Sensing session establishment method and communication device

Abstract

To provide a sensing session establishment method and a communication device that help an access point meet sensing measurement requirements by flexibly managing stations that participate in a sensing session to perform sensing measurement.SOLUTION: An access point transmits a first frame to a first station. The first frame includes first information. The first information indicates a first role of the first station in a sensing session. The first role of the first station in the sensing session is a transmitter and / or a receiver. The first station is a station that participates in a sensing session at a second station associated with the access point. The access point receives a second frame from the first station. The second frame includes confirmation information for the first frame.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6a

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202110797771.8, entitled "Sensing Session Establishment Method and Communication Device," filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on July 14, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Technical Field The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a sensing session establishment method and a communication device. [Background technology]

[0003] With the development of communication technologies such as wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), various wireless communication devices are widely used in people's daily lives. In the wireless communication process, sensing measurements can be performed on environmental information or other information (e.g., human body movement information) based on the channel information of these devices. The technology of performing sensing measurements on sensing targets (i.e., environmental information or other information) based on channel information is called wireless sensing technology.

[0004] However, signaling or data frames in Wi-Fi communication technology are typically used for channel measurement, communication configuration, channel estimation, etc., and cannot meet the functional requirements of wireless sensing technology. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The embodiments of the present application provide a sensing session establishment method and a communication device, which enable an access point to flexibly manage stations participating in a sensing session to perform sensing measurements, which helps to meet sensing measurement requirements. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a sensing session establishment method, the method including: an access point (AP) transmitting a first frame to a first station (STA), the first frame including first information indicating a first role of the first STA in the sensing session, the first role of the first STA in the sensing session being a transmitter and / or a receiver, the first STA being an STA participating in the sensing session with a second STA associated with the AP; and the AP receiving a second frame from the first STA, the second frame including confirmation information for the first frame.

[0007] According to the sensing session establishment method of the first aspect, for each STA participating in the sensing session, the AP assigns a role in the sensing session to the STA by transmitting a first frame to the STA, so that the AP can flexibly manage the roles of the STAs participating in the sensing session by using the first frame, which helps to satisfy (fulfill) the functional requirements of wireless sensing technology as much as possible in Wi-Fi communication.

[0008] In an optional implementation, the first frame further includes first sensing parameters, and the first sensing parameters are used by the first station to perform sensing measurements and / or sensing data reporting in the sensing session. When this optional implementation is implemented, the AP can manage sensing parameters of STAs participating in the sensing session by using the first frame.

[0009] In one optional implementation, the first sensing parameter includes one or more of the following parameters: an operating parameter, a feedback type, a sensing type, or a feedback address.

[0010] In some optional implementations, the first frame includes a common information field and a user information field, and the first information is located within the common information field and / or the user information field; the first frame includes a station information field, and the first information is located within the station information field; or the first frame includes a common information field and a station information field, and the first information is located within the common information field and / or the station information field.

[0011] In one optional implementation, the second frame includes a verification element field, and the verification information is located within the verification element field.

[0012] In one optional implementation, the AP transmits a third frame to a plurality of second STAs, the third frame including second information, the second information being used to request the second STAs to participate in the sensing session. Furthermore, the AP receives a fourth frame from the plurality of second STAs, the fourth frame including third information, the third information indicating whether the second STAs confirm to participate in the sensing session. The AP determines the first STA from the plurality of second STAs based on the third information from the plurality of second STAs. When this optional implementation is implemented, the AP can determine a portion of the STAs that will participate in the sensing session from the plurality of STAs associated with the AP. This reduces the number of STAs that will participate in the sensing session and saves communication transmission resources.

[0013] In an optional implementation, when the third information indicates that the second STA confirms that it will participate in the sensing session, the third information further includes a second role supported by the second STA in the sensing session and second sensing parameters corresponding to the second role. The AP determines the first STA from the plurality of second STAs based on the role of the AP in the sensing session and the third information from the plurality of second STAs.

[0014] When this optional implementation is implemented, when a STA associated with an AP confirms that it will participate in a sensing session, the STA sends third information to the AP. The third information is used to inform the AP of a second role that may be supported by the STA in the sensing session and second sensing parameters corresponding to the second role. Furthermore, the AP can assign a role in the sensing session to the STA based on the second role and the second sensing parameters, thereby improving the efficiency of the AP's management of the STA in the sensing session.

[0015] In one optional implementation, when the role of the AP in the sensing session is not a transmitter, the role of the AP in the sensing session is not a receiver, the third information from the third STA indicates that the third STA will participate in the sensing session, and the third information from the fourth STA indicates that the fourth STA will participate in the sensing session, the AP determines the third STA and the fourth STA as the first STA. The second role corresponding to the third STA is a receiver in the sensing session, and the second role corresponding to the fourth STA is a transmitter in the sensing session. When this optional implementation is implemented, when the AP is neither a transmitter nor a receiver in the sensing session and does not participate in receiving / transmitting sensing signals, the AP determines that among the STAs participating in the sensing session, there is at least one STA whose role is a receiver and at least one STA whose role is a transmitter, and at least one complete communication link of the sensing signals exists.

[0016] In one optional implementation, the third STA and the fourth STA are the same STA.

[0017] In one optional implementation, when the role of the AP in the sensing session is a transmitter and the third information from the fifth STA indicates that the fifth STA will participate in the sensing session, the AP determines the fifth STA as a first STA. The fifth STA is one of a plurality of second STAs, and the second role corresponding to the fifth STA is a receiver in the sensing session. When this optional implementation is implemented, when the AP is a transmitter in the sensing session, the AP determines that among the STAs participating in the sensing session, at least one STA has a receiver role, and ensures that there is at least one complete communication link of the sensing signal.

[0018] In one optional implementation, when the role of the AP in the sensing session is a receiver, the third information from the sixth STA indicates that the sixth STA will participate in the sensing session, and the AP determines the sixth STA as a first STA. The sixth STA is one of a plurality of second STAs, and the second role corresponding to the sixth STA is a transmitter in the sensing session. When this optional implementation is implemented, when the AP is a receiver in the sensing session, the AP determines that among the STAs participating in the sensing session, at least one STA has a role as a transmitter, and ensures that at least one complete communication link of the sensing signal exists.

[0019] In an optional implementation, the AP determines the first sensing parameters based on the second sensing parameters. When this optional implementation is implemented, the AP determines the sensing parameters to be used when the STA joins the sensing session based on the recommended sensing parameters (i.e., the second sensing parameters) fed back by the STA, thereby improving the efficiency of configuring parameters for the STA by the AP.

[0020] In one optional implementation, the third frame includes a common information field and the second information is located within the common information field; or the third frame includes a sensing request element field and the second information is located within the sensing request element field.

[0021] In one optional implementation, the fourth frame includes a sensing confirmation element field, and the third information is located within the sensing confirmation element field; or the fourth frame includes a sensing response element field, and the third information is located within the sensing response element field.

[0022] In one optional implementation, the first frame includes a sensing request element field, and the first information is located within the sensing request element field.

[0023] In one optional implementation, the second frame includes a sensing response element field, and the verification information is located within the sensing response field.

[0024] In one optional implementation, the AP transmits a fifth frame to a plurality of second STAs, the fifth frame including fourth information, which is used to request the second STAs to participate in the sensing session by using a third role and fourth sensing parameters; the AP receives a sixth frame from the plurality of second STAs, the sixth frame including fifth information, which indicates whether the second STA confirms that it will participate in the sensing session by using the third role and fourth sensing parameters; and the AP determines the first STA from the plurality of second STAs based on the fifth information from the plurality of second STAs. When this optional implementation is implemented, the AP can determine a portion of the STAs associated with the AP that will participate in the sensing session. This reduces the number of STAs participating in the sensing session and saves communication transmission resources. Furthermore, when requesting the plurality of STAs associated with the AP to participate in the sensing session, the AP assigns a role and sensing parameters to each STA. If a STA agrees to participate in a sensing session by using the role and sensing parameters assigned by the AP, the AP does not need to subsequently assign the role and sensing parameters to the STA, which reduces the number of communications between the AP and the STA and saves communication transmission resources.

[0025] In one optional implementation, when the fifth information from the third STA indicates that the third STA will participate in the sensing session based on the third role and fourth sensing parameters corresponding to the third STA, and the fifth information from the fourth STA indicates that the fourth STA will participate in the sensing session based on the third role and fourth sensing parameters corresponding to the fourth STA, the AP determines the third STA and the fourth STA as the first STA. The third role corresponding to the third STA is a receiver in the sensing session, and the third role corresponding to the fourth STA is a transmitter in the sensing session. When this optional implementation is implemented, the AP ensures that, among the STAs determined by the AP to participate in the sensing session, there is at least one STA whose role is a transmitter, and there is at least one complete communication link of the sensing signal.

[0026] In one optional implementation, the third STA and the fourth STA are the same STA.

[0027] In one optional implementation, the AP determines the first STA from the plurality of second STAs based on a role of the AP in the sensing session and fifth information from the plurality of second STAs.

[0028] In one optional implementation, when the role of the AP in the sensing session is a transmitter and the fifth information from the fifth STA indicates that the fifth STA will participate in the sensing session based on a third role corresponding to the fifth STA, the AP determines the fifth STA as the first STA. The fifth STA is one of a plurality of second STAs, and the third role corresponding to the fifth STA is a receiver in the sensing session. Alternatively, when the role of the AP in the sensing session is a receiver and the fifth information from the sixth STA indicates that the sixth STA will participate in the sensing session based on a third role corresponding to the sixth STA, the AP determines the sixth STA as the first STA. The sixth STA is one of a plurality of second STAs, and the third role corresponding to the sixth STA is a transmitter in the sensing session. When this optional implementation is implemented, when the AP is a transmitter in a sensing session, there is at least one STA whose role is a receiver among the STAs participating in the sensing session as determined by the AP; or when the AP is a receiver in a sensing session, there is at least one STA whose role is a transmitter among the STAs participating in the sensing session as determined by the AP, and there is at least one complete communication link of the sensing signal in the sensing session.

[0029] In one optional implementation, when the fifth information from the fifth STA indicates that the fifth STA will participate in the sensing session based on the third role corresponding to the fifth STA, but will not participate in the sensing session based on the fourth sensing parameter corresponding to the fifth STA; or when the fifth information from the sixth STA indicates that the sixth STA will participate in the sensing session based on the third role corresponding to the sixth STA, but will not participate in the sensing session based on the fourth sensing parameter corresponding to the sixth STA, the fifth information further includes fifth sensing parameters of the first STA, and the AP determines first sensing parameters corresponding to the first STA based on the fifth sensing parameters of the first STA. When this optional implementation is implemented, when a STA decides to participate in a sensing session based on a role assigned to the STA by an AP but does not agree to participate in the sensing session based on the sensing parameters assigned to the STA by the AP, the STA may feedback the STA's proposed parameters for the role (i.e., the fifth sensing parameters) to the AP. Furthermore, the AP determines the sensing parameters to be used when the STA participates in the sensing session based on the proposed parameters fed back by the STA, thereby improving the efficiency of configuring parameters for the STA by the AP.

[0030] In one optional implementation, the fifth frame includes a sensing request element field, and the fourth information is located within the sensing request element field.

[0031] In one optional implementation, the sixth frame includes a sensing response element field, and the fifth information is located within the sensing response element field.

[0032] In an optional implementation, the AP receives sensing requirement information from an initiator STA. When this optional implementation is implemented, when the STA acts as a sensing initiator, the STA transmits sensing requirements to the AP, and the AP performs any one or more of the aforementioned implementations based on the sensing requirements transmitted by the STA to coordinate and manage station devices participating in the sensing session.

[0033] According to a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a sensing session establishment method, the method including: a station (STA) receiving a first frame from an access point (AP), the first frame including first information indicating a first role of the STA in the sensing session, the first role of the STA in the sensing session being a transmitter and / or a receiver; and the STA transmitting a second frame to the AP, the second frame including confirmation information of the first frame.

[0034] For the beneficial effects of the sensing session establishment method according to the second aspect, please refer to the beneficial effects of the sensing session establishment method according to the first aspect, and the details will not be described again in this specification.

[0035] In one optional implementation, the first frame further includes first sensing parameters, which are used by the STA to perform sensing measurements and / or sensing data reporting in the sensing session.

[0036] In one optional implementation, the first sensing parameter includes one or more of the following parameters: an operating parameter, a feedback type, a sensing type, or a feedback address.

[0037] In some optional implementations, the first frame includes a common information field and a user information field, and the first information is located within the common information field and / or the user information field; the first frame includes a station information field, and the first information is located within the station information field; or the first frame includes a common information field and a station information field, and the first information is located within the common information field and / or the station information field.

[0038] In one optional implementation, the second frame includes a verification element field, and the verification information is located within the verification element field.

[0039] In one optional implementation, the STA receives a third frame from the AP, the third frame including second information, the second information being used to request the STA to join the sensing session, and the STA sends a fourth frame to the AP, the fourth frame including third information, the third information indicating whether the STA confirms to join the sensing session.

[0040] In one optional implementation, when the third information indicates that the STA confirms that it will participate in the sensing session, the third information further includes a second role supported by the STA in the sensing session and second sensing parameters corresponding to the second role.

[0041] In one optional implementation, the third frame includes a common information field and the second information is located within the common information field; or the third frame includes a sensing request element field and the second information is located within the sensing request element field.

[0042] In one optional implementation, the fourth frame includes a sensing confirmation element field and the third information is located within the sensing confirmation element field; or the fourth frame includes a sensing response element field and the third information is located within the sensing response element field.

[0043] In one optional implementation, the first frame includes a sensing request element field, and the first information is located within the sensing request element field.

[0044] In one optional implementation, the second frame includes a sensing response element field, and the verification information is located within the sensing response field.

[0045] In one optional implementation, the STA receives a fifth frame from the AP, the fifth frame including fourth information, the fourth information used to request the STA to join the sensing session by using a third role and fourth sensing parameters; and the STA sends a sixth frame to the AP, the sixth frame including fifth information, the fifth information indicating whether the STA confirms joining the sensing session by using the third role and fourth sensing parameters.

[0046] In one optional implementation, when the fifth information indicates that the STA participates in the sensing session based on the third role but that the STA does not participate in the sensing session based on the fourth sensing parameter, the fifth information further includes a fifth sensing parameter of the STA.

[0047] In one optional implementation, the fifth frame includes a sensing request element field, and the fourth information is located within the sensing request element field.

[0048] In one optional implementation, the sixth frame includes a sensing response element field, and the fifth information is located within the sensing response element field.

[0049] In one optional implementation, the STA transmits sensing requirement information to the AP.

[0050] According to a third aspect, the present application provides a communication device. The device may be a device within an access point or a device that can be used together with an access point, or the device may be a device within a station or a device that can be used together with a station. Alternatively, the communication device may be a chip system. The communication device may perform the access point method according to the first or second aspect, or the communication device may perform the station method according to the first or second aspect. The functions of the communication device may be implemented by hardware, or may be implemented by hardware by executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units corresponding to the functions. The units may be software and / or hardware. For operations performed by the communication device and their beneficial effects, please refer to the method according to the first or second aspect and their beneficial effects. Repeated content will not be described again.

[0051] According to a fourth aspect, the present application provides a communications device. The communications device includes a processor and a memory. The memory is configured to store one or more computer programs, the one or more computer programs including computer-executable instructions. When the communications device operates, the processor executes the one or more computer programs stored in the memory to enable the communications device to perform the access point method according to the first or second aspect, or the station method according to the first or second aspect.

[0052] According to a fifth aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium configured to store computer programs or instructions that, when executed, perform a method performed by a station or an access point according to the previous aspects.

[0053] According to a sixth aspect, there is provided a computer program product comprising instructions which, when run on a computer, perform the methods according to the previous aspects. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0054] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a system architecture according to the present application;

[0055] [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of a D2D communication scenario according to the present application;

[0056] [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario of the wireless sensing technology according to the present application;

[0057] [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram of a channel probing procedure according to the present application;

[0058] [Figure 5a] 1 is a schematic diagram of certain phases involved in a sensing session according to the present application.

[0059] [Figure 5b] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the measurement phase according to the present application.

[0060] [Figure 5c] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the reporting phase according to the present application.

[0061] [Figure 6a]1 is a flowchart of a sensing session establishment method according to the present application.

[0062] [Figure 6b-1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a frame structure according to the present application; [Figure 6b-2] 1 is a schematic diagram of a frame structure according to the present application;

[0063] [Figure 6c] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of another frame structure according to the present application;

[0064] [Figure 6d] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of yet another frame structure according to the present application.

[0065] [Figure 6e] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of yet another frame structure according to the present application.

[0066] [Figure 6f] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of yet another frame structure according to the present application.

[0067] [Figure 6g] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of yet another frame structure according to the present application.

[0068] [Figure 6h] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario according to the present application.

[0069] [Figure 7a] 10 is a flowchart of another sensing session establishment method according to the present application.

[0070] [Figure 7b] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of yet another frame structure according to the present application.

[0071] [Figure 7c] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of yet another frame structure according to the present application.

[0072] [Figure 7d] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of yet another frame structure according to the present application.

[0073] [Figure 7e] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of yet another frame structure according to the present application.

[0074] [Figure 7f] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of another application scenario according to the present application.

[0075] [Figure 8a] 10 is a flowchart of yet another sensing session establishment method according to the present application.

[0076] [Figure 8b] 8b-1 and 8b-2 are schematic diagrams of yet another frame structure according to the present application.

[0077] [Figure 8c] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of yet another application scenario according to the present application.

[0078] [Figure 9a] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of yet another sensing application scenario according to the present application.

[0079] [Figure 9b] 1 is a schematic diagram of a sensing session according to the present application.

[0080] [Figure 9c] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of another sensing session according to the present application.

[0081] [Figure 9d] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of yet another sensing session according to the present application.

[0082] [Figure 9e] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of yet another sensing session according to the present application.

[0083] [Figure 9f] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of yet another sensing session according to the present application.

[0084] [Figure 9g] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of yet another sensing session according to the present application.

[0085] [Figure 10a] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of yet another sensing application scenario according to the present application.

[0086] [Figure 10b] 1 is a schematic diagram of a sensing session according to the present application.

[0087] [Figure 10c] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of another sensing session according to the present application.

[0088] [Figure 10d] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of yet another sensing session according to the present application.

[0089] [Figure 11a] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of yet another sensing application scenario according to the present application.

[0090] [Figure 11b] 1 is a schematic diagram of a sensing session according to the present application.

[0091] [Figure 11c] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of another sensing session according to the present application.

[0092] [Figure 11d] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of yet another sensing session according to the present application.

[0093] [Figure 11e]FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of yet another sensing session according to the present application.

[0094] [Figure 11f] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of yet another sensing session according to the present application.

[0095] [Figure 11g] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of yet another sensing session according to the present application.

[0096] [Figure 12] 1 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0097] To make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present application clearer, the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0098] In the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application, terms such as "first," "second," etc. are intended to distinguish between different objects, but do not indicate a particular order. Furthermore, the terms "comprise" and "have," as well as any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a 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 further include unlisted steps or units, or may optionally further include other inherent steps or units of the process, method, product, or device.

[0099] The term "embodiment" as used herein means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described with reference to this embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. This phrase appearing in various places in the present specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it an embodiment that is separate or optional and exclusive from another embodiment. It is explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that an embodiment described herein may be combined with another embodiment.

[0100] As used herein, "at least one item" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more, "at least two items" means two or more, and "and / or" is used to describe an association relationship between related objects and indicates that three relationships may exist. For example, "A and / or B" may indicate three cases: only A is present, only B is present, or both A and B are present. Here, A and B may be singular or plural. The symbol " / " generally indicates an "or" relationship between related objects. Additionally, "at least one of the following items" or similar phrases refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of a singular item or multiple items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c may refer to a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c, where a, b, and c may be singular or plural.

[0101] To better understand the embodiment of the present application, the following first describes the system architecture in the embodiment of the present application.

[0102] The system architecture in this application includes one or more first wireless devices and one or more second wireless devices. The first wireless devices may be access point (AP) stations, and the second wireless devices may be non-access point stations (non-AP STAs). For ease of explanation, in this specification, an access point-type station is referred to as an access point (AP), and a non-access point-type station is referred to as a station (STA).

[0103] 1 is a schematic diagram of a system architecture 10 according to an embodiment of the present application. In FIG. 1, an example is used in which a first wireless device is an access point (i.e., device 20 in the system architecture 10) and a second wireless device is a station (i.e., device 30 in the system architecture 10).

[0104] An access point may be an access point used by a terminal device (e.g., a mobile phone) to access a wired (or wireless) network, and is mainly located in homes, buildings, and parks. A typical coverage radius is from several tens of meters to over 100 meters. Of course, an access point may alternatively be deployed outdoors. An access point corresponds to a bridge connecting a wired network and a wireless network. The main function of an access point is to connect various wireless network clients to each other and then connect the wireless network to an Ethernet. Specifically, an access point may be a terminal device (e.g., a mobile phone) or a network device (e.g., a router) with a Wi-Fi chip. An access point may be a device that supports the 802.11be standard or a later standard.

[0105] The station may be a wireless communication chip, a wireless sensor, or a wireless communication terminal, for example, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a set-top box, a smart TV, a smart wearable device, an in-vehicle communication device, or a computer supporting Wi-Fi communication functions.

[0106] The access point and the station interact with each other by using a wireless network protocol, e.g., a Wi-Fi protocol. The access point can transmit downlink measurement packets and coordinate the station to perform channel measurements. The station may feedback information to the access point based on the measurement results, so that the access point determines information in wireless sensing or another field based on the information fed back by the station. It should be understood that multiple stations may exist within the coverage area of ​​one access point, and the access point may perform appropriate resource scheduling for each station to improve system throughput, robustness, etc.

[0107] In order to facilitate understanding of the contents of this solution, the following describes some terms in the embodiments of the present application to help those skilled in the art to better understand.

[0108] 1. Channel State Information (CSI)

[0109] CSI is a channel measurement result obtained by a station (STA) by measuring training packets transmitted by an access point (AP) and is used to reflect the current state of the wireless channel. In the Wi-Fi protocol, CSI is measured for each orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) subcarrier group to obtain a CSI matrix corresponding to the subcarrier group. The size of the CSI matrix is ​​the number of transmit antennas multiplied by the number of receive antennas. Each matrix element is a complex number containing a real part and an imaginary part. Therefore, when there are a large number of antennas and a large number of subcarriers, the overall data amount of CSI can reach more than 3000 bytes per packet, which consumes a large amount of communication bandwidth resources.

[0110] The transmitter and receiver do not need to be synchronized. Illumination signals can be general communication physical layer protocol data units (PPDUs) or modified communication PPDUs. Based on the manner in which illumination signals function, they can be classified as cooperative and non-cooperative CSI sensing. In cooperative CSI sensing, a sensing transmitter participates in a sensing session and transmits illumination signals to illuminate an area of ​​interest. A sensing receiver receives the signals and measures the area of ​​interest, i.e., obtains information related to the measured target's location by performing related processing on the CSI. In non-cooperative CSI sensing, a sensing session does not have a dedicated sensing transmitter, and a sensing receiver measures the area of ​​interest by occasionally receiving illumination signals in the environment.

[0111] 2. Device-to-device communication (D2D)

[0112] In a D2D communication scenario, devices may be relay endpoint directional multi-gigabit stations (STAs) (REDSs), where a device configured to transmit a signal is called a source REDS and a device configured to receive a signal is called a target REDS. FIG. 2 illustrates a D2D communication scenario according to the present application. In the D2D communication scenario, STA1 is a source REDS, STA2 is a target REDS, and STA3 is a relay directional multi-gigabit STA (RDS). Generally, STA1 and STA2 communicate directly with each other through a direct link 20. When the direct link 20 between STA1 and STA2 is interrupted, a frame for redirection addressing of STA1 is sent to the target REDS (STA2) using STA3. STA3 forwards frames received from STA1 to STA2 and frames received from STA2 to STA1. After the direct link 20 between STA1 and STA2 is restored, direct communication between STA1 and STA2 may be restored.

[0113] 3. Wireless Sensing Technology

[0114] In the application process of wireless sensing technology, devices participating in sensing may be classified as sensing initiators and sensing responders, or sensing signal transmitters and sensing signal receivers. Devices configured to respond to a sensing initiator may be understood as sensing responders, e.g., sensing signal transmitters and sensing signal receivers. See FIG. 3. When wireless sensing technology is used to sense human body movement, the wireless sensing system includes a sensing initiator 301, a sensing signal transmitter 302, a sensing signal receiver 303, and a sensing target 304. In the system shown in FIG. 3, the sensing initiator 301 is configured to initiate a sensing session, i.e., notify the sensing signal transmitter 302 to send a sensing signal to the sensing signal receiver 303. In this case, both the sensing signal transmitter 302 and the sensing signal receiver 303 are sensing responders. The sensing signal received by the sensing signal receiver 303 includes a direct path signal S1 and a reflected signal S2 reflected by the sensing target 304. As such, when the sensing target 304 moves, the reflected signal S2 changes, and the superimposed sensing signal received by the sensing signal receiver 303 also changes accordingly. In this case, the sensing signal receiver 303 detects that the wireless link channel has changed (represented as a change in the amplitude and phase of the channel information). Generally, the wireless link channel is quantized and represented as channel information in a communication protocol, such as channel state information (CSI). The sensing initiator 301 initiates channel probing for the sensing signal receiver 303 at specific time intervals, and based on the change in the CSI reported by the receiver 303, can determine whether the sensing target 304 has moved and what specific actions the sensing target 304 has taken.

[0115] It should be understood that a sensing initiator, also called an initiator, is configured to initiate a sensing session to a sensing responder based on sensing requirements, a sensing signal transmitter (also called a sensing transmitter or transmitter) is configured to transmit a sensing signal, and a sensing signal receiver (also called a sensing receiver or receiver) is configured to receive the sensing signal, obtain sensing measurement results, and report the sensing measurement results to the sensing initiator. Sensing initiators can be classified into two types based on whether they participate in receiving / transmitting sensing signals: independent sensing initiators and non-independent sensing initiators. A non-independent sensing initiator refers to a sensing initiator that participates in receiving / transmitting sensing signals. That is, in a sensing session, the sensing initiator also has the functionality of a sensing transmitter or a sensing receiver. An independent sensing initiator is a sensing initiator that does not participate in the transmission of sensing signals, i.e., in a sensing session, the sensing initiator does not have the functionality of a sensing transmitter or a sensing receiver.

[0116] 4. Channel Probing Procedure

[0117] Figure 4 shows a solution in which a sensing initiator broadcasts null data packets (NDPs) to enable multiple sensing responders to simultaneously perform channel measurements. First, in this solution, the sensing initiator sends null data packet announcement (NDPA) messages to notify multiple sensing responders to perform channel measurements. The sensing initiator then sends NDP measurement packets. Multiple sensing responders simultaneously perform channel measurements. After the sensing responders perform channel measurements, the first sensing responder notified in the NDPA returns channel information. In this case, the sensing initiator may select a portion of the channel information for feedback or may indicate that the channel has not changed in the feedback. Thereafter, the sensing initiator sequentially uses Poll messages to request other sensing responders to perform channel information feedback, and the other sensing responders sequentially perform the feedback.

[0118] 5. Sensing Session

[0119] As shown in Figure 5a, a sensing session typically includes one or more of the following phases: an establishment phase, a measurement phase, a reporting phase, and a termination phase.

[0120] 5.1 Establishment Phase

[0121] In the establishment phase, the sensing initiator may establish a sensing session, determine operating parameters associated with the sensing session (e.g., sensing transmitter parameters and sensing receiver parameters), and exchange the parameters with the STA.

[0122] 5.2 Measurement Phase

[0123] In the measurement phase, the sensing transmitter transmits a sensing signal to the sensing receiver. After receiving the sensing signal, the sensing receiver performs corresponding processing on the sensing signal to obtain a sensing measurement result. For example, the corresponding processing on the sensing signal is channel estimation. Specifically, the initiator (beamformer) transmits an NDP, the receiver (beamformee) receives the NDP, and compares the NDP with the original information to obtain CSI information. Since the CSI information includes information such as the arrival time and angle of the sensing signal, the receiver may further process the CSI information by using a specific algorithm to extract information such as the arrival time and angle of the sensing signal from the CSI information to obtain a sensing measurement result.

[0124] Below, we explain the measurement phase in detail based on the type of sensing initiator (independent initiator or non-independent initiator). For simplicity, we explain the measurement phase by using an example in which the AP acts as the initiator in the sensing session. As shown in Figure 5b, the devices participating in the sensing session include the AP, STA1, and STA2.

[0125] When the AP is an independent initiator (i.e., the AP does not participate in receiving / transmitting the sensing signal), STA1 acts as a sensing signal transmitter, and STA2 acts as a sensing signal receiver, the measurement phase is shown in Case 1 of Figure 5b. STA1 transmits a sensing signal to STA2, and STA2 receives the sensing signal and performs measurement.

[0126] When the AP is a non-independent initiator (i.e., the AP participates in receiving / transmitting the sensing signal), the AP is a sensing signal transmitter, and both STA1 and STA2 are sensing signal receivers, the measurement phase is explicit measurement (i.e., the initiator is also a transmitter). As shown in Case 2 in Figure 5b, the AP transmits sensing signals to both STA1 and STA2, and STA1 and STA2 receive the sensing signals separately and perform measurements.

[0127] When the AP is a non-independent initiator (i.e., the AP participates in receiving / transmitting sensing signals), the AP is the only sensing signal receiver in the sensing session, and both STA1 and STA2 are sensing signal transmitters, the measurement phase is implicit (i.e., only the initiator is the receiver). As shown in Case 3 in Figure 5b, STA1 and STA2 transmit sensing signals separately to the AP, and the AP receives the sensing signals from both STA1 and STA2 and performs measurements.

[0128] When the AP is a non-independent initiator (i.e., the AP participates in receiving / transmitting sensing signals), the AP is the sensing signal receiver in the sensing session, STA1 is the sensing signal transmitter, and STA2 is the sensing signal receiver, the measurement phase is a combination of explicit and implicit measurements (i.e., in addition to the case where the initiator is the receiver, there is another receiver in the sensing session). As shown in Case 4 in Figure 5b, STA1 transmits sensing signals to both the AP and STA2, and the AP and STA2 receive the sensing signals from STA1 separately and perform measurements.

[0129] 5.3 Reporting Phase

[0130] In the reporting phase, the receiver transmits the measurement results obtained in the measurement phase to the initiator. As shown in Figure 5c, the receiver may transmit the measurement results to the initiator in a polling-based manner (Case 1 in Figure 5c), a scheduling-based manner (Case 2 in Figure 5c), or a contention-based manner (Case 3 in Figure 5c). For convenience, the case in Figure 5c where the AP is the initiator in the sensing session, STA1 is the receiver, and STA2 is the receiver is used as an example for illustration, and should not be considered as a specific limitation to this application.

[0131] In the polling-based scheme, the initiator sends a Poll frame to the receivers, and the receivers that receive the Poll frame feed back their measurement results to the transmitter until all receivers have completed their feedback. For example, as shown in Case 1 in Figure 5c, the AP sends a Poll frame to both STA1 and STA2, and STA1 feeds back its measurement results to the AP based on the Poll frame, and STA2 feeds back its measurement results to the AP based on the Poll frame.

[0132] In the scheduling-based scheme, the initiator sends a feedback trigger frame to the receiver, and the receiver sends its measurement results to the initiator based on the feedback trigger frame. For example, as shown in Case 2 in Figure 5c, the AP sends a feedback trigger frame to both STA1 and STA2, and STA1 feeds back its measurement results to the AP based on the feedback trigger frame, and STA2 feeds back its measurement results to the AP based on the feedback trigger frame.

[0133] In the contention-based scheme, receivers compete with each other and independently transmit their measurement results to the initiator based on the channel contention sequence. For example, as shown in Case 3 of Figure 5c, STA1 and STA2 compete for channel resources, and STA2 first obtains channel resources through contention. In this case, STA2 first feeds back its measurement results to the AP, and then STA1 feeds back its measurement results to the AP.

[0134] 5.4 Termination Phase

[0135] In the termination phase, the STAs (which may be understood as STAs participating in the sensing session) stop measuring and terminate the sensing session.

[0136] Generally, in a wireless sensing system, the sensing initiator, sensing responder, sensing signal transmitter, and sensing signal receiver are all fixed at specific locations (or may be understood as stationary devices). According to the sensing measurement procedure shown in Figure 3, if the sensing target is far away from the sensing signal transmitter (or sensing signal receiver), the accuracy of the sensing measurement will decrease. Also, if the number of devices participating in the sensing measurement is small, complete information about the sensing target may not be obtained, which may reduce the measurement accuracy of the sensing target. If a large number of devices participate in the sensing measurement, the sensing initiator must poll all sensing signal receivers to obtain all information about the sensing target. As a result, the delay in information acquisition increases, and further, the measurement accuracy of the sensing target may decrease.

[0137] In this application, the AP manages the devices participating in sensing, and as a result, it can flexibly determine the devices participating in the sensing session and the roles of those devices in the sensing session. This can avoid cases where there are a large or small number of devices participating in the sensing session, and can also prevent cases where a device far away from the sensing target is determined as a sensing transmitter (or sensing receiver). In this way, the delay in information acquisition is reduced and the measurement accuracy of the sensing target is improved.

[0138] The sensing session establishment method and communication device provided in the present application are further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0139] 6a is a schematic flowchart of a sensing session establishment method according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 6a, the sensing session establishment method includes the following steps 601 and 602. The method shown in FIG. 6a may be performed by an AP and a STA. Alternatively, the method shown in FIG. 6a may be performed by a chip in the AP and a chip in the STA. In FIG. 6a, an example in which the method is performed by the AP and the STA is used for explanation.

[0140] 601: An AP transmits a first frame to a first STA, the first frame including first information, the first information indicating a first role of the first STA in a sensing session, the first role of the first STA in the sensing session being a transmitter and / or a receiver, the first STA being a STA participating in the sensing session at a second STA associated with the AP.

[0141] In other words, the second STA is a STA associated with the AP, i.e., the STA is within the signal range of the AP and has a communication connection to the AP. The first STA is a STA that participates in a sensing session with the second STA, and the first STA may be a part of the second STA or all of the second STAs. This is not particularly limited in this application. The AP transmits a first frame to the first STA to assign the first STA the role of the first STA in the sensing session.

[0142] For example, STA1, STA2, and STA3 are STAs associated with the AP (i.e., second STAs), and STA1 and STA2 are STAs participating in the sensing session (i.e., first STAs). In this case, the AP sends a first frame to STA1, which indicates that STA1's role in the sensing session is a transmitter and receiver. The AP and STA2 also send a first frame, which indicates that STA2's role in the sensing session is a receiver.

[0143] In one possible implementation, the first frame further includes first sensing parameters, which are used by the first STA to perform sensing measurements and / or sensing data reporting in the sensing session. The first sensing parameters include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following parameters: operational parameters, feedback type, sensing type, or feedback address. The feedback address may be understood to indicate a device to which the STA will feedback the sensing report. The feedback type indicates a specific sensing report type used by the STA to provide feedback. The feedback type may include, but is not limited to, CSI, compressed CSI, or measurement result information (such as velocity information, angle information, distance information, etc.). The operational parameters indicate information such as the velocity, duration, or angle at which the STA receives / transmits data packets.

[0144] In other words, when assigning a first role for participating in the sensing session to each STA participating in the sensing session, the AP further assigns first sensing parameters corresponding to the first role to the STA, so that the STA can participate in the sensing session by using the first role and the first sensing parameters.

[0145] For example, STA1 is an STA associated with an AP and participating in a sensing session. The AP transmits a first frame to STA1. The first information in the first frame includes a first role (i.e., receiver), a first sensing parameter (i.e., 10 data packets are received within 1 ms), a feedback type (i.e., CSI), and a feedback address (i.e., the MAC address of the AP). That is, by using the first frame, the AP indicates to STA1 that STA1 is a receiver in the sensing session, that the receiving rate of STA1 in the sensing measurement phase is to receive 10 data packets every 1 ms, and that STA1 will feedback the CSI to the AP in the sensing report phase.

[0146] For this scenario, the frame structures of the first frame are described in detail separately below.

[0147] Structure 1: The first frame includes a common information field and a user information field, and the first information is located in the common information field and / or the user information field.

[0148] In this case, the common information field is used to configure the same configuration content of the STAs participating in the sensing session and can be understood as configuration information shared by the STAs participating in the sensing session in the first information, i.e., common parameter information. The user information field has a one-to-one correspondence with the STAs participating in the sensing session and is used to configure configuration content specific to the STAs participating in the sensing session, and can be understood as parameter information specific to the STAs participating in the sensing session in the first information, i.e., parameter information other than the common parameter information in the first information.

[0149] For example, in a sensing session, the AP requests STA1 to participate in the sensing session using a first role that includes both a receiver and a transmitter, and requests STA2 to participate in the sensing session using a first role that includes a receiver. The first information corresponding to STA1 includes the following: the feedback address is AP, the feedback type is CSI, the first role is receiver and transmitter, and the operating parameters are that STA1 sends 10 data packets every 1 ms when acting as a transmitter and receives 10 data packets every 1 ms when acting as a receiver. The first information corresponding to STA2 includes the following: the feedback address is AP, the feedback type is CSI, the first role is receiver, and the operating parameters are that STA1 receives 10 data packets every 1 ms. In this case, the AP transmits a first frame to STA1 and STA2. The common information field in the frame includes the feedback address as AP and the feedback type as CSI in the first information (i.e., the portion of the configuration information shared by STA1 and STA2 in the first information). The user information field corresponding to STA1 in the frame contains a portion of first information specific to STA1. The primary role is receiver and transmitter, and the operating parameters are to transmit 10 data packets every 1 ms when STA1 acts as a transmitter and to receive 10 data packets every 1 ms when STA1 acts as a receiver. The user information field corresponding to STA2 in the frame contains a portion of first information specific to STA2. The primary role is receiver, and the operating parameters are to receive 10 data packets every 1 ms.

[0150] For example, Figures 6b-1 and 6b-2 are schematic diagrams of frame structures according to the present application. The first frame is a trigger frame, which includes a common information field and a user information field. The common information field and the user information field of the first frame are described in detail below.

[0151] 1. Common Information Fields

[0152] 6b-1 and 6b-2 are schematic diagrams of the expanded structure of the common information field of the first frame indicated by module 60. The common information field includes a Trigger Type subfield and a Trigger Dependent Common Info subfield.

[0153] 1.1 Trigger Type Subfield

[0154] The trigger type subfield indicates the function type of the trigger frame. For example, if the value of the trigger type subfield is 9, it indicates that the trigger frame is used to trigger a sensing operation.

[0155] 1.2 Trigger-dependent common information subfields

[0156] The trigger-dependent common information subfield is used to configure common parameter information in the first information. For example, the trigger-dependent common information subfield in Fig. 6b-1 and Fig. 6b-2 includes a sensing results destination subfield, which is used to notify all receivers of the MAC address of the target device (i.e., the device that will receive the feedback results) when the receivers feed back the measurement results.

[0157] 2. User Information Fields

[0158] 6b-1 and 6b-2 are schematic diagrams of the expanded structure of the user information field of the first frame indicated by module 61. The user information field includes a trigger dependent user information subfield. The trigger dependent user information subfield is used to configure specific first information (which may be understood as parameter information other than the common parameter information of the STA) corresponding to the first information. The trigger dependent user information subfield may include a sensing request information subfield and a sensing type subfield.

[0159] 2.1 Sensing Request Information Subfield

[0160] The sensing request information subfield includes a sensing roles indication subfield and a sensing feedback type subfield.

[0161] The sensing role indication subfield indicates a role function. For example, the sensing role indication subfield includes two bits. When the value of the two bits is 00, it indicates that the role is a receiver (or may be a transmitter), when the value of the two bits is 01, it indicates that the role is a transmitter (or may be a receiver), or when the value of the two bits is 10, it indicates that the role is both a receiver and a transmitter (self-transmission and self-reception).

[0162] The Sensing Feedback Type subfield indicates the feedback type, such as CSI for feedback result, compressed CSI, or final result. 0 indicates original CSI feedback, 1 indicates compressed CSI feedback, 2 indicates velocity information of final result, 3 indicates angle information of final result, 4 indicates distance information of final result, etc.

[0163] 2.2 Sensing Type Subfield

[0164] The sensing type subfield indicates the data transmission type (which can be understood as the aforementioned operational parameter). For example, the sensing type subfield indicates two data transmission types: a burst-based type or a continuous transmission-based type. For the burst-based type (i.e., Type 1 of the sensing type subfield indicated by module 61 in Figures 6b-1 and 6b-2), the sensing type subfield includes a pattern subfield, a group measurement duration subfield, a number of groups subfield, and an interval between groups subfield. For the burst-based type, the sensing type subfield indicates the transmission duration, the number of transmissions within a group, and the interval between groups. For the continuous transmission base type (i.e., Type 2 of the sensing type subfield indicated by module 61 in Figures 6b-1 and 6b-2), the sensing type subfield includes a value of the pattern subfield, a measurement duration subfield, and a number subfield. In the continuous transmission base type, the sensing type subfield indicates information such as the total transmission duration, the total amount of data packets to be transmitted, and the packet / beam transmission period / interval.

[0165] For example, in the burst-based type, the sensing type subfield includes a pattern subfield, a group measurement duration subfield, a number of groups subfield, and an interval between groups subfield. The pattern subfield indicates the frequency pattern for transmitting data based on bursts. For example, if the field value of the pattern subfield is 0, it indicates that transmission is performed infrequently. If the field value of the pattern subfield is 1, it indicates that transmission is performed frequently. The group measurement duration subfield indicates the transmission duration of a single packet group. The number of groups subfield indicates the amount of NDP transmitted in a single packet group. The interval between groups subfield indicates the interval between packet groups.

[0166] Structure 2: The first frame includes a station information field, and the first information is located in the station information field.

[0167] For example, Figure 6c is a schematic diagram of another frame structure of the first frame according to the present application. The first frame is an Announce frame, which includes a Station Information (STA Info) subfield and a Sounding Dialog Token subfield.

[0168] 1. Probe Dialog Token Subfield

[0169] The Probe Dialog Token subfield includes an Announcement Type Indication subfield, which indicates the announcement type of the announcement frame, including Very-High-Throughput (VHT), High-Efficiency (HE), Ranging, and Extremely High Throughput (EHT).

[0170] For example, the announcement type subfield includes two bits, and indicates the announcement type of the announcement frame based on the value of the two bits. As shown in Table 1, Table 1 shows the correspondence between the announcement type field value and the announcement type. When the announcement type subfield is set to 00, it indicates that the frame is a VHT announcement frame. When the announcement type subfield is set to 01, it indicates that the frame is an HE announcement frame. When the announcement type subfield is set to 10, it indicates that the frame is a ranging announcement frame. When the announcement type subfield is set to 11, it indicates that the frame is an EHT announcement frame. It should be understood that the sensing announcement frame can be represented by reusing VHT / HE, etc. [Table 1]

[0171] 2. Station Information (STA Info) subfield

[0172] The first frame includes multiple station information (STA Info) subfields, i.e., STA Info 1 subfield to STA Info n subfield, as shown in FIG. 6c. The STA Info subfields have a one-to-one correspondence with STAs. In the following, the STA Info n subfield is used as an example for explanation. The STA Info n subfield includes a sensing information (Sensing Info) subfield, a sensing type (Sensing Type) subfield, and a sensing results destination (Sensing Results Destination) subfield.

[0173] 2.1 Sensing Result Destination Subfield

[0174] The sensing result destination subfield is used to notify the receiver of the MAC address of the destination terminal (ie, the device that receives the measurement result) to which the measurement result is fed back.

[0175] 2.2 Sensing Type Subfield

[0176] The sensing type subfield indicates the data transmission type. Data transmission types include burst-based and continuous transmission-based types. For burst-based types, the sensing type subfield includes the pattern subfield, group measurement duration subfield, number of groups subfield, and interval between groups subfield. For burst-based types, the sensing type subfield indicates the transmission duration, the number of transmissions in a group, and the interval between groups. For continuous transmission-based types, the sensing type subfield includes the value of the pattern subfield, the measurement duration subfield, and the number subfield. For continuous transmission-based types, the sensing type subfield indicates information such as the total transmission duration, the total amount of data packets to be transmitted, and the packet / beam transmission period / interval.

[0177] For example, in the burst-based type, the sensing type subfield includes a pattern subfield, a group measurement duration subfield, a number of groups subfield, and an interval between groups subfield. The pattern subfield indicates the frequency pattern for transmitting data based on bursts. For example, if the field value of the pattern subfield is 0, it indicates that transmission is performed infrequently. If the field value of the pattern subfield is 1, it indicates that transmission is performed frequently. The group measurement duration subfield indicates the transmission duration of a single packet group. The number of groups subfield indicates the amount of NDP transmitted in a single packet group. The interval between groups subfield indicates the interval between packet groups.

[0178] 2.3 Sensing Feedback Type Subfield

[0179] The Sensing Feedback Type subfield is used to configure the type of measurement result fed back by the device, including but not limited to CSI feedback, compressed CSI feedback, final result feedback (velocity information, angle information, distance information, etc.), etc.

[0180] For example, if the field value of the Sensing Feedback Type subfield is 0, it indicates that CSI is fed back; if the field value of the Sensing Feedback Type subfield is 1, it indicates that compressed CSI is fed back; if the field value of the Sensing Feedback Type subfield is 2, it indicates that final result velocity information is fed back; if the field value of the Sensing Feedback Type subfield is 3, it indicates that final result angle information is fed back; or if the field value of the Sensing Feedback Type subfield is 4, it indicates that final result distance information is fed back, etc.

[0181] Structure 3: The first frame includes a common information field and a station information field, and the first information is located in the common information field and / or the station information field.

[0182] In this case, the common information field is used to configure the same configuration content of the STAs participating in the sensing session and can be understood as configuration information shared by the STAs participating in the sensing session in the first information, i.e., common parameter information. The station information field has a one-to-one correspondence with the STAs participating in the sensing session, and the station information field is used to configure configuration content specific to the STAs participating in the sensing session and can be understood as parameter information specific to the STAs participating in the sensing session in the first information, i.e., parameter information other than the common parameter information in the first information.

[0183] For example, Figure 6d is a schematic diagram of another frame structure of the first frame according to the present application. The first frame is a sensing announcement frame, and the sensing announcement frame includes a common information field and a station information field. The common information field and the STA information field of the first frame are described in detail below.

[0184] 1. Common Information Fields

[0185] The Common Info field includes a Sensing Result Destination subfield, which is used to notify the receiver to send measurement results (e.g., CSI or compressed CSI) to a terminal device corresponding to a MAC address.

[0186] 2. STA Information Field

[0187] The first frame includes multiple station information (STA Info) subfields, i.e., STA Info 1 subfield through STA Info n subfield, as shown in Figure 6d. The STA Info subfields have a one-to-one correspondence with STAs. Each STA Info subfield includes a sensing information (Sensing Info) subfield and a sensing type (Sensing Type) subfield.

[0188] 2.1 Sensing Information Subfield

[0189] The sensing information subfield includes a sensing role indication subfield and a sensing feedback type subfield.

[0190] The sensing role indication subfield is used to set the role of the STA participating in the sensing session. For example, the sensing role indication subfield contains two bits. When the value of the two bits is 00, it indicates that the role is a receiver (or may be a transmitter), when the value of the two bits is 01, it indicates that the role is a transmitter (or may be a receiver), or when the value of the two bits is 10, it indicates that the role is both a receiver and a transmitter (self-transmission and self-reception).

[0191] The Sensing Feedback Type subfield is used to configure the type of measurement result fed back by the device, including but not limited to CSI feedback, compressed CSI feedback, final result feedback (velocity information, angle information, distance information, etc.), etc.

[0192] 2.2 Sensing Type Subfield

[0193] The sensing type subfield indicates the data transmission type (which can be understood as the aforementioned operational parameter). The data transmission type includes burst-based or continuous transmission-based. For the burst-based type, the sensing type subfield includes the pattern subfield, the group measurement duration subfield, the number of groups subfield, and the interval between groups subfield. For the burst-based type, the sensing type subfield indicates the transmission duration, the number of transmissions in a group, and the interval between groups. For the continuous transmission-based type, the sensing type subfield includes the value of the pattern subfield, the measurement duration subfield, and the number subfield. For the continuous transmission-based type, the sensing type subfield indicates information such as the total transmission duration, the total amount of data packets to be transmitted, and the packet / beam transmission period / interval.

[0194] For example, in the burst-based type, the sensing type subfield includes a pattern subfield, a group measurement duration subfield, a number of groups subfield, and an interval between groups subfield. The pattern subfield indicates the frequency pattern for transmitting data based on bursts. For example, if the field value of the pattern subfield is 0, it indicates that transmission is performed infrequently. If the field value of the pattern subfield is 1, it indicates that transmission is performed frequently. The group measurement duration subfield indicates the transmission duration of a single packet group. The number of groups subfield indicates the amount of NDP transmitted in a single packet group. The interval between groups subfield indicates the interval between packet groups.

[0195] Structure 4: The first frame includes a sensing request element field, and the first information is located in the sensing request element field.

[0196] For example, Figure 6e is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first frame according to the present application, where the first frame is a sensing request frame, the sensing request frame includes a sensing request element field, and the first information is located in the sensing request element field.

[0197] Specifically, the sensing request element field includes a sensing request info subfield, a sensing type subfield, and a sensing results destination subfield.

[0198] 1. Sensing Request Info subfield

[0199] The sensing request information subfield includes a standalone indication subfield, a sensing request indication subfield, a sensing roles indication subfield, and a sensing feedback type subfield.

[0200] 1.1 Standalone Indication Subfield

[0201] When the device (e.g., STA) receiving the first frame is a sensing initiator, the first frame includes a standalone indication subfield. The standalone indication subfield indicates whether the initiator participates in receiving / transmitting the sensing signal. For example, if the field value of the standalone indication subfield is 1, it indicates that the initiator participates in receiving / transmitting the sensing signal, or if the field value of the standalone indication subfield is 0, it indicates that the initiator does not participate in receiving / transmitting the sensing signal.

[0202] 1.2 Sensing Request Indication Subfield

[0203] The sensing request indication subfield is used to request the STA to feedback whether it intends to participate in the sensing session. For example, if the field value of the sensing request indication subfield is 1, it indicates that the STA is requested to feedback whether it intends to participate in the sensing session. For example, Table 2 shows the correspondence between the field value of the sensing request indication subfield and the indication information. [Table 2]

[0204] It should be noted that when a STA receiving the first frame determines that it will participate in the sensing session, the Sensing Request Info subfield does not need to include the Sensing Request Indication subfield. For example, if the AP thinks (or knows) that STA1 will participate in the sensing session by default and the AP only needs to assign sensing parameters or a role to STA1, the first frame sent by the AP to STA1 does not need to include the Sensing Request Indication subfield requesting STA1 to participate in the sensing session.

[0205] 1.3 Sensing Roles Indication Subfield

[0206] The sensing role indication subfield indicates the role of the STA participating in the sensing session. Roles in the sensing session include, but are not limited to, initiator (sender) and receiver (receiver). For example, Table 3 shows the correspondence between the field value of the sensing role indication subfield and indication information. [Table 3]

[0207] The sensing role indication subfield contains two bits: when the value of the two bits is 00, it indicates that the role is a receiver (or may be a transmitter), when the value of the two bits is 01, it indicates that the role is a transmitter (or may be a receiver), or when the value of the two bits is 10, it indicates that the role is both a receiver and a transmitter (self-transmission and self-reception).

[0208] It should be appreciated that when the device (e.g., STA) receiving the first frame is the sensing initiator, or when the role of the device (e.g., STA) receiving the first frame in the sensing session is known by default (or by default), the first frame need not include a sensing role indication subfield.

[0209] 1.4 Sensing Feedback Type Subfield

[0210] The Sensing Feedback Type subfield is used to configure the type of measurement result that is fed back (or referred to as reported) by the STA, including, but not limited to, CSI feedback, compressed CSI feedback, or final sensing measurement result (e.g., velocity, angle, or distance information) feedback.

[0211] For example, if the field value of the Sensing Feedback Type subfield is 0, it indicates that the type of measurement result reported by the STA is CSI feedback; if the field value of the Sensing Feedback Type subfield is 1, it indicates that the type of measurement result reported by the STA is compressed CSI feedback; if the field value of the Sensing Feedback Type subfield is 2, it indicates that the type of measurement result reported by the STA is final result velocity information feedback; if the field value of the Sensing Feedback Type subfield is 3, it indicates that the type of measurement result reported by the STA is final result angle information feedback; or if the field value of the Sensing Feedback Type subfield is 4, it indicates that the type of measurement result reported by the STA is final result distance information feedback.

[0212] It should be noted that when the receiver is an initiator (i.e., can be understood as a device that receives measurement results), the first frame received by the receiver does not include the Sensing Feedback Type subfield, or when the AP by default considers that the STA acting as the receiver already knows the type of measurement results to be fed back (or when the type of measurement results to be fed back is the default type), the first frame received by the receiver does not include the Sensing Feedback Type subfield.

[0213] In an optional case, if the STA receiving the first frame is the initiator in the sensing session, the Sensing Request Info subfield of the first frame may further include a Standalone Indication subfield, which is used to request the STA to feedback whether it will participate in receiving / transmitting sensing signals (i.e., whether it will further participate in the sensing session as a receiver and / or transmitter).

[0214] 2. Sensing Type subfield

[0215] The sensing type subfield indicates the data transmission type (which can be understood as the aforementioned operational parameter), and the data transmission type can be burst-based or continuous transmission-based. For the burst-based type, the sensing type subfield includes a pattern subfield, a group measurement duration subfield, a number of groups subfield, and an interval between groups subfield. For the burst-based type, the sensing type subfield indicates the transmission duration, the number of transmissions in a group, and the interval between groups. For the continuous transmission-based type, the sensing type subfield includes the value of the pattern subfield, a measurement duration subfield, and a number subfield. For the continuous transmission-based type, the sensing type subfield indicates information such as the total transmission duration, the total amount of data packets to be transmitted, and the packet / beam transmission period / interval.

[0216] For example, in the burst-based type, the sensing type subfield includes a pattern subfield, a group measurement duration subfield, a number of groups subfield, and an interval between groups subfield. The pattern subfield indicates the frequency pattern for transmitting data based on bursts. For example, if the field value of the pattern subfield is 0, it indicates that transmission is performed infrequently. If the field value of the pattern subfield is 1, it indicates that transmission is performed frequently. The group measurement duration subfield indicates the transmission duration of a single packet group. The number of groups subfield indicates the amount of NDP transmitted in a single packet group. The interval between groups subfield indicates the interval between packet groups.

[0217] It should be noted that when the receiver is an initiator (i.e., can be understood as a device that receives measurement results), the first frame received by the receiver may not include a Sensing Type subfield, or when the AP by default assumes that the STA acting as the receiver already knows the data transmission type (or the data transmission type is understood to be the default type), the first frame received by the receiver may not include a Sensing Type subfield.

[0218] 3. Sensing Results Destination subfield

[0219] The sensing result destination subfield is used to inform all receivers of the MAC address of the target device (i.e., the device that will receive the feedback result) when the receiver feeds back the measurement result.

[0220] Please note that when the device (such as a STA) receiving the first frame is the initiator or already knows the destination MAC address for feeding back the measurement results, the first frame may not include the sensing result destination subfield.

[0221] 602: The AP receives a second frame from the first STA, where the second frame includes confirmation information for the first frame.

[0222] After the AP transmits the first frame to the first STA, the first STA transmits a second frame to the AP, the second frame including confirmation information about the first frame.

[0223] In one possible implementation, the second frame includes a confirmation element field, and the confirmation information is located within the confirmation element field.

[0224] In the following, the frame structure of the second frame will be described in detail based on the frame structure of the first frame in 601.

[0225] For the first frames described in Structure 1, Structure 2, and Structure 3 in Structure 1:601, the second frame includes a confirmation element field, and the confirmation information for the first frame is located within the confirmation element field.

[0226] For example, Figure 6f is a schematic diagram of a frame structure of a second frame according to the present application. The second frame is a Confirm frame, which includes a Confirm Element field, and the confirmation information is configured in the Confirm Element field. Specifically, the Confirm Element field may include a Confirm Info subfield and a Parameter Modification subfield.

[0227] 1. Confirm Indication subfield

[0228] The value of the Confirm Indication subfield indicates whether the STA agrees to participate in the sensing session. For example, if the field value of the Confirm Indication subfield is 0, it indicates that the STA does not agree to participate in the sensing session, if the field value of the Confirm Indication subfield is 1, it indicates that the STA agrees to participate in the sensing session and accepts the first sensing parameters assigned by the AP by using the first frame, or if the field value of the Confirm Indication subfield is 2, it indicates that the STA agrees to participate in the sensing session but does not accept the first sensing parameters assigned by the AP by using the first frame.

[0229] 2. Parameter Modification subfield

[0230] If the field value of the Confirmation Indication subfield is 2, i.e., the STA agrees to participate in the sensing session but does not accept the first sensing parameters assigned by the AP by using the first frame, the Parameter Modification subfield contains the proposed (or recommended) parameters fed back by the STA by using the second frame.

[0231] For the first frame described in structure 4 of structure 2:601, the second frame includes a sensing response element field, and the verification information for the first frame is located within the sensing response element field.

[0232] For example, Figure 6g is a schematic diagram of the structure of a second frame according to the present application. The second frame is a sensing response frame. The sensing response frame includes a sensing response element subfield, and the confirmation information for the first frame is located within the sensing response element subfield.

[0233] Specifically, the sensing response element subfield includes a sensing response information subfield. The sensing response information subfield includes a sensing response indication subfield. The sensing response indication subfield indicates whether the STA transmitting the second frame confirms that it will participate in the sensing session; that is, the confirmation information for the first frame is located in the sensing response indication subfield. For example, Table 4 shows the correspondence between the field values ​​of the sensing response indication and the indication information. [Table 4]

[0234] If the field value of the sensing response indication subfield is 0, it indicates that the STA does not participate in the sensing session; if the field value of the sensing response indication subfield is 1, it indicates that the STA confirms to participate in the sensing session and accepts the sensing parameters assigned to the STA by the AP by using the first frame; or if the field value of the sensing response indication subfield is 2, it indicates that the STA confirms to participate in the sensing session but does not accept the sensing parameters assigned to the STA by the AP by using the first frame and feeds back the STA's proposed parameters.

[0235] In an optional case, if the STA confirms its participation in the sensing session but does not accept the sensing parameters allocated to the STA by the AP using the first frame, in addition to the Sensing Response Info subfield, the Sensing Response Element subfield included in the first frame further includes a Parameter Modification subfield, which is used to store the recommended parameters fed back by the STA.

[0236] In an application scenario, Fig. 6h is an application scenario of the first frame and the second frame according to an embodiment of the present application, where the AP is the initiator, and STA1 and STA2 are the aforementioned first STAs.

[0237] In this case, as shown in Case 2 of FIG. 6h, the AP sends (e.g., by broadcast) a first frame (in FIG. 6h, the first frame is used as a trigger frame for illustrative purposes) to STA1 and STA2 to configure the roles and sensing parameters for both STA1 and STA2 to participate in the sensing session. After receiving the first frame, STA1 sends a second frame (in FIG. 6h, the first frame is used as a confirmation frame for illustrative purposes) to the AP to confirm that it accepts the first information configured by the AP for STA1 in the first frame. After receiving the first frame, STA2 sends a second frame to the AP to confirm that it accepts the first information configured by the AP for STA2 in the first frame.

[0238] In this case, as shown in Case 1 of FIG. 6h, the AP sends a first frame (e.g., the first frame in 601 is a sensing request frame in structure 4) to both STA1 and STA2 to configure the roles and sensing parameters for both STA1 and STA2 to participate in the sensing session. After receiving the first frame, STA1 sends a second frame (e.g., a sensing response frame in structure 2 in 602) to the AP to confirm acceptance of the first information configured by the AP for STA1 in the first frame. After receiving the first frame, STA2 sends a second frame (e.g., a sensing response frame in structure 2 in 602) to the AP to confirm acceptance of the first information configured by the AP for STA2 in the first frame.

[0239] According to such a sensing session establishment method, the AP can use the first frame to assign roles and parameters to each STA participating in the sensing session and manage the roles and parameters when each STA participates in the sensing session, which helps to implement the functional requirements of wireless sensing technology.

[0240] 7A is a schematic flowchart of another sensing session establishment method according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 7A, the sensing session establishment method includes the following steps 701 to 705. The method shown in FIG. 7A may be performed by an AP and an STA. Alternatively, the method shown in FIG. 7A may be performed by a chip in the AP and a chip in the STA. In FIG. 7A, an example in which the method is performed by the AP and the STA is used for explanation.

[0241] 701: The AP transmits a third frame to a plurality of second STAs, the third frame including second information, and the second information is used to request the second STAs to participate in a sensing session.

[0242] The second STA is an STA associated with the AP, i.e., the STA is within the signal range of the AP and has a communication connection to the AP. It should be understood that the AP transmitting the third frame to multiple second STAs may be understood as the AP transmitting the third frame to all second STAs to request all second STAs to participate in the sensing session, or the AP determining multiple second STAs (a portion of the second STAs) from all second STAs and transmitting the third frame to the multiple second STAs (a portion of the second STAs) to request the multiple second STAs (a portion of the second STAs) to participate in the sensing session. This is not particularly limited in the present application.

[0243] The frame structure of the third frame will be described in detail below.

[0244] Structure 1: The third frame includes a common information field, and the second information is located within the common information field.

[0245] For example, FIG. 7b is a schematic diagram of the structure of a third frame according to the present application. The third frame is a sensing trigger frame. The sensing trigger frame includes a common information field, which is used to configure first information (which may be understood as common parameter information) shared by all STAs participating in the sensing session. For example, when an AP transmits second information to multiple second STAs, the second information is used to request each second STA to participate in the sensing session and feedback its reception / transmission capabilities and parameters. In this case, it may be understood that the second information received by the multiple second STAs is the same and configured in the common information field of the third frame.

[0246] The Common Info field includes a Trigger Type subfield and a Trigger Dependent Common Info subfield. The Trigger Type subfield indicates the functional type of the sensing trigger frame. For example, when the value of the Trigger Type subfield is 8, it indicates that the sensing trigger frame is used to trigger a sensing operation. The Trigger Dependent Common Info subfield includes a Sensing Request Element subfield. The Sensing Request Element subfield includes a Sensing Request Info field. The Sensing Request Info field includes a Sensing Request Indication subfield, a Sensing Feedback Type subfield, a Sensing Capability Request subfield, and a Sensing Type subfield. The subfields included in the Sensing Request Info field will be described in detail below.

[0247] 1. Sensing Request Indication subfield

[0248] The sensing request indication subfield is used to request the STA to feedback whether it intends to participate in the sensing session. For example, if the field value of the sensing request indication subfield is 1, it indicates that the STA is requested to feedback whether it intends to participate in the sensing session.

[0249] 2. Sensing Feedback Type subfield

[0250] The Sensing Feedback Type subfield is used to configure the type of measurement result fed back by the device, including but not limited to CSI feedback, compressed CSI feedback, final result feedback (velocity information, angle information, distance information, etc.), etc.

[0251] 3. Sensing capability request subfield

[0252] The Sensing Capability Request subfield instructs (or requests) the STA to feedback the roles supported by the STA in the sensing session. In this case, the STA must feedback all roles supported by the STA in the sensing session.

[0253] In some possible cases, the Sensing Capabilities Request subfield may also be used to request a recommended (or purportedly proposed) role by the STA in the sensing session, in which case the STA may feedback a subset of all roles supported by the STA in the sensing session.

[0254] 4. Sensing Type subfield

[0255] The sensing type subfield is used to request the STA to feedback its sensing type, which includes, but is not limited to, data transmission type, etc.

[0256] In an optional case, if the STA is the initiator in the sensing session, the Sensing Request Info subfield may further include a Standalone Indication subfield, which is used to request the STA to feedback whether it will participate in receiving / transmitting sensing signals (i.e., whether the initiator STA will also participate in the sensing session as a receiver and / or transmitter).

[0257] Structure 2: The third frame includes a sensing request element field, and the second information is located in the sensing request element field.

[0258] For example, Figure 7c is a schematic diagram of another structure of a third frame according to the present application. The third frame is a sensing request frame. The sensing request frame includes a sensing request element field. The second information is located in the sensing request element field.

[0259] Specifically, the sensing request element field includes a sensing request information (Sensing Request Info) subfield, and the sensing request information subfield includes a sensing request indication (Sensing Request Indication) subfield, a sensing feedback type (Sensing Feedback Type) subfield, a sensing capability request (Sensing capability Request) subfield, and a sensing type (Sensing Type) subfield.

[0260] 1. Sensing Request Indication subfield

[0261] The sensing request indication subfield is used to request the STA to feedback whether it intends to participate in the sensing session. For example, if the field value of the sensing request indication subfield is 1, it indicates that the STA is requested to feedback whether it intends to participate in the sensing session.

[0262] 2. Sensing Feedback Type subfield

[0263] The Sensing Feedback Type subfield is used to request the STA to feedback the type of feedback measurement result supported by the STA, including but not limited to CSI feedback, compressed CSI feedback, final result feedback (velocity information, angle information, distance information, etc.), etc.

[0264] 3. Sensing capability request subfield

[0265] The Sensing Capability Request subfield is used to request the STA to feedback the roles supported by the STA in the sensing session. In this case, the STA needs to feedback all roles supported by the STA in the sensing session.

[0266] In some possible cases, the Sensing Capabilities Request subfield may also be used to request a recommended (or purportedly proposed) role by the STA in the sensing session, in which case the STA may feedback a subset of all roles supported by the STA in the sensing session.

[0267] 4. Sensing Type subfield

[0268] The sensing type subfield is used to request the STA to feedback its sensing type, which includes, but is not limited to, data transmission type, etc.

[0269] In an optional case, if the STA is the initiator in the sensing session, the Sensing Request Info subfield may further include a Standalone Indication subfield, which is used to request the STA to feedback whether it will participate in receiving / transmitting sensing signals (i.e., whether it will also participate in the sensing session as a receiver and / or transmitter).

[0270] 702: The AP receives a fourth frame from a plurality of second STAs, the fourth frame including third information, and the third information indicates whether the second STAs confirm to participate in the sensing session.

[0271] For each of the second STAs, after receiving the third frame sent by the AP, the second STA determines whether to participate in the sensing session based on the actual situation of the second STA (such as the STA's current task, processor capability, etc.) Furthermore, the second STA uses the fourth frame to send to the AP indication information (i.e., third information) indicating whether the second STA will participate in the sensing session.

[0272] In one possible implementation, when the second STA participates in the sensing session (i.e., the third information indicates that the second STA confirms its participation in the sensing session), the third information may further include a second role supported by the second STA in the sensing session and second sensing parameters corresponding to the second role. For example, after the second STA receives the third frame transmitted by the AP, the second STA confirms its participation in the sensing session and transmits a fourth frame to the AP. The fourth frame further indicates that when the second STA supports participating in the sensing session as a receiver, the second STA can receive 10 data packets every 1 ms, and when the second STA supports participating in the sensing session as a transmitter, the second STA can transmit 7 data packets every 1 ms.

[0273] In one possible implementation, when the third information further includes a second role supported by a second STA in the sensing session and second sensing parameters corresponding to the second role, the AP determines the first sensing parameters based on the second sensing parameters. For example, STA1 and STA2 are second STAs associated with the AP. The third information of STA1 indicates that the second role supported by STA1 is a transmitter and that the second sensing parameters corresponding to the second role are to transmit 10 data packets every 1 ms. The third information of STA2 indicates that the second role supported by STA2 is a receiver and that the second sensing parameters corresponding to the second role are to receive 5 data packets every 1 ms. In this case, after the AP determines STA1 and STA2 as the first STAs, the AP may determine, based on the second sensing parameters indicated in the third information of STA1 and the second sensing parameters indicated in the third information of STA2, that the first sensing parameters of STA1 are to transmit five data packets every 1 ms and that the first sensing parameters of STA2 are to receive five data packets every 1 ms.

[0274] The following describes in detail the frame structure of the fourth frame based on the two structures of the third frame in 701 described above.

[0275] Structure 1: The fourth frame includes a sensing confirmation element field, and the third information is located within the sensing confirmation element field.

[0276] The frame structure of the fourth frame corresponds to structure 1 in 701 above, "The third frame includes a common information field, and the second information is located within the common information field."

[0277] For example, Figure 7d is a schematic diagram of the structure of a fourth frame according to the present application. The fourth frame is a Sensing Confirm frame. The Sensing Confirm frame includes a Sensing Confirm Element field, which includes a Confirm Info subfield and a Sensing Type subfield. The Confirm Info subfield and the Sensing Type subfield in the third frame will be described in detail below.

[0278] 1. Confirm Info subfield

[0279] The Confirm Info subfield includes a Confirm Indication subfield, a Sensing Feedback Type subfield, and a Sensing Capability Response subfield.

[0280] 1.1 Confirm Indication Subfield

[0281] The confirmation indication subfield indicates whether the STA transmitting the fourth frame confirms to participate in the sensing session. For example, if the field value corresponding to the confirmation indication subfield is 0, it indicates that the STA does not participate in the sensing session. If the field value corresponding to the confirmation indication subfield is 1, it indicates that the STA confirms to participate in the sensing session.

[0282] 1.2 Sensing Feedback Type Subfield

[0283] The Sensing Feedback Type subfield indicates the type (also called scheme) of the measurement result fed back by the STA transmitting the fourth frame. The type of measurement result fed back by the STA includes, but is not limited to, a CSI feedback scheme, a compressed CSI feedback scheme, a final sensing measurement result (e.g., information such as velocity, angle, or distance) feedback scheme, etc.

[0284] For example, if the field value of the Sensing Feedback Type subfield is 0, it indicates that the type of measurement result reported by the STA is CSI feedback; if the field value of the Sensing Feedback Type subfield is 1, it indicates that the type of measurement result reported by the STA is compressed CSI feedback; if the field value of the Sensing Feedback Type subfield is 2, it indicates that the type of measurement result reported by the STA is final result velocity information feedback; if the field value of the Sensing Feedback Type subfield is 3, it indicates that the type of measurement result reported by the STA is final result angle information feedback; or if the field value of the Sensing Feedback Type subfield is 4, it indicates that the type of measurement result reported by the STA is final result distance information feedback.

[0285] 1.3 Sensing Capability Response Subfield

[0286] The sensing capability response subfield indicates the reception / transmission capability of the STA transmitting the fourth frame. For example, the sensing capability response subfield in the fourth frame transmitted by STA1 indicates that the data packet reception rate is to receive 10 data packets within 1 ms when STA1 acts as a receiver, or that the data packet transmission rate is to receive 10 data packets within 1 ms when STA1 acts as a transmitter.

[0287] 2. Sensing Type subfield

[0288] The sensing type subfield indicates the data transmission type of the STA transmitting the fourth frame, and the data transmission type can be burst-based or continuous transmission. For the burst-based type, the sensing type subfield includes the pattern subfield, the group measurement duration subfield, the number of groups subfield, and the interval between groups subfield. For the burst-based type, the sensing type subfield indicates the transmission duration, the number of transmissions in a group, and the interval between groups. For the continuous transmission type, the sensing type subfield includes the value of the pattern subfield, the measurement duration subfield, and the number subfield. For the continuous transmission type, the sensing type subfield indicates information such as the total transmission duration, the total amount of data packets to be transmitted, and the packet / beam transmission period / interval.

[0289] For example, in the burst-based type, the sensing type subfield includes a pattern subfield, a group measurement duration subfield, a number of groups subfield, and an interval between groups subfield. The pattern subfield indicates the frequency pattern for transmitting data based on bursts. For example, if the field value of the pattern subfield is 0, it indicates that transmission is performed infrequently. If the field value of the pattern subfield is 1, it indicates that transmission is performed frequently. The group measurement duration subfield indicates the transmission duration within a single packet group. The number of groups subfield indicates the amount of NDP transmitted within a single packet group. The interval between groups subfield indicates the interval between packet groups.

[0290] Structure 2: The fourth frame includes a sensing response element field, and the third information is located in the sensing response element field.

[0291] The frame structure of the fourth frame corresponds to structure 2 in 701 above, "the third frame includes a sensing request element field, and the second information is located in the sensing request element field."

[0292] For example, Figure 7e is a schematic diagram of another structure of the fourth frame according to the present application. The fourth frame is a sensing response frame. The sensing response frame includes a sensing response element subfield, and the third information is located within the sensing response element subfield.

[0293] Specifically, the sensing response element subfield includes a sensing response information subfield, which includes a sensing response indication subfield, a sensing feedback type subfield, and a sensing capability response subfield.

[0294] The sensing response indication subfield indicates whether the STA transmitting the fourth frame confirms its participation in the sensing session. For example, Table 5 shows the correspondence between the sensing response indication field value and indication information. [Table 5]

[0295] If the field value of the sensing response indication subfield is 0, it indicates that the STA does not participate in the sensing session; or if the field value of the sensing response indication subfield is 1, it indicates that the STA confirms to participate in the sensing session.

[0296] The Sensing Feedback Type subfield indicates the type (also called scheme) of the measurement result fed back by the STA transmitting the fourth frame. The type of measurement result fed back by the STA includes, but is not limited to, a CSI feedback scheme, a compressed CSI feedback scheme, a final sensing measurement result (e.g., information such as velocity, angle, or distance) feedback scheme, etc. For example, if the field value of the Sensing Feedback Type subfield is 0, it indicates that the type of measurement result reported by the STA is CSI feedback; if the field value of the Sensing Feedback Type subfield is 1, it indicates that the type of measurement result reported by the STA is compressed CSI feedback; if the field value of the Sensing Feedback Type subfield is 2, it indicates that the type of measurement result reported by the STA is final result velocity information feedback; if the field value of the Sensing Feedback Type subfield is 3, it indicates that the type of measurement result reported by the STA is final result angle information feedback; or if the field value of the Sensing Feedback Type subfield is 4, it indicates that the type of measurement result reported by the STA is final result distance information feedback.

[0297] The sensing capability response subfield indicates the receiving / transmitting capability of the STA transmitting the fourth frame. For example, the sensing capability response subfield in the fourth frame transmitted by STA1 indicates that when STA1 acts as a receiver, the data packet receiving rate is to receive 10 data packets within 1 ms, or when STA1 acts as a transmitter, the data packet transmitting rate is to receive 10 data packets within 1 ms.

[0298] 703: The AP determines a first STA from the plurality of second STAs based on third information from the plurality of second STAs.

[0299] After the AP transmits the third frame to the plurality of second STAs to request the plurality of second STAs to participate in the sensing session, the AP determines a first STA from the plurality of second STAs to participate in the sensing session based on the third information of each of the plurality of second STAs. For example, after the AP transmits the third frame to STA1, STA2, and STA3, the AP determines that the first STAs to participate in the sensing session are STA1 and STA2 from STA1, STA2, and STA3 based on the third information of STA1, the third information of STA2, and the third information of STA3.

[0300] In one possible implementation, the third information corresponding to each of the plurality of second STAs indicates that the second STA decides to participate in the sensing session, and the AP may determine all of the plurality of second STAs as the first STA.

[0301] For example, STA1, STA2, and STA3 are multiple second STAs associated with an AP, and the AP transmits a third frame to STA1, STA2, and STA3 to request STA1, STA2, and STA3 to participate in a sensing session. The third information in the fourth frame transmitted by STA1 to the AP indicates that STA1 will participate in the sensing session and that the role supported by STA1 (i.e., the second role) is a transmitter and a receiver. The third information in the fourth frame transmitted by STA2 to the AP indicates that STA2 will participate in the sensing session and that the role supported by STA2 (i.e., the second role) is a receiver. The third information in the fourth frame transmitted by STA3 to the AP indicates that STA3 will participate in the sensing session and that the role supported by STA1 (i.e., the second role) is a transmitter. That is, if STA1, STA2, and STA3 all decide to participate in a sensing session, the AP determines all secondary STAs (i.e., STA1, STA2, and STA3) as primary STAs.

[0302] In another possible implementation, the AP determines the first STA from the plurality of second STAs based on the role of the AP in the sensing session and third information from the plurality of second STAs.

[0303] From the process of joining a sensing session for sensing in FIG. 3, it can be seen that there can be at least one transmitter and at least one receiver in the sensing session to form at least one complete communication link of the sensing signal (including the receiver and transmitter, which can be considered as a complete communication link). Since the AP may alternatively participate in receiving / transmitting the sensing signal (i.e., the AP is a receiver or a transmitter), in the process of determining the first STA to join the sensing session from multiple second STAs, the AP may make the determination based on the role of the AP in the sensing session. Specifically, the AP determines the first STA from multiple second STAs based on the role of the AP in the sensing session. The following includes possible cases:

[0304] Case 1: The role of the AP in the sensing session is neither a transmitter nor a receiver.

[0305] In a sensing scenario corresponding to this possible case, the AP is an independent sensing initiator and does not participate in receiving / transmitting the sensing signal. In this case, the first STAs determined by the AP to form at least one complete communication link of the sensing signal include at least one first STA whose role is a receiver and at least one first STA whose role is a transmitter.

[0306] In other words, when the role of the AP in the sensing session is neither a transmitter nor a receiver, the third information from the third STA indicates that the third STA will participate in the sensing session, and the third information from the fourth STA indicates that the fourth STA will participate in the sensing session, the AP determines the third STA and the fourth STA as the first STA, the third STA is an STA among the second STAs, and the second role corresponding to the third STA is a receiver in the sensing session, and the fourth STA is an STA among the second STAs, and the second role corresponding to the fourth STA is a transmitter in the sensing session.

[0307] For example, the AP does not participate in receiving / transmitting sensing signals, and STA1, STA2, and STA3 are the plurality of second STAs coupled to the AP. The AP transmits a third frame to STA1, STA2, and STA3 to request STA1, STA2, and STA3 to participate in the sensing session. The third information in the fourth frame transmitted by STA1 to the AP indicates that STA1 will participate in the sensing session and that the role supported by STA1 (i.e., the second role) is a transmitter. The third information in the fourth frame transmitted by STA2 to the AP indicates that STA2 will participate in the sensing session and that the role supported by STA2 (i.e., the second role) is a receiver. The third information in the fourth frame transmitted by STA3 to the AP indicates that STA3 will not participate in the sensing session. It can be seen that only a portion of the second STAs confirm to participate in the sensing session, but STA2 (i.e., the aforementioned third STA) among the portion of the second STAs confirms to participate in the sensing session as a receiver, and STA1 (i.e., the aforementioned fourth STA) confirms to participate in the sensing session as a transmitter. STA1 and STA2 can form a complete communication link, and the AP determines STA1 and STA2 as first STAs.

[0308] In this case, another possible implementation is that the third STA and the fourth STA are the same STA, i.e., that STA is both a receiver and a transmitter in the sensing session.

[0309] Case 2: The role of the AP in the sensing session is transmitter.

[0310] In the sensing scenario corresponding to this possible case, the AP is either a non-independent sensing initiator (in this case, the AP is both the sensing initiator and the transmitter) or the AP is the transmitter in the sensing session. In this case, the first STAs determined by the AP to form at least one complete communication link of the sensing signal include at least one first STA whose corresponding role is a receiver.

[0311] In other words, when the role of the AP in the sensing session is a transmitter and the third information from the fifth STA indicates that the fifth STA will participate in the sensing session, the AP determines the fifth STA as a first STA, the fifth STA is one of the multiple second STAs, and the second role corresponding to the fifth STA is a receiver in the sensing session.

[0312] For example, in a sensing session, the AP is a sensing signal transmitter, and STA1, STA2, and STA3 are the plurality of second STAs associated with the AP. The AP transmits a third frame to STA1, STA2, and STA3 to request STA1, STA2, and STA3 to participate in the sensing session. The third information in the fourth frame transmitted by STA1 to the AP indicates that STA1 will participate in the sensing session and that the role supported by STA1 (i.e., the second role) is a transmitter. The third information in the fourth frame transmitted by STA2 to the AP indicates that STA2 will participate in the sensing session and that the role supported by STA2 (i.e., the second role) is a receiver. The third information in the fourth frame transmitted by STA3 to the AP indicates that STA3 will not participate in the sensing session. It is determined that only a portion of the multiple second STAs will participate in the sensing session, but that STA2 (i.e., the fifth STA) among the portion of the second STAs will participate in the sensing session as a receiver, and the AP realizes that it needs to determine STA2 as the STA (i.e., the first STA) that will participate in the sensing session.

[0313] Case 3: The role of the AP in the sensing session is a receiver.

[0314] In sensing scenarios corresponding to this possible case, the AP is either a non-independent sensing initiator (in this case, the AP is both a sensing initiator and a receiver), or the AP is a receiver in a sensing session. In this case, the first STAs determined by the AP to form at least one complete communication link of the sensing signal include at least one first STA whose role is a transmitter.

[0315] In other words, if the role of the AP in the sensing session is a receiver, and the third information from the sixth STA indicates that the sixth STA will participate in the sensing session, the AP determines the sixth STA as a first STA, the sixth STA is one of multiple second STAs, and the second role corresponding to the sixth STA is a transmitter in the sensing session.

[0316] For example, in a sensing session, the AP is a sensing signal receiver, and STA1, STA2, and STA3 are multiple secondary STAs associated with the AP. The AP transmits a third frame to STA1, STA2, and STA3 to request STA1, STA2, and STA3 to participate in the sensing session. The third information in the fourth frame transmitted by STA1 to the AP indicates that STA1 will participate in the sensing session and that the role supported by STA1 (i.e., the second role) is a transmitter. The third information in the fourth frame transmitted by STA2 to the AP indicates that STA2 will participate in the sensing session and that the role supported by STA2 (i.e., the second role) is a receiver. The third information in the fourth frame transmitted by STA3 to the AP indicates that STA3 will not participate in the sensing session. It is determined that only a portion of the multiple second STAs will participate in the sensing session, but that STA1 (i.e., the sixth STA) among the portion of the second STAs will participate in the sensing session as a transmitter, and the AP realizes that it needs to determine STA1 as the STA (i.e., the first STA) that will participate in the sensing session.

[0317] It should be understood that the above-mentioned possible cases (Case 1, Case 2, and Case 3 in 703) in which the AP determines the first STA from multiple second STAs form at least one complete communication link (at least one receiver and / or at least one transmitter) of the sensing signal in the sensing session, which may be understood as a minimum condition for establishing a sensing session and is not considered a limitation on the technical solution of the present application.

[0318] In one possible implementation, the AP determining the first STA from the plurality of second STAs means that in addition to ensuring that there is at least one complete communication link (at least one receiver and / or at least one transmitter) of the sensing signal in the sensing session, the AP may further determine the first STA from the plurality of second STAs based on a determination criterion, specifically, the determination criterion may include, but is not limited to, a bandwidth capability criterion, a criterion for the number of STAs in the sensing session, a parameter criterion, etc.

[0319] The bandwidth capability criterion is determining the first STA by using a criterion that improves the transmission rate or throughput in the sensing session. The number of STAs in the sensing session criterion may be understood to be determining the first STA by using a criterion that increases the number of STAs participating in the sensing session as much as possible.

[0320] For example, STA1, STA2, and STA3 are secondary STAs associated with the AP. The third information of STA1 indicates that the secondary role of STA1 is a transmitter and the second sensing parameter is to transmit 10 data packets every 1 ms. The third instruction information of STA2 indicates that the secondary role of STA2 is a receiver and the second sensing parameter is to receive 8 data packets every 1 ms. The third instruction information of STA3 indicates that the secondary role of STA3 is a receiver and the second sensing parameter is to receive 5 data packets every 1 ms. The AP can determine STA1 and STA2 as primary STAs based on bandwidth capability criteria. STA1 is a transmitter and transmits 8 data packets every 1 ms. STA2 is a receiver and receives 8 data packets every 1 ms. Based on the criterion of the number of STAs in the sensing session, the AP may determine STA1, STA2, and STA3 as the first STAs, STA1 is the transmitter and transmits 5 data packets every 1 ms, and both STA2 and STA3 are receivers and receive 5 data packets every 1 ms.

[0321] 704: The AP sends a first frame to the first STA, where the first frame includes first information, and the first information indicates a first role of the first STA in the sensing session.

[0322] 705: The AP receives a second frame from the first STA, where the second frame includes confirmation information for the first frame.

[0323] For the specific implementation of 704 to 705, please refer to the specific implementation of 601 to 602. The details will not be described again here in this application.

[0324] 7f is an application scenario according to an embodiment of the present application, in which the AP is the initiator, and STA1 and STA2 are second STAs associated with the AP.

[0325] In Case 1 of FIG. 7f, the AP transmits the third frame (e.g., a sensing request frame) of structure 2 described above at 701 to both STA1 and STA2. After receiving the third frame (e.g., a sensing request frame) of structure 2, STA1 transmits the fourth frame (e.g., a sensing response frame) of structure 2 described above at 702 to the AP to confirm its participation in the sensing session. After receiving the third frame (e.g., a sensing request frame) of structure 2, STA2 transmits the fourth frame (e.g., a sensing response frame) of structure 2 described above at 702 to the AP to confirm its participation in the sensing session. Furthermore, the AP determines STA1 and STA2 as the first STAs to participate in the sensing session, and the AP transmits first frames (e.g., trigger frames) to STA1 and STA2 (e.g., by broadcast) to configure the roles and sensing parameters for both STA1 and STA2 to participate in the sensing session. After receiving the first frame, STA1 sends a second frame (e.g., an acknowledgement frame) to the AP to confirm acceptance of the first information contained in the first frame and configured by the AP for STA1. After receiving the first frame, STA2 sends a second frame to the AP to confirm acceptance of the first information contained in the first frame and configured by the AP for STA2.

[0326] In Case 2 of FIG. 7f, the AP transmits the third frame (e.g., sensing trigger frame) of structure 1 described above at 701 to both STA1 and STA2. After receiving the third frame (e.g., sensing trigger frame) of structure 1, STA1 transmits the fourth frame (e.g., sensing confirm frame) of structure 1 described above at 702 to the AP to confirm its participation in the sensing session. After receiving the third frame (e.g., sensing trigger frame) of structure 1, STA2 transmits the fourth frame (e.g., sensing confirm frame) of structure 1 described above at 702 to the AP to confirm its participation in the sensing session. Furthermore, the AP determines STA1 and STA2 as the first STAs to participate in the sensing session, and the AP transmits first frames (e.g., trigger frames) to STA1 and STA2 (e.g., by broadcast) to configure the roles and sensing parameters for both STA1 and STA2 to participate in the sensing session. After receiving the first frame, STA1 sends a second frame (e.g., an acknowledgement frame) to the AP to confirm acceptance of the first information contained in the first frame and configured by the AP for STA1. After receiving the first frame, STA2 sends a second frame to the AP to confirm acceptance of the first information contained in the first frame and configured by the AP for STA2.

[0327] In conclusion, the AP transmits a third frame to multiple second STAs, which is used to request the second STAs to participate in the sensing session. After receiving the third frame, each second STA transmits a fourth frame (i.e., third information) to the AP indicating whether the second STA confirms its participation in the sensing session. Furthermore, the AP can determine a first STA from the multiple second STAs to participate in the sensing session based on the third information sent by each second STA. This reduces the number of devices participating in the sensing session and saves communication transmission resources.

[0328] FIG. 8a is a schematic flowchart of yet another sensing session establishment method according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 8a, the sensing session establishment method includes the following steps 801 to 805. The method shown in FIG. 8a may be performed by an AP and an STA. Alternatively, the method shown in FIG. 8a may be performed by a chip in the AP and a chip in the STA. In FIG. 8a, an example in which the method is performed by the AP and the STA is used for explanation.

[0329] 801: The AP transmits a fifth frame to a plurality of second STAs, the fifth frame including fourth information, which is used to request the second STAs to participate in a sensing session by using a third role and fourth sensing parameters.

[0330] In other words, when the AP sends the fourth information to each of the second STAs to request them to participate in the sensing session, the AP assigns to each of the second STAs a role (i.e., a third role) and sensing parameters (i.e., fourth sensing parameters) of the second STA participating in the sensing session. For example, STA1 and STA2 are STAs associated with the AP. The AP transmits a fifth frame to STA1 and STA2 to request STA1 and STA2 to participate in the sensing session, indicating that the role of STA1 participating in the sensing session is a receiver and the role of STA2 participating in the sensing session is a transmitter. In this case, the fourth information in the fifth frame corresponding to STA1 includes that the third role is a receiver and the fourth sensing parameters are to receive 10 data packets every 1 ms. The fourth information in the fifth frame corresponding to STA2 includes that the third role is a transmitter and the fourth sensing parameter is to sense 10 data packets every 1 ms.

[0331] It should be understood that the AP transmitting the fifth frame to multiple second STAs may be understood as the AP transmitting the fifth frame to all second STAs to request all second STAs to participate in the sensing session, or the AP determining multiple second STAs (a portion of the second STAs) from all second STAs and transmitting the fifth frame to the multiple second STAs (the portion of the second STAs) to request the multiple second STAs (the portion of the second STAs) to participate in the sensing session. This is not particularly limited in the present application.

[0332] The frame structure of the fifth frame will be described in detail below.

[0333] Structure 1: The fifth frame includes a sensing request element field, and the fourth information is located in the sensing request element field.

[0334] For example, for the frame structure of the fifth frame, please refer to the schematic diagram of the frame structure shown in Figure 6e. The fifth frame is a sensing request frame, which includes a sensing request element field, and the fourth information is located in the sensing request element field. Specifically, for a specific description of the fifth frame, please refer to the above-mentioned related description of the fields included in the frame structure shown in Figure 6e. The details will not be described again in this specification.

[0335] It should be understood that for the fifth frame described in Structure 1, the AP may transmit the fifth frame to each second STA one by one.

[0336] Structure 2: The fifth frame includes a Common Info field and a User Info field, and the fourth information is located in the Common Info field and / or the User Info field.

[0337] In this case, the common information field is used to configure the same parameter information of the STAs participating in the sensing session, and can be understood as configuration information shared by the STAs participating in the sensing session in the fourth information, i.e., common parameter information. The user information field has a one-to-one correspondence with the STAs participating in the sensing session, and the user information field is used to configure configuration content specific to the STAs participating in the sensing session, and can be understood as parameter information specific to the STAs participating in the sensing session in the fourth information, i.e., parameter information other than the common parameter information in the fourth information.

[0338] For example, Figures 8b-1 and 8b-2 are schematic diagrams of the frame structure of the fifth frame according to the present application. The fifth frame is a trigger frame, which includes a common information field and a user information field. The common information field and the user information field of the fifth frame are described in detail below.

[0339] 1. Common Information Fields

[0340] 8b-1 and 8b-2 are schematic diagrams of the expanded structure of the common information field of the fifth frame indicated by module 80. The common information field includes a Trigger Type subfield and a Trigger Dependent Common Info subfield. For the specific structures of the Trigger Type subfield and the Trigger Dependent Common Info subfield, please refer to the description of the related fields of module 60 in FIGS. 6b-1 and 6b-2 above in 601. The details will not be described again in this specification.

[0341] 2. User Information Fields

[0342] 8b-1 and 8b-2 are schematic diagrams of the expanded structure of the user information field of the fifth frame indicated by module 81. The user information field includes a Trigger Dependent User Info subfield. The Trigger Dependent User Info subfield is used to configure specific fourth information corresponding to an STA in the fourth information (this may be understood as parameter information of the STA other than the common parameter information). The Trigger Dependent User Info subfield may include a Sensing Request Info subfield and a Sensing Type subfield.

[0343] 2.1 Sensing Request Information Subfield

[0344] The sensing request information subfield includes a sensing request indication subfield, a sensing roles indication subfield, and a sensing feedback type subfield.

[0345] The Sensing Request Indication subfield indicates a request to the device to participate in the sensing session. For example, when the field value of the Sensing Request Indication subfield is 1, it indicates that the fifth frame is used to request whether the device is willing to participate in the sensing session. When a STA receiving the fifth frame confirms that it will participate in the sensing session, it should know that the fifth frame does not need to include the Sensing Request Indication subfield. For example, if the AP thinks (or knows) that STA1 will participate in the sensing session by default and the AP only needs to assign sensing parameters or a role to STA1, the fifth frame sent by the AP to STA1 does not need to include the Sensing Request Indication subfield requesting STA1 to participate in the sensing session.

[0346] The sensing role indication subfield indicates the role function. For example, the sensing role indication subfield contains two bits. When the value of the two bits is 00, it indicates that the role is a receiver (or may be a transmitter), when the value of the two bits is 01, it indicates that the role is a transmitter (or may be a receiver), or when the value of the two bits is 10, it indicates that the role is both a receiver and a transmitter (self-transmission and self-reception). If a device (e.g., a STA) receiving the fifth frame already knows the roles of the devices participating in the sensing session, it should know that the fifth frame does not need to include the sensing role indication subfield.

[0347] The Sensing Feedback Type subfield indicates the feedback type, such as CSI to feedback the result, compressed CSI, or final result. 0 indicates original CSI feedback, 1 indicates compressed CSI feedback, 2 indicates final result velocity information, 3 indicates final result angle information, 4 indicates final result distance information, and so on. When the receiver is an initiator (i.e., can be understood as a device that receives measurement results), the fifth frame received by the receiver does not include the Sensing Feedback Type subfield; or, when the AP by default considers that the STA acting as the receiver already knows the type of measurement result to be fed back (or the type of measurement result to be fed back is the default type), the fifth frame received by the receiver does not include the Sensing Feedback Type subfield. When the device receiving the fifth frame is an initiator (i.e., can be understood as a device receiving a measurement result), the fifth frame received by the device does not include a sensing feedback type subfield; or when the AP by default assumes that the STA acting as a receiver already knows the type of measurement result being fed back (or when the type of measurement result being fed back is the default type), it should be understood that the fifth frame received by the receiver does not include a sensing feedback type subfield.

[0348] 2.2 Sensing Type Subfield

[0349] The sensing type subfield indicates the data transmission type (which can be understood as the aforementioned operational parameter). For example, the sensing type subfield indicates two data transmission types: burst-based or continuous transmission. For the burst-based type, the sensing type subfield includes a pattern subfield, a group measurement duration subfield, a number of groups subfield, and an interval between groups subfield. For the burst-based type, the sensing type subfield indicates the transmission duration, the number of transmissions in a group, and the interval between groups. For the continuous transmission type, the sensing type subfield includes the value of the pattern subfield, a measurement duration subfield, and a number subfield. For the continuous transmission type, the sensing type subfield indicates information such as the total transmission duration, the total amount of data packets to be transmitted, and the packet / beam transmission period / interval.

[0350] For example, in the burst-based type, the sensing type subfield includes a pattern subfield, a group measurement duration subfield, a number of groups subfield, and an interval between groups subfield. The pattern subfield indicates the frequency pattern for transmitting data based on bursts. For example, a field value of 0 in the pattern subfield indicates that transmission is performed infrequently. A field value of 1 in the pattern subfield indicates that transmission is performed frequently. The group measurement duration subfield indicates the transmission duration of a single packet group. The number of groups subfield indicates the amount of NDP transmitted in a single packet group. The interval between groups subfield indicates the interval between packet groups.

[0351] It should be noted that when the receiver is an initiator (i.e., can be understood as a device that receives measurement results), the fifth frame received by the receiver may not include a Sensing Type subfield, or when the AP by default assumes that the STA acting as the receiver already knows the data transmission type (or understands that the data transmission type is the default type), the fifth frame received by the receiver may not include a Sensing Type subfield.

[0352] It should be noted that for the fifth frame described in Structure 1, the AP may transmit the fifth frame to all second STAs in a unified transmission (or understood as broadcast) manner, and it can be understood that all second STAs receive the fifth frame simultaneously.

[0353] 802: The AP receives a sixth frame from a plurality of second STAs, the sixth frame including fifth information, and the fifth information indicates whether the second STAs confirm to participate in the sensing session by using a third role and fourth sensing parameters.

[0354] For each of the multiple second STAs, after the second STA receives the fifth frame transmitted by the AP, the second STA determines whether to participate in the sensing session by using the third role and fourth sensing parameters assigned in the fifth frame based on the actual situation of the second STA (such as the STA's current task and processor capacity). For example, STA1 is a second STA associated with the AP, and the fourth information corresponding to STA1 indicates that its third role is a transmitter and its fourth sensing parameter is to transmit 10 data packets every 1 ms. In this case, the fifth information fed back by STA1 to the AP may include the following: 1. STA1 confirms that it will participate in the sensing session by transmitting 10 data packets every 1 ms (fourth sensing parameter) as a transmitter (i.e., third role). 2. STA1 confirms that it will participate in the sensing session as a transmitter (i.e., the third role), but is unable to transmit sensing signals by transmitting 10 data packets every 1 ms (the fourth sensing parameter). When the STA accepts the third role configured by the AP by using the fourth information but does not accept the fourth sensing parameter, the fifth information may further include proposed sensing parameters corresponding to the third role fed back by the STA. For example, when STA1 confirms that it will participate in the sensing session as a transmitter (i.e., the third role), but is unable to transmit sensing signals by transmitting 10 data packets every 1 ms (the fourth sensing parameter), it is proposed that data packets be transmitted by transmitting 5 data packets every 1 ms (i.e., the proposed sensing parameter). 3. STA1 declines to participate in the sensing session.

[0355] The following describes the sixth frame in detail based on the two structures of the fifth frame in 801 above.

[0356] Structure 1: The sixth frame includes a sensing response element field, and the fifth information is located in the sensing response element field.

[0357] The frame structure of the sixth frame corresponds to structure 1 in the above 801, "the fifth frame includes a sensing request element field, and the fourth information is located in the sensing request element field."

[0358] For example, Figure 6g is a schematic diagram of the structure of the sixth frame according to the present application. The sixth frame is a sensing response frame. The sensing response frame includes a sensing response element subfield, and the fifth information is located in the sensing response element subfield. Specifically, for a specific description of the sixth frame, please refer to the above-mentioned related description of the fields included in the frame structure shown in Figure 6g. The details will not be described again in this specification.

[0359] Structure 2: The sixth frame includes a Confirm Element field, and the fifth information is located within the Confirm Element field.

[0360] The frame structure of the sixth frame corresponds to structure 2 in 801 above: "The fifth frame includes a Common Info field and a User Info field, and the fourth information is located in the Common Info field and / or the User Info field."

[0361] For example, Figure 6f is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of the sixth frame according to the present application. The sixth frame is a Confirm frame, which includes a Confirm Element field, and the fifth information is configured in the Confirm Element field. Specifically, the Confirm Element field may include a Confirm Info subfield and a Parameter Modification subfield.

[0362] 1. Confirm Indication subfield

[0363] The value of the Confirm Indication subfield indicates whether the STA agrees to participate in the sensing session. For example, if the field value of the Confirm Indication subfield is 0, it indicates that the STA does not agree to participate in the sensing session; if the field value of the Confirm Indication subfield is 1, it indicates that the STA agrees to participate in the sensing session and accepts the fourth sensing parameter assigned by the AP by using the fifth frame; or if the field value of the Confirm Indication subfield is 2, it indicates that the STA agrees to participate in the sensing session but does not accept the fourth sensing parameter assigned by the AP by using the fifth frame.

[0364] 2. Parameter Modification subfield

[0365] If the field value of the Confirmation Indication subfield is 2, i.e., the STA agrees to participate in the sensing session but does not accept the fourth sensing parameters assigned by the AP using the fifth frame, the Parameter Modification subfield contains the proposed (or recommended) parameters to be fed back by the STA using the sixth frame.

[0366] It should be noted that when the field value of the Acknowledgement Indication subfield indicates that the STA does not agree to participate in the sensing session, or when the field value of the Acknowledgement Indication subfield indicates that the STA agrees to participate in the sensing session and accepts the first sensing parameters assigned by the AP by using the fifth frame, the sixth frame does not need to include a Parameter Modification subfield.

[0367] 803: The AP determines a first STA from the plurality of second STAs based on the fifth information from the plurality of second STAs.

[0368] From the process of joining a sensing session for sensing in FIG. 3, it can be seen that there may be at least one transmitter and at least one receiver in the sensing session to form at least one complete communication link. For each of the second STAs, after the second STA receives the fifth frame transmitted by the AP, the fifth indication information fed back by the second STA may include the following: 1. The second STA confirms that it will join the sensing session by using a third role and a fourth sensing parameter. 2. The second STA confirms that it will join the sensing session by using a third role, but does not join the sensing session by using a fourth sensing parameter. 3. The second STA joins the sensing session.

[0369] Regardless of whether the AP participates in receiving / transmitting the sensing signal, the first STA determined by the AP from the plurality of second STAs to form at least one complete communication link of the sensing signal includes at least one first STA whose role is a receiver and at least one first STA whose role is a transmitter.

[0370] In other words, in one possible implementation, the fifth information from the third STA indicates that the third STA confirms its participation in the sensing session based on the third role and fourth sensing parameters corresponding to the third STA. Additionally, when the fifth information from the fourth STA indicates that the fourth STA will participate in the sensing session based on the third role and fourth sensing parameters corresponding to the fourth STA, the AP determines the third STA and the fourth STA as the first STA. The third STA is one of the plurality of second STAs, and the third role corresponding to the third STA is a receiver in the sensing session. The fourth STA is one of the plurality of fourth STAs, and the third role corresponding to the fourth STA is a transmitter in the sensing session.

[0371] For example, the AP does not participate in receiving / transmitting sensing signals, and STA1, STA2, and STA3 are multiple secondary STAs associated with the AP. The AP sends a fifth frame to STA1, STA2, and STA3 to request them to join a sensing session. The fourth information sent by the AP to STA1 using the fifth frame indicates that the third role is a transmitter and the fourth sensing parameter is to transmit 10 data packets every 1 ms. The fourth information sent by the AP to STA2 using the fifth frame indicates that the third role is a receiver and the fourth sensing parameter is to receive 10 data packets every 1 ms. The fourth information sent by the AP to STA3 using the fifth frame indicates that the third role is a receiver and the fourth sensing parameter is to receive 10 data packets every 1 ms. When STA1 transmits the sixth frame to the AP, STA1 confirms its participation in the sensing session by transmitting 10 data packets (the fourth sensing parameter corresponding to STA1) every 1 ms as a transmitter (the third role corresponding to STA1). When STA2 transmits the sixth frame to the AP, STA2 confirms its participation in the sensing session by receiving 10 data packets (the fourth sensing parameter corresponding to STA2) every 1 ms as a receiver (the third role corresponding to STA2). When STA3 transmits the sixth frame to the AP, STA3 confirms its participation in the sensing session by receiving 10 data packets (the fourth sensing parameter corresponding to STA3) every 1 ms as a receiver (the third role corresponding to STA3). In this case, the AP determines STA1, STA2, and STA3 as the first STAs to participate in the sensing session.

[0372] In another possible implementation, when an AP participates in receiving / transmitting a sensing signal (i.e., the AP is a transmitter and / or receiver), the AP may determine a first STA from multiple second STAs based on the AP's role in the sensing session and fifth information from the multiple second STAs.

[0373] Specifically, there are cases where the AP is a transmitter and cases where the AP is a receiver. These two cases will be described in detail below.

[0374] Case 1: The role of the AP in the sensing session is transmitter.

[0375] In the sensing scenario corresponding to this possible case, the AP is either a non-independent sensing initiator (in this case, the AP is both the initiator and the transmitter) or the AP is the transmitter in the sensing session. In this case, the first STAs determined by the AP to form at least one complete communication link of the sensing signal include at least one first STA whose corresponding role is a receiver.

[0376] In other words, when the role of the AP in the sensing session is a transmitter and the fifth information from the fifth STA indicates that the fifth STA will participate in the sensing session based on the third role corresponding to the fifth STA, the AP determines the fifth STA as the first STA, the fifth STA is one of the multiple second STAs, and the third role corresponding to the fifth STA is a receiver in the sensing session.

[0377] The fifth information from the fifth STA indicating that the fifth STA will participate in the sensing session based on the third role corresponding to the fifth STA includes the following two possible cases:

[0378] In one possible case, if the fifth information from the fifth STA indicates that the fifth STA will participate in the sensing session based on the third role and the fourth sensing parameter, the AP determines the fifth STA as the first STA. The fifth STA is one of the plurality of second STAs, and the third role corresponding to the fifth STA is a receiver in the sensing session. In this possible case, the AP determines the fifth STA as the first STA, determines the third role corresponding to the fifth STA as the first role of the fifth STA participating in the sensing session, and determines the fourth sensing parameter corresponding to the fifth STA as the first sensing parameter of the fifth STA participating in the sensing session.

[0379] For example, in a sensing session, the AP is a sensing signal transmitter, and STA1 and STA2 are multiple secondary STAs associated with the AP. The AP transmits a fifth frame to STA1 and STA2 to request STA1 and STA2 to join the sensing session and assign a third role and fourth sensing parameters to both STA1 and STA2. The AP receives the fifth information transmitted by STA1 and STA2. The fifth information transmitted by STA1 to the AP indicates that STA1 confirms its participation in the sensing session as a receiver (third role corresponding to STA1) by receiving 10 data packets every 1 ms (fourth sensing parameters corresponding to STA1). The fifth information transmitted by STA2 to the AP indicates that STA2 declines to participate in the sensing session as a transmitter (third role corresponding to STA2) by transmitting 10 data packets every 1 ms (fourth sensing parameters corresponding to STA2). It is determined that only a portion of the multiple second STAs will participate in the sensing session, but that STA1 (i.e., the fifth STA) among the portion of the second STAs will participate in the sensing session as a receiver, and the AP determines that it needs to determine STA1 as the STA (i.e., the first STA) that will participate in the sensing session and determine the fourth sensing parameter of STA1 (i.e., receiving 10 data packets every 1 ms) as the first sensing parameter.

[0380] In another possible implementation, if the fifth information from the fifth STA indicates that the fifth STA will participate in the sensing session based on the third role but not based on the fourth sensing parameters corresponding to the fifth STA, the AP determines the fifth STA as the first STA. The fifth information further includes proposed parameters (i.e., fifth sensing parameters) of the fifth STA participating in the sensing session by using the third role. In this possible case, the AP determines the fifth STA as the first STA and determines the fifth sensing parameters fed back by the fifth STA as the first sensing parameters of the fifth STA participating in the sensing session.

[0381] For example, in a sensing session, the AP is a sensing signal transmitter, and STA1 and STA2 are multiple secondary STAs associated with the AP. The AP sends a fifth frame to STA1 and STA2 to request STA1 and STA2 to join the sensing session and assign a third role and a fourth sensing parameter to both STA1 and STA2. The AP receives the fifth information sent by STA1 and STA2. The fifth information sent by STA1 to the AP confirms that STA1 will participate in the sensing session as a receiver (the third role corresponding to STA1), but indicates that STA1 will refuse to participate in the sensing session by receiving 10 data packets every 1 ms (the fourth sensing parameter corresponding to STA1). STA1 is encouraged to participate in the sensing session by receiving 5 data packets every 1 ms (the fifth sensing parameter fed back by STA1). The fifth information sent by STA2 to the AP indicates that STA2 refuses to participate in the sensing session by transmitting 10 data packets every 1 ms (the fourth sensing parameter corresponding to STA2) as a transmitter (the third role corresponding to STA2). The AP determines STA1 as the STA to participate in the sensing session (i.e., the first STA) and determines the fifth sensing parameter of STA1 (receiving 5 data packets every 1 ms) as the first sensing parameter.

[0382] Case 2: The role of the AP in the sensing session is a receiver.

[0383] In the sensing scenario corresponding to this possible case, the AP is either a non-independent sensing initiator (in this case, the AP is both the initiator and the receiver) or the AP is the receiver in the sensing session. In this case, the first STAs determined by the AP to form at least one complete communication link of the sensing signal include at least one first STA whose corresponding role is transmitter.

[0384] In other words, when the role of the AP in the sensing session is a receiver, and the fifth information from the sixth STA indicates that the sixth STA will participate in the sensing session based on the third role corresponding to the sixth STA, the AP determines the sixth STA as a first STA, the sixth STA is one of the plurality of second STAs, and the third role corresponding to the sixth STA is a transmitter in the sensing session.

[0385] The fifth information from the sixth STA indicating that the sixth STA will participate in the sensing session based on the third role corresponding to the sixth STA includes the following two possible cases:

[0386] In one possible case, if the fifth information from the sixth STA indicates that the sixth STA will participate in the sensing session based on the third role and the fourth sensing parameter, the AP determines the sixth STA as the first STA. The sixth STA is one of the plurality of second STAs, and the third role corresponding to the sixth STA is a transmitter in the sensing session. In this possible case, the AP determines the sixth STA as the first STA, determines the third role corresponding to the sixth STA as the first role of the sixth STA participating in the sensing session, and determines the fourth sensing parameter corresponding to the sixth STA as the first sensing parameter of the sixth STA participating in the sensing session.

[0387] For example, in a sensing session, the AP is a sensing signal receiver, and STA1 and STA2 are multiple secondary STAs associated with the AP. The AP transmits a fifth frame to STA1 and STA2 to request STA1 and STA2 to join the sensing session and assign a third role and a fourth sensing parameter to both STA1 and STA2. The AP receives the fifth information transmitted by STA1 and STA2. The fifth information transmitted by STA1 to the AP indicates that STA1 declines to participate in the sensing session as a receiver (third role corresponding to STA1) by receiving 10 data packets every 1 ms (fourth sensing parameter corresponding to STA1). The fifth information transmitted by STA2 to the AP indicates that STA2 confirms to participate in the sensing session as a transmitter (third role corresponding to STA2) by transmitting 10 data packets every 1 ms (fourth sensing parameter corresponding to STA2). The AP determines STA2 as the STA to participate in the sensing session (i.e., the first STA) and determines the fourth sensing parameter of STA2 (transmitting 10 data packets every 1 ms) as the first sensing parameter.

[0388] In another possible implementation, if the fifth information from the sixth STA indicates that the sixth STA will participate in the sensing session based on the third role but not based on the fourth sensing parameters corresponding to the sixth STA, the AP determines the sixth STA as the first STA. The fifth information further includes proposed parameters (i.e., fifth sensing parameters) of the sixth STA participating in the sensing session by using the third role. In this possible case, the AP determines the sixth STA as the first STA and determines the fifth sensing parameters fed back by the sixth STA as the first sensing parameters of the sixth STA participating in the sensing session.

[0389] For example, in a sensing session, the AP is a sensing signal receiver, and STA1 and STA2 are multiple secondary STAs associated with the AP. The AP transmits a fifth frame to STA1 and STA2 to request STA1 and STA2 to join the sensing session and assign a third role and a fourth sensing parameter to both STA1 and STA2. The AP receives the fifth information transmitted by STA1 and STA2. The fifth information transmitted by STA1 to the AP indicates that STA1 refuses to participate in the sensing session as a receiver (third role corresponding to STA1) by receiving 10 data packets every 1 ms (fourth sensing parameter corresponding to STA1). The fifth information transmitted by STA2 to the AP indicates that STA2 confirms to participate in the sensing session as a transmitter (third role corresponding to STA2) but refuses to participate in the sensing session by transmitting 10 data packets every 1 ms (fourth sensing parameter corresponding to STA2). STA2 is encouraged to participate in the sensing session by transmitting five data packets every 1 ms (the fifth sensing parameter fed back by STA2). The AP determines STA2 as the STA (i.e., the first STA) to participate in the sensing session, and determines the fifth sensing parameter of STA2 (transmitting five data packets every 1 ms) as the first sensing parameter.

[0390] It should be noted that if a complete communication link of the sensing signal cannot be formed in one sensing session, the AP may reassign the role or sensing parameters of each second STA by using the fifth frame according to step 801. This is not discussed in this application.

[0391] 804: The AP sends a first frame to a first STA, where the first frame includes first information, and the first information indicates a first role of the first STA in the sensing session.

[0392] 805: The AP receives a second frame from the first STA, where the second frame includes confirmation information for the first frame.

[0393] For specific implementations of 804 and 805, please refer to the specific implementations of 601 and 602. The details will not be described again here in this application.

[0394] In a scenario, Fig. 8c is an application scenario according to an embodiment of the present application, in which the AP is the initiator, and STA1 and STA2 are second STAs associated with the AP.

[0395] As shown in Case 1 of FIG. 8c, the AP transmits the fifth frame (e.g., a sensing request frame in structure 1) at 801 to both STA1 and STA2 to configure the third role and fourth sensing parameters of STA1 to participate in the sensing session and the third role and fourth sensing parameters of STA2 to participate in the sensing session. After receiving the fifth frame (e.g., a sensing request frame in structure 1), STA1 transmits the sixth frame (e.g., a sensing response frame in structure 1) at 802 to the AP to inform the AP whether STA1 will participate in the sensing session by using the third role and fourth sensing parameters corresponding to STA1. After receiving the fifth frame (e.g., a sensing request frame in structure 1), STA2 transmits the sixth frame (e.g., a sensing response frame in structure 1) at 802 to the AP to inform the AP whether STA2 will participate in the sensing session by using the third role and fourth sensing parameters corresponding to STA2. The AP decides whether to reassign roles and / or parameters based on the sixth frame fed back by STA1 and STA2.When the AP needs to reassign the roles or sensing parameters of STA1 and / or STA2, the AP again transmits a fifth frame (e.g., a sensing request frame in structure 1) in 801 to STA1 and STA2 to configure a third role and fourth sensing parameters for STA1 to participate in the sensing session and a third role and fourth sensing parameters for STA2 to participate in the sensing session until a sixth frame sent by STA1 to the AP indicates that STA1 confirms that it will participate in the sensing session by using the third role and fourth sensing parameters corresponding to STA1 and / or until a sixth frame sent by STA2 to the AP indicates that STA2 confirms that it will participate in the sensing session by using the third role and fourth sensing parameters corresponding to STA2.

[0396] Similarly, in Case 2 of FIG. 8c, the AP sends the aforementioned 801 Structure 2 fifth frame (e.g., a trigger frame) to both STA1 and STA2 to configure the third role and fourth sensing parameters of STA1 to participate in the sensing session, and the third role and fourth sensing parameters of STA2 to participate in the sensing session, until STA1 sends the aforementioned 802 Structure 2 sixth frame (e.g., a confirmation frame) to the AP to confirm its participation in the sensing session by using the third role and fourth sensing parameters corresponding to STA1, and / or until STA2 sends the aforementioned 802 Structure 2 sixth frame (e.g., a confirmation frame) to the AP to confirm its participation in the sensing session by using the third role and fourth sensing parameters corresponding to STA2.

[0397] In conclusion, when the AP transmits a fifth frame to multiple second STAs to request the second STAs to participate in the sensing session, the fifth frame further configures the role and sensing parameters for each second STA to participate in the sensing session. After each second STA receives the fifth frame, each second STA transmits a sixth frame to the AP indicating whether the second STA confirms its participation in the sensing session. Furthermore, the AP can determine a first STA to participate in the sensing session from the multiple second STAs based on the sixth frame sent by each second STA. This reduces the number of devices participating in the sensing session and saves communication transmission resources.

[0398] It should be noted that the content carried in each frame in this application is merely described as an example, and deletion, addition, or modification of the content carried in the frame according to the frame structure described in the present invention may be considered to fall within the scope of protection of this application. For example, in the session establishment method provided in FIG. 8a, the AP transmits a fifth frame to multiple second STAs, where the fifth frame is used to request the multiple second STAs to participate in a sensing session, and the fifth frame further configures the role of each second STA to participate in the sensing session. For each of the multiple second STAs, the second STA sends a sixth frame to the AP based on the fifth frame. Specifically, the content included in the sixth frame includes: When the second STA confirms its participation in the sensing session based on the role assigned in the fifth frame, the sixth frame indicates that the second STA confirms its participation in the sensing session based on the role assigned in the fifth frame, and further indicates the proposed (or supported) sensing parameters fed back by the second STA participating in the sensing session. When the second STA does not participate in the sensing session based on the role assigned in the fifth frame, the sixth frame indicates that the second STA does not participate in the sensing session based on the role assigned in the fifth frame, and further indicates the proposed (or supported) role and corresponding sensing parameters fed back by the second STA participating in the sensing session. When the second STA does not participate in the sensing session, the sixth frame indicates that the second STA does not participate in the sensing session. The AP can also determine a first STA to participate in the sensing session from multiple second STAs based on the sixth frame fed back by the multiple second STAs.

[0399] To intuitively understand the sensing session establishment method described in this application, application scenarios to which the sensing session establishment method is applied are described below. It should be understood that the following application scenarios are merely illustrative examples and cannot be considered limitations on this application.

[0400] Figure 9a shows an application scenario of a sensing session according to the present invention.

[0401] In the application scenario corresponding to Figure 9a, the AP is a non-independent sensing initiator (i.e., the AP functions as a sensing initiator and also participates in receiving / transmitting sensing signals), and STA1 and STA2 are STAs associated with the AP (i.e., the aforementioned second STAs). For the sake of brief description, we use an example in which the AP acts as a sensing initiator and a sensing signal transmitter.

[0402] In the sensing session establishment phase, when the AP establishes a sensing session by using the method shown in FIG. 6a, a schematic diagram of the sensing procedure in the application scenario of FIG. 9a is shown in FIG. 9b. In the sensing session establishment phase, the AP uses the method shown in FIG. 6a to send a first frame (trigger frame in FIG. 9b) to STA1 and STA2 to configure the roles and sensing parameters for both STA1 and STA2 to participate in the sensing session (i.e., for both STA1 and STA2). After receiving the first frame, STA1 sends a second frame (e.g., confirmation frame in FIG. 9b) to the AP to confirm that it accepts the first information configured by the AP for STA1 in the first frame. After receiving the first frame, STA2 sends a second frame to the AP to confirm that it accepts the first information configured by the AP for STA2 in the first frame. In the measurement phase, the AP sends sensing signals to STA1 and STA2. After receiving the sensing signal, STA1 and STA2 perform signal processing and measurement to obtain measurement results. In the reporting phase, the AP sends a Poll frame to both STA1 and STA2, so that STA1 and STA2 transmit their measurement results to the AP after receiving the Poll frame. Note that in the reporting phase, the AP may alternatively obtain the measurement results of STA1 and STA2 in a scheduling-based manner (as shown in Case 2 of Figure 5c) or a contention-based manner (as shown in Case 3 of Figure 5c).

[0403] In the sensing session establishment phase, when the AP establishes a sensing session by using the method shown in Fig. 7a, a schematic diagram of the sensing procedure in the application scenario of Fig. 9a is shown in Fig. 9c. In the sensing session establishment phase, the AP uses the method shown in Fig. 7a to send a third frame (sensing request frame in Fig. 9c) to both STA1 and STA2 to request them to join the sensing session. After STA1 receives the third frame from the AP, STA1 sends a fourth frame (e.g., sensing response frame in Fig. 9c) to the AP, indicating its receiving / transmitting capabilities (which can be understood as the roles supported in the sensing session) and corresponding sensing parameters in the fourth frame. After STA2 receives the third frame from the AP, STA2 sends a fourth frame (e.g., a sensing response frame in FIG. 9c) to the AP, indicating STA2's reception / transmission capabilities (which may be understood as roles supported in the sensing session) and corresponding sensing parameters. Furthermore, the AP determines STA1 and STA2 as the first STAs to participate in the sensing session. Based on the fourth frame (e.g., the sensing response frame in FIG. 9c) fed back by both STA1 and STA2, the AP sends (e.g., by broadcast) a first frame (e.g., a trigger frame) to STA1 and STA2 to configure the roles and sensing parameters for both STA1 and STA2 to participate in the sensing session. After receiving the first frame, STA1 sends a second frame (e.g., a confirmation frame) to the AP to confirm that it accepts the first information configured by the AP for STA1 in the first frame. After receiving the first frame, STA2 sends a second frame to the AP, confirming that it accepts the first information configured by the AP for STA2 in the first frame. In the measurement phase, the AP sends a sensing signal to STA1 and STA2.After receiving the sensing signal, STA1 and STA2 perform signal processing and measurement to obtain measurement results. In the reporting phase, the AP sends a Poll frame to both STA1 and STA2, so that STA1 and STA2 transmit their measurement results to the AP after receiving the Poll frame. Note that in the reporting phase, the AP may alternatively obtain the measurement results of STA1 and STA2 in a scheduling-based manner (as shown in Case 2 of Figure 5c) or a contention-based manner (as shown in Case 3 of Figure 5c).

[0404] In the sensing session establishment phase, when the AP establishes a sensing session by using the method shown in Figure 8a, a schematic diagram of the sensing procedure in the application scenario of Figure 9a is shown in Figure 9d. In the sensing session establishment phase, the AP uses the method shown in Figure 8a to send a fifth frame (trigger frame in Figure 9d) to STA1 and STA2 to request STA1 and STA2 to join the sensing session and configure the roles and sensing parameters for both STA1 and STA2 to participate in the sensing session. After STA1 and STA2 receive the fifth frame from the AP, STA1 and STA2 separately send a sixth frame (e.g., confirmation frame in Figure 9d) to the AP. If the sixth frame in Figure 9c indicates that the STA receiving / transmitting the sixth frame refuses to participate in the sensing session by using the role and / or sensing parameters configured in the fifth frame, the AP transmits the fifth frame again to STA1 and STA2 to configure the roles and sensing parameters for STA1 and STA2 to participate in the sensing session until the sixth frame transmitted by STA1 to the AP indicates that STA1 will participate in the sensing session by using the third role and fourth sensing parameters corresponding to STA1, and / or until the sixth frame transmitted by STA2 to the AP indicates that STA2 will participate in the sensing session by using the third role and fourth sensing parameters corresponding to STA2. In the measurement phase, the AP transmits sensing signals to STA1 and STA2. After receiving the sensing signals, STA1 and STA2 perform signal processing measurements to obtain measurement results. In the reporting phase, the AP sends a Poll frame to both STA1 and STA2, so that STA1 and STA2 send measurement results to the AP after receiving the Poll frame.Note that in the reporting phase, the AP may alternatively obtain the measurement results of STA1 and STA2 in a scheduling-based manner (as shown in Case 2 of Figure 5c) or a contention-based manner (as shown in Case 3 of Figure 5c).

[0405] In another application scenario corresponding to FIG. 9a, when a STA has a sensing requirement, the STA typically cannot schedule and manage the STAs participating in the sensing session. Therefore, in this case, when the STA acts as an initiator, the STA typically needs to cooperate with an AP to perform sensing. For example, STA1 is a non-independent sensing initiator (i.e., STA1 functions as a sensing initiator and further participates in receiving / transmitting sensing signals), and STA1 and STA2 are STAs associated with the AP (i.e., the aforementioned second STAs). For the sake of general description, the following uses an example in which the AP functions as a sensing signal transmitter.

[0406] During the sensing session establishment phase, STA1 (the initiator) sends a sensing request frame to the AP to request the AP to participate in the sensing session. After receiving the sensing request frame, the AP feeds back (or transmits) a sensing response frame to STA1, which indicates whether the AP confirms its participation in the sensing session. If the AP agrees to participate in the sensing session, the AP performs cooperative scheduling for the STAs (e.g., STA1 and STA2) participating in the sensing session. For the specific frame structure of the sensing request frame sent by STA1 to the AP, please refer to the first frame of structure 4 (i.e., as shown in Figure 6e) of 601 above. In this case, STA1 acts as the initiator, and the sensing request element field in the sensing request frame sent by the STA to the AP further includes an Other STA Info subfield in addition to the Sensing Request Info subfield. The Other STA Info subfield indicates information such as the addresses of other STAs participating in the sensing session. In other words, when STA1 is the initiator, STA1 sends a Sensing Request frame to the AP to request the AP to participate in the sensing session. If STA1 knows the addresses of the other STAs participating in the sensing session, STA1 can further indicate information such as the addresses of the other STAs participating in the sensing session to the AP by using the Other STA Info subfield.

[0407] When the AP establishes a sensing session using the method shown in FIG. 6a, a schematic diagram of the sensing procedure in the application scenario of FIG. 9a is shown in FIG. 9e. In the sensing session establishment phase, the AP uses the method shown in FIG. 6a to send a first frame (the trigger frame in FIG. 9e) to STA1 and STA2 to configure the roles and sensing parameters for both STA1 and STA2 to participate in the sensing session. After receiving the first frame, STA1 sends a second frame (e.g., the response frame in FIG. 9e) to the AP, confirming that it accepts the first information configured by the AP for STA1 in the first frame. After receiving the first frame, STA2 sends a second frame to the AP, confirming that it accepts the first information configured by the AP for STA2 in the first frame. In the measurement phase, the AP sends a sensing signal to STA1 and STA2. After receiving the sensing signal, STA1 and STA2 perform signal processing measurements to obtain measurement results. In the reporting phase, the AP sends a Poll frame to both STA1 and STA2, so that STA1 and STA2 send their measurement results to the AP after receiving the Poll frame. Furthermore, since STA1 is the initiator, the AP sends the measurement results sent by STA1 and STA2 to STA1.

[0408] Note that in the reporting phase, the AP may alternatively obtain the measurement results of STA1 and STA2 in a scheduling-based manner (as shown in Case 2 of Figure 5c) or a contention-based manner (as shown in Case 3 of Figure 5c).

[0409] When the AP establishes a sensing session by using the method shown in FIG. 7a, a schematic diagram of the sensing procedure in the application scenario of FIG. 9a is shown in FIG. 9f. During the sensing session establishment phase, the AP uses the method shown in FIG. 7a to send a third frame (a sensing request frame in FIG. 9f) to both STA1 and STA2 to request them to join the sensing session. After STA1 receives the third frame from the AP, STA1 sends a fourth frame (e.g., a sensing response frame in FIG. 9f) to the AP, indicating its receiving / transmitting capabilities (which may be understood as supported roles in the sensing session) and corresponding sensing parameters in the fourth frame. After STA2 receives the third frame from the AP, STA2 sends a fourth frame (e.g., a sensing response frame in FIG. 9f) to the AP, indicating its receiving / transmitting capabilities (which may be understood as supported roles in the sensing session) and corresponding sensing parameters in the fourth frame. Furthermore, the AP determines STA1 and STA2 as the first STAs to participate in the sensing session. Based on the fourth frame (e.g., the sensing response frame in FIG. 9f) fed back by both STA1 and STA2, the AP transmits (e.g., by broadcast) a first frame (e.g., a trigger frame) to STA1 and STA2 to configure the roles and sensing parameters for both STA1 and STA2 to participate in the sensing session. After receiving the first frame, STA1 transmits a second frame (e.g., a confirmation frame) to the AP to confirm that it accepts the first information configured by the AP for STA1 in the first frame. After receiving the first frame, STA2 transmits a second frame to the AP to confirm that it accepts the first information configured by the AP for STA2 in the first frame. During the measurement phase, the AP transmits sensing signals to STA1 and STA2.After receiving the sensing signal, STA1 and STA2 perform signal processing and measurement to obtain measurement results. In the reporting phase, the AP sends a Poll frame to both STA1 and STA2, so that STA1 and STA2 send their measurement results to the AP after receiving the Poll frame. Furthermore, since STA1 is the initiator, the AP sends the measurement results sent by STA1 and STA2 to STA1.

[0410] Note that in the reporting phase, the AP may alternatively obtain the measurement results of STA1 and STA2 in a scheduling-based manner (as shown in Case 2 of Figure 5c) or a contention-based manner (as shown in Case 3 of Figure 5c).

[0411] When the AP establishes a sensing session by using the method shown in Figure 8a, a schematic diagram of the sensing procedure in the application scenario of Figure 9a is shown in Figure 9g. During the sensing session establishment phase, the AP uses the method shown in Figure 8a to send a fifth frame (trigger frame in Figure 9d) to STA1 and STA2 to request them to join the sensing session and configure the roles and sensing parameters for both STA1 and STA2 to participate in the sensing session. After STA1 and STA2 receive the fifth frame from the AP, STA1 and STA2 separately send a sixth frame (e.g., confirmation frame in Figure 9d) to the AP. If the sixth frame in Figure 9d indicates that the STA receiving / transmitting the sixth frame refuses to participate in the sensing session by using the role and / or sensing parameters configured in the fifth frame, the AP transmits the fifth frame again to STA1 and STA2 to configure the roles and sensing parameters for STA1 and STA2 to participate in the sensing session until the sixth frame transmitted by STA1 to the AP indicates that STA1 will participate in the sensing session by using the third role and fourth sensing parameters corresponding to STA1, and / or until the sixth frame transmitted by STA2 to the AP indicates that STA2 will participate in the sensing session by using the third role and fourth sensing parameters corresponding to STA2. In the measurement phase, the AP transmits sensing signals to STA1 and STA2. After receiving the sensing signals, STA1 and STA2 perform signal processing measurements to obtain measurement results. In the reporting phase, the AP sends a Poll frame to both STA1 and STA2, so that STA1 and STA2 send measurement results to the AP after receiving the Poll frame.Note that in the reporting phase, the AP may alternatively obtain the measurement results of STA1 and STA2 in a scheduling-based manner (as shown in Case 2 of Figure 5c) or a contention-based manner (as shown in Case 3 of Figure 5c). Furthermore, since STA1 is the initiator, the AP transmits the measurement results transmitted by STA1 and STA2 to STA1.

[0412] Figure 10a shows an application scenario of a sensing session according to the present invention.

[0413] In the application scenario corresponding to Figure 10a, the AP is an independent sensing initiator (i.e., the AP acts as a sensing initiator and does not participate in receiving / transmitting sensing signals), and STA1, STA2, and STA3 are STAs associated with the AP (i.e., the second STAs mentioned above).

[0414] In the sensing session establishment phase, when the AP establishes a sensing session by using the method shown in FIG. 6a, a schematic diagram of the sensing procedure in the application scenario of FIG. 10a is shown in FIG. 10b. In the sensing session establishment phase, the AP uses the method shown in FIG. 6a to send a first frame (e.g., the trigger frame in FIG. 10b) to STA1, STA2, and STA3 to configure the roles and sensing parameters for each of STA1, STA2, and STA3 to participate in the sensing session. After receiving the first frame, STA1 sends a second frame (e.g., the response frame in FIG. 10b) to the AP, confirming that it accepts the first information configured by the AP for STA1 in the first frame. After receiving the first frame, STA2 sends a second frame to the AP, confirming that it accepts the first information configured by the AP for STA2 in the first frame. After receiving the first frame, STA3 sends a second frame to the AP, confirming that it accepts the first information configured by the AP for STA3 in the first frame. In the measurement phase, STA1 sends a sensing signal to STA2 and STA3. After receiving the sensing signal, STA2 and STA3 perform signal processing measurements to obtain measurement results. In the reporting phase, the AP sends a Poll frame to both STA2 and STA3, so that STA2 and STA3 transmit their measurement results to the AP after receiving the Poll frame. Note that in the reporting phase, the AP may alternatively obtain the measurement results of STA2 and STA3 in a scheduling-based manner (as shown in Case 2 of Figure 5c) or a contention-based manner (as shown in Case 3 of Figure 5c).

[0415] In the sensing session establishment phase, when the AP establishes a sensing session by using the method shown in Fig. 7a, a schematic diagram of the sensing procedure in the application scenario of Fig. 10a is shown in Fig. 10c. In the sensing session establishment phase, the AP uses the method shown in Fig. 7a to send a third frame (sensing request frame in Fig. 10c) to each of STA1, STA2, and STA3 to request them to join the sensing session. After STA1 receives the third frame from the AP, STA1 sends a fourth frame (e.g., sensing response frame in Fig. 9c) to the AP, indicating its receiving / transmitting capabilities (e.g., the supported role in the sensing session is transmitter) and corresponding sensing parameters. After STA2 receives the third frame from the AP, STA2 sends a fourth frame (e.g., the sensing response frame in FIG. 9c) to the AP, indicating its receiving / transmitting capabilities (e.g., the supported role in the sensing session is receiver) and corresponding sensing parameters in the fourth frame. After STA3 receives the third frame from the AP, STA3 sends a fourth frame (e.g., the sensing response frame in FIG. 9c) to the AP, indicating its receiving / transmitting capabilities (e.g., the supported role in the sensing session is receiver) and corresponding sensing parameters in the fourth frame. Further, the AP determines STA1, STA2, and STA3 as the first STAs to participate in the sensing session, and based on the fourth frames (e.g., the sensing response frames in Figure 9c) fed back by each of STA1, STA2, and STA3, the AP sends (e.g., by broadcast) a first frame (e.g., a trigger frame) to STA1, STA2, and STA3, configuring the roles and sensing parameters for each of STA1, STA2, and STA3 to participate in the sensing session.After receiving the first frame, STA1 sends a second frame (e.g., a confirmation frame) to the AP to confirm that it accepts the first information contained in the first frame and configured by the AP for STA1. After receiving the first frame, STA2 sends a second frame to the AP to confirm that it accepts the first information contained in the first frame and configured by the AP for STA2. After receiving the first frame, STA3 sends a second frame to the AP to confirm that it accepts the first information contained in the first frame and configured by the AP for STA3. In the measurement phase, STA1 sends a sensing signal to STA2 and STA3. After receiving the sensing signal, STA2 and STA3 perform signal processing measurements to obtain measurement results. In the reporting phase, the AP sends a Poll frame to both STA2 and STA3, so that STA2 and STA3 send measurement results to the AP after receiving the Poll frame. Note that in the reporting phase, the AP may alternatively obtain the measurement results of STA2 and STA3 in a scheduling-based manner (as shown in Case 2 of Figure 5c) or a contention-based manner (as shown in Case 3 of Figure 5c).

[0416] In the sensing session establishment phase, when the AP establishes a sensing session by using the method shown in Figure 8a, a schematic diagram of the sensing procedure in the application scenario of Figure 10a is shown in Figure 10d. In the sensing session establishment phase, the AP uses the method shown in Figure 8a to send a fifth frame (trigger frame in Figure 10d) to STA1, STA2, and STA3 to request them to join the sensing session and configure the roles and sensing parameters for each of STA1, STA2, and STA3 to participate in the sensing session. After STA1, STA2, and STA3 receive the fifth frame from the AP, STA1, STA2, and STA3 separately send a sixth frame (e.g., confirmation frame in Figure 10d) to the AP. In FIG. 10d, if the sixth frame sent by a STA (STA1, STA2, or STA3) indicates that the STA refuses to participate in the sensing session by using the role and / or sensing parameters configured in the fifth frame, the AP again sends fifth frames to STA1, STA2, and STA3 to configure roles and sensing parameters for STA1, STA2, and STA3 to participate in the sensing session until the sixth frame sent by STA1 to the AP indicates that STA1 confirms that STA1 will participate in the sensing session by using the third role and fourth sensing parameters corresponding to STA1, and / or the sixth frame sent by STA2 to the AP indicates that STA2 will participate in the sensing session by using the third role and fourth sensing parameters corresponding to STA2, and / or the sixth frame sent by STA3 to the AP indicates that STA3 will participate in the sensing session by using the third role and fourth sensing parameters corresponding to STA3. In the measurement phase, STA1 transmits a sensing signal to STA2 and STA3.After receiving the sensing signal, STA2 and STA3 perform signal processing and measurement to obtain measurement results. In the reporting phase, the AP sends a Poll frame to both STA2 and STA3, so that STA2 and STA3 transmit their measurement results to the AP after receiving the Poll frame. Note that in the reporting phase, the AP may alternatively obtain the measurement results of STA2 and STA3 in a scheduling-based manner (as shown in Case 2 of Figure 5c) or a contention-based manner (as shown in Case 3 of Figure 5c).

[0417] FIG. 11a illustrates an application scenario of a sensing session according to the present invention. In this application scenario, the AP is an independent sensing initiator (i.e., the AP functions as a sensing initiator and does not participate in receiving / transmitting sensing signals), and STA1, STA2, and STA3 are STAs associated with the AP (i.e., the aforementioned second STAs). STA1 has powerful functions. It can be understood that STA1 has the ability to coordinate other STAs to participate in the sensing session (including, but not limited to, the ability to send a sensing request frame to request another STA to participate in the sensing session and the ability to configure the role or sensing parameters for another STA). Alternatively, it can be understood that STA1 and the other STA (STA2 or STA3) are not STAs of the same level, and the level of STA1 is higher than the level of the other STA (STA2 or STA3).

[0418] In the sensing session implementation procedure, the AP sends a sensing request frame to STA1 to request STA1 to participate in the sensing session. After receiving the sensing request frame, STA1 feeds back (or transmits) a sensing response frame to the AP, which indicates whether STA1 confirms to participate in the sensing session. Once STA1 agrees to participate in the sensing session, STA1 performs cooperative scheduling for the STAs (e.g., STA2 and STA3) participating in the sensing session.

[0419] In the application scenario corresponding to FIG. 11a, during the sensing session establishment phase, STA1 sends a first frame (trigger frame in FIG. 11b) to STA2 and STA3 by using the method shown in FIG. 6a to configure roles and sensing parameters for both STA2 and STA3 to participate in the sensing session. After receiving the first frame, STA2 sends a second frame (e.g., confirmation frame in FIG. 11b) to STA1 to confirm acceptance of the first information contained in the first frame and configured for STA2 by the AP. After receiving the first frame, STA3 sends a second frame to STA1 to confirm acceptance of the first information contained in the first frame and configured for STA3 by the AP. During the measurement phase, STA1 sends a sensing signal to STA2 and STA3. After receiving the sensing signal, STA2 and STA3 perform signal processing measurements to obtain measurement results. In the reporting phase, STA1 sends a Poll frame to both STA2 and STA3, which then send their measurement results to STA1 after receiving the Poll frame. STA1 also sends the measurement reports received from STA2 and STA3 to the AP. Note that in the reporting phase, STA1 may alternatively obtain the measurement results of STA2 and STA3 in a scheduling-based manner (as shown in Case 2 of Figure 5c) or a contention-based manner (as shown in Case 3 of Figure 5c).

[0420] In the sensing session establishment phase, when the AP establishes a sensing session by using the method shown in Fig. 7a, a schematic diagram of the sensing procedure in the application scenario of Fig. 10a is shown in Fig. 11c. In the sensing session establishment phase, STA1 uses the method shown in Fig. 7a to send a third frame (sensing request frame in Fig. 11c) to both STA2 and STA3 to request them to join the sensing session. After STA2 receives the third frame from STA1, STA2 sends a fourth frame (e.g., sensing response frame in Fig. 11c) to STA1, indicating its receiving / transmitting capabilities (e.g., the supported role in the sensing session is receiver) and corresponding sensing parameters. After STA3 receives the third frame from STA1, STA3 transmits a fourth frame (e.g., the sensing response frame of FIG. 9c) to STA1, indicating STA3's receiving / transmitting capabilities (e.g., the supported role in the sensing session is receiver) and corresponding sensing parameters. Furthermore, STA1 determines STA2 and STA3 as the first STAs to participate in the sensing session. Based on the fourth frame (e.g., the sensing response frame of FIG. 11c) fed back by both STA2 and STA3, STA1 transmits (e.g., by broadcast) a first frame (e.g., a trigger frame) to STA2 and STA3 to configure the roles and sensing parameters for both STA2 and STA3 to participate in the sensing session. After receiving the first frame, STA2 transmits a second frame (e.g., a confirmation frame) to STA1 to confirm that it accepts the first information configured for STA2 by the AP in the first frame. After receiving the first frame, STA3 sends a second frame to STA1, acknowledging that it accepts the first information contained in the first frame and configured for STA3 by the AP.In the measurement phase, STA1 transmits a sensing signal to STA2 and STA3. After receiving the sensing signal, STA2 and STA3 perform signal processing and measurement to obtain measurement results. In the reporting phase, STA1 transmits a Poll frame to both STA2 and STA3, which causes STA2 and STA3 to transmit their measurement results to STA1 after receiving the Poll frame. STA1 also transmits measurement reports received from STA2 and STA3 to the AP. Note that in the reporting phase, STA1 may alternatively obtain the measurement results of STA2 and STA3 in a scheduling-based manner (as shown in Case 2 of Figure 5c) or a contention-based manner (as shown in Case 3 of Figure 5c).

[0421] In the sensing session establishment phase, when STA1 establishes a sensing session by using the method shown in Figure 8a, a schematic diagram of the sensing procedure in the application scenario of Figure 11a is shown in Figure 11d. In the sensing session establishment phase, STA1 uses the method shown in Figure 8a to send a fifth frame (trigger frame in Figure 11d) to STA2 and STA3 to request STA2 and STA3 to join the sensing session and configure the roles and sensing parameters for both STA2 and STA3 to participate in the sensing session. After STA2 and STA3 receive the fifth frame from STA1, STA2 and STA3 separately send a sixth frame (e.g., confirmation frame in Figure 11d) to the AP. In FIG. 11d, if the sixth frame transmitted by another STA (STA2 or STA3) other than STA1 indicates that the STA receiving / transmitting the sixth frame refuses to participate in the sensing session using the role and / or sensing parameters configured in the fifth frame, STA1 again transmits a fifth frame to STA2 and STA3 to configure the roles and sensing parameters for STA2 and STA3 to participate in the sensing session until the sixth frame transmitted by STA2 to the AP indicates that STA2 will participate in the sensing session using the third role and fourth sensing parameters corresponding to STA2, and / or until the sixth frame transmitted by STA3 to the AP indicates that STA3 will participate in the sensing session using the third role and fourth sensing parameters corresponding to STA3. In the measurement phase, STA1 transmits sensing signals to STA2 and STA3. After receiving the sensing signals, STA2 and STA3 perform signal processing measurements to obtain measurement results. In the reporting phase, STA1 transmits a Poll frame to both STA2 and STA3, so that STA2 and STA3 transmit their measurement results to STA1 after receiving the Poll frame.STA1 also sends the measurement reports received from STA2 and STA3 to the AP. Note that in the reporting phase, STA1 may alternatively obtain the measurement results of STA2 and STA3 in a scheduling-based manner (as shown in Case 2 of Figure 5c) or a contention-based manner (as shown in Case 3 of Figure 5c).

[0422] In another application scenario corresponding to FIG. 11a, during the sensing session establishment phase, the AP uses the method shown in FIG. 6a to send a first frame (trigger frame in FIG. 11e) to STA1, STA2, and STA3 to configure the roles and sensing parameters for each of STA1, STA2, and STA3 to participate in the sensing session. After receiving the first frame, STA1 sends a second frame (e.g., confirmation frame in FIG. 11e) to the AP to confirm that it accepts the first information configured for STA1 by the AP in the first frame. After receiving the first frame, STA2 sends a second frame (e.g., confirmation frame in FIG. 11e) to STA1 to confirm that it accepts the first information configured for STA2 by the AP in the first frame. After receiving the first frame, STA3 sends a second frame to STA1 to confirm that it accepts the first information configured for STA3 by the AP in the first frame. During the measurement phase, STA1 sends sensing signals to STA2 and STA3. After receiving the sensing signal, STA2 and STA3 perform signal processing and measurement to obtain measurement results. In the reporting phase, STA1 sends a Poll frame to both STA2 and STA3, which then transmit their measurement results to STA1 after receiving the Poll frame. STA1 also transmits the measurement reports received from STA2 and STA3 to the AP. Note that in the reporting phase, STA1 may alternatively obtain the measurement results of STA2 and STA3 in a scheduling-based manner (as shown in Case 2 of Figure 5c) or a contention-based manner (as shown in Case 3 of Figure 5c).

[0423] In the sensing session establishment phase, when the AP establishes a sensing session by using the method shown in Fig. 7a, a schematic diagram of the sensing procedure in the application scenario of Fig. 10a is shown in Fig. 11f. In the sensing session establishment phase, the AP uses the method shown in Fig. 7a to send a third frame (sensing request frame in Fig. 11f) to each of STA1, STA2, and STA3 to request them to join the sensing session. After STA1 receives the third frame from the AP, STA1 sends a fourth frame (e.g., sensing response frame in Fig. 11c) to the AP, indicating its receiving / transmitting capabilities (e.g., the supported role in the sensing session is transmitter) and corresponding sensing parameters in the fourth frame. After STA2 receives the third frame from the AP, STA2 sends a fourth frame (e.g., the sensing response frame in FIG. 11f) to the AP, indicating STA2's receiving / transmitting capabilities (e.g., the supported role in the sensing session is receiver) and corresponding sensing parameters in the fourth frame. After STA3 receives the third frame from the AP, STA3 sends a fourth frame (e.g., the sensing response frame in FIG. 11f) to the AP, indicating STA3's receiving / transmitting capabilities (e.g., the supported role in the sensing session is receiver) and corresponding sensing parameters in the fourth frame. Further, the AP determines STA1, STA2, and STA3 as the first STAs to participate in the sensing session, and based on the fourth frames (e.g., the sensing response frames in FIG. 11f) fed back by each of STA1, STA2, and STA3, the AP sends (e.g., by broadcast) a first frame (e.g., a trigger frame) to STA1, STA2, and STA3, configuring the roles and sensing parameters for each of STA1, STA2, and STA3 to participate in the sensing session.After receiving the first frame, STA1 sends a second frame (e.g., a confirmation frame) to the AP to confirm that it accepts the first information contained in the first frame and configured by the AP for STA1. After receiving the first frame, STA2 sends a second frame (e.g., a confirmation frame) to the AP to confirm that it accepts the first information contained in the first frame and configured by the AP for STA2. After receiving the first frame, STA3 sends a second frame to the AP to confirm that it accepts the first information contained in the first frame and configured by the AP for STA3. In the measurement phase, STA1 sends a sensing signal to STA2 and STA3. After receiving the sensing signal, STA2 and STA3 perform signal processing measurements to obtain measurement results. In the reporting phase, STA1 sends a Poll frame to both STA2 and STA3, so that STA2 and STA3 send measurement results to STA1 after receiving the Poll frame. STA1 also sends measurement reports received from STA2 and STA3 to the AP. Note that in the reporting phase, the AP may alternatively obtain the measurement results of STA2 and STA3 in a scheduling-based manner (as shown in Case 2 of Figure 5c) or a contention-based manner (as shown in Case 3 of Figure 5c).

[0424] In the sensing session establishment phase, when the AP establishes a sensing session by using the method shown in Figure 8a, a schematic diagram of the sensing procedure in the application scenario of Figure 11a is shown in Figure 11g. In the sensing session establishment phase, the AP uses the method shown in Figure 8a to send a fifth frame (trigger frame in Figure 11g) to STA1, STA2, and STA3 to request them to join the sensing session and configure the roles and sensing parameters for each of STA1, STA2, and STA3 to participate in the sensing session. After STA1, STA2, and STA3 receive the fifth frame from the AP, STA1, STA2, and STA3 separately send a sixth frame (e.g., confirmation frame in Figure 11g) to the AP. If the sixth frame transmitted by another STA (STA2 or STA3) other than STA1 in FIG. 11g indicates that the STA receiving / transmitting the sixth frame refuses to participate in the sensing session by using the role and / or sensing parameters configured in the fifth frame, the AP transmits fifth frames again to STA1, STA2, and STA3 to configure roles and sensing parameters for STA1, STA2, and STA3 to participate in the sensing session until the sixth frame transmitted by STA1 to the AP indicates that STA1 confirms that it will participate in the sensing session by using the third role and fourth sensing parameters corresponding to STA1, and / or the sixth frame transmitted by STA2 to the AP indicates that STA2 confirms that it will participate in the sensing session by using the third role and fourth sensing parameters corresponding to STA2, and / or the sixth frame transmitted by STA3 to the AP indicates that STA3 confirms that it will participate in the sensing session by using the third role and fourth sensing parameters corresponding to STA3.In the measurement phase, STA1 transmits a sensing signal to STA2 and STA3. After receiving the sensing signal, STA2 and STA3 perform signal processing and measurement to obtain measurement results. In the reporting phase, STA1 transmits a Poll frame to both STA2 and STA3, which causes STA2 and STA3 to transmit their measurement results to STA1 after receiving the Poll frame. STA1 also transmits measurement reports received from STA2 and STA3 to the AP. Note that in the reporting phase, STA1 may alternatively obtain the measurement results of STA2 and STA3 in a scheduling-based manner (as shown in Case 2 of Figure 5c) or a contention-based manner (as shown in Case 3 of Figure 5c).

[0425] 12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 1200 may be an AP or a circuit system of an AP according to any one of the embodiments shown in FIG. 6a, FIG. 7a, or FIG. 8a, and is configured to implement a method corresponding to the AP according to the aforementioned method embodiments. Alternatively, the communication device 1200 may be an STA or a circuit system of an STA according to any one of the embodiments shown in FIG. 6a, FIG. 7a, or FIG. 8a, and is configured to implement a method corresponding to the STA according to the aforementioned method embodiments. For specific functions, please refer to the descriptions in the aforementioned method embodiments. For example, the circuit system is a chip system.

[0426] The communications device 1200 includes one or more processors 1201. The processor 1201 may alternatively be referred to as a processing unit and may implement specific control functions. The processor 1201 may be a general-purpose processor, a special-purpose processor, etc. For example, the processor 1201 may be a baseband processor, a central processing unit, etc. The baseband processor may be configured to process communications protocols and communication data. The central processing unit may be configured to control the communications device 1200, execute software programs, and / or process data. The various processors may be separate components or may be located in one or more processing circuits, for example, integrated into one or more application-specific integrated circuits.

[0427] Optionally, the communications device 1200 includes one or more memories 1202 configured to store instructions 1204. The instructions 1204 may be executed on a processor such that the communications device 1200 performs the methods described in the preceding method embodiments. Optionally, the memory 1202 may further store data. The processor and memory may be located separately or integrated together.

[0428] Optionally, the communication device 1200 may include instructions 1203 (which may alternatively be referred to as code or programs), which may be executed on a processor such that the communication device 1200 performs the methods described in the above embodiments. The processor 1201 may store data.

[0429] Optionally, the communications device 1200 may further include a transceiver 1205 and an antenna 1206. The transceiver 1205, which may also be referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver machine, transceiver circuit, transceiver, input / output interface, etc., is configured to implement transmission and reception functions of the communications device 1200 by using the antenna 1206.

[0430] Optionally, communications device 1200 may further include one or more of the following components: a wireless communications module, an audio module, an external memory interface, an internal memory, a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a power management module, an antenna, a speaker, a microphone, an input / output module, a sensor module, a motor, a camera, a display, etc. It will be understood that in some embodiments, communications device 1200 may include more or fewer components, or some components may be integrated or some components may be separated. These components may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0431] The processor 1201 and the transceiver 1205 described in the embodiments of the present application may be implemented on an integrated circuit (IC), an analog IC, a radio frequency identification (RFID) integrated circuit, a mixed-signal IC, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a printed circuit board (PCB), an electronic device, etc. The communication apparatus described herein may be an independent device (e.g., an independent integrated circuit or a mobile phone), or may be part of a larger device (e.g., a module that can be incorporated into another device). For details, please refer to the above description of the AP and the STA. The details will not be described again herein.

[0432] An embodiment of the present application provides an access point device. The access point device (referred to as AP for ease of description) may be used in the aforementioned embodiments. The terminal device AP includes corresponding means, units, and / or circuits for implementing the functions of the AP according to any one of the embodiments shown in Figure 6a, Figure 7a, or Figure 8a. For example, the AP includes a transceiver module configured to support the AP in implementing transmitting and receiving functions, and a processing module configured to support the AP in processing signals.

[0433] Some embodiments of the present application further provide a station device. The station device (referred to as an STA for ease of description) may be used in the aforementioned embodiments. The STA includes corresponding means, units, and / or circuits for implementing the functions of the STA according to any one of the embodiments shown in FIG. 6a, FIG. 7a, or FIG. 8a. For example, the STA includes a transceiver module configured to support the STA in performing transmitting and receiving functions and a processing module configured to support the STA in processing signals.

[0434] When some embodiments provided herein are implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, the product may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes some instructions for instructing a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, a network device, etc.) to perform all or part of the steps of the method described in the embodiments of the present application. The aforementioned computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer. The following provides examples, but does not impose limitations. The computer-readable medium may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), or any other medium that can be used to carry or store expected program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer.

[0435] The above description is merely a specific implementation of the present application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present application. Any modifications or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the embodiments of the present application shall fall within the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present application shall be subject to the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. 1. A method, comprising: receiving, by an access point (AP), a sensing request frame from a first station (STA), the sensing request frame being used to request the AP to participate in a sensing session, the sensing request frame including an indication subfield, the indication subfield being used to indicate that the first STA will participate in the sensing session as at least one of a receiver or a transmitter of a sensing signal, or the indication subfield being used to indicate that the first STA will not participate in the sensing session as at least one of a receiver or a transmitter; transmitting a sensing response frame by the AP to the first STA, the sensing response frame being used to indicate whether the AP will participate in the sensing session or not; method.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the sensing request frame includes a sensing request element field, the sensing request element field includes a sensing request information subfield, and the sensing request information subfield includes the instruction subfield.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the sensing request frame further includes an other station information subfield, the other station information subfield indicating an address of another STA participating in the sensing session.

4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the sensing request frame includes a sensing request element field, and the sensing request element field includes the other station information subfield.

5. The method further includes performing, by the AP, cooperative scheduling for STAs participating in the sensing session. The method of claim 1.

6. 1. A method, comprising: transmitting a sensing request frame by a first station (STA) to an access point (AP), the sensing request frame being used to request the AP to participate in a sensing session, the sensing request frame including an indication subfield, the indication subfield being used to indicate that the first STA will participate in the sensing session as at least one of a receiver or a transmitter, or the indication subfield being used to indicate that the first STA will not participate in the sensing session as at least one of a receiver or a transmitter; receiving, by the first STA, a sensing response frame from the AP, the sensing response frame being used to indicate whether the AP will participate in the sensing session or not; method.

7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the sensing request frame includes a sensing request element field, the sensing request element field includes a sensing request information subfield, and the sensing request information subfield includes the instruction subfield.

8. The method of claim 6 , wherein the sensing request frame further includes an other station information subfield, the other station information subfield indicating an address of another STA participating in the sensing session.

9. The method of claim 8 , wherein the sensing request frame includes a sensing request element field, and the sensing request element field includes the other station information subfield.

10. 10. A communications device having a processor and a memory, wherein the memory is configured to store one or more computer programs, the one or more computer programs comprising computer-executable instructions, and wherein when the communications device is operating, the processor executes the one or more computer programs stored in the memory to enable the communications device to perform a method according to any one of claims 1 to 5 or to perform a method according to any one of claims 6 to 9.

11. 10. A computer-readable storage medium, the computer-readable storage medium comprising a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, enable the computer to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 5 or to perform the method of any one of claims 6 to 9.

12. A computer program, which when run on a computer, enables the computer to carry out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5 or to carry out the method according to any one of claims 6 to 9.

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