, such as IEEE 802.11be / Wi-Fi 7 / EHT protocol, IEEE 802.11bn / UHR / Wi-Fi 8 protocol, IEEE Integrated mmWave / IMMW protocol, IEEE 802.15 / UWB protocol, or IEEE 802.11bf / sensing protocol.

[0104] It should be understood that WLAN has evolved from the 802.11a / g standard through 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, and the currently discussed 802.11be. 802.11n can also be called high throughput (HT); 802.11ac can also be called very high throughput (VHT); 802.11ax can also be called high efficiency (HE) or Wi-Fi 6; 802.11be can also be called EHT or Wi-Fi 7. Standards prior to HT, such as 802.11a / b / g, can be collectively referred to as non-high throughput (Non-HT).

[0105] The communication systems described above are merely illustrative examples, and the communication systems applicable to this application are not limited thereto. The communication systems provided in this application do not impose any limitations on the solutions of this application. This will be explained uniformly here and will not be repeated below.

[0106] For example, Figure 1 This application illustrates a network architecture diagram of a WLAN applicable to an embodiment of this application. See also: Figure 1 As shown, this network architecture includes an Access Point (AP) and Non-Access Point Station 1 (Non-AP STA 1) and Non-Access Point Station 2 (Non-AP STA 2). The AP can communicate with both Non-Access Point Station 1 and Non-Access Point Station 2. For example, the AP can send information, signals, or data to Non-Access Point Station 1, and Non-Access Point Station 1 can also send information, signals, or data to the AP. Similarly, the AP can send information, signals, or data to Non-Access Point Station 2, and Non-Access Point Station 2 can also send information, signals, or data to the AP.

[0107] Figure 1 The one AP and two non-access point sites shown are for illustrative purposes only. The number of APs and non-access point sites in this network architecture can be one or more, and the number of non-access point sites communicating with one AP can be one or more. In the foregoing, "multiple" can refer to two or more. This embodiment can also be applied to communication between APs, for example, APs can communicate with each other through a distributed system (DS). Through the DS, an AP can communicate with its associated non-access point sites and / or unassociated non-access point sites. This embodiment can also be applied to communication between STAs.

[0108] The above Figure 1The WLAN network architecture diagram shown is not intended to limit the network architecture to which the embodiments of this application can be applied. The methods provided in the embodiments of this application can be applied to various wireless network architectures or wireless communication systems, such as Wi-Fi systems, 5G communication systems, or future mobile communication systems, and this application does not limit them.

[0109] Access points, which are the points through which terminal devices (such as mobile phones) access wired (or wireless) networks, are primarily deployed in homes, buildings, and campuses, with a typical coverage radius of tens to hundreds of meters. They can also be deployed outdoors. An access point acts as a bridge connecting wired and wireless networks, its main function being to connect various wireless network clients together and then connect the wireless network to the Ethernet. Specifically, access points can be terminal devices (such as mobile phones) or network devices (such as routers) with Wi-Fi chips, or wireless communication chips, wireless sensors, or wireless communication terminals with access point functionality. Access points can be devices that support the 802.11be standard. Access points can also be devices that support various WLAN standards within the 802.11 family, such as 802.11be next-generation standards.

[0110] The site can be a wireless communication chip, wireless sensor, or wireless communication terminal, and can also be referred to as a user. For example, the site can be a mobile phone supporting Wi-Fi communication, a tablet computer supporting Wi-Fi communication, a set-top box supporting Wi-Fi communication, a smart TV supporting Wi-Fi communication, a smart wearable device supporting Wi-Fi communication, an in-vehicle communication device supporting Wi-Fi communication, and a computer supporting Wi-Fi communication, etc. Optionally, the site can support the 802.11be standard. The site can also support various WLAN standards of the 802.11 family, such as 802.11be next-generation.

[0111] For example, access points and sites can be devices used in the Internet of Vehicles, IoT nodes and sensors in the Internet of Things, smart cameras, smart remote controls, smart water and electricity meters in smart homes, and sensors in smart cities.

[0112] The AP and STA involved in the embodiments of this application can be APs and STAs that comply with the IEEE 802.11 system standard. An AP is a device deployed in a wireless communication network to provide wireless communication functions for its associated STAs. The AP can serve as the hub of the communication system and is typically a network-side product that supports the MAC and PHY of the 802.11 system standard. Examples include base stations, routers, gateways, repeaters, communication servers, switches, or bridges. The base station can include various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations, repeater stations, etc. For ease of description, the devices mentioned above are collectively referred to as APs. STAs are typically terminal products that support the 802.11 system standard's Media Access Control (MAC) and Physical Layer (PHY), such as mobile phones and laptops.

[0113] The communication system architecture or network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of communication system or network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application can also be applied to similar technical problems.

[0114] Unless otherwise specified in this document, the terms "first device" and "second device" are used to describe the implementing entities.

[0115] "First device" can be a network device, a device with network device functions, or a device that implements network device functions. For example, "first device" is an access network device (e.g., AP or AP MLD), or "first device" can be a module (e.g., chip or circuit) in the access network device, or it can be a module or unit (e.g., CU, DU, or RU), logic module, or software that fully or partially implements the access network device. "First device" can also be a core network device, or a server, such as a cloud server. Alternatively, "first device" can also be a device or apparatus with sensing and / or positioning capabilities, or a device or apparatus capable of performing artificial intelligence tasks. Among these, a device capable of performing artificial intelligence tasks can be called an artificial intelligence task execution device.

[0116] "Second device" can be a terminal, a device with terminal functions, or a device that implements terminal functions. For example, "second device" can be a terminal (e.g., Non-AP STA or Non-AP MLD), a module (e.g., a chip or circuit) in a terminal (e.g., Non-AP STA or Non-AP MLD), a module or unit that fully or partially implements a terminal (e.g., Non-AP STA or Non-AP MLD), or a logic module or software, etc.

[0117] In some scenarios, "first device" can also be a terminal device, and "second device" can also be a network device. In the following text, "first device" as a network device and "second device" as a terminal device are used as examples to describe the solutions of the embodiments of this application. "First device" can also be replaced by "first node," "first device," or "first communication device," etc., and "second device" can also be replaced by "second node," "second device," or "second communication device," etc.

[0118] In this application, "send" and "receive" refer to the direction of information / data / signal transmission. For example, "send information to XX" can be understood as the destination of the information being XX, and "send information" can include direct transmission or indirect transmission through other units or modules. "Receive information from YY" can be understood as the source of the information being YY, and "receive information" can include direct reception from YY or indirect reception from YY through other units or modules. Furthermore, "send" can also be understood as the "output" of a chip interface, and "receive" can be understood as the "input" of a chip interface. In other words, "send" or "receive" can occur between nodes / devices, such as a base station and a terminal transmitting or receiving data via an air interface. "Send" or "receive" can also occur within a device, such as between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within the device via a bus, wiring, or interface.

[0119] It should be understood that the names of the messages (or information) in the following processes in this application are merely examples. As communication technology evolves, the names of the messages (or information, etc.) in the following processes may change. However, no matter how the names change, as long as their meaning is the same as the function or meaning of the messages (or information, etc.) in this application, they all fall within the protection scope of this application.

[0120] The solutions of the embodiments of this application will be described below.

[0121] This application provides a sensing method, which can be applied to, but is not limited to, methods. Figure 1The network architecture is shown. This method can be executed by the first device and the second device, or by modules (e.g., processors, chips, or chip systems) corresponding to the first and second devices, respectively. It can also be executed by logical nodes, logical modules, or software that respectively implement all or part of the functions of the first device and all or part of the functions of the second device. Furthermore, this application does not specifically limit the specific structure and number of the execution entities (such as the first and second devices) of the method provided in the embodiments of this application, as long as communication can be performed according to the method provided in the embodiments of this application by running a program that records the code of the method provided in the embodiments of this application. For ease of description, the interaction between the first device and the second device is used as an example in the following description. The order of steps in the following processes is only an example. In actual applications, the execution order of steps in each process can be adjusted, and all or part of the following steps can be executed adaptively.

[0122] See Figure 2 As shown, the method provided in this application embodiment includes the following steps:

[0123] S201: The first device sends first information to at least one second device; correspondingly, the at least one second device receives the first information.

[0124] The first information is used to request the second device to perform sensing measurement. The first information includes time information and sensing measurement information. The time information is used for the at least one second device to perform sensing measurement synchronously.

[0125] In this embodiment of the application, the use of time information for the at least one second device to synchronously perform sensing measurements can be understood as the at least one second device performing sensing measurements based on a unified time reference, but is not limited to the at least one second device performing sensing measurements simultaneously.

[0126] In one possible implementation, the method of this application embodiment further includes: a first device receiving capability information of the at least one second device; wherein the capability information of the second device includes sensing capability information and sensing response capability information; the first device generating sensing measurement information based on the sensing capability information of the at least one second device; and the first device generating time information based on the sensing response capability information of the at least one second device and the time information of the first device. Optionally, this implementation can be performed before S201.

[0127] In this embodiment of the application, the sensing capability information of the second device includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following:

[0128] (1) Whether the second device has sensor indication information; (2) The sensor type of the second device; (3) Whether the second device supports direct triggering of sensing measurement indication information; (4) The number of times the second device performs sensing measurement within a set time; (5) The amount of data resulting from one sensing measurement performed by the second device; (6) The frequency of the second device performing sensing measurement;

[0129] In this embodiment of the application, the sensing response capability information of the second device includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following:

[0130] (1) The response delay time of the operating system of the second device; (2) The delay time from when the sensor of the second device is triggered to when the second device begins to perform sensing measurements.

[0131] In the above, the sensing capability information of each of the at least one second device can be reported with reference to the sensing capability information of the second device.

[0132] In one possible implementation, the time information in the first information mentioned above includes at least one time indication information.

[0133] Based on this implementation, in one scenario, the at least one time indication information includes a single time indication information used to indicate the start time of the sensing measurement performed by the at least one second device. In this case, the at least one second device may share a single time indication information, or in other words, the at least one second device may perform the sensing measurement at the same start time.

[0134] Based on this implementation, in another scenario, the at least one time indication information includes multiple time indication information, each corresponding one-to-one with the at least one second device. These multiple time indication information are used to indicate the start time of the sensing measurement performed by the at least one second device. In this case, the at least one second device may not share the same time indication information; in other words, the start times for the sensing measurement performed by the at least one second device may be different.

[0135] For example, the aforementioned time indication information may be time synchronization function (TSF) information, which indicates the start time of the at least one second device performing sensing measurements, enabling these devices to perform sensing measurements based on the same time reference.

[0136] Regarding the case where at least one second device shares a single time indication information:

[0137] For example, the first device determines, based on the sensing response capability information of the at least one second device and the distance (optional) between the at least one second device and the first device, that the start time of the at least one second device performing sensing measurements is the same, or that the difference in the start time of the at least one second device performing sensing measurements is relatively small (e.g., less than a set threshold), then the first device generates the same time indication information for the at least one second device.

[0138] For cases where at least one second device does not share a single time indication information:

[0139] For example, if the first device determines, based on the sensing response capability information of the at least one second device and the distance (optional) from the at least one second device to the first device, that the start time of the at least one second device performing sensing measurement is different, or that the difference in the start time of the at least one second device performing sensing measurement is relatively large (e.g., greater than or equal to a set threshold), then the first device generates at least one time indication information for the at least one second device, and the at least one time indication information corresponds one-to-one with the at least one second device.

[0140] In this application embodiment, there may be a situation where some of the at least one second device shares the same time indication information, while other second devices do not share the same time indication information. Therefore, the time information includes multiple time indication information, and some of the multiple time indication information corresponds to multiple second devices.

[0141] For example, at least one second device, STA1, STA2, and STA3, carries time information in the first information, including two time indication messages. STA1 and STA2 share the same time indication message, while STA3 uses a different time indication message.

[0142] In one possible implementation, the first information further includes a first field; when the value of the first field is a first value, the first value indicates that the at least one second device shares the time indication information; when the value of the first field is a second value, the second value indicates that the at least one second device does not share the time indication information. Through this implementation, a second device can accurately and effectively determine whether it shares the same time indication information with other second devices based on the first field, and thus determine whether its start time for performing sensing measurements is the same as that of other second devices.

[0143] In one possible implementation, if the first field has a first value (i.e., the at least one second device shares the time indication information), the first information also includes at least one of the following:

[0144] (1) Second field; the second field is used to indicate the number of second devices that request to perform sensing measurements; (2) Third field; the third field is used to indicate the associated identifier of the at least one second device.

[0145] In one possible implementation, the perceived measurement information in the first information mentioned above includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following:

[0146] (1) The sequence number of the sensing measurement; the sequence number of the sensing measurement is used to indicate the sequence number of the sensing measurement in the sensing measurement group. In one possible implementation, the sequence number of the sensing measurement may reuse the sensing measurement session identification information.

[0147] (2) Type information of the perception measurement; for example, type information of the perception measurement can be used to indicate or determine the target of the perception measurement.

[0148] (3) Configuration information of time and frequency resources for sensing measurement; for example, the configuration information of time and frequency resources for sensing measurement may include indication information of time domain resources and / or frequency domain resources.

[0149] (4) Performing power information for sensing measurements; for example, the second device performs sensing measurements of received power and / or transmitted power, and / or the first device performs sensing measurements of received power and / or transmitted power.

[0150] In one possible implementation, when performing S201, the process includes: a first device sending first information to the at least one second device, and correspondingly, the at least one second device receiving the first information from the first device; then, the at least one second device sending fourth information to the first device, and correspondingly, the first device receiving the fourth information from the at least one second device, the fourth information being used to indicate whether the second device accepts sensing measurement at a corresponding start time.

[0151] For example, the fourth information includes a confirmation field. If the value of the confirmation field is the third value, the second device is instructed to accept the sensing measurement at the corresponding start time. If the value of the confirmation field is the fourth value, the second device is instructed not to accept the sensing measurement at the corresponding start time.

[0152] S202: The at least one second device performs a sensing measurement based on the first information and obtains a sensing measurement result.

[0153] In one possible implementation, the time information includes a time indication information (i.e., the at least one second device shares the same time indication information). The at least one second device determines the start time of the sensing measurement based on the time indication information, and performs sensing measurements based on the sensing measurement information at the start time to obtain the sensing measurement result.

[0154] For example, taking the first device as AP, and the at least one second device as STA1 and STA2. The time information sent by AP to STA1 and STA2 includes time indication information 1, and STA1 and STA2 share the time indication information 1. Then, STA1 determines the start time 1 of sensing measurement according to the time indication information 1, and STA2 also determines the start time 1 of sensing measurement according to the time indication information 1. Thus, STA1 and STA2 start sensing measurement at time 1 respectively.

[0155] In another possible implementation, the time information includes multiple time indication information (i.e., the at least one second device shares the same time indication information). The at least one second device determines its own sensing measurement start time according to the corresponding time indication information among the multiple time indication information, and performs sensing measurement according to the sensing measurement information at the corresponding start time to obtain the sensing measurement result.

[0156] For example, taking the first device as AP, and the at least one second device as STA1 and STA2. The time information sent by AP to STA1 and STA2 includes time indication information 1 and time indication information 2, which correspond one-to-one with STA1 and STA2. STA1 determines the start time 1 of sensing measurement based on time indication information 1, and STA2 determines the start time 2 of sensing measurement based on time indication information 2. Thus, STA1 starts sensing measurement at time 1, and STA2 starts sensing measurement at time 2.

[0157] S203: The at least one second device sends second information to the first device; correspondingly, the first device receives the second information from the at least one second device.

[0158] The second information includes the sensing and measurement results of the second device.

[0159] In one possible implementation, when performing S202, the process includes: the first device sending third information to the at least one second device, and correspondingly, the at least one second device receiving the third information from the first device, the third information being used to instruct the second device to report the sensing measurement results; then, the at least one second device sending second information to the first device, and correspondingly, the first device receiving the second information from the at least one second device.

[0160] In one possible implementation, the third information includes the configuration information of the resource unit RU of the second device, which is allocated based on the sensing capability information of the second device.

[0161] For example, the first device estimates the amount of data of the perception measurement results that the second device will report based on the perception capability information of the second device (such as the frequency of the perception measurement of the second device and the sensor type of the second device), and then configures the resource unit of the second device based on the amount of data of the perception measurement results that the second device will report; further, the first device sends third information to the second device, which includes the configuration information of the resource unit of the second device.

[0162] In one possible implementation, the second information also includes a sequence number of the sensing measurement, which is used to identify the result of the sensing measurement of the second device.

[0163] In the above method, a first device sends first information to at least one second device to request the at least one second device to perform sensing measurements. The first information includes sensing measurement information and time information. The time information is used for the at least one second device to synchronously perform sensing measurements. Then, the first device receives second information from the at least one second device. The second information includes the sensing measurement results of the second device, which are obtained by the second device performing sensing measurements based on the first information. Therefore, when the first device and the at least one second device jointly perform sensing measurements, the at least one second device performs sensing measurements based on the sensing measurement information and can also synchronously perform sensing measurements based on the time information. This avoids poor real-time performance and sensing performance of the joint sensing measurements due to large time differences in the sensing measurements performed by the at least one second device. Thus, this method can guarantee the synchronization of multiple devices when jointly performing sensing measurements. This not only enables efficient joint sensing measurements but also improves sensing performance (e.g., sensing accuracy and precision). Furthermore, this method has wide applicability and high usability.

[0164] The following is based on Figure 2 The scheme shown is applied to a WLAN network architecture as an example, and several specific implementation methods are used to illustrate the above. Figure 8 The proposed solution will be described in detail.

[0165] Implementation Method 1:

[0166] In implementation method one, based on the above... Figure 2 The illustrated scheme, taking the first device as an AP as an example and at least one second device as STA1 and STA2 as examples, provides a detailed description of the scheme in this application embodiment. See also Figure 3 As shown, the method flow of Implementation Method 1 includes the following steps:

[0167] S301: AP sends the first frame to STA1 and STA2; correspondingly, STA1 and STA2 receive the first frame.

[0168] The first frame is used to instruct the STA to report capability information to the AP.

[0169] In this implementation, the AP can send the first frame to STA1 and STA2 via unicast, multicast, or broadcast. This application does not impose specific restrictions on this, and the design can be tailored to the application or requirements.

[0170] S302a: STA1 sends its capability information to AP; correspondingly, AP receives STA1's capability information.

[0171] In one possible implementation, the capability information of STA1 includes the perception response capability information of STA1 and / or the perception capability information of STA1.

[0172] For example, the perception information of STA1 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following:

[0173] (1) STA1 has sensor indication information; (2) STA1 sensor type; (3) STA1 supports direct triggering of sensing measurement indication information; (4) STA1 performs sensing measurement the number of times within a set time; (5) STA1 performs a sensing measurement once, and (6) STA1 performs sensing measurement at a certain frequency.

[0174] For example, the STA1's perception response capability information includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following:

[0175] (1) The response delay time of the STA1 operating system; (2) The delay time from when the STA1 sensor is triggered to when the STA1 starts to perform sensing measurements.

[0176] S302b: STA2 sends its capability information to AP; correspondingly, AP receives STA2's capability information.

[0177] In this embodiment, S302a and S302b can be executed synchronously or asynchronously, and there is no specific restriction on the order of execution.

[0178] In one possible implementation, the capability information of STA2 includes the perception response capability information of STA2 and / or the perception capability information of STA2.

[0179] For example, the perception capability information of STA2 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following:

[0180] (1) STA2 has sensor indication information; (2) STA2 sensor type; (3) Whether STA2 supports direct triggering of sensing measurement indication information; (4) Number of times STA2 performs sensing measurement within a set time; (5) Data volume of the result of STA2 performing one sensing measurement; (6) Frequency of STA2 performing sensing measurement.

[0181] For example, the STA2's perception response capability information includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following:

[0182] (1) The response delay time of the STA2 operating system; (2) The delay time from when the STA2 sensor is triggered to when the STA2 starts to perform sensing measurements.

[0183] For example, Figure 4 This illustrates the format of a frame carrying STA1 (or STA2) capability information; see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 4 As shown, the second frame includes the following fields:

[0184] (1) Field 401, denoted as the sensor (Is_sensor) field, is used to indicate whether a sensor exists in STA1 (or STA2).

[0185] For example, field 401 occupies 1 bit. If the value of this 1-bit field is 1, it indicates that a sensor is present. If the value of this 1-bit field is 0, it indicates that a sensor is not present.

[0186] (2) Field 402, denoted as Sensor_type, is used to indicate the sensor type (modality) of STA1 (or STA2).

[0187] For example, field 402 occupies 3 bits. If the value of this 3-bit field is 000, it indicates that the sensor type is a camera. If the value of this 3-bit field is 001, it indicates that the sensor type is a LiDAR, and so on.

[0188] (3) Field 403, denoted as type (Arch_type), is used to indicate whether the WLAN module in STA1 (or STA2) can directly trigger the sensor module to perform sensing measurements.

[0189] For example, field 403 occupies 1 bit. If the value of this 1-bit field is 1, it indicates that the WLAN module in STA1 (or STA2) can directly trigger the sensor module to perform sensing measurements. If the value of this 1-bit field is 0, it indicates that the WLAN module in STA cannot directly trigger the sensor module to perform sensing measurements.

[0190] (4) Field 404, denoted as Trigger-to-Measure Delay, indicates the delay from receiving a trigger to starting a measurement in the sensing hardware of STA1 (or STA2).

[0191] For example, this field uses 1INT to indicate the delay in the sensor hardware of STA1 (or STA2) from receiving a trigger to starting a measurement.

[0192] (5) Field 405, denoted as System_delay, is used to indicate the response delay of the operating system of STA1 (or STA2).

[0193] For example, this field uses 1INT to indicate the response latency of the STA operating system.

[0194] (6) Field 406, denoted as Measurement Frequency (Measure_freq), is used to indicate the number of sensing measurements that STA1 (or STA2) can perform per second.

[0195] For example, field 406 can use 1INT to indicate the number of measurements that can be taken in one second.

[0196] (7) Field 407, denoted as Measure_datasize, is used to indicate the size of the measurement results obtained by STA1 (or STA2) in a single sensing measurement.

[0197] For example, field 407 can use 1INT to indicate the data size of the measurement result obtained by STA1 (or STA2) in a single sensing measurement.

[0198] Figure 4 The frame shown uses the seven fields mentioned above as an example; in practice, it may include one or more of these seven fields. Furthermore, in... Figure 4 The positions of the fields shown in the frame are merely examples. The implementation of this application does not limit the positions of the fields in the frame and can be adjusted accordingly.

[0199] S303: AP sends the second frame to STA1 and STA2 (i.e., the one mentioned above). Figure 2 (Example of the first information in the scheme shown); accordingly, STA1 and STA2 receive the second frame.

[0200] The second frame is used to request the STA to perform sensing measurement #1.

[0201] In one possible implementation, the second frame includes measurement request information that requests STA1 to perform sensing measurement #1. Sensing measurement #1 may be one sensing measurement in a set of sensing measurements.

[0202] In the first implementation method, the AP can send the second frame to STA1 and STA2 via unicast, multicast, or broadcast. This application does not impose specific restrictions on this method and can design it according to the application situation or requirements.

[0203] In Implementation Method 1, STA1 and STA2, which participate in sensing measurement #1, share time indication information 1. Therefore, the second frame received by STA1 includes time indication information 1, and the second frame received by STA2 also includes time indication information 1.

[0204] In one possible implementation, the second frame includes one or more of the following:

[0205] (1) A timing indicator message 1;

[0206] This time indication information 1 is used to indicate the start time when the AP expects the STA to perform sensing measurement #1.

[0207] For example, based on the capability information of STA1 and STA2, AP determines that the start time for STA1 and STA2 to perform sensing measurement #1 is time 1. Then AP generates time indication information 1, which is used to indicate time 1.

[0208] (2) Measurement sequence number (MSN);

[0209] This measurement sequence number is used to indicate the sequence number of sensing measurement #1 within a set of sensing measurements. One possible implementation reuses the 802.11bf measurement session ID as the MSN; alternatively, a value assigned by the application layer can be used.

[0210] (3) Type information (i.e., an example of the first field above), which is used to indicate that the STAs participating in sensing measurement #1 share the same time indication information.

[0211] (4) The number of target AIDs (i.e., the above) Figure 2 (Example of the second field in the scheme shown) The number of target AIDs can be used to determine / indicate the number of STAs participating in sensing measurement #1.

[0212] (5) List of target AIDs (i.e., the above) Figure 2(Example of the third field in the scheme shown) The list of target AIDs can be used to identify / indicate the AIDs of each STA participating in sensing measurement #1.

[0213] For example, the second frame can be a data frame or a new 802.11 management frame, which carries the aforementioned time indication information 1 and / or MSN in its common field.

[0214] For example, Figure 5 This illustrates a format for a second frame; see [link / reference]. Figure 5 As shown, the second frame includes the following fields:

[0215] Field 501, denoted as MSN, indicates the sequence number of this measurement within a set of measurements; for example, MSN may reuse the identifier of an 802.11bf sensing measurement instance (measurement instance ID), or MSN may be a value assigned to the application layer.

[0216] Field 502, denoted as Type (i.e., the example of the type information above), is used to indicate that the requested sensing measurement type is a field where STA1 and STA2 share a common timing indicator.

[0217] For example, field 503 occupies 1 bit, and the value of this 1-bit field is 0 (i.e., as mentioned above). Figure 8 (Example of the first value taken by the first field in the scheme shown) is used to indicate that the STAs (such as STA1 and STA2) participating in sensing measurement #1 share a time indicator field.

[0218] It should be noted that when STA1 and STA2 use different Timing_indicator fields, the value of this 1-bit field can be 1.

[0219] Field 503, denoted as the number of target AIDs (Num_target_AIDs), is used to determine / indicate the number of requested STAs.

[0220] For example, field 503 can be implemented using 1 INT.

[0221] Field 504 is a list of target AIDs (List_target_AIDs) used to determine / indicate the AID of each requested STA.

[0222] For example, field 504 can be implemented using Num_target_AIDs*11 bits, where each 11 bits is a STAAID.

[0223] Field 505, denoted as Timing_indicator (i.e., the example of Timing_indicator information 1 above), is used to indicate the start time when each STA should perform sensing measurement #1.

[0224] For example, field 505 occupies 64 bits, reuses the TSF counter in 802.11, and denots the expected start measurement time of the application layer as T1, f is the conversion function to the time format of the TSF counter, then Timing_indicator = f(T1).

[0225] Figure 5 The frame shown is an example containing the five fields mentioned above. In practice, it may include one or more of these five fields, or even more fields. Furthermore, in... Figure 5 The positions of the fields shown in the second frame are merely examples. The implementation of this application does not limit the positions of the fields in the second frame and can be adapted accordingly.

[0226] In this embodiment, the first information may further include information related to sensing measurement #1, such as at least one of the following: type information of sensing measurement #1, configuration information of time and frequency resources of sensing measurement #1, or power information for performing sensing measurement #1.

[0227] S304: STA1 sends the third frame to AP (i.e., the one mentioned above). Figure 2 (Example of the fourth information in the scheme shown); correspondingly, the AP receives the third frame of STA1.

[0228] The third frame includes time confirmation information 1 and time confirmation information 2, which are used to indicate whether STA1 agrees to / accepts the start time indicated by time indication information 1 in the second frame above to perform perception measurement #1.

[0229] For example, the third frame includes a 1-bit time confirmation field. If the value of this field is 1, it means that STA1 agrees / accepts to perform perception measurement #1 at the start time indicated by time indication information 1; if the value of this field is 0, it means that STA1 does not agree / accept to perform perception measurement #1 at the start time indicated by time indication information 1.

[0230] For example, the third frame may be a clear to send (CTS) response frame, or the third frame may be a transport block (TB) physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU).

[0231] S305: STA2 sends the fourth frame to AP (i.e., the one mentioned above). Figure 2 (Example of the fourth information in the scheme shown); accordingly, the AP receives the fourth frame of STA2.

[0232] In this implementation, S304 and S305 can be executed synchronously or asynchronously, and there is no specific restriction on the order of execution. They can be adjusted according to the actual situation or needs.

[0233] The fourth frame includes time confirmation information 2, which is used to indicate whether STA2 agrees to / accepts the start time indicated by time indication information 1 in the second frame above to perform perception measurement #1.

[0234] For example, the fourth frame includes a 1-bit time confirmation field. If the value of this field is 1, it means that STA2 agrees / accepts to perform perception measurement #1 at the start time indicated by time indication information 1; if the value of this field is 0, it means that STA2 disagrees / does not accept performing perception measurement #1 at the start time indicated by time indication information 1.

[0235] For example, the fourth frame is a CTS response frame, or the fourth frame is a TB PPDU.

[0236] If STA1 and STA2 agree / accept to perform perception measurement #1 at the start time indicated by time indication information 1, the following steps shall be performed.

[0237] S306: STA1 performs sensing measurement #1 at the corresponding start time according to time indication information 1.

[0238] STA1 determines the start time of perception measurement #1 based on time indication information 1, and then performs the measurement at that start time to obtain the perception measurement result.

[0239] S307: STA2 performs sensing measurement #1 at the corresponding start time according to time indication information 1.

[0240] STA2 determines the start time of perception measurement #1 based on time indication information 1, and then performs the measurement at that start time to obtain the perception measurement result.

[0241] In this first implementation, S306 and S307 are executed synchronously.

[0242] S308: AP sends the fifth frame to STA1 and STA2 (i.e., the one mentioned above). Figure 2 (Example of the third information in the scheme shown); accordingly, STA1 and STA2 receive the fifth frame.

[0243] The fifth frame is used to instruct the STA to report the results of the sensing measurements.

[0244] In one possible implementation, in S302, the sensing capability information reported by STA1 includes the sensing measurement frequency and sensor type of STA1, and the sensing capability information reported by STA2 includes the sensing measurement frequency and sensor type of STA2. The method of this implementation further includes: the AP estimating the amount of data that STA1 needs to report based on the sensing measurement frequency and sensor type of STA1; estimating the amount of data that STA2 needs to report based on the sensing measurement frequency and sensor type of STA2; and then, the AP optimizing the resource unit (RU) configuration of STA1 and the resource unit (RU) configuration of STA2 based on the amount of data that STA1 and STA2 need to report. Optionally, this implementation can be performed after S306 and S307 and before S308.

[0245] For example, if the amount of data that STA1 needs to report is greater than the amount of data that STA2 needs to report, the AP can allocate a relatively larger number of resource units to STA1 and a relatively smaller number of resource units to STA2.

[0246] In one possible implementation, the fifth frame includes optimized resource unit (RU) configuration information for STA1 and / or optimized resource unit (RU) configuration information for STA2.

[0247] In this implementation, the AP can send the fifth frame to STA1 and STA2 separately via unicast, multicast, or broadcast. This application does not impose specific restrictions on this, and the design can be tailored to the application or requirements.

[0248] If the AP sends the fifth frame to both STA1 and STA2 via unicast, the fifth frame received by STA1 will include STA1's optimized Resource Unit (RU) configuration information, and the fifth frame received by STA2 will include STA2's optimized RU configuration information. For example, the fifth frame may be a TB PPDU.

[0249] If the AP sends the fifth frame to STA1 and STA2 via multicast or broadcast, the fifth frame includes the optimized resource unit (RU) configuration information of STA1 and STA2.

[0250] S309: STA1 sends the sixth frame to the AP (i.e., Figure 2 (Example of the second information sent by the second device to the first device in the scheme shown); correspondingly, the AP receives the sixth frame of STA1.

[0251] The sixth frame includes the results of STA1's perception measurement #1.

[0252] In one possible implementation, the sixth frame also includes an MSN, which is the sequence number of sensing measurement #1 in a set of sensing measurements. This MSN in the sixth frame can be used to identify or mark the result of sensing measurement #1 of STA1.

[0253] S310: STA2 sends the seventh frame to AP (i.e., ... Figure 2 (Example of the second information sent by the second device to the first device in the scheme shown); correspondingly, the AP receives the seventh frame of STA2.

[0254] The seventh frame includes the results of STA2's perception measurement #1.

[0255] In one possible implementation, the seventh frame also includes an MSN, which is the sequence number of sensing measurement #1 in a set of sensing measurements. This MSN in the seventh frame can be used to identify or mark the result of STA2 performing sensing measurement #1.

[0256] S309 and S310 may be executed synchronously, or they may not be executed synchronously, depending on the actual duration of STA1 and STA2 executing sensing measurement #1 respectively. However, the time difference between STA1 and STA2 reporting the results of sensing measurement #1 to AP is relatively small.

[0257] S311: The AP performs sensing measurement #1 on the RF and obtains the result of sensing measurement #1 on the RF.

[0258] The AP's RF can perform sensing measurement #1 synchronously with STA1 and STA2 and obtain the result of sensing measurement #1, that is, S311 can be performed synchronously with S306 and S307.

[0259] S312: The AP sends the results of sensing measurement #1 of STA1, the results of sensing measurement #1 of STA2, and the results of sensing measurement #1 of the RF to the sensing application device.

[0260] After receiving the results of perception measurement #1 from STA1, the results of perception measurement #1 from STA2, and the results of perception measurement #1 from the RF, the sensing application device can perform perception fusion processing and apply the results of perception measurement #1 from STA1, the results of perception measurement #1 from STA2, and the results of perception measurement #1 from the RF. The specific processing steps can be referred to the current implementation of perception fusion technology, which will not be detailed here.

[0261] S312 is an optional step.

[0262] In this embodiment of the application, the AP can also perform perception fusion processing and apply the results of perception measurement #1 of STA1, perception measurement #1 of STA2 and perception measurement #1 of the RF. The specific processing steps can be referred to the current perception fusion technology, which will not be described in detail here.

[0263] In the above, S301 to S312 use STA1 and STA2 as examples of STAs participating in sensing measurement #1. In actual applications, there may be more or fewer STAs participating in sensing measurement #1. The above steps can be followed for implementation, and will not be described in detail here.

[0264] Furthermore, S303 to S312 above are described using sensing measurement #1 in a set of sensing measurements as an example. In the embodiments of this application, a set of sensing measurements may include multiple sensing measurements. Each measurement can be implemented in the same manner and steps as sensing measurement #1, which will not be described in detail here. Moreover, the AP can send the sensing measurement results of the AP and each STA to the sensing application device after each sensing measurement, or it can send the sensing measurement results of the AP and each STA to the sensing application device uniformly after a set of sensing measurements. There are no specific limitations on this, and it can be implemented according to the actual situation or requirements.

[0265] In Implementation Method 1, the AP determines sensing measurement information and time information based on the capability information of multiple STAs in the WLAN network. This time information includes a shared time indication information among the multiple STAs (each possessing a sensing sensor) participating in the same sensing measurement. This time indication information indicates the start time for these STAs to perform the sensing measurement. The AP sends the sensing measurement information and time information to these STAs. Upon receiving the sensing measurement information and time information, these STAs can perform the sensing measurement at the expected or indicated start time with minimal time error, based on the time indication information in the time information. This helps the STAs perform sensing measurements in real-time and synchronously, efficiently completing the sensing measurement. It also avoids significant differences in the results of sensing measurements performed on the target due to asynchronous timing among the STAs, thereby improving the overall performance of the joint sensing measurement (such as sensing accuracy and precision).

[0266] Implementation Method Two:

[0267] Compared to Implementation Method 1, the main difference in Implementation Method 2 is that STA1 and STA2 do not share the same time indication information, but instead use different time indication information. See also Figure 6 As shown, the method flow of Implementation Method Two includes the following steps:

[0268] S601: AP sends the first frame to STA1 and STA2; correspondingly, STA1 and STA2 receive the first frame.

[0269] S602a: STA1 sends capability information to AP; correspondingly, AP receives the capability information from STA1.

[0270] S602b: STA2 sends capability information to AP; correspondingly, AP receives the capability information from STA2.

[0271] S601, S602a, and S602b can be referred to one by one with the relevant descriptions in S301, S302, and S302b above, which will not be repeated here.

[0272] S603: AP sends the second frame to STA1 and STA2; correspondingly, STA1 and STA2 receive the second frame.

[0273] The second frame is used to request the STA to perform sensing measurement #1.

[0274] Compared to S303 in the first embodiment described above, the main difference in S603 is as follows:

[0275] STA1 and STA2, which are involved in sensing measurement #1, use different time indication information.

[0276] For example, the distance from STA1 to AP is different from the distance from STA2 to AP. To ensure that STA1 and STA2 can synchronously execute sensing measurement #1, the start times for STA1 and STA2 to execute sensing measurement #1 should be different. Based on this, AP generates time indication information 1 for STA1, which indicates the start time for STA1 to execute sensing measurement #1. AP generates time indication information 2 for STA2, which indicates the start time for STA1 to execute sensing measurement #1. In this way, STA1 can determine the start time for executing sensing measurement #1 based on time indication information 1, and STA2 can determine the start time for executing sensing measurement #1 based on time indication information 2.

[0277] In one possible implementation, the second frame (or measurement request information) includes at least one of the following:

[0278] (1) Type information (i.e., an example of the first field above), which is used to indicate that the STAs participating in sensing measurement #1 do not share the same time indication information (or to indicate that the STAs participating in sensing measurement #1 use different time indication information).

[0279] (2) Timing indicator information 1;

[0280] This time indication information 1 is used to indicate the start time when AP expects STA1 to perform sensing measurement #1.

[0281] (3) Timing indicator information 2;

[0282] This time indication information 2 is used to indicate the start time when AP expects STA2 to perform sensing measurement #1.

[0283] (4) Measurement sequence number (MSN);

[0284] For details on MSN, please refer to the relevant introduction to MSN in S303 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0285] For example, Figure 7 This illustrates a format for a second frame; see [link / reference]. Figure 7 As shown, the second frame includes the following fields:

[0286] Field 701, denoted as MSN, indicates the sequence number of this measurement within a set of measurements; one implementation is to reuse the 802.11bf measurement instance ID, or a value assigned by the application layer can be used.

[0287] Field 702, denoted as Type, is used to indicate that the requested measurement type is a field where STA1 and STA2 do not share a common timing indicator.

[0288] For example, field 702 occupies 1 bit, and the value of this 1-bit field is 1 (i.e., as mentioned above). Figure 2 (Example of the second value of the first field in the scheme shown) is used to indicate that the STAs (STA1 and STA2) participating in sensing measurement #1 do not share a time indicator field, or to indicate that the STAs (STA1 and STA2) participating in sensing measurement #1 use different time indicator fields.

[0289] It should be noted that when STA1 and STA2 share the same (Timing_indicator) field, the value of this 1-bit field can be 0.

[0290] Field 703, denoted as Timing_indicator#1, is used to indicate the start time when STA1 should perform sensing measurement#1.

[0291] For example, Timing_indicator#1 occupies 64 bits and reuses the TSF counter in 802.11. Let T1 be the start time that the application layer expects STA1 to execute sensing measurement #1, and f be the conversion function for converting the time format to the TSF counter. Then, Timing_indicator#1 = f(T1).

[0292] Field 704, denoted as Timing_indicator#2, is used to indicate the start time when STA2 should perform sensing measurement#1.

[0293] For example, Timing_indicator#2 occupies 64 bits and reuses the TSF counter in 802.11. Let T2 be the start time that the application layer expects STA2 to execute sensing measurement #1, and f be the conversion function for converting the time format to the TSF counter. Then, Timing_indicator#2 = f(T2).

[0294] Figure 7 The frame shown is an example containing the three fields mentioned above; in practice, it may also contain one or more of these three fields. Furthermore, in... Figure 7 The positions of the fields shown in the second frame are merely examples. The implementation of this application does not limit the positions of the fields in the second frame and can be adapted accordingly.

[0295] Apart from the main differences mentioned above, other contents in S603 can be found in the relevant description in S303 of the first embodiment above, and will not be repeated here.

[0296] S604: STA1 sends the third frame to AP; correspondingly, AP receives the third frame from STA1.

[0297] S605: STA2 sends the fourth frame to AP; correspondingly, AP receives the fourth frame from STA2.

[0298] S604 and S605 can be referred to one by one in the descriptions of S304 and S305 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0299] S606: STA1 performs sensing measurement #1 at the corresponding start time according to time indication information 1.

[0300] S607: STA2 performs sensing measurement #1 at the corresponding start time according to time indication information 2.

[0301] S608: AP sends the fifth frame to STA1 and STA2; correspondingly, STA1 and STA2 receive the fifth frame.

[0302] S609: STA1 sends the sixth frame to AP; correspondingly, AP receives the sixth frame from STA1.

[0303] S610: STA2 sends the seventh frame to AP; correspondingly, AP receives the seventh frame from STA2.

[0304] S611: The AP performs sensing measurement #1 on the RF and obtains the result of sensing measurement #1 on the RF.

[0305] S612: The AP sends the results of sensing measurement #1 of STA1, the results of sensing measurement #1 of STA2, and the results of sensing measurement #1 of the RF to the device of the sensing application.

[0306] S608 to S612 can be referred to one by one in the above description of S308 to S312, and will not be repeated here.

[0307] Compared to Implementation Method 1, the main difference in Implementation Method 2 is that the AP determines the start times of multiple STAs (each with sensing sensors) participating in the same sensing measurement at different times based on their capability information (including sensing capability information and sensing response capability information) in the WLAN network. Therefore, these STAs do not share time indication information. Based on this, the time information sent by the AP to these STAs may include multiple time indication messages, each corresponding to one of the multiple STAs participating in the same sensing measurement. Since the start times indicated by these multiple time indication messages are all based on a unified time reference, after receiving the time information, these STAs can perform sensing measurements at the expected or indicated start time with a small time error, according to the corresponding time indication message in the time information. This also allows these STAs to perform sensing measurements in real time, efficiently completing the sensing measurements and improving the overall performance of the joint sensing measurement (such as sensing accuracy and precision).

[0308] It should be understood that the above embodiments may change as the technical solutions evolve, and this application is not limited to the contents shown in the above embodiments.

[0309] It should be noted that different embodiments or some steps (e.g., any one or more steps) in different embodiments of this application can be combined with each other to form new embodiments. Furthermore, this application does not limit the inclusion of any one or more steps in different embodiments as including optional steps in a certain embodiment, mandatory steps in a certain embodiment, or both optional and mandatory steps in a certain embodiment.

[0310] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified or there is a logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions between different implementation methods are consistent and can be referenced from each other.

[0311] It should be noted that the order of the steps in the embodiments of this application is determined by the logic of the scheme, and this application does not limit it.

[0312] It should be noted that the order in which different conditions are judged in the embodiments of this application is not limited by this application.

[0313] It should be noted that the terms "after" and "time" in this application do not strictly limit the specific point in time.

[0314] It should be noted that the nouns and terms used in this application are merely examples and may be other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0315] In the embodiments provided above, the methods provided by the embodiments of this application have been described from the perspective of interaction between various devices. To implement the functions of the methods provided in the embodiments or implementations of this application, the first device or the second device may include hardware structures and / or software modules, implementing the above functions in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules. Whether a particular function is executed in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0316] The module division in this embodiment is illustrative and represents only one logical functional division; in actual implementation, other division methods may be used. Furthermore, the functional modules in the various embodiments or implementations of this application can be integrated into a single processor, exist as separate physical entities, or be integrated into a single module. The integrated modules described above can be implemented in hardware or as software functional modules.

[0317] Based on the above method embodiments, such as Figure 8 As shown, this application embodiment also provides a communication device 800 for implementing the functions of the first device or the second device in the above method. For example, the communication device 800 can be a software module or a chip system. In this application embodiment, the chip system can be composed of chips or can include chips and other discrete devices. The communication device 800 may include: a communication unit 801 and a processing unit 802.

[0318] In this embodiment, the communication unit 801, also referred to as the transceiver unit, may include a sending unit and / or a receiving unit, respectively used to perform the sending and receiving steps of the first device or the second device in the above method embodiments. The processing unit 802 may be used to read instructions and / or data from the storage module so that the communication device 800 implements the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0319] For example, the communication device 800 may also include a storage unit 803, which is equivalent to a storage module and can be used to store instructions and / or data.

[0320] The following combination Figures 8 to 9 This application provides a detailed description of the communication device provided in its embodiments. It should be understood that the descriptions of the device embodiments correspond to the descriptions of the method embodiments; therefore, any details not described in detail can be found above. Figure 2 and Figure 3 as well as Figure 6 The method shown is used to achieve this, and for the sake of simplicity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0321] The communication unit 801 can also be called a transceiver, transceiver, or transceiver device. The processing unit 802 can also be called a processor, processing board, processing module, or processing device. Optionally, the device in the communication unit 801 used to implement the receiving function can be considered as a receiving unit, and the device in the communication unit 801 used to implement the transmitting function can be considered as a transmitting unit; that is, the communication unit 801 includes a receiving unit and a transmitting unit. The communication unit 801 can sometimes also be called a transceiver, transceiver circuit, or transceiver circuit. The receiving unit can sometimes be called a receiver, receiver, or receiving circuit. The transmitting unit can sometimes be called a transmitter, transmitter, or transmitting circuit.

[0322] When the communication device 800 is applied in the above embodiment Figure 2 When the first device is in the process shown:

[0323] The communication unit 801 is configured to send first information to at least one second device, the first information being used to request the second device to perform sensing measurement, the first information including sensing measurement information and time information, the time information being used by the at least one second device to synchronously perform the sensing measurement;

[0324] The communication unit 801 is further configured to receive second information from the at least one second device, the second information including the result of the sensing measurement of the second device.

[0325] The processing unit 802 is used to process information and / or data, etc.

[0326] When the communication device 800 is applied in the above embodiment Figure 2When the second device is shown in the process:

[0327] The communication unit 801 is configured to receive first information from the first device, the first information being used to request the second device to perform sensing measurement, the first information including sensing measurement information and time information, the time information being used for at least one of the second devices to synchronously perform the sensing measurement;

[0328] The communication unit 801 is further configured to perform the sensing measurement based on the first information to obtain the sensing measurement result; and to send second information, wherein the second information includes the sensing measurement result.

[0329] The processing unit 802 is used to process information and / or data, etc.

[0330] The above is just an example. Processing unit 802 and communication unit 801 can also perform other functions. For a more detailed description, please refer to the above. Figure 2 and Figure 3 as well as Figure 6 The relevant descriptions in the method embodiments shown will not be repeated here.

[0331] like Figure 9 The image shown is a communication device 900 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 9 The communication device shown can be Figure 8 The diagram illustrates one hardware circuit implementation of the communication device 900. This communication device 900 can be applied to the flowchart shown above, performing the functions of the first or second device in the method embodiments described. For ease of explanation, Figure 9 Only the main components of the communication device are shown.

[0332] like Figure 9 As shown, the communication device 900 includes a communication interface 901 and a processor 902. The communication interface 901 and the processor 902 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the communication interface 901 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface, or an interface circuit such as a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the communication device 900 may further include a memory 903 for storing instructions executed by the processor 902, or storing input data required by the processor 902 to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor 902 executes instructions.

[0333] When the communication device 900 is used to achieve the above Figure 2 and Figure 3 as well as Figure 6 In the method shown, the communication interface 901 is used to implement the functions of the communication unit 801, and the processor 902 is used to implement the functions of the processing unit 802.

[0334] This application embodiment does not limit the specific connection medium between the communication interface 901, processor 902, and memory 903. This application embodiment... Figure 9 The memory 903, processor 902, and communication interface 901 are connected via a communication bus 904. The communication bus 904 is in... Figure 9 The connections between other components are shown in bold and are for illustrative purposes only, not as limiting information. The communication bus 904 can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, Figure 9 The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0335] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip. Figure 10 A simplified schematic diagram of a chip device structure is shown. The chip 1000 includes interface circuitry 1001 and one or more processors 1002. Optionally, the chip 1000 may also include a bus. Wherein:

[0336] Processor 1002 may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In implementation, each step of the method for determining the service node information described above can be completed by integrated logic circuits in the hardware of processor 1002 or by instructions in software form. Processor 1002 may be a general-purpose processor, digital signal processor (DSP), ASIC, field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. It can implement or execute the methods and steps disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0337] The interface circuit 1001 can be used to send or receive data, instructions or information. The processor 1002 can use the data, instructions or other information received by the interface circuit 1001 to process the data, instructions or other information, and can send the processed information out through the interface circuit 1001.

[0338] Optionally, chip 1000 also includes memory 1003, which may include read-only memory and random access memory, and provides operation instructions and data to the processor. A portion of memory 1003 may also include non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM).

[0339] Optionally, the memory stores executable software modules or data structures, and the processor can execute corresponding operations by calling the operation instructions stored in the memory (which may be stored in the operating system).

[0340] Optionally, the chip can be used in the first or second device involved in the embodiments of this application. Optionally, the interface circuit 1001 can be used to output the execution result of the processor 1002. For the sensing methods provided by one or more embodiments of this application, please refer to the foregoing embodiments and implementation methods, which will not be repeated here.

[0341] It should be noted that the functions of the interface circuit 1001 and the processor 1002 can be implemented through hardware design, software design, or a combination of hardware and software; no restrictions are imposed here.

[0342] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions for implementing the methods executed by the first device or the second device in the above method embodiments.

[0343] For example, when the computer program is executed by a computer, it enables the computer to implement the method performed by the first device or the second device in the above method embodiments.

[0344] This application also provides a computer program product containing instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method described in the above method embodiments, executed by the first device or the second device.

[0345] This application also provides a chip, including a processor, for calling computer programs or computer instructions stored in the memory, so that the processor executes the above-mentioned... Figure 2 and Figure 3 as well as Figure 6 The implementation method shown is as follows.

[0346] In one possible implementation, the chip's input corresponds to the above... Figure 2 and Figure 3 as well as Figure 6 The receiving operation shown in the implementation corresponds to the output of the chip described above. Figure 2 and Figure 3 as well as Figure 6 The sending operation in the implementation shown.

[0347] Alternatively, the processor is coupled to the memory via an interface.

[0348] Optionally, the chip also includes a memory that stores computer programs or computer instructions.

[0349] The processor mentioned above can be a general-purpose central processing unit, a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more devices used to control the above. Figure 2 and Figure 3 as well as Figure 6 The illustrated implementation is an integrated circuit for program execution using a sensing method. The memory mentioned above can be read-only memory (ROM) or other types of static storage devices capable of storing static information and instructions, such as random access memory (RAM).

[0350] It should be noted that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the explanations and beneficial effects of the relevant content in any of the communication devices provided above can be referred to the corresponding service node information determination method embodiments provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0351] The module division in this embodiment is illustrative and represents only one logical functional division. In actual implementation, other division methods may be used. Furthermore, the functional modules in each embodiment of this application can be integrated into a single processor, exist as separate physical entities, or be integrated into a single module. The integrated modules described above can be implemented in hardware or as software functional modules.

[0352] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art will clearly understand that the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware, firmware, or a combination thereof. When implemented in software, the above functions can be stored in a computer-readable medium or transmitted as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include computer storage media and communication media, wherein communication media include any medium that facilitates the transfer of a computer program from one place to another. Storage media can be any available medium accessible to a computer. For example, but not limited to, computer-readable media can include RAM, ROM, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, magnetic disk storage media, or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible to a computer. Furthermore, any connection can suitably be a computer-readable medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of the medium. As used in embodiments of this application, disks and discs include compact discs (CDs), laser discs, optical discs, digital video discs (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray discs, wherein disks typically magnetically copy data, while discs optically copy data using lasers. The combinations above should also be included within the scope of protection for computer-readable media.

Claims

1. A sensing method, characterized in that, A chip used in a first device or a first device, including: Send a first message to at least one second device, the first message being used to request the second device to perform a sensing measurement, the first message including the sensing measurement information and time information, the time information being used by the at least one second device to synchronously perform the sensing measurement; Receive second information from the at least one second device, the second information including the result of the sensing measurement of the second device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The time information includes at least one time indication information; The at least one time indication information includes a time indication information used to indicate the start time of the at least one second device performing the sensing measurement; or, The at least one time indication information includes multiple time indication information, each of which corresponds one-to-one with the at least one second device. The multiple time indication information is used to indicate the start time of the at least one second device performing the sensing measurement.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The time indication information is time synchronization function information.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The first information also includes a first field; When the value of the first field is a first value, the first value is used to indicate that the at least one second device shares the time indication information; When the value of the first field is the second value, the second value is used to indicate that the at least one second device does not share the time indication information.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, When the first field is the first value, the first information also includes at least one of the following: Second field, third field; The second field indicates the number of second devices requesting the sensing measurement, and the third field indicates the associated identifier of the at least one second device.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The sensing measurement information includes at least one of the following: The sequence number of the sensing measurement, the type information of the sensing measurement, the configuration information of the time and frequency resources of the sensing measurement, or the power information for performing the sensing measurement; The sequence number of the sensing measurement is used to indicate the sequence number of the sensing measurement in the sensing measurement group.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The second information also includes the sequence number of the sensing measurement, which is used to identify the result of the sensing measurement of the second device.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive capability information of the at least one second device, wherein the capability information of the second device includes sensing capability information and sensing response capability information; The sensing measurement information is generated based on the sensing capability information of the at least one second device; the time information is generated based on the sensing response capability information of the at least one second device and the time information of the first device.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The perception capability information includes at least one of the following: Does the second device contain sensor indication information? The sensor type of the second device; Does the second device support direct triggering of indication information for sensing measurements? The number of times the second device performs sensing measurements within a set time period; The amount of data resulting from a single sensing measurement performed by the second device; or The frequency at which the second device performs sensing measurements; The sensing response capability information includes at least one of the following: The response latency of the operating system of the second device; The delay time from when the sensor of the second device is triggered to when the second device begins to perform sensing measurements.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The receipt of the second information from the at least one second device includes: Send a third message to the at least one second device, the third message being used to instruct the second device to report the sensing measurement results; Receive second information from the at least one second device.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The third information includes the configuration information of the resource unit RU of the second device, which is allocated based on the sensing capability information of the second device.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1-11, characterized in that, Sending the first information to at least one second device includes: Send the first information to at least one second device; The system receives fourth information from the at least one second device, the fourth information indicating whether the second device accepts the sensing measurement at the corresponding start time.

13. A sensing method, characterized in that, Chips used in a second device or a second device include: Receive first information from a first device, the first information being used to request a second device to perform a sensing measurement, the first information including the sensing measurement information and time information, the time information being used for at least one second device to synchronously perform the sensing measurement; Based on the first information, the perception measurement is performed to obtain the perception measurement result; Send a second message, which includes the sensing measurement result.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The time information includes at least one time indication information; The at least one time indication information includes a time indication information used to indicate the start time of the at least one second device performing the sensing measurement; or, The at least one time indication information includes multiple time indication information, each of which corresponds one-to-one with the at least one second device. The multiple time indication information is used to indicate the start time of the at least one second device performing the sensing measurement.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, The time indication information is time synchronization function information.

16. The method according to any one of claims 13-15, characterized in that, The first information also includes a first field; When the value of the first field is a first value, the first value is used to indicate that the at least one second device shares the time indication information; When the value of the first field is the second value, the second value is used to indicate that the at least one second device does not share the time indication information.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, When the value of the first field is the first value, the first information also includes at least one of the following: Second field, third field; The second field indicates the number of second devices requesting the sensing measurement, and the third field indicates the associated identifier of the at least one second device.

18. The method according to any one of claims 13-17, characterized in that, The sensing measurement information includes at least one of the following: The sequence number of the sensing measurement, the type information of the sensing measurement, the configuration information of the time and frequency resources of the sensing measurement, or the power information for performing the sensing measurement; The sequence number of the sensing measurement is used to indicate the sequence number of the sensing measurement in the sensing measurement group.

19. The method according to any one of claims 13-18, characterized in that, The second information also includes the sequence number of the sensing measurement, which is used to identify the sensing measurement result.

20. The method according to any one of claims 13-19, characterized in that, The method further includes: The capability information of the second device is sent to the first device. The capability information of the second device includes sensing capability information and sensing response capability information.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The perception capability information includes at least one of the following: Does the second device contain sensor indication information? The sensor type of the second device; Does the second device support direct triggering of indication information for sensing measurements? The number of times the second device performs sensing measurements within a set time period; The amount of data resulting from a single sensing measurement performed by the second device; or The frequency at which the second device performs sensing measurements; The sensing response capability information includes at least one of the following: The response latency of the operating system of the second device; The delay time from when the sensor of the second device is triggered to when the second device begins to perform sensing measurements.

22. The method according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that, The sending of the second information includes: Receive third information from the first device, the third information being used to instruct the second device to report the sensing measurement results; Send the second information to the first device.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that, The third information includes the configuration information of the resource unit RU of the second device, which is allocated based on the sensing capability information of the second device.

24. The method according to any one of claims 13-23, characterized in that, The receiving of first information from the first device includes: Receive the first information from the first device; A fourth message is sent to the first device, the fourth message indicating whether the second device accepts the sensing measurement at the corresponding start time.

25. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes at least one processor and a memory for storing program instructions, wherein the at least one processor, when executing the program instructions, causes the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 12 to be executed, or causes the method as described in any one of claims 13 to 24 to be executed.

26. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer-readable program or instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 12 to be performed, or the method as described in any one of claims 13 to 24 to be performed.

27. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes a computer program or instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 12 to be performed, or the method as described in any one of claims 13 to 24 to be performed.

28. A chip, characterized in that, The chip system includes at least one processor, which, when executing instructions stored in the memory, implements the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, or the method as described in any one of claims 13 to 24.

Images