Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

Provided in the present application are a communication method and a communication apparatus. In the method, a sensing function network element can configure sensing service information, so as to establish a transmission channel between the sensing function network element and an application function network element. Moreover, after the transmission channel between the sensing function network element and the application function network element is established, the transmission channel can be used for transmitting a sensing service, thereby achieving the capability of providing sensing in an operator network.

Description

Communication method and communication device

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application with application number 202311735293.3 filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on December 15, 2023, and priority to the Chinese patent application with the invention name “A Communication Method and Communication Device”, all contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and a communication device. Background Art

[0003] Perception technology, based on air interface resources like radar and millimeter waves, collects the content of reflected perception signals (i.e., perception information) and further processes it to obtain the desired information. Therefore, perception technology can be combined with communication technology, leveraging the capabilities, spectrum, and signals of existing communication equipment to transmit perception signals, thereby providing perception capabilities within operator networks. However, there is currently no discussion on how to provide perception capabilities within operator networks (how to provide perception capabilities through terminals or base stations), and this remains an unresolved issue. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present application provides a communication method and a communication device. The method provides a perception function network element for implementing a perception function. The perception function network element can determine perception service information, thereby providing perception capabilities in an operator network.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present application provides a communication method. For example, the communication method may be performed by a perception function network element, or a component of a perception function network element (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or a logic module that can implement all or part of the perception function. The perception function network element receives a first request message from an application function network element, and the first request message includes at least one of perception service area information, perception service requirement information, or address information of the application function network element. Based on the first request message, the perception function network element determines the perception service information, and the perception service information includes at least one of perception service requirement information, address information of the application function network element, list information of authorized terminals, perception quality description information, identification information of the perception service, or identification information of the perception data transmission channel.

[0006] In this method, the perception function network element can be configured with perception service information, thereby establishing a transmission channel between the perception function network element and the application function network element. Furthermore, after the transmission channel between the perception function network element and the application function network element is established, the transmission channel can be used to transmit the perception service, thereby realizing the perception capability provided in the operator network based on the perception function network element.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the perception function network element receives a second request message from the application function network element, the second request message being used to request identification information of a perception service. The perception function network element generates identification information of the perception service, the identification information of the perception service being used to identify the perception service or the perception session corresponding to the perception service. The perception function network element sends a second response message to the application function network element, the second response message including at least one of the identification information of the perception service or the address information of the perception function network element.

[0008] In this embodiment, the perception function network element can generate identification information of the perception service based on the second request message that is only used to request identification information of the perception service, thereby identifying the perception service or the perception session corresponding to the perception service, which is beneficial for each network element to identify different perception services or perception sessions corresponding to the perception service based on the identification information of the perception service, thereby realizing the perception function.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the perception function network element generates identification information of the perception service based on the first request message, where the identification information of the perception service is used to identify the perception service or the perception session corresponding to the perception service. The perception function network element sends a first response message to the application function network element, where the first response message includes at least one of the identification information of the perception service or the address information of the perception function network element.

[0010] In this embodiment, the first request message is used to request both the perception function and the identification information of the perception service. The perception function network element can generate the identification information of the perception service based on the first request message, thereby identifying the perception service or the perception session corresponding to the perception service. This is beneficial for the network element to identify different perception services or the perception sessions corresponding to the perception service based on the identification information of the perception service, thereby realizing the perception function.

[0011] In one possible implementation, a perception function network element sends a third request message to a first session management function network element, requesting the first session management function network element to generate perception quality description information and configure corresponding transmission. The first session management function network element is determined based on perception service area information; the first session management function network element has a perception function. The perception function network element receives a third response message from the first session management function network element, the third response message including at least one of the perception quality description information or identification information of a perception data transmission channel.

[0012] In this embodiment, the perception function network element can request the first session management function network element with perception function to generate perception quality description information and configure corresponding transmission, so that the first session management function network element allocates perception data transmission channels and determines the perception quality description information to ensure transmission quality, which is conducive to realizing the perception function while ensuring the transmission quality of perception data.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the awareness function network element receives a fourth request message from the second session management function network element, the fourth request message including identification information of the awareness service and identification information of a terminal associated with the second session management function network element. The awareness function network element sends a fourth response message to the second session management function network element, the fourth response message including awareness service information.

[0014] In this embodiment, when the terminal requests to transmit a perception service, the second session management function network element that manages the terminal can request the perception function network element to establish perception resources (for example, to obtain perception service information or the address information of the perception function network element), thereby facilitating the terminal and multiple network elements (such as the perception function network element, the second session management function network element, etc.) to jointly realize the perception function.

[0015] In a possible implementation manner, the first request message further includes list information of authorized terminals.

[0016] In a possible implementation, the awareness function network element performs authentication processing on the terminal based on identification information of the terminal associated with the second session management function network element and list information of authorized terminals.

[0017] In the above implementation, the perception function network element can also perform authentication processing on the terminal requesting to transmit the perception service, for example, comparing the identification information of the terminal associated with the second session management function network element with the list information of the authorized terminals, which is helpful to identify whether the terminal is authorized to implement the perception function.

[0018] In a second aspect, the present application provides a communication method. For example, the communication method may be performed by a perception function network element, or a component of a perception function network element (such as a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module that can implement all or part of the perception function. The perception function network element obtains identification information of a terminal and performs authentication processing on the terminal based on the identification information of the terminal.

[0019] In this method, the perception function network element realizes the function of authenticating the terminal while realizing the perception function, and determines whether the terminal is authorized to realize the perception function, thereby realizing the perception function in the operator network.

[0020] In a possible implementation, the awareness function network element receives a fourth request message from the second session management function network element, where the fourth request message includes identification information of the awareness service and identification information of a terminal associated with the second session management function network element.

[0021] In this embodiment, when the terminal requests to transmit a perception service, the second session management function network element that manages the terminal can request the perception function network element to establish perception resources (for example, to obtain perception service information or the address information of the perception function network element), thereby facilitating the terminal and multiple network elements (such as the perception function network element, the second session management function network element, etc.) to jointly realize the perception function.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the perception function network element compares the terminal's identification information with a list of authorized terminals to determine whether the terminal is authorized to collect perception data. The list of authorized terminals is preconfigured by the perception function network element or received by the perception function network element from the application function network element.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the perception function network element compares the identification information of the terminal with a list of authorized terminals to determine that the terminal is not authorized to collect perception data; the list of authorized terminals is preconfigured by the perception function network element or received by the perception function network element from the application function network element. The perception function network element sends first indication information to the second session management network element, indicating that the terminal is not authorized to collect perception data.

[0024] In the above embodiment, the perception function network element can determine, based on the list of authorized terminals, whether the identification information of the terminal belongs to the identification information in the list of authorized terminals, thereby determining whether the terminal is authorized to collect perception data. Optionally, if the terminal is not authorized to collect perception data, the perception function network element can also provide a second session management function network element that manages the terminal with first indication information indicating that the terminal is not authorized to collect perception data.

[0025] In a third aspect, the present application provides a communication method. For example, the communication method may be performed by an application function network element, or a component of the application function network element (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or a logic module that can implement all or part of the application function. The application function network element sends a first request message to the perception function network element, and the first request message includes at least one of perception service area information, perception service requirement information, or address information of the application function network element. The application function network element stores at least one of perception service area information, perception service requirement information, or address information of the application function network element.

[0026] In this method, the application function network element can request the perception function network element to establish a transmission channel between the perception function network element and the application function network element, thereby realizing the ability to provide perception in the operator network.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the application function network element sends a second request message to the perception function network element, where the second request message is used to request identification information of the perception service. The application function network element receives a second response message from the perception function network element, where the second response message includes at least one of the identification information of the perception service or the address information of the perception function network element.

[0028] In this embodiment, the application function network element sends a second request message requesting identification information of the perception service, thereby requesting the perception function network element to generate identification information of the perception service, which is used to identify the perception service or the perception session corresponding to the perception service. This is beneficial for each network element to identify different perception services or perception sessions corresponding to the perception service based on the identification information of the perception service, thereby realizing the perception function.

[0029] In a possible implementation, the application function network element sends a fifth request message to the network open function network element, where the fifth request message includes list information of authorized terminals.

[0030] In a possible implementation, the application function network element sends a sixth request message to the policy control function network element, where the sixth request message includes identification information of the perception service or at least one item in a list of terminals authorized to perform end-side perception.

[0031] In the above implementation, the application function network element may send the list information of authorized terminals to the network open function network element or the policy control function network element, thereby facilitating other network elements to obtain the list information of authorized terminals from the network open function network element.

[0032] In a possible implementation, the application function network element sends a first notification message to the terminal, where the first notification message includes at least one of identification information of the perception service or address information of the perception function network element.

[0033] In this implementation, the application function network element may send identification information of the perception service and / or address information of the perception function network element to the terminal, which is conducive to establishing a transmission channel for transmitting perception data between the terminal and the perception function network element.

[0034] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides a communication method. For example, the communication method may be performed by a terminal, or a component of the terminal (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system), or a logical module that can implement all or part of the terminal functions. The terminal receives a first notification message from an application function network element, and the first notification message includes at least one of identification information of a perception service or address information of a perception function network element. The terminal sends perception data.

[0035] In this method, the terminal can receive identification information of the perception service and / or address information of the perception function network element, which is conducive to establishing a transmission channel between the terminal and the perception function network element to transmit perception data, thereby realizing the perception function in the operator network.

[0036] In a possible implementation, the terminal sends the perception data to the perception function network element through a first session adopted for interaction with the application function network element.

[0037] In this implementation, the terminal can use the first session established with the application function network element to send the perception data without re-establishing the session, which is conducive to improving processing efficiency.

[0038] In one possible implementation, the terminal sends a seventh request message to the second session management network element, where the seventh request message includes at least one of the terminal's identification information, the perception service's identification information, or the perception function network element's address information. The terminal receives a seventh response message, where the seventh response message includes at least one of the perception service's identification information, the perception service's requirement information, or the perception function network element's address information.

[0039] In this implementation, the terminal can request the associated second session management network element to obtain identification information of the perception service, etc., which is conducive to establishing a transmission channel for transmitting perception data between the terminal and the perception function network element, thereby realizing the perception function in the operator network.

[0040] In a fifth aspect, the present application provides a communication method. For example, the communication method may be performed by a second session management function network element, or a component of the second session management function network element (such as a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module that can implement all or part of the session management function. The second session management function network element sends a fourth request message to the perception function network element, where the fourth request message includes identification information of the perception service and / or identification information of a terminal associated with the second session management function network element. The second session management function network element receives a fourth response message from the perception function network element, where the fourth response message includes perception service information.

[0041] In this method, the second session management function network element can request the perception function network element to obtain perception service information and / or address information of the perception function network element, which is conducive to the terminal associated with the second session management function network element and the perception function network element to establish a transmission channel for transmitting perception data, thereby realizing the perception function in the operator network.

[0042] In a possible implementation, the identification information of the terminal is used by the perception function network element to perform authentication processing on the terminal.

[0043] In a possible implementation, the second session management function network element receives first indication information from the perception function network element, where the first indication information indicates that the terminal is not authorized to collect perception data.

[0044] In the above implementation, if the perception function network element determines that the terminal is not authorized to collect perception data when performing authentication processing on the terminal, the second session management function network element may receive the first indication information, thereby determining that the terminal is not authorized to collect perception data.

[0045] In a sixth aspect, the present application provides a communication device. The communication device may be a perception function network element, or a component of a perception function network element (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or a device that can be used in conjunction with a perception function network element. In one possible implementation, the communication device may include a functional module, which may be a hardware circuit, software, or a combination of a hardware circuit and software.

[0046] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a communication unit and a processing unit. The communication unit is configured to receive a first request message from an application function network element, the first request message including at least one of perception service area information, perception service requirement information, or address information of the application function network element. The processing unit is configured to determine, based on the first request message, perception service information, the perception service information including at least one of perception service requirement information, address information of the application function network element, list information of authorized terminals, perception quality description information, identification information of the perception service, or identification information of a perception data transmission channel.

[0047] In one possible implementation, the communication unit is configured to receive a second request message from an application function network element, the second request message being configured to request identification information of a perception service. The processing unit is configured to generate identification information of the perception service, the identification information of the perception service being configured to identify the perception service or the perception session corresponding to the perception service. The communication unit is further configured to send a second response message to the application function network element, the second response message including at least one of the identification information of the perception service or address information of the perception function network element.

[0048] In one possible implementation, the processing unit is configured to generate identification information of the perception service based on the first request message, where the identification information of the perception service is used to identify the perception service or the perception session corresponding to the perception service. The communication unit is configured to send a first response message to the application function network element, where the first response message includes at least one of the identification information of the perception service or address information of the perception function network element.

[0049] In one possible implementation, a communication unit is configured to send a third request message to a first session management function network element, the third request message being configured to request the first session management function network element to generate perceptual quality description information and configure corresponding transmission, the first session management function network element being determined based on perceptual service area information; and the first session management function network element having a perceptual function. The communication unit is further configured to receive a third response message from the first session management function network element, the third response message including at least one of the perceptual quality description information or identification information of a perceptual data transmission channel.

[0050] In one possible implementation, the communication unit is configured to receive a fourth request message from a second session management function network element, the fourth request message including identification information of the perception service and identification information of a terminal associated with the second session management function network element. The communication unit is further configured to send a fourth response message to the second session management function network element, the fourth response message including the perception service information.

[0051] In a possible implementation, the communication unit is configured to receive list information of authorized terminals from an application function network element.

[0052] In a possible implementation, the processing unit is configured to perform authentication processing on the terminal based on identification information of the terminal associated with the second session management function network element.

[0053] In a seventh aspect, the present application provides a communication device. The communication device may be a perception function network element, or a component of a perception function network element (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or a device that can be used in conjunction with a perception function network element. In one possible implementation, the communication device may include a functional module, which may be a hardware circuit, software, or a combination of a hardware circuit and software.

[0054] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a communication unit and a processing unit, wherein the communication unit is configured to obtain identification information of the terminal, and the processing unit is configured to perform authentication processing on the terminal based on the identification information of the terminal.

[0055] In a possible implementation, the communication unit is configured to receive a fourth request message from the second session management function network element, where the fourth request message includes identification information of the perception service and identification information of a terminal associated with the second session management function network element.

[0056] In one possible implementation, the processing unit is configured to compare the terminal's identification information with a list of authorized terminals to determine whether the terminal is authorized to collect sensing data. The list of authorized terminals is preconfigured by the sensing function network element or received by the sensing function network element from the application function network element.

[0057] In one possible implementation, the processing unit is configured to compare identification information of the terminal with a list of authorized terminals to determine that the terminal is not authorized to collect perception data; the list of authorized terminals is preconfigured by the perception function network element or received by the perception function network element from an application function network element. The communication unit is configured to send first indication information to the second session management network element, the first indication information indicating that the terminal is not authorized to collect perception data.

[0058] In an eighth aspect, the present application provides a communication device. The communication device may be an application function network element, or a component of an application function network element (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or a device that can be used in conjunction with an application function network element. In one possible implementation, the communication device may include a functional module, which may be a hardware circuit, software, or a combination of a hardware circuit and software.

[0059] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a communication unit and a processing unit. The communication unit is configured to send a first request message to a perception function network element, the first request message including at least one of perception service area information, perception service requirement information, or address information of an application function network element. The processing unit is configured to store at least one of the perception service area information, perception service requirement information, or address information of the application function network element.

[0060] In one possible implementation, the communication unit is configured to send a second request message to the awareness function network element, the second request message being used to request identification information of the awareness service. The communication unit is further configured to receive a second response message from the awareness function network element, the second response message including at least one of the identification information of the awareness service or address information of the awareness function network element.

[0061] In a possible implementation, the communication unit is configured to send a fifth request message to the network open function network element, where the fifth request message includes list information of authorized terminals.

[0062] In a possible implementation, the communication unit is configured to send a sixth request message to the policy control function network element, where the sixth request message includes identification information of the perception service or at least one item in a list of terminals authorized to perform end-side perception.

[0063] In a possible implementation, the communication unit is configured to send a first notification message to the terminal, where the first notification message includes at least one of identification information of the perception service or address information of the perception function network element.

[0064] In a ninth aspect, the present application provides a communication device. The communication device may be a terminal, or a component of a terminal (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system), or a device that can be used in conjunction with a terminal. In one possible implementation, the communication device may include a functional module, which may be a hardware circuit, software, or a combination of a hardware circuit and software.

[0065] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a communication unit and a processing unit. The communication unit is configured to receive a first notification message from an application function network element, the first notification message including at least one of identification information of a perception service or address information of a perception function network element. The communication unit is further configured to send perception data.

[0066] In a possible implementation, the communication unit is configured to send the perception data to the perception function network element through a first session used for interaction with the application function network element.

[0067] In one possible implementation, the communication unit is configured to send a seventh request message to the second session management network element, where the seventh request message includes at least one of identification information of the terminal, identification information of the awareness service, or address information of the awareness function network element. The communication unit is further configured to receive a seventh response message, where the seventh response message includes at least one of identification information of the awareness service, awareness service requirement information, or address information of the awareness function network element.

[0068] In a tenth aspect, the present application provides a communication device. The communication device may be a session management function network element, or a component of a session management function network element (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system), or a device that can be used in conjunction with a session management function network element. In one possible implementation, the communication device may include a functional module, which may be a hardware circuit, software, or a combination of hardware circuit and software.

[0069] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a communication unit and a processing unit. The communication unit is configured to send a fourth request message to the awareness function network element, the fourth request message including identification information of the awareness service and identification information of a terminal associated with the second session management function network element. The communication unit is further configured to receive a fourth response message from the awareness function network element, the fourth response message including awareness service information.

[0070] In a possible implementation, the communication unit is configured to receive first indication information from a perception function network element, where the first indication information indicates that the terminal is not authorized to collect perception data.

[0071] For aspects 6 to 10, as an example, the processing unit may be a processor, and the communication unit may be a transceiver unit, a transceiver, or a communication interface. It is understood that when the communication device is a communication device (such as a terminal or a network device), the communication unit may be a transceiver in the communication device (for example, a transceiver includes a transmitter and a receiver), for example, implemented by an antenna, a feeder, and a codec in the communication device, or, if the communication device is a chip provided in the device, the processing unit may be a processing circuit, a logic circuit, etc. of the chip, and the communication unit may be an input / output interface of the chip, such as an input / output circuit, a pin, etc.

[0072] In an eleventh aspect, the present application provides a communication device, comprising: a processor configured to execute instructions; optionally, the communication device further comprising a memory configured to store the instructions, wherein when the instructions are executed by the processor, the communication device implements at least one of the following: the method according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, and any possible implementation of the first to fifth aspects. Optionally, the processor and the memory are coupled.

[0073] In the twelfth aspect, the present application provides a communication system, which includes at least one device or equipment among the sixth to tenth aspects above, so that the at least one device or equipment above executes the methods in any possible implementation of the first to fifth aspects and the first to fifth aspects.

[0074] In the thirteenth aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions, which, when the instructions are executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method of any possible implementation of the first to fifth aspects, and the first to fifth aspects.

[0075] In a fourteenth aspect, the present application provides a computer program product comprising instructions, which, when executed on a computer, enable the computer to execute the method of any possible implementation of aspects 1 to 5, and aspects 1 to 5.

[0076] In a fifteenth aspect, the present application provides a chip comprising a processor (or a logic circuit). Optionally, the chip may further comprise a communication interface (or interface) for implementing the method in any one of the first to fifth aspects, and any one of the first to fifth aspects. In one possible implementation, if the chip is the smallest processing unit in the entire machine, the chip may be a processor, or may comprise a processor and a memory, or may comprise a processor, a memory, and a transceiver, for implementing the method in any one of the first to fifth aspects, and any one of the first to fifth aspects.

[0077] In a sixteenth aspect, the present application provides a chip system. The chip system includes a processor and an interface. Optionally, it may also include a memory for implementing the method of any possible implementation of aspects 1 to 5, and aspects 1 to 5. The chip system may be composed of a chip, or may include a chip and other discrete devices. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0078] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture based on a service-oriented architecture;

[0079] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture based on a point-to-point interface;

[0080] FIG3 is a flow chart of a communication method provided by the present application;

[0081] FIG4 is a flow chart of a method provided by the present application for realizing a perception function in an operator network through application layer interaction and reuse of a PDU session establishment / modification process;

[0082] FIG5 is a flow chart of a method provided by the present application for realizing a perception function in an operator network through interaction at the network layer and reusing a PDU session establishment / modification process;

[0083] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided by the present application;

[0084] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in this application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0085] In the embodiments of the present application, " / " can indicate that the objects associated with each other are in an "or" relationship, for example, A / B can indicate A or B; "and / or" can be used to describe that there are three relationships between the associated objects, for example, A and / or B can indicate: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural.

[0086] In the embodiments of the present application, words such as "first" and "second" can be used to distinguish technical features with the same or similar functions. The words such as "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity and execution order, and the words such as "first" and "second" do not necessarily limit them to be different. In the embodiments of the present application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations or explanations. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" should not be interpreted as being more preferred or more advantageous than other embodiments or design. The use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present related concepts in a concrete way for easy understanding.

[0087] "Sending" and "receiving" in the embodiments of the present application indicate the direction of signal transmission. For example, "sending information to a terminal" can be understood as the destination end of the information being the terminal device, which can include direct sending through the air interface, and also includes indirect sending through the air interface by other units or modules. "Receiving information from a network device" can be understood as the source end of the information being the network device, which can include direct receiving from the network device through the air interface, and also includes indirect receiving from the network device through the air interface from other units or modules. "Sending" can also be understood as the "output" of the chip interface, and "receiving" can also be understood as the "input" of the chip interface.

[0088] In other words, sending and receiving can be performed between devices, for example, between a network device and a terminal device, or can be performed within a device, for example, sending or receiving between components, modules, chips, software modules or hardware modules within the device through a bus, wiring or interface.

[0089] It is understandable that information may be processed between the source and destination of information transmission, such as coding, modulation, etc., but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar expressions in this application can be understood similarly and will not be repeated.

[0090] In the embodiments of the present application, "indication" may include direct indication and indirect indication, and may also include explicit indication and implicit indication. The information indicated by a certain information (such as the indication information described below) is called information to be indicated. In the specific implementation process, there are many ways to indicate the information to be indicated, such as but not limited to, the information to be indicated can be directly indicated, such as the information to be indicated itself or the index of the information to be indicated. The information to be indicated can also be indirectly indicated by indicating other information, wherein there is an association between the other information and the information to be indicated; it is also possible to indicate only a part of the information to be indicated, while the other parts of the information to be indicated are known or agreed in advance, for example, the indication of specific information can be achieved with the help of the arrangement order of each information agreed in advance (such as predefined by the protocol), thereby reducing the indication overhead to a certain extent. The present application does not limit the specific method of indication. It is understandable that, for the sender of the indication information, the indication information can be used to indicate the information to be indicated, and for the receiver of the indication information, the indication information can be used to determine the information to be indicated.

[0091] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application.

[0092] 1. For ease of understanding, the following is a detailed introduction to the definitions of relevant terms involved in this application:

[0093] 1. Network architecture:

[0094] Among them, the communication method provided in the present application can be applied to the network architecture shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2. For example, Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture based on a service-oriented architecture, and Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture based on a point-to-point interface. The network architecture shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2 includes three parts, namely, a terminal device part, a data network (DN), and an operator network part. It should be noted that the main difference between Figure 1 and Figure 2 is that the interface between each network element in Figure 2 is a point-to-point interface, not a service-oriented interface.

[0095] The following describes the equipment or functional network elements of each part.

[0096] (1) The communication system of the present application may include but is not limited to communication systems of various radio access technologies (RAT), such as a 5G (or new radio (NR)) communication system, or a transition system between an LTE communication system and a 5G communication system, which may also be referred to as a 4.5G communication system, or a future communication system such as a sixth generation (6G) or even a seventh generation (7G) system. The network architecture and service scenarios described in the embodiments of the present application are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application. It is known to those skilled in the art that with the evolution of the communication network architecture and the emergence of new service scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0097] (2) Terminal, also known as terminal equipment (terminal), user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), etc., refers to a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to users. For example, handheld devices with wireless connection functions, vehicle-mounted devices, etc. At present, some examples of terminals are: mobile phones, tablet computers, laptops, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MID), wearable devices, drones, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, terminals in 5G networks, terminals in future evolved networks or terminals in future communication systems, etc.

[0098] (3) The operator network may include one or more of the following network elements: authentication server function (AUSF) network element, network exposure function (NEF) network element, policy control function (PCF) network element, unified data management (UDM) network element, unified data repository (UDR), network repository function (NRF) network element, application function (AF) network element (also known as application server), access and mobility management function (AMF) network element, session management function (SMF) network element, radio access network (RAN) and user plane function (UPF) network element, sensing function (SF), etc. Optionally, in the above-mentioned operator network, the part other than the radio access network part may be referred to as the core network part.

[0099] The RAN is used to implement wireless-related functions, including connecting a terminal to a RAN node (or device) of a wireless network, which can also be called a base station. For example, some examples of RAN nodes include: the next generation Node B (gNB), transmission reception point (TRP), evolved Node B (eNB), radio network controller (RNC), Node B (NB), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), home base station (e.g., home evolved NodeB, or home Node B, HNB), base band unit (BBU), or wireless fidelity (Wifi) access point (AP), satellite in a satellite communication system, wireless controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario, wearable devices, drones, or devices in an Internet of Vehicles (e.g., vehicle to everything (V2X)), or communication devices in device to device (D2D) communication, etc. Optionally, the RAN node may include a centralized unit (CU) node, a distributed unit (DU) node, or a RAN device including a CU node and a DU node. The RAN device including the CU node and the DU node splits the protocol layer of the eNB in ​​the long term evolution (LTE) system, places the functions of some protocol layers in the CU for centralized control, and distributes the functions of the remaining part or all of the protocol layers in the DU, which is centrally controlled by the CU. In some deployments of network devices, the CU can also be divided into a CU-control plane (CP) and a CU-user plane (UP), etc. In another possible implementation, the network device can also be an antenna unit (RU), etc. In another possible implementation, the network device can also be an open radio access network (ORAN) architecture, etc. This application does not limit the specific type of network device.For example, when the network device is an ORAN architecture, the network device shown in the embodiment of the present application may be an access network device in the ORAN, or a module in the access network device. In the ORAN system, the CU may also be referred to as an open centralized unit (open CU, O-CU), the DU may also be referred to as an open distributed unit (O-DU), the CU-DU may also be referred to as an open centralized unit-distributed unit (O-CU-DU), the CU-UP may also be referred to as an open centralized unit-control plane (O-CU-UP), and the RU may also be referred to as an open antenna unit (O-RU).

[0100] The AMF is responsible for user mobility management, including mobility status management, allocating temporary user identities, authenticating and authorizing users, and other functions. The SMF is responsible for UP network element selection, UP network element reselection, IP address allocation, bearer establishment, modification, and release, and QoS control. The UDM is responsible for managing subscription data and notifying the corresponding network elements when subscription data is modified. The UDR is used to implement functions such as storing and retrieving subscription data, policy data, and public architecture data; it provides access to relevant data for the UDM, PCF, and NEF. The UDR must be able to implement different data access authentication mechanisms for different types of data, such as subscription data and policy data, to ensure data access security. The UDR must be able to return a failure response with an appropriate cause value for illegal service-based operations or data access requests. The AF provides certain application layer services to the UE. When providing services to the UE, the AF has requirements for quality of service (QoS) and charging policy, and needs to notify the network. The AF also requires application-related information feedback from the core network. UPF supports all or part of the following functions: interconnecting protocol data unit (PDU) sessions with data networks; packet routing and forwarding (for example, supporting uplink classification of traffic and forwarding it to the data network, supporting branching points and supporting multi-homed PDU sessions); data packet detection, etc. SF supports some or all of the following functions: session management functions for sensing data transmission (such as determining the QoS of transmitted sensing data, etc.); managing sensing accuracy parameters (for example, obtaining the sensing accuracy that the network side can process according to the requirements of AF); processing sensing data (for example, converting sensing measurement data into the final target result information of sensing); allocating identification information of sensing services, etc. Optionally, the sensing function can be an independent network element or a logical function of an existing network element, for example, one of the logical functions of a location management function (LMF) network element, which is not limited in this application. It should be noted that the system architecture and network elements described above are only an example. In fact, it can also be applied to other network architectures and systems, which is not limited in this application.

[0101] 2. Integration of communication and perception:

[0102] Perception technology is based on air interface resources such as radar and millimeter waves. It collects the content of reflected perception signals (i.e., perception information) and further processes this perception information to obtain the required information. Perception technology can be combined with communication technology (i.e., communication and perception integration) mainly for the following reasons:

[0103] (1) The coverage of communication equipment can meet the needs of sensing business scenarios, such as highways and airport airspace;

[0104] (2) The main perception scenarios all have communication requirements. For example, in the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) scenario, the UAV device also needs to communicate and interact with other network elements. For another example, in the V2X scenario, the V2X user needs to interact with the V2X application server to obtain content such as service parameters and business information.

[0105] All of the above makes it possible to integrate communication and perception. Furthermore, this application utilizes the functions, spectrum, and signals of existing communication devices to send perception signals, thereby enabling the provision of perception capabilities in operator networks.

[0106] 3. Mode of perception:

[0107] In the integrated communication and perception scenario, perception modes can be categorized into three types: station-side perception, device-side perception, and collaborative perception. Station-side perception refers to the base station autonomously transmitting and receiving signals, or base station A transmitting and base station B receiving. Device-side perception refers to the UE autonomously transmitting and receiving, or UE A transmitting and UE B receiving. Collaborative perception refers to the base station transmitting and UE receiving, or the UE transmitting and the base station receiving. This application primarily relates to device-side perception.

[0108] 2. Communication method provided by this application:

[0109] 1. A communication method provided by this application:

[0110] For example, FIG3 is a flow chart of a communication method provided by the present application. The method can be implemented by interaction between an application function network element and a perception function network element, and the method includes the following steps:

[0111] S101, the application function network element sends a first request message to the perception function network element; correspondingly, the perception function network element receives the first request message.

[0112] For example, the first request message may be an awareness service establishment request message sent by the AF to the SF, the first request message being used to request the SF to establish the awareness service, wherein the first request message includes at least one of awareness service area information, awareness service requirement information, or address information of an application function network element.

[0113] (1) The perception service area information is used to indicate the target area of ​​perception. For example, the perception service area information may include at least one of the following: information at the granularity of the tracking area (TA), or information at the granularity of the cell (cell), or information at the granularity of a certain geographical area or geographical address. Optionally, if the perception service area information is information at the granularity of a certain geographical area or geographical address, the information at this granularity needs to be converted into area information that can be recognized by the core network, such as information at the granularity of the TA or cell. Optionally, the information at different granularities may be, for example, a location range, such as the location range of the TA or the location range of the cell or the location range of a specified geographical area; or may be longitude and latitude information, such as the longitude and latitude information of the TA or the longitude and latitude information of the cell or the longitude and latitude information of a specified geographical area.

[0114] (2) Perception service demand information is used to indicate the demand indicators of the perception service. For example, the perception service demand information may include at least one of the following: perception service quality information, reporting control information, perception reporting information, or the start time of the perception service. Among them, the perception service quality information includes, for example, the type of perception service (such as the Internet of Vehicles service that can realize perception, drone detection service, etc.), or the service requirements (such as positioning accuracy information, speed measurement accuracy, perception resolution, latency, etc.). The reporting control information includes, for example, the number of reports (such as single or periodic) or the reporting conditions (such as triggered reporting or periodic reporting). The perception reporting information specifically refers to what kind of perception data the AF requests the core network to report. For example, the perception reporting information can be point cloud information, which can specifically refer to a collection of points on the reflective surface of an object; or it can be information about measurement results, which can specifically be descriptive information about the measured object, such as speed, size, reflection cross-sectional area, etc.; or it can be a description of an event, which can specifically be a description for a specific service, such as for a drone detection service, for a given perceived target area information, detecting whether there are unauthorized users. The start time of the perception service can be, for example, a specific time value, or a time difference from the current time (for example, starting the perception service some time after the current time).

[0115] (3) The address information of the application function network element is used to indicate the destination address for reporting perception data, or the destination address for reporting perception information. For example, after the perception function network element and other related network elements (such as session management network elements) or devices (such as terminals) collect perception data, they need to send the collected perception data, or further process the collected perception data, to the application function network element. The address of the application function network element is the destination address for reporting perception data. The address information of the application function network element is expressed in the form of, for example, an IP address and port number information, or in the form of a fully qualified domain name (FQDN), or in the form of an application ID (identity).

[0116] Optionally, the first request message also includes list information of authorized terminals, for example, the list information of authorized terminals is a terminal identification list (UE ID list). The terminal identification information (UE ID) may be a generic public subscription identifier (GPSI), or a mobile subscriber ISDN (integrated services digital network) number (MSISDN), or an external group identification information (such as an external group ID), or an application layer identification (application layer ID). Optionally, when the list information of authorized terminals is external group identification information or an application layer identification, the SF may query the core network element (such as UDM, etc.) to obtain the corresponding terminal identification information (such as GPSI, SUPI or MSISDN).

[0117] Optionally, if the first request message is used to request the establishment of a perception service and to request the SF to allocate an identifier for the perception service, S101 also includes the following operations: the perception function network element generates identification information of the perception service based on the first request message; the perception function network element sends a first response message to the application function network element, and the first response message includes at least one of the identification information of the perception service or the address information of the perception function network element.

[0118] Among them, the identification information of the perception service is used to identify the perception service or the perception session corresponding to the perception service. For example, the identification information of the perception service includes a perception service identifier (sensing ID), which is used to represent a specific (internal operator) perception service. Optionally, the identification information of the perception service can be represented by a combination of an operator identifier (PLMN ID) and a perception service identifier (Sensing service ID). For example, both the operator identifier and the perception service identifier can be represented by one or more fields, and each field can be represented by a binary, octal, decimal or hexadecimal number. Among them, the address information of the perception function network element is represented in a similar way to the address information of the application function network element. For example, the address information of the perception function network element can be represented in the form of IP address and port number information, or in the form of FQDN, or in the form of a perception function identifier (sensing function ID).

[0119] Optionally, if the first request message is used to request establishment of a perception service, and the application function network element further requests the SF to allocate an identifier for the perception service through a second request message, then the following operations are also included before S101: the perception function network element receives a second request message from the application function network element, where the second request message is used to request identifier information for the perception service; the perception function network element generates identifier information for the perception service, where the identifier information for the perception service is used to identify the perception service or the perception session corresponding to the perception service; and the perception function network element sends a second response message to the application function network element, where the second response message includes at least one of the identifier information for the perception service or the address information of the perception function network element. Optionally, the first request message includes identifier information for the perception service.

[0120] For example, the second request message may be a perception identifier allocation request message sent by the application function network element to the perception function network element, and the perception identifier allocation request message includes the address information of the application function network element. For an example description of the address information of the application function network element, please refer to the corresponding description above and will not be repeated here.

[0121] Optionally, after S101, the following steps are further included:

[0122] The perception function network element sends a third request message to the first session management function network element, where the third request message is used to request the first session management function network element to generate perception quality description information and configure corresponding transmission, where the first session management function network element is determined based on the perception service area information; and the first session management function network element has a perception function.

[0123] The perception function network element receives a third response message from the first session management function network element, where the third response message includes at least one of perception quality description information or identification information of a perception data transmission channel.

[0124] The first session management function network element refers to an SMF with a sensing function (such as a sensing-SMF), and the sensing-SMF is used to generate perception quality description information and configure corresponding transmission.

[0125] (1) Perceptual quality description information is used to indicate the QoS information corresponding to the transmission channel for transmitting perceptual data, also known as QoS description information (QoS profile). For example, the perceptual quality description information may include at least one of the following: service quality level (such as 5QI), allocation and retention priority (ARP), guaranteed bit rate (GBR), or maximum bit rate (MBR). Optionally, the perceptual quality description information and the perceptual service requirement information may be two independent information elements (IEs) or one information element. For example, the perceptual quality description information may reflect the perceptual service requirement information, or vice versa.

[0126] (2) The transmission corresponding to the configuration of the first session management function network element refers to the UPF with a sensing function (such as Sensing-UPF) obtaining configuration information for configuring the Sensing-UPF based on the QoS information corresponding to the transmission channel for transmitting the sensing data. The Sensing-UPF is used to forward the sensing data for uplink transmission. For example, the transmission corresponding to the configuration of the first session management function network element specifically includes configuring information such as a packet detection rule (PDR), a forwarding action rule (FAR), and a QoS enforcement rule (QER).

[0127] When the configuration of the first session management function network element is completed, a third response message can be sent to the perception function network element, thereby providing the perception function network element with at least one of the perception quality description information or the identification information of the perception data transmission channel. The identification information of the perception data transmission channel is used to indicate the address information of the next hop for transmitting the perception data. For example, after the terminal collects the perception data, it can be transmitted to the UPF with perception function (such as sensing-UPF) through RAN and / or AMF, and the sensing-UPF then transmits the perception data to the perception function network element. The identification information of the perception data transmission channel includes the address information of the next hop (such as sensing-UPF) for transmitting the perception data. Optionally, the address information of the sensing UPF is represented in a similar form to the address information of the application function network element, for example, in the form of IP address and port number information, or in the form of FQDN, which is not limited in this application. For another example, after the terminal collects the perception data, it can be transmitted through the RAN to the UPF of the PDU session established by the terminal, and then the UPF transmits the perception data to the UPF with perception function (such as sensing-UPF), and the sensing-UPF then transmits the perception data to the perception function network element. In this case, the identification information of the perception data transmission channel includes the address information of the next hop (such as sensing-UPF) for transmitting the perception data. Optionally, the address information of the sensing UPF and the address information of the application function network element are expressed in a similar form, for example, in the form of IP address and port number information, or in the form of FQDN, which is not limited in this application.

[0128] S102: The perception function network element determines perception service information based on the first request message.

[0129] S103, the application function network element stores at least one of the sensing service area information, the sensing service demand information, or the address information of the application function network element.

[0130] The perception service information includes at least one of perception service requirement information, address information of an application function network element, list information of authorized terminals, perception quality description information, identification information of the perception service, or identification information of a perception data transmission channel. Optionally, the perception service information may also be referred to as perception context information, which is used to describe the perception service and its related configuration. For a description of the perception service requirement information, address information of an application function network element, list information of authorized terminals, perception quality description information, or identification information of a perception data transmission channel, reference may be made to the corresponding description in S101 and will not be repeated here.

[0131] Optionally, after the perception function network element determines the perception service information, it may store the perception service information.

[0132] Exemplarily, the application function network element stores at least one of the perceived service area information, perceived service requirement information, or the address information of the application function network element. This may refer to the application function network element storing at least one of the perceived service area information, perceived service requirement information, or the address information of the application function network element in a specific memory. It may also refer to the application function network element obtaining at least one of the service area information, perceived service requirement information, or the address information of the application function network element, and may use the above information in subsequent processes. This application does not limit this.

[0133] It is understood that the sensing function network element, application function network element, and other related network elements (such as sensing-SMF, sensing-UPF, etc.) can implement the sensing function in the operator network through interaction and information generation in the above steps. The detailed process of implementing the sensing function in conjunction with other related network elements or terminals is described in detail below.

[0134] 2. Example 1: Implementing awareness in the operator network through application layer interaction and reusing the PDU session establishment / modification process.

[0135] For example, Figure 4 is a flow chart of a method provided by the present application for implementing a perception function in an operator network through application layer interaction and reuse of PDU session establishment / modification processes. The method can be implemented by interaction between a terminal, an access network device, an access and mobility management function network element, a user plane function network element, a session management function network element, a perception function network element, and an application function network element. The method includes the following steps:

[0136] S201, the application function network element sends a first request message to the perception function network element; correspondingly, the perception function network element receives the first request message.

[0137] Among them, the specific implementation method of S201 can refer to the corresponding description in S101. For example, the first request message is used to request SF to establish a perception service. The first request message includes at least one of the perception service area information, perception service demand information, or address information of the application function network element, etc., which will not be repeated here.

[0138] Optionally, if the first request message is used to request establishment of a perception service, the application function network element further requests the SF to allocate an identifier of the perception service through a second request message. Before S201, the following steps are further included:

[0139] (1) The application function network element sends a second request message to the perception function network element;

[0140] (2) The sensing function network element generates identification information of the sensing service;

[0141] (3) The perception function network element sends a second response message to the application function network element.

[0142] For example, the second request message includes the address information of the application function network element, the identification information of the perception service and the second response message. Please refer to the corresponding example description of the previous embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0143] Optionally, the above steps do not require NEF to participate in the process. When there is no NEF network element, the NEF function does not need to be implemented. The AF directly sends the second request message to the SF. In this case, the AF can be located in a trust domain. Alternatively, when there is an NEF network element, the AF sends the second request message to the SF through the NEF.

[0144] S202, the perception function network element sends a third request message to the first session management function network element; correspondingly, the first session management function network element receives the third request message.

[0145] For example, SF selects the corresponding first session management function network element (such as Sensing-SMF) based on the perception service area information; specifically, for example, SF can send the perception service area information to the NRF (Network Repository Function) network element, and NRF selects the first session management function network element that can support the perception service area corresponding to the perception service area information based on the network element description (NF Profile) information storing Sensing-SMF, and then sends a third request message to the first session management function network element to request the first session management function network element to generate perception quality description information and configure corresponding transmission.

[0146] Optionally, the perception function network element and the first session management function network element may be independent network elements, or two functional modules of a single network element. For example, when the perception function network element and the first session management function network element are independent network elements, the perception function network element and the first session management function network element interact as described in, for example, S202. For another example, when the perception function network element and the first session management function network element are two functional modules of a single network element, the interaction between the perception function network element and the first session management function network element is internal logic (e.g., S202 is internal logic), and the external interfaces may be uniformly replaced by the perception function network element. In this implementation, step S202 may be optional.

[0147] S203: The first session management function network element generates perceived quality description information and configures corresponding transmission.

[0148] For example, after receiving the third request message, the first session management function network element generates perceptual quality description information (such as 5QI, ARP, GBR, MBR, etc.). Optionally, the first session management function network element allocates a next hop address for uplink transmission of perceptual data, such as the address of the Sensing-UPF. Optionally, the first session management function network element obtains configuration information for configuring the Sensing-UPF (such as PDR, FAR, QER, etc.) based on the perceptual quality description information.

[0149] Optionally, when the first session management function network element configures the corresponding transmission, the following process is also included: the first session management function network element sends an N4x setup / N4x modification request message to the first user plane function network element (such as sensing-UPF), where the request message includes configuration information for configuring the Sensing-UPF. Based on the request message, the first user plane function network element configures corresponding rules (such as PDR, FAR, QER, etc.). The first user plane function network element sends an N4x setup / N4x modification response message to the first session management function network element, where the response message indicates that the Sensing-UPF configuration is complete.

[0150] Optionally, the perception function network element, the first session management function network element, and the first user plane function network element can be independent network elements, or can be three functional modules of one network element. For example, when the perception function network element, the first session management function network element, and the first user plane function network element are independent network elements, the first session management function network element and the first user plane function network element interact according to the description of, for example, S203; for another example, when the perception function network element, the first session management function network element, and the first user plane function network element are three functional modules of one network element, the interaction between the first session management function network element and the first user plane function network element is internal logic (such as S203 is internal logic), and the external interface can be uniformly replaced by the perception function network element. In this implementation, step S203 can be replaced by: the perception function network element generates perception quality description information and configures corresponding transmission, and the perception function network element subsequently generates quality description information.

[0151] S204, the first session management function network element sends a third response message to the perception function network element; correspondingly, the perception function network element receives the third response message.

[0152] The third response message includes at least one of the perceptual quality description information and the identification information of the perceptual data transmission channel. For specific implementation, reference may be made to the corresponding description above and will not be repeated here.

[0153] Step S204 is an optional step. For example, when the first session management function network element and the perception function network element are two functional modules of one network element, their interaction is internal logic (for example, S204 is internal logic).

[0154] S205: The perception function network element determines perception service information based on the first request message.

[0155] For example, the perception function network element stores perception service information, and the perception service information includes at least one of perception service demand information, address information of the application function network element, list information of authorized terminals, perception quality description information, identification information of the perception service, or identification information of the perception data transmission channel. For specific implementation, please refer to the corresponding description in the previous text and will not be repeated here.

[0156] Optionally, the execution order of S205 and S202 is not limited.

[0157] S206, the application function network element sends a first notification message to the terminal; correspondingly, the terminal receives the first notification message.

[0158] Among them, the first notification message includes at least one of the identification information of the sensing service or the address information of the sensing function network element. The specific implementation can refer to the description of the identification information of the sensing service or the address information of the sensing function network element, which will not be repeated here. Optionally, the first notification message also includes the address information of the first user plane function network element (such as sensing-UPF), or the address information of the sensing function network element. The specific implementation method of the address information of sensing-UPF and / or the address information of the sensing function network element can refer to the implementation method of the address information of the sensing function network element, such as using a combination of IP address and port number, or using FQDN information, which is not limited in this application.

[0159] Optionally, the application function network element sends the first notification message to the terminal, specifically, the application function network element sends the first notification message to the terminal through the access and mobility management function network element and the access network device. Exemplarily, there are the following sending methods:

[0160] Sending method 1: The application function network element sends a second notification message to the gateway mobile location center (GMLC) network element directly or through the NEF network element. The second notification message contains the first information. The first information includes at least one of the identification information of the sensing service or the address information of the sensing function network element. Optionally, the first information may also include the address information of the first user plane function network element (such as sensing-UPF), or the address information of the sensing function network element, or at least one of the identification information of the UE (such as GPSI or SUPI). Thereafter, the GMLC network element sends a third notification message to the AMF network element, and the third notification message contains the first information; for example, the third notification message may be a provide location information request (Namf_Sensing_ProvideSensingInfo Request) message. The AMF network element sends a fourth notification message to the SF network element, and the fourth notification message contains the first information; for example, the fourth notification message may be a determine sensing request (Nsf_Sensing_DetermineSensing Request) message. The SF network element sends a fifth notification message to the AMF network element, where the fifth notification message includes the first information; for example, the fifth notification message may be an N1N2 message transfer request (Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransferRequest) message. The AMF network element sends a sixth notification message to the UE through the base station, where the sixth notification message includes the first information; for example, the sixth notification message may be a downlink non-access stratum transport (DL NAS TRANSPORT) message.

[0161] Sending method two: The application function network element sends the seventh notification message directly to the SF network element or to the SF network element through the NEF network element. The seventh notification message may include the first information. Thereafter, optionally, the SF network element determines the AMF network element that provides access services for the UE based on the identification information of the UE in the first information (for example, GPSI or SUPI) (for example, the SF obtains the identification information of the AMF network element by querying the UDM). Optionally, the SF network element sends an eighth notification message to the AMF. The eighth notification message includes the first information. The AMF network element sends a ninth notification message to the UE through the base station. The ninth notification message includes the first information; for example, the ninth notification message may be a DL NAS TRANSPORT message.

[0162] Optionally, after receiving the first notification message sent by the application function network element, the terminal can directly send perception data to the perception function network element through the UE's PDU session, or send perception data to the perception function network element through a control plane message (such as an uplink non-access stratum (NAS) message). However, both methods require the terminal to reuse the PDU session establishment / modification process to send a request to the network for authentication and resource establishment. The following describes the steps of the terminal reusing the PDU session establishment / modification process.

[0163] S207: The terminal sends a seventh request message to the second session management function network element; correspondingly, the second session management function network element receives the seventh request message.

[0164] The second session management function network element is used to manage the PDU session of the terminal corresponding to the identification information of the terminal. Different from the sensing-SMF, the second session management function network element can be called UE-SMF. For example, the seventh request message can be an uplink NAS transmission message (such as a UL NAS transport message), and the uplink NAS transmission message includes an N1 interface session management (N1 session management, N1SM) message (such as a PDU session modification request or a PDU session establishment request, etc.). The seventh request message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the terminal, identification information of the sensing service, or address information of the sensing function network element, etc. The identification information of the terminal can be, for example, a globally unique temporary UE identity (GUTI), GPSI, subscription permanent identifier (SUPI), subscription concealed identifier (SUCI), application layer ID, etc.; the identification information of the sensing service is, for example, a sensing ID; the address information of the sensing function network element is, for example, a combination of an IP address and a port number or a sensing ID, etc.

[0165] Optionally, after receiving the seventh request message, the second session management function network element can search for the perception function network element corresponding to the identification information of the perception service based on the identification information of the perception service. For example, the UE-SMF sends the identification information of the perception service to the UDM or NRF network element, and the UDM or NRF network element determines the corresponding perception function network element based on the identification information of the perception service, and sends the information of the perception function network element to the UE-SMF. The information of the perception function network element is, for example, the address information of the perception function network element (which can be represented by an IP address or FQDN), or the list information of the perception function network element (such as represented by an SF ID candidate list). For another example, if the uplink NAS transmission message sent by the UE contains the address information of the perception function network element, the UE-SMF can directly determine the corresponding perception function network element.

[0166] S208. The second session management function network element sends a fourth request message to the perception function network element; correspondingly, the perception function network element receives the fourth request message.

[0167] Exemplarily, the fourth request message may be a perception service request message, and the fourth request message is used to request the acquisition of perception service information. The fourth request message includes identification information of the perception service and / or identification information of the terminal associated with the second session management function network element. The terminal associated with the second session management function network element means that the second session management function network element can manage the PDU session of the terminal. Optionally, the identification information of the terminal may be, for example, GUTI, SUPI, SUCI, GPSI, application layer ID, etc. Optionally, the identification information of the terminal associated with the second session management function network element may be obtained by the interaction between the second session management function network element and other network elements in the network (such as UDM network elements).

[0168] Exemplarily, if the second session management function network element has recorded the perception service information corresponding to the identification information of the available perception service, for example, for the identification information of the same perception service, the perception function network element has sent the perception service information to the second session management function network element, then the second session management function network element may not send the fourth request message to the perception function network element in step S208, but only determine that the terminal is authorized to collect perception data, or determine that the terminal is not authorized to collect perception data, and do not execute steps S209a, S209b and step S210, but directly jump to step S211.

[0169] Exemplarily, the fourth request message may include at least one of the following: identification information of the terminal, identification information of the perception service, etc.

[0170] Optionally, the second session management function network element may further determine whether the terminal is authorized to collect perception data, or determine that the terminal is not authorized to collect perception data. Specifically, when the terminal requests to establish a PDU session, for example, when the second session management function network element receives a PDU session create context request (Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext Request), or when the second session management function network element receives a message in S207, the second session management network element obtains from the UDM the identification information of the perception services for which the terminal is authorized to collect perception data. It is worth noting that the identification information of the perception services may be a list of identification information of the perception services. The second session management function network element determines whether the terminal is authorized to collect perception data based on the identification information of the perception services for which the terminal is authorized to collect perception data. For example, the second session management function network element compares the identification information of the perception services from the terminal with the list of identification information of the perception services for which the terminal is authorized to collect perception data obtained from the UDM, and checks whether the list includes the identification information of the perception services from the terminal; if included, it indicates that the terminal is authorized to collect perception data; if not included, it indicates that the terminal is not authorized to collect perception data. Optionally, UDM can obtain the list of identification information of the perception services for which the terminal is authorized to collect perception data in the following manner: UDM obtains the list information of authorized terminals from the AF side or through pre-configuration. For example, the AF can carry the authorized terminal identification list through the eighth request message. Specifically, the AF can provide the correspondence between the identification information of the perception service and the authorized UE list to the UDM through the NEF through the parameter provisioning process. The second session management function network element obtains the list of identification information of the perception services for which the terminal is authorized to collect perception data from the UDM. Optionally, the UDM can internally convert the authorized terminal identification list corresponding to the identification information of the perception service into a list of identification information of the perception services for which the specific terminal is authorized to collect perception data.

[0171] S209a: The sensing function network element compares the identification information of the terminal with the list information of authorized terminals to determine whether the terminal is authorized to collect sensing data.

[0172] S209b: The sensing function network element compares the identification information of the terminal with the list information of authorized terminals, and determines that the terminal is not authorized to collect sensing data.

[0173] Optionally, the fourth request message may also request the perception function network element to perform authentication processing on the UE. For example, the perception function network element performs authentication processing on the terminal specifically including the following process:

[0174] (1) SF obtains the terminal identification information from UE-SMF;

[0175] (2) The SF obtains the list of authorized terminals from the AF or through pre-configuration. For example, the AF may carry the authorized UE list in the first request message. Alternatively, the AF may provide the list of authorized terminals to the SF through other steps; for example, the AF may provide the UDM with the corresponding relationship between the identification information of the perception service and the authorized terminal identification list through the NEF through the parameter provisioning process, and then the SF obtains the authorized terminal identification list corresponding to the identification information of the perception service from the UDM.

[0176] (3) SF compares the UE identifier with the list information of authorized terminals to determine whether the UE corresponding to the UE identifier is authorized to collect perception data. For example, if the UE-SMF provides the UE's GUTI, then the SF can query the UDM for the corresponding GPSI, and determine whether the terminal is authenticated based on the GPSI information in the list information of authorized terminals. If the authentication is successful, the SF will continue with the subsequent process, otherwise the SF can feedback a failure message to the UE-SMF, and include a reason value (for example, the GPSI of the terminal does not belong to the GPSI information in the list information of authorized terminals). For example, after S209b, the perception function network element sends a first indication message to the second session management network element, and the first indication message indicates that the terminal is not authorized to collect perception data.

[0177] It can be understood that S209a and S209b are two results of the perception function network element determining whether the terminal is authenticated. In the specific implementation, only one of the steps is executed.

[0178] Optionally, if the first request message includes the list information of authorized terminals, the operation of the perception function network element to authenticate the UE may not be performed.

[0179] It should be noted that S209a or S209b is an optional step. For example, when the second session management network element needs to determine whether the terminal is authorized to collect sensing data in S208, step S209a or S209b does not need to be performed.

[0180] S210, the perception function network element sends a fourth response message to the second session management function network element; correspondingly, the second session management function network element receives the fourth response message.

[0181] The fourth response message includes perception service information. For example, the perception service information includes at least one of perception service demand information, address information of an application function network element, list information of authorized terminals, perception quality description information, identification information of the perception service, or identification information of a perception data transmission channel. For specific implementation, please refer to the corresponding description above and will not be repeated here.

[0182] S211: The second session management function network element determines at least one of the perception quality description information or the identification information of the perception data transmission channel based on the perception service information.

[0183] For example, the second session management function network element determines descriptive information of the QoS flow used to transmit the perception data (e.g., QoS Profile), a destination address of the next hop for uplink transmission of the perception data (e.g., address information of the first user plane function network element for processing or transmitting the perception data), and other information. The destination address of the next hop of the second user plane function network element may be tunnel ID information (TEID, IP address, etc.) of a certain transmission channel.

[0184] Exemplarily, if the second session management function network element already has locally available perceptual quality description information corresponding to the identification information of the perceptual service, or identification information of the perceptual data transmission channel (for example, for the perceptual service information corresponding to the identification information of the same perceptual service, the second session management function has already generated perceptual quality description information, or identification information of the perceptual data transmission channel), then the second session management function can directly use the perceptual quality description information corresponding to the identification information of these available perceptual services, or identification information of the perceptual data transmission channel.

[0185] S212. The second session management function network element sends an N4 configuration message to the second user plane function network element. Correspondingly, the second user plane function network element receives the N4 configuration message.

[0186] Exemplarily, the N4 configuration message may include the destination address of the next hop.

[0187] S213 , the second user plane function network element sends a configuration completion message to the second session management function network element; correspondingly, the second session management function network element receives the configuration completion message.

[0188] In particular, the second user plane function network element, as distinguished from the sensing-UPF, may be referred to as a UE-UPF. The N4 configuration message may be implemented through an N4 session modification procedure (i.e., an N4 session modification request). The N4 configuration message may include at least one of the following: a next-hop destination address of the second user plane function network element, or UE-UPF configuration information (such as PDR, FAR, QER, etc.). The next-hop destination address of the second user plane function network element may be tunnel ID information (TEID, IP address, etc.) of a transmission channel.

[0189] S214: The second session management function network element sends at least one of the perception service information, the perception quality description information, or the identification information of the perception service to the terminal.

[0190] Specifically, the second session management function network element may send one or more of the perception service information, the perception quality description information, and the identification information of the perception service to the terminal through the access and mobility management function network element and the access network device.

[0191] Optionally, the following steps are also included:

[0192] S215: The second session management function network element sends at least one of the perception service information, the perception quality description information, or the identification information of the perception service to the access network device.

[0193] Optionally, the perceptual quality description information sent by the second session management function network element to the access network device may use the same form as the perceptual quality description information sent by the second session management function network element to the terminal, or may use a different form (for example, the perceptual quality description information sent by the second session management function network element to the terminal is a QoS rule, and the perceptual quality description information sent by the second session management function network element to the access network device is a QoS Profile).

[0194] Exemplarily, the second session function network element sends the information sent to the access network device (for example, at least one of the perception service information, perception quality description information, or perception service identification information) and the information sent to the terminal (for example, at least one of the perception service information, perception quality description information, or perception service identification information) to the AMF network element through the Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message. The AMF encapsulates the information sent to the access network device and the information sent to the terminal in N2 and N1 information respectively, and sends them to the access network device through the DL NAS Transport message. The access network device provides the N1 information to the terminal through the RRC message.

[0195] Thereafter, illustratively, the terminal sends the sensing data in two ways:

[0196] S216a, the terminal sends the perception data through the terminal's PDU session.

[0197] For example, the UE encapsulates the perception data in a specified IP data packet. For example, the destination address of the IP data packet can be the address information of the perception function network element, or the address information of the Sensing-UPF, or the address information of the second user plane function network element, and is ultimately sent to the perception function network element through the user plane, thereby directly sending the perception data to the perception function network element. Optionally, the PDU session of the terminal can be a PDU session that the terminal has established and used to interact with the AF, or a PDU session that the terminal re-establishes with the AF, which is not limited in this application.

[0198] S216b: The terminal sends the perception data via a NAS message.

[0199] In this example, a process for establishing a perception service based on terminal perception is designed. Specifically, this process is based on terminal perception and uses application layer interaction and reuse of the PDU session establishment / modification process. Through this process, the perception service requirements from the AF can be implemented by the network system in a terminal-based perception manner.

[0200] 3. Example 2: Implementing awareness in the operator network through network layer interaction and reusing the PDU session establishment / modification process.

[0201] For example, Figure 5 is a flow chart of a method provided by the present application for implementing a perception function in an operator network through interaction at the network layer and reusing the PDU session establishment / modification process. The method can be implemented by interaction between a terminal, an access network device, an access and mobility management function network element, a user plane function network element, a session management function network element, a perception function network element, an application function network element, and a policy control function network element. The method includes the following steps:

[0202] S301, the application function network element sends a first request message to the perception function network element; correspondingly, the perception function network element receives the first request message.

[0203] S302, the perception function network element sends a third request message to the first session management function network element; correspondingly, the first session management function network element receives the third request message.

[0204] S303: The first session management function network element generates perceived quality description information and configures corresponding transmission.

[0205] S304, the first session management function network element sends a third response message to the perception function network element; correspondingly, the perception function network element receives the third response message.

[0206] S305: The perception function network element determines perception service information based on the first request message.

[0207] Among them, the specific implementation method of S301-S305 can refer to the corresponding description in S201-S205, which will not be repeated here.

[0208] S306, the application function network element sends a sixth request message to the policy control function network element; correspondingly, the policy control function network element receives the sixth request message.

[0209] Among them, the sixth request message includes identification information of the perception service or at least one item in the list of terminals authorized to perform perception. For example, the identification information of the perception service includes a perception service identifier (sensing ID), which is used to indicate a specific (internal operator) perception service. Optionally, the identification information of the perception service can be represented by a combination of an operator identifier and a perception service identifier, for example, both the operator identifier and the perception service identifier can be represented by one or more fields, and each field can be represented by a binary, octal, decimal or hexadecimal number. The identification information of the terminal (UE ID) can be a GPSI, or can be an MSISDN, or can be external group identification information (such as external group ID), or can be IP address information corresponding to the UE's PDU session.

[0210] S307 , the policy control function network element sends a policy update message to the second session management function network element; correspondingly, the second session management function network element receives the policy update message.

[0211] The policy update message is used to indicate the update of the policy related to the PDU session. For example, the policy update message includes at least one of the identification information of the perception service or the identification information of the terminal.

[0212] S308. The second session management function network element sends identification information of the perception service to the terminal; correspondingly, the terminal receives the identification information of the perception service.

[0213] For example, the second session management function network element sends the identification information of the perception service to the terminal corresponding to the identification information of the terminal based on the policy update message.

[0214] S309: The terminal sends a seventh request message to the second session management function network element; correspondingly, the second session management function network element receives the seventh request message.

[0215] S310. The second session management function network element sends a fourth request message to the perception function network element; correspondingly, the perception function network element receives the fourth request message.

[0216] S311a, the sensing function network element compares the identification information of the terminal with the list information of authorized terminals to determine whether the terminal is authorized to collect sensing data.

[0217] S311b: The sensing function network element compares the identification information of the terminal with the list information of authorized terminals, and determines that the terminal is not authorized to collect sensing data.

[0218] S312, the perception function network element sends a fourth response message to the second session management function network element; correspondingly, the second session management function network element receives the fourth response message.

[0219] S313: The second session management function network element determines at least one of the perception quality description information or the identification information of the perception data transmission channel based on the perception service information.

[0220] S314, the second session management function network element sends an N4 configuration message to the second user plane function network element; correspondingly, the second user plane function network element receives the N4 configuration message.

[0221] S315 , the second user plane function network element sends a configuration completion message to the second session management function network element; correspondingly, the second session management function network element receives the configuration completion message.

[0222] S316: The second session management function network element sends at least one of the perception service information, the perception quality description information, or the identification information of the perception service to the terminal.

[0223] Optionally, the following steps are also included:

[0224] S317: The second session management function network element sends at least one of the perception service information, the perception quality description information, or the identification information of the perception service to the access network device.

[0225] Thereafter, illustratively, the terminal sends the sensing data in two ways:

[0226] S318a, the terminal sends the perception data through the terminal's PDU session.

[0227] S318b: The terminal sends the perception data via a NAS message.

[0228] Among them, the specific implementation method of S309-S318b can refer to the corresponding description in S207-S216b, which will not be repeated here.

[0229] In Example 2, a process for establishing a perception service based on terminal perception is designed. Specifically, this process is based on terminal perception and uses network layer interaction and reuse of the PDU session establishment / modification process. Through this process, the perception service requirements from the AF can be implemented by the network system in a terminal-based perception manner.

[0230] It is understood that, in order to implement the functions in the above embodiments, the base station and the terminal include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should readily appreciate that, in conjunction with the units and method steps of the various examples described in the embodiments disclosed in this application, this application can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or in a computer software-driven hardware manner depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0231] Figures 6 and 7 are schematic diagrams of possible communication devices provided in embodiments of the present application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of the perception function network element, application function network element, terminal, or session management function network element in the above method embodiments, thereby also achieving the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments.

[0232] As shown in Figure 6, a communication device 600 includes a processing unit 610 and a transceiver unit 620. Communication device 600 is used to implement the functions of a perception function network element, an application function network element, a terminal, or a session management function network element in the method embodiments shown in Figures 3 to 5. Optionally, transceiver unit 620 may also be referred to as a communication unit. Optionally, the transceiver unit includes a transmitting unit and a receiving unit, where the transmitting unit is used to send signals and the receiving unit is used to receive signals.

[0233] For example, when the communication device 600 is used to implement the function of the perception function network element in the method embodiments shown in Figures 3 to 5: the transceiver unit 620 is used to receive a first request message from the application function network element, where the first request message includes at least one of perception service area information, perception service requirement information, or address information of the application function network element. The processing unit 610 is used to determine the perception service information based on the first request message, where the perception service information includes at least one of perception service requirement information, address information of the application function network element, list information of authorized terminals, perception quality description information, identification information of the perception service, or identification information of the perception data transmission channel.

[0234] For another example, when the communication device 600 is used to implement the functions of the application function network element in the method embodiments shown in Figures 3 to 5: the transceiver unit 620 is used to send a first request message to the perception function network element, where the first request message includes at least one of perception service area information, perception service requirement information, or address information of the application function network element. The processing unit 610 is used to store at least one of the perception service area information, perception service requirement information, or address information of the application function network element.

[0235] For another example, when the communication device 600 is used to implement the functions of the terminal in the method embodiments shown in Figures 3 to 5: the transceiver unit 620 is configured to receive a first notification message from an application function network element, where the first notification message includes at least one of identification information of the perception service or address information of the perception function network element. The transceiver unit 620 is further configured to send perception data.

[0236] For another example, when the communication device 600 is used to implement the functions of the session management function network element in the method embodiments shown in Figures 3 to 5: the transceiver unit 620 is configured to send a fourth request message to the awareness function network element, where the fourth request message includes identification information of the awareness service and identification information of the terminal associated with the second session management function network element. The transceiver unit 620 is further configured to receive a fourth response message from the awareness function network element, where the fourth response message includes awareness service information.

[0237] For a more detailed description of the processing unit 610 and the transceiver unit 620 , please refer to the summary of the invention and the related descriptions in the method embodiments shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 5 , which will not be repeated here.

[0238] As shown in Figure 7, communication device 700 includes a processor 710 and an interface circuit 720. Processor 710 and interface circuit 720 are coupled to each other. It is understood that interface circuit 720 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, communication device 700 may also include a memory 730 for storing instructions executed by processor 710, or storing input data required by processor 710 to execute instructions, or storing data generated after processor 710 executes instructions. Sometimes, interface circuit 720 can also be understood as part of processor 710, in which case communication device 700 includes processor 710.

[0239] When the communication device 700 is used to implement the methods shown in Figures 3 to 5, the processor 710 is used to implement the functions of the processing unit 610, and the interface circuit 720 is used to implement the functions of the transceiver unit 620. Optionally, when the communication device 700 is used to implement the methods shown in Figures 3 to 5, the implementation of the processor 710 and the interface circuit 720 is described in detail in the Summary of the Invention and the corresponding descriptions in the method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0240] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip used in a perception-function network element, the chip implements the functions of the perception-function network element in the aforementioned method embodiments. When the chip receives information from other network elements, it can be understood that the information is first received by other modules (such as a radio frequency module or antenna) in the perception-function network element and then sent to the chip by these modules. When the chip sends information to other network elements, it can be understood that the information is first sent to other modules (such as a radio frequency module or antenna) in the perception-function network element and then sent to the other network elements by these modules.

[0241] When the communication device is a chip used in an application function network element, the chip implements the functions of the application function network element in the above method embodiments. When the chip receives information from other network elements, it can be understood that the information is first received by other modules in the application function network element (such as a radio frequency module or antenna) and then sent to the chip by these modules. When the chip sends information to other network elements, it can be understood that the information is sent to other modules in the application function network element (such as a radio frequency module or antenna) and then sent to other network elements by these modules.

[0242] When the communication device is a terminal chip, the chip implements the terminal functions in the above method embodiments. When the chip receives information from other network elements, it can be understood that the information is first received by other modules in the terminal (such as a radio frequency module or antenna) and then sent to the chip by these modules. When the chip sends information to other network elements, it can be understood that the information is sent to other modules in the terminal (such as a radio frequency module or antenna) and then sent to other network elements by these modules.

[0243] When the communication device is a chip of a session management function network element, the chip implements the functions of the session management function network element in the above-mentioned method embodiment. When the chip receives information from other network elements, it can be understood that the information is first received by other modules (such as a radio frequency module or antenna) in the session management function network element and then sent to the chip by these modules. When the chip sends information to other network elements, it can be understood that the information is sent to other modules (such as a radio frequency module or antenna) in the session management function network element and then sent to other network elements by these modules.

[0244] In the present application, when entity A sends information to entity B, it can be A sending it directly to B or A sending it indirectly to B through other entities. Similarly, when entity B receives information from entity A, it can be entity B receiving the information sent by entity A directly or entity B receiving the information sent by entity A indirectly through other entities. Entities A and B here can be perception function network elements, application function network elements, terminals, or session management function network elements, or they can be modules within the perception function network elements, application function network elements, terminals, or session management function network elements. The sending and receiving of information can be information exchange between perception function network elements, application function network elements, terminals, or session management function network elements, for example, information exchange between a terminal and an application function network element; the sending and receiving of information can also be information exchange between two terminals; the sending and receiving of information can also be information exchange between different modules within a device, for example, information exchange between a terminal chip and other modules of the terminal.

[0245] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of the present application may be a central processing unit (CPU), or may be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSP), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0246] The method steps in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented in hardware or in software instructions that can be executed by a processor. The software instructions can be composed of corresponding software modules, and the software modules can be stored in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, registers, hard disk, mobile hard disk, CD-ROM or any other form of storage medium well known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor so that the processor can read information from the storage medium and write information to the storage medium. The storage medium can also be an integral part of the processor. The processor and storage medium can be located in an ASIC. In addition, the ASIC can be located in a base station or a terminal. The processor and storage medium can also exist in a base station or a terminal as discrete components.

[0247] In the above embodiments, all or part of the embodiments may be implemented using software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, all or part of the embodiments may be implemented in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present application are performed in whole or in part. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user device, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program or instructions may be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium may be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; an optical medium, such as a digital video disk; or a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive. The computer-readable storage medium may be a volatile or nonvolatile storage medium, or may include both volatile and nonvolatile types of storage media.

[0248] In the various embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified or there is a logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships.

[0249] It is understood that the various numbers used in the embodiments of this application are merely for ease of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the sequence numbers of the above-mentioned processes does not necessarily imply a specific order of execution; the order of execution of the processes should be determined by their functions and inherent logic.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: The method comprises: The perception function network element receives a first request message from the application function network element, where the first request message includes at least one of perception service area information, perception service requirement information, or address information of the application function network element; The perception function network element determines the perception service information based on the first request message, and the perception service information includes at least one of the perception service demand information, the address information of the application function network element, the list information of authorized terminals, the perception quality description information, the identification information of the perception service, or the identification information of the perception data transmission channel.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that Before the perception function network element receives the first request message from the application function network element, the method further includes: The perception function network element receives a second request message from the application function network element, where the second request message is used to request identification information of the perception service; The perception function network element generates identification information of the perception service, where the identification information of the perception service is used to identify the perception service or the perception session corresponding to the perception service; The perception function network element sends a second response message to the application function network element, where the second response message includes at least one of identification information of the perception service or address information of the perception function network element.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that After the perception function network element receives the first request message from the application function network element, the method further includes: The perception function network element generates identification information of the perception service based on the first request message, where the identification information of the perception service is used to identify the perception service or the perception session corresponding to the perception service; The perception function network element sends a first response message to the application function network element, where the first response message includes at least one of identification information of the perception service or address information of the perception function network element.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The method further comprises: The perception function network element sends a third request message to the first session management function network element, wherein the third request message is used to request the first session management function network element to generate perception quality description information and configure corresponding transmission, wherein the first session management function network element is determined based on the perception service area information; and the first session management function network element has a perception function; The perception function network element receives a third response message from the first session management function network element, where the third response message includes at least one of the perception quality description information or the identification information of the perception data transmission channel.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The method further comprises: The perception function network element receives a fourth request message from the second session management function network element, where the fourth request message includes identification information of the perception service and identification information of the terminal associated with the second session management function network element; The perception function network element sends a fourth response message to the second session management function network element, where the fourth response message includes the perception service information.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The first request message also includes list information of authorized terminals.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that The method further comprises: The perception function network element performs authentication processing on the terminal based on the identification information of the terminal associated with the second session management function network element and the list information of the authorized terminals.

8. A communication method, characterized in that: The method comprises: The application function network element sends a first request message to the perception function network element, where the first request message includes at least one of perception service area information, perception service requirement information, or address information of the application function network element; The application function network element stores at least one of the perception service area information, the perception service demand information, or the address information of the application function network element.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that Before the application function network element sends the first request message to the perception function network element, the method further includes: The application function network element sends a second request message to the perception function network element, where the second request message is used to request identification information of the perception service; The application function network element receives a second response message from the perception function network element, where the second response message includes at least one of identification information of the perception service or address information of the perception function network element.

10. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The method further comprises: The application function network element sends a fifth request message to the network open function network element, where the fifth request message includes list information of authorized terminals.

11. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that: The method further comprises: The application function network element sends a first notification message to the terminal, where the first notification message includes at least one of identification information of the perception service or address information of the perception function network element.

12. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The method further comprises: The application function network element sends a sixth request message to the policy control function network element, where the sixth request message includes identification information of the perception service or at least one item in the terminal list authorized to perform end-side perception.

13. A communication method, characterized in that: The method comprises: The terminal receives a first notification message from an application function network element, where the first notification message includes at least one of identification information of the perception service or address information of the perception function network element; The terminal sends the sensing data.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that The terminal sends the perception data, including: The terminal sends the perception data to the perception function network element through a first session adopted for interacting with the application function network element.

15. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that The method further comprises: The terminal sends a seventh request message to the second session management network element, where the seventh request message includes at least one of the identification information of the terminal, the identification information of the perception service, or the address information of the perception function network element; The terminal receives a seventh response message, where the seventh response message includes at least one of identification information of the perception service, perception service requirement information, or address information of a perception function network element.

16. A communication device, characterized in that: The method comprises a communication unit and a processing unit, wherein the communication unit and the processing unit are used to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, claims 8 to 12, or claims 13-15.

17. A communication device, characterized in that: The invention comprises a processor and an interface circuit, wherein the interface circuit is used to receive signals from other communication devices and transmit them to the processor or send signals from the processor to other communication devices, and the processor is used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7 or claims 8 to 12 or claims 13-15 through a logic circuit or executing code instructions.

18. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instruction. When the computer program or instruction is executed by the communication device, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, claims 8 to 12, or claims 13 to 15 is implemented.

19. A chip system, characterized in that: The chip system comprises a processor and an interface, wherein the processor is used to execute a computer program so that the chip system implements the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7 or claims 8 to 12 or claims 13-15.

20. A computer program product, characterized in that The method comprises instructions which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, claims 8 to 12, or claims 13 to 15.

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