Sensing method, apparatus and device, and storage medium

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of sensing, and discloses a sensing method, apparatus and device, and a storage medium. The method is executed by a terminal device. The method comprises: receiving first information, the first information comprising configuration information related to sensing. The configuration information related to sensing is configured for a UE, so that the UE can execute a sensing service on the basis of the expectation and instruction of a network side, preventing the UE from performing meaningless, repetitive and redundant operations to waste power consumption, preventing the UE from exchanging meaningless, repetitive and redundant signaling or data with the network side to waste air interface resources, and helping to achieve the effects of saving energy and saving air interface resources.

Description

Perception method, device, equipment and storage medium Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of perception, and in particular to a perception method, apparatus, device and storage medium. Background Art

[0002] The perception information required for sensing services is rich in layers and data volume. Transmitting this information over the air interface consumes significant air interface resource overhead. Calculating the perception results requires significant computing resources, and if performed by the terminal, this can lead to significant power consumption issues on the terminal side.

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to design a reasonable sensing method to ensure energy saving and save air interface resource overhead.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] The embodiments of the present application provide a sensing method, apparatus, device, and storage medium. The technical solution is as follows:

[0006] According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a perception method is provided, the method being performed by a terminal device, the method comprising:

[0007] First information is received, where the first information includes configuration information related to perception.

[0008] According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a perception method is provided, which is executed by an access network device. The method includes: receiving first information, where the first information includes configuration information related to perception.

[0009] According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a perception method is provided, which is executed by a core network element. The method includes: sending first information, where the first information includes configuration information related to perception.

[0010] According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a perception device is provided, comprising: a receiving module for receiving first information, where the first information comprises configuration information related to perception.

[0011] According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a perception device is provided, comprising: a sending module for sending first information, wherein the first information comprises configuration information related to perception.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present application, a perception device is provided, wherein the communication device includes: a processor; a transceiver connected to the processor; and a memory for storing executable instructions of the processor; wherein the processor is configured to load and execute the executable instructions to implement the perception method as described above.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present application, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, in which a computer program is stored. The computer program is configured to be executed by a processor to implement the above-mentioned perception method.

[0014] According to one aspect of the present application, a chip is provided, which includes a programmable logic circuit and / or program instructions, and when the chip is running, it is used to implement the above-mentioned perception method.

[0015] According to one aspect of the present application, a computer program product is provided, which includes computer instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium. A processor reads and executes the computer instructions from the computer-readable storage medium to implement the above-mentioned perception method.

[0016] The technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application can bring the following beneficial effects:

[0017] Since the UE is configured with perception-related configuration information, the UE can perform perception services based on the expectations and instructions of the network side, avoiding the UE from performing meaningless, repetitive, and redundant operations to waste power consumption, and avoiding the UE from interacting with the network side with meaningless, repetitive, and redundant signaling or data to waste air interface resources, which helps to achieve energy saving and save air interface resources. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0019] FIG1 is a schematic diagram showing a communication system architecture provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0020] FIG2 shows a schematic diagram of a communication system architecture provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0021] FIG3 shows a schematic diagram of a synaesthesia scenario provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0022] FIG4 shows a schematic diagram of a wireless sensing mode provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0023] FIG5 is a schematic diagram showing a flow chart of a sensing method provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0024] FIG6 shows a schematic flow chart of a sensing method provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0025] FIG7 shows a schematic diagram of network coverage provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0026] FIG8 shows a schematic flow chart of a sensing method provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0027] FIG9 shows a schematic flow chart of a sensing method provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0028] FIG10 is a schematic diagram showing a flow chart of a sensing method provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0029] FIG11 is a schematic diagram showing a flow chart of a sensing method provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0030] FIG12 is a schematic flow chart showing a sensing method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0031] FIG13 is a schematic diagram showing a flow chart of a sensing method provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0032] FIG14 is a schematic diagram showing a flow chart of a sensing method provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0033] FIG15 is a schematic diagram showing a flow chart of a sensing method provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0034] FIG16 shows a schematic flow chart of a sensing method provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0035] FIG17 is a schematic diagram showing a flow chart of a sensing method provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0036] FIG18 is a schematic diagram showing a flow chart of a sensing method provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0037] FIG19 is a schematic diagram showing a flow chart of a sensing method provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0038] FIG20 shows a schematic flow chart of a sensing method provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0039] FIG21 shows a schematic flow chart of a sensing method provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0040] FIG22 shows a schematic structural diagram of a sensing device provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0041] FIG23 shows a schematic structural diagram of a sensing device provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0042] FIG24 shows a schematic structural diagram of a sensing device provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0043] FIG25 shows a structural block diagram of a sensing device provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0044] FIG26 shows a structural block diagram of a sensing device provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present application more clear, the embodiments of the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Exemplary embodiments will be described in detail herein, with examples shown in the accompanying drawings. When the following description refers to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with the present application. Instead, they are merely examples of devices and methods consistent with certain aspects of the present application, as detailed in the appended claims.

[0046] The terms used in this application are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit this application. As used in this application and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," "the," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term "and / or" as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0047] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used in this application to describe various information, such information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish information of the same type from each other. For example, without departing from the scope of this application, first information may also be referred to as second information, and similarly, second information may also be referred to as first information. Depending on the context, the word "if" as used herein may be interpreted as "at the time of" or "when" or "in response to"

[0048] It should be understood that in various embodiments of the present application, the serial numbers of the above processes do not mean to limit the order of execution, and the order of execution of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic.

[0049] First, the communication technology involved in the embodiments of the present application is introduced. The following related technologies can be used as optional solutions and can be combined with the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application in any way, and all fall within the protection scope of the embodiments of the present application.

[0050] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system 100 provided in an exemplary embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 may include at least one of the following: a user equipment (UE) 120, an access network device 140, a core network (CN) 160, and a data network (not shown). The terminal equipment 120, access network device 140, and core network 160 can be logically divided into two parts: a user plane and a control plane. The control plane is responsible for managing the mobile network, while the user plane is responsible for transmitting service data.

[0051] Terminal device 120 is the entry point for mobile users to interact with the network. It provides basic computing and storage capabilities, displays service windows to users, and accepts user input. Terminal device 120 uses certain air interface technologies to establish signal and data connections with access network equipment 140, thereby transmitting control signals and service data to the mobile network. Terminal device 120 may also be referred to as user equipment, access terminal, subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication device, user agent, or user device. The terminal device 120 can be deployed on land, on water, and in the air, and includes but is not limited to: handheld devices, wearable devices, vehicle-mounted devices, and Internet of Things devices, such as: electronic tags, mobile phones, tablet computers, e-book readers, laptop computers, desktop computers, televisions, game consoles, stations (STA), mobile Internet devices (MID), augmented reality (AR) terminals, virtual reality (VR) terminals, and mixed reality (MR) terminals, wearable devices, handles, controllers, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical care, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, cellular phones, cordless phones, and session initiation protocols. The terminal devices 120 are usually multiple, and one or more terminal devices 120 can be distributed in each cell managed by the access network device 140. In the embodiments of the present application, "terminal device" and "UE" are often used interchangeably, but those skilled in the art will understand their meanings.

[0052] The multiple terminal devices 120 can communicate with each other through a direct communication interface, such as a PC5 interface. In some embodiments, the communication between the multiple terminal devices 120 is called sideline communication.

[0053] The access network is used to implement access-related functions, and can provide network access functions for authorized users within the coverage area of ​​the cell, and can use transmission tunnels of different qualities to transmit user data according to the user level, business requirements, etc. The access network can manage its own resources, make rational use of them, provide access services to the terminal device 120 on demand, and forward control signals and user data between the terminal device 120 and the core network 160. The access network device 140 is a device deployed in the access network to provide wireless communication functions for the terminal device 120, and can include a radio access network (RAN) device and / or an AN device. RAN devices are mainly wireless network devices in the 3GPP network, and AN devices can be access network devices that are not defined by 3GPP. In systems that use different wireless access technologies, the name of the "access network device" may be different. The access network device 120 includes, but is not limited to, an evolved Node B (eNB), a radio network controller (RNC), a Node B (NB), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a home base station (e.g., Home Evolved Node B, or Home Node B, HNB), a baseband unit (BBU), an access point (AP) in a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) system, a wireless relay node, a wireless backhaul node, a transmission point (TP) or a transmission and reception point (TRP), etc. It can also be a next generation node B (Next Generation Node B) in a fifth generation (5G) mobile communication system. The term "access network device" refers to a base station (B, gNB) or a TRP or TP, or one or a group of antenna panels (including multiple antenna panels) of a base station in a 5G system, or a network node constituting a gNB or transmission point, such as a baseband unit (BBU) or a distributed unit (DU), or a base station in a Beyond Fifth Generation (B5G) or sixth generation (6G) mobile communication system, or a reader / writer in a radio frequency identification (RFID) system. In some embodiments, the access network device may also be referred to as a network device.

[0054] The core network 160 is responsible for maintaining mobile network subscription data, managing mobile network elements, and providing functions such as session management, mobility management, policy management, and security authentication for the terminal device 120. For example, when the terminal device 120 is attached, it provides network authentication for the terminal device 120; when the terminal device 120 has a service request, it allocates network resources for the terminal device 120; when the terminal device 120 moves, it updates network resources for the terminal device 120; when the terminal device 120 is idle, it provides a fast recovery mechanism for the terminal device 120; when the terminal device 120 detaches, it releases network resources for the terminal device 120; and when the terminal device 120 has service data, it provides data routing functions for the terminal device 120, such as forwarding uplink data to the data network (DN); or receiving downlink data from the data network for the terminal device 120 and forwarding it to the access network device 140, thereby sending the downlink data to the terminal device 120. The core network 160 can be deployed in a private network or a public network. The network elements deployed in the core network are called core network elements. Core network elements can also be considered functional entities. One or more core network elements can be deployed on a physical device.

[0055] The data network is used to provide business services to users. The data network can be a private network, such as a local area network (LAN); an external network not controlled by the operator, such as the Internet; or a proprietary network jointly deployed by operators, such as the IP Multimedia Core Network Subsystem (IMS). Terminal device 120 can access the data network through an established Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session.

[0056] In some embodiments, there are two communication scenarios in the communication system 100: uplink communication and downlink communication. Uplink communication refers to sending signals in the direction of the terminal device 120, access network device 140, core network 160, and data network; downlink communication refers to sending signals in the direction of the data network, core network 160, access network device 140, and terminal device 120.

[0057] Figure 2 shows the detailed architecture based on Figure 1. This architecture includes the UE, (R)AN, core network elements, and DN. Theoretically, this architecture can be divided into two parts: the user plane and the control plane. The control plane is responsible for mobile network management, while the user plane is responsible for service data transmission. In Figure 2, the NG2 reference point is located between the (R)AN control plane and the core network control plane, the NG3 reference point is located between the (R)AN user plane and the core network user plane, and the NG6 reference point is located between the core network user plane and the data network.

[0058] The core network user plane includes the following core network elements: User Plane Function (UPF).

[0059] The core network control plane includes at least one of the following core network elements: Location Management Function (LMF), Sensing Function (SF), Authentication Server Function (AUSF), Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Session Management Function (SMF), Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF), Network Exposure Function (NEF), Network Repository Function (NRF), Unified Data Management (UDM), Policy Control Function (PCF), and Application Function (AF).

[0060] Among them, UPF is responsible for forwarding and receiving user data and also has domain name query related functions. AMF is mainly responsible for mobility management in mobile networks, such as user location update, user registration network, user switching, etc. SMF is mainly responsible for session management in mobile networks, such as session establishment, modification, and release. PCF mainly supports providing a unified policy framework to control network behavior, provides policy rules to the control layer network functions, and is responsible for obtaining user subscription information related to policy decisions. AUSF is used to perform terminal security authentication. NEF is mainly used to support the opening of capabilities and events. NRF is used to provide storage and selection functions of network function entity information to other network elements. UDM is used to store user data, such as subscription data, authentication / authorization data, etc. AF interacts with the core network to provide application layer services, such as providing application layer data routing, providing access network capability exposure functions, interacting with the policy framework to provide policy control, interacting with the IMS, etc. LMF is responsible for UE location services, such as location calculation, location management, positioning, etc.

[0061] The SF is used to provide perception services to UEs and / or access network devices to support the perception function of the cellular network. For example, when an application sends a perception request for a perception target to the core network, the core network selects an appropriate access network device or perception node through the SF or AMF, triggers perception-related wireless measurements, and obtains the perception results based on the measured perception information.

[0062] In some embodiments, an SF can be set up in the core network to implement the perception function, or the LMF in the core network can implement the perception function without adding a new SF. In other words, the perception service involved in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented by the SF or by the LMF. In other words, the embodiments of the present application support the setting of an LMF dedicated to positioning services and an SF dedicated to perception services, and also support the assignment of positioning and perception functions to the LMF.

[0063] In the architecture shown in Figure 2, the N1 interface is the reference point between the UE and the AMF; the N2 interface is the reference point between the RAN and the AMF, used for sending Non-Access Stratum (NAS) messages, etc.; the N3 interface is the reference point between the RAN and the UPF, used for transmitting user plane data, etc.; the N4 interface is the reference point between the SMF and the UPF, used for transmitting information such as tunnel identification information of the N3 connection, data buffer indication information, and downlink data notification messages; the N6 interface is the reference point between the UPF and the DN, used for transmitting user plane data, etc. The NG interface is the interface between the RAN and the CN.

[0064] It should be noted that the names of the above-mentioned core network network elements (such as SF, LMF, SMF, AF, UPF, etc.) are only examples and do not limit the functions of the network elements themselves. In the networks in the relevant technology and other future networks, the above-mentioned network elements may also have other names, and the embodiments of the present application do not specifically limit this. For example, in B5G and 6G networks, some or all of the above-mentioned network elements may use the terminology in the 5G network, or may use other names, etc., which are uniformly explained here and will not be repeated below. In addition, it should be understood that in some embodiments of the present application, the names of the messages (or signaling) transmitted between the terminal devices, access network devices, and core network elements involved are only examples, and do not constitute any limitation on the functions of the messages (or signaling) themselves. Each message (or signaling) may also use other names.

[0065] Definition of Sensing:

[0066] Integrated communication and perception technology, also known as synaesthesia, complements communication and perception. Perception generally refers to wireless signal perception. This involves analyzing direct, reflected, and scattered radio wave signals to gain information about the environment and / or target objects within it (such as their attributes and status). This allows for positioning, ranging, speed measurement, imaging, detection, identification, and environmental reconstruction, enabling perceptual exploration of the physical world. Wireless signal perception can be referred to as wireless perception.

[0067] From the perspective of whether the sensing node emits electromagnetic waves, wireless sensing can be divided into passive sensing and active sensing. Passive sensing: The sensing node (such as a network device or terminal device) senses by acquiring electromagnetic waves (such as terahertz waves) emitted by the target object, or the sensing node senses by reflecting electromagnetic waves from sources other than the sensing node and the target object, such as passive imaging sensing technology. Active sensing: The sensing sending node (such as a network device or terminal device) sends electromagnetic waves, which are reflected by the target object, and the sensing receiving node receives the echo for sensing, such as active radar sensing technology that transmits detection signals. Among them, the sensing receiving node is not necessarily the same as the sensing sending node, that is, multiple nodes of the sensing party can achieve active sensing through some form of joint processing.

[0068] From the perspective of perception needs, wireless perception can be categorized into per-area scenarios, which primarily focus on sensing areas, and per-object scenarios, which primarily focus on sensing targets. Perception needs are ubiquitous across numerous industries. These scenarios require efficient real-time perception of roads, vehicles, and people within factories, roads, low altitudes, cities, and even larger spatial and temporal ranges. These scenarios are known as per-area scenarios. Per-object scenarios utilize perceptual technology to continuously sense and track objects for dynamic monitoring of their status.

[0069] From the perspective of whether the sensing target has the ability to receive or transmit signals, wireless sensing can be divided into device-based and device-free scenarios. For example, in flight path management, the sensing target is a drone, which has the ability to receive or transmit signals. In base station and terminal beam management, the sensing target is the terminal, which also has the ability to transmit or receive signals. Therefore, flight path management and base station and terminal beam management are device-based scenarios. For another example, in weather monitoring, the sensing target is rain, which does not have the ability to receive or transmit signals. In respiratory monitoring, the sensing target is a person, which also does not have the ability to transmit or receive signals. Therefore, weather monitoring and respiratory monitoring are device-free scenarios.

[0070] Figure 3(a) shows two device-free synaesthesia scenarios, where the sensing target is a car without signal transmission or reception capabilities. Figure 3(b) shows two device-based synaesthesia scenarios, where the sensing target is a car with signal reception or transmission capabilities. The sensing target can be considered to include a user equipment (UE), or the sensing target can be considered a UE.

[0071] Communication and perception integrated technology:

[0072] Current cellular networks, such as the fifth-generation mobile communication system (5G), are only used for communication. However, the radio electromagnetic wave signals used by cellular networks can not only be used for wireless data transmission and communication, but also have environmental perception capabilities, such as user action or gesture recognition, breathing monitoring, terminal equipment (UE) movement speed measurement, environmental imaging, weather monitoring, etc. Therefore, in addition to using cellular networks for communication and data transmission, it is also possible to consider applying cellular networks to the acquisition of perception information (as shown in Table 1) to achieve the integration of communication and perception. This technology that integrates communication and perception can be called communication and perception integration technology, or simply synaesthesia integration technology.

[0073] Table 1: Perceptual information at different levels

[0074] The main wireless sensing modes of synaesthesia integration technology include six types, as shown in Figure 4:

[0075] 1) Base station echo sensing (gNB autonomous sensing): The base station sends a sensing signal and receives a reflected signal.

[0076] 2) Inter-base station sensing (gNB-2-gNB sensing): Base station A sends a sensing signal, and base station B receives the reflected signal.

[0077] 3) Air interface uplink sensing (UE-2-gNB sensing): The UE sends a sensing signal, and the base station receives the reflected signal.

[0078] 4) Air interface downlink sensing (gNB-2-UE sensing): The base station sends a sensing signal, and the UE receives the reflected signal.

[0079] 5) Terminal device echo perception (UE self-transmitting and self-receiving perception): UE sends a sensing signal and receives a reflected signal;

[0080] 6) Inter-terminal perception (UE-2-UE perception): UE A sends a perception signal and UE B receives the reflected signal.

[0081] In the embodiment of the present application, a sensing signal refers to a signal used to obtain a sensing result, and can also be understood as a signal used to perform a sensing service. A sensing signal can be a signal dedicated to a sensing service or a general signal. A sensing signal can be a data signal or a reference signal, such as a positioning reference signal (PRS), a demodulation reference signal (DMRS), a sounding reference signal (SRS), an enhanced-SRS (E-SRS), a carrier phase reference signal (CPRS), a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), and the like. Not all reference signals are listed here. Therefore, a sensing signal can also be referred to as a sensing reference signal (Sensing RS). In the embodiment of the present application, "sensing RS" and "sensing signal" are often used interchangeably, but those skilled in the art can understand their meaning, and "sensing RS" can be replaced by "sensing signal".

[0082] In the embodiment of the present application, the sensing mode (Sensing Mode) may also be referred to as the sensing method (Sensing Method).

[0083] Application scenarios of perception:

[0084] In smart transportation scenarios, it supports base stations based on integrated telepathy or collaboration between base stations to realize perception of the road environment, effectively realize the construction of high-precision maps, and provide beyond-line-of-sight assistance for the safe operation of autonomous vehicles; it supports base stations based on integrated telepathy or collaboration between base stations to realize all-round, all-weather, and uninterrupted detection of the movement trajectory and speed of moving vehicles, and upload the perception information to the processing center, comprehensively improving the intelligent perception capability of the operation status of highways, and providing data support for road supervision; it supports base stations based on integrated telepathy to realize perception of the railway track environment and realize all-weather detection of foreign object intrusion around high-speed railways.

[0085] In smart low-altitude scenarios, it supports base stations based on integrated telepathy or collaboration between base stations to conduct all-round and multi-angle perception of the airspace and provide the perception results to drones, which can provide redundancy for obstacle avoidance warning and improve the success rate of drone obstacle avoidance; it supports base stations based on integrated communication perception or collaboration between base stations to conduct full airspace perception, locate and track drones that intrude into the regulatory range, and thus realize drone intrusion monitoring for fixed areas.

[0086] In smart life scenarios, it supports working modes based on collaboration between base stations and terminal devices, or spontaneous transmission and reception of terminal devices, or collaboration between terminal devices. It performs respiratory monitoring, fitness monitoring, gesture / posture recognition, etc. by sensing changes in wireless channels. It supports base stations based on integrated synaesthesia or collaboration between base stations to measure the signal link attenuation in the communication link, and then use the relationship between signal link attenuation and weather indicators to analyze the corresponding weather indicators for weather monitoring.

[0087] In smart network scenarios, it supports base stations based on integrated telepathy or collaboration between base stations to obtain information such as the density and location of idle terminal devices in the cell, assisting in energy saving of base stations in the cell and optimizing base station resource scheduling.

[0088] In smart transportation scenarios, it supports base stations based on integrated telepathy or collaboration between base stations to achieve continuous tracking of vehicles and real-time dynamic monitoring of vehicle status. For vehicles with wireless communication capabilities, the vehicle perception accuracy can also be improved through vehicle collaborative perception.

[0089] In smart low-altitude scenarios, it supports base stations based on integrated inter-sensory communication or collaborative positioning between base stations to track drones that have invaded the regulatory area, and then take action to drive away "illegal flying" drones. For networked drones with wireless communication capabilities, it can also identify the flight status of drones, roadblocks in the flight route, etc. through drone collaborative perception, and provide auxiliary flight services.

[0090] In smart life scenarios, by carrying terminal devices with communication capabilities, based on the collaboration between base stations and terminal devices, or the spontaneous transmission and reception of terminal devices, or the collaboration between terminal devices, breathing monitoring, fitness monitoring, gesture / posture recognition, etc. of a specific human body can be performed to achieve accurate real-time dynamic monitoring.

[0091] In smart network scenarios, it supports the use of integrated telepathy technology to assist in improving beam management and channel estimation accuracy, improve the timeliness of beam tracking of terminal devices, improve channel estimation accuracy and reduce feedback overhead.

[0092] Location Services:

[0093] Typically, the initiator of a location service is the UE's NAS layer or a location proxy server. The UE, access network equipment, and LMF may play different roles. Location services can be categorized into two types: those where the UE directly calculates the location, and those where the LMF performs the calculation.

[0094] If the positioning server instructs the UE to calculate the position, the UE completes the position calculation based on the positioning measurement results sent by the network or performed by itself, and sends the position information calculated by itself to the LMF. After the relevant quality of service (QoS) verification of the core network element, the AMF finally feeds the position information back to the initiator of the positioning service. This positioning in which the UE calculates the position can be called UE-based positioning.

[0095] If the positioning server instructs the LMF to perform the position calculation, the LMF obtains the measurement results of the UE and TRP on the positioning reference signal through the LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP) and the NR Positioning Protocol a (NRPPa) and performs the position calculation. Finally, the AMF forwards the position information back to the initiating unit of the positioning service. This positioning in which the LMF performs position calculation can be called LMF-based positioning.

[0096] LMF-based positioning can be divided into two types: UE-assisted LMF-based positioning and access network node-assisted LMF-based positioning (NG-RAN-Node-Assisted LMF-Based positioning).

[0097] UE-assisted LMF-based positioning means that the UE reports its measurement results to the LMF, and the LMF calculates the target UE's position based on the collected measurement results. Access network node-assisted LMF-based positioning means that the access network node reports the TRP measurement results to the LMF, and the LMF calculates the target UE's position based on the collected measurement results.

[0098] Simply put, with LMF-based positioning, the UE or access network device performs measurements and reports them to the LMF, which then calculates the position. With UE-based positioning, the UE performs its own measurements and position calculations, reporting the final estimated position to the LMF. The difference between the two lies in the node that performs the position calculation and the information transmitted over the air interface.

[0099] Compared to positioning, in some perception scenarios, computing perception results can require significant computational resources. This is especially true when using artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning (ML) methods, resulting in significantly higher energy consumption on the terminal side. Furthermore, as shown in Table 1, the layers of perception information are very rich, and the amount of data can be significantly greater than the amount of positioning measurements. When the UE transmits this perception information to the network over the air interface, significant air interface resource overhead is incurred.

[0100] From the perspective of the terminal, energy conservation is a key concern. From the perspective of access network equipment, air interface resource overhead is a key concern. Perception services face more severe challenges than positioning services in terms of both terminal energy conservation and air interface resource overhead. Therefore, it is necessary to design appropriate perception methods to achieve a balance between terminal-side energy consumption and air interface resource overhead.

[0101] Figures 5 and 6 respectively show a flow chart of a perception method provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application, which can be applied to the communication system shown in Figures 1 and 2. The node that triggers the perception process or the node that sends the perception request can be called a sensing client (Sensing Client). The sensing client can be a core network element such as AF (as shown in Figure 2), an access network device, or a UE. The UE that serves as a sensing client can be called a Sensing Client UE.

[0102] FIG5 shows a flow chart of a sensing method triggered by AF:

[0103] In step 510, the AF sends a sensing request to the NEF, indicating that this sensing process is triggered by the AF and that the sensing request is a Mobile Terminated-Sensing Request (MT-SR). The sensing request may include information related to the sensing service, such as the sensing service type and service requirements.

[0104] Step 520 is an optional step, in which perception authorization is performed between the NEF and the UDM.

[0105] Step 530: NEF sends a perception request to AMF.

[0106] In step 540, the AMF selects an SF. Of course, if the LMF has a sensing function, step 540 can be implemented as LMF selection. In the embodiment of the present application, the SF is responsible for the sensing service as an example for schematic illustration.

[0107] In step 550, the AMF sends a sensing request to the selected SF. Optionally, the SF is divided into a control plane (SF-C) and a user plane (SF-U).

[0108] Step 560: Perform air interface signaling interaction related to perception. It is understood that which nodes participate in this step depends on the perception mode. Please refer to Table 2 below for details.

[0109] In step 570, SF performs perception calculation.

[0110] In step 580, the SF feeds back a sensing response to the AMF, which includes information about the sensing target.

[0111] In step 590, the AMF feeds back a sensing response to the NEF / AF, which includes information about the sensing target.

[0112] FIG6 shows a schematic diagram of a process of a sensing method triggered by a UE:

[0113] In step 610, the UE sends a sensing request to the AMF, indicating that this sensing process is triggered by the UE and that the sensing request is a Mobile Originated-Sensing Request (MO-SR). The sensing request may include information related to the sensing service, such as the sensing service type and service requirements.

[0114] In step 620, the AMF selects an SF. Of course, if the LMF has a sensing function, step 620 can be implemented as LMF selection. In the embodiment of the present application, the SF is responsible for the sensing service as an example for schematic illustration.

[0115] In step 630, the AMF sends a sensing request to the selected SF. Optionally, the SF is divided into a control plane (SF-C) and a user plane (SF-U).

[0116] Step 640: Perform air interface signaling interaction related to perception. It is understood that which nodes participate in this step depends on the perception mode. Please refer to Table 2 below for details.

[0117] Step 650: SF performs perception calculation.

[0118] In step 660, the SF feeds back a sensing response to the AMF, which includes information about the sensing target.

[0119] In step 670, the AMF feeds back a sensing response to the UE, which includes information about the sensing target.

[0120] In addition to the above-mentioned MT-SR and MO-SR, the sensing request may also be triggered by the network elements within the network, which is called the Network Induced-Sensing Request (NI-SR). The main process can be referred to Figures 5 and 6 above and will not be repeated here.

[0121] The air interface signaling interactions in steps 560 and 640 described above can be divided into four types of signaling interactions based on the interaction nodes: signaling interaction between the SF and the access network device (using the gNB as an example in Table 2) (SF-gNB), signaling interaction between the SF and the UE (SF-UE), signaling interaction between the access network device and the UE (gNB-UE), and signaling interaction between UEs (UE-UE). Referring to the six perception modes shown in Figure 4, Table 2 shows the signaling interaction types that may be involved in different perception modes. "√" indicates a signaling interaction type that may be involved in the perception mode, and "×" indicates a signaling interaction type that may not be involved in the perception mode.

[0122] Table 2: Signaling interaction types involved in different perception modes

[0123] Next, taking the UE perception mode (i.e., UE-2-UE perception, UE self-transmitting and self-receiving perception) as an example, the interaction process of air interface signaling is specifically introduced. The UE perception mode needs to consider the coverage scenario of the UE. As shown in Figure 7 (a), in the In-Coverage (IC) scenario. The UE is within the network coverage or is connected to the network device. As shown in Figure 7 (b), in the Out-of-Coverage (OOC) scenario, the UE is outside the network coverage or is not connected to the network device. As shown in Figure 7 (c), in the Partial Coverage (PC) scenario, some UEs are within the network coverage and some UEs are outside the network coverage.

[0124] In IC scenarios, whether UE-2-UE sensing or UE-initiated sensing, core network elements can participate in the sensing process as control nodes. Taking the SF as the control node as an example, the signaling interaction flow in the sensing method is shown in Figure 8.

[0125] Step 801: The SF sends a sensing capability request (e.g., a Sensing Capabilities Request) to the UE. The UE includes a sensing transmitting UE and / or a sensing receiving UE. In the embodiment of the present application, the sensing transmitting UE (STx UE) is responsible for sending sensing signals in the UE sensing mode, and the sensing receiving UE (SRx UE) is responsible for receiving and measuring the sensing signals and obtaining sensing measurement quantities in the UE sensing mode.

[0126] Step 802: The UE feeds back a sensing capability report (eg, Sensing Capabilities Report) to the SF, wherein the UE includes an STx UE and / or an SRx UE.

[0127] Step 803: The SF sends a sensing reference signal information request (e.g., Sensing RS Info Request) to the gNB.

[0128] Step 804: The gNB determines Sensing RS Resources, such as time domain resources, frequency domain resources, and spatial domain resources.

[0129] Step 805: The gNB sends a sensing reference signal transmission configuration (e.g., Sensing RS Tx Configuration) to the STx UE.

[0130] Step 806: The gNB sends a sensing reference signal information response (e.g., Sensing RS Info Response) to the SF.

[0131] Step 807: The SF sends a sensing activation request (e.g., Sensing Activation Request) to the gNB.

[0132] Step 808: The gNB sends a message to the STx UE to activate the transmission of sensing reference signals (Activate Sensing RS Transmission).

[0133] Step 809: The SF sends sensing assistance data (Provide Sensing Assistance Data) to the SRx UE.

[0134] Step 810: The SF sends a sensing information request (eg, Sensing Information Request) to the SRx UE.

[0135] Step 811: The SRx UE performs sensing reference signal measurements (eg, Sensing RS Measurements).

[0136] Step 812: The SRx UE feeds back a sensing information report (eg, Sensing Information Report) to the SF.

[0137] Step 813: The SF sends a sensing deactivation request (e.g., Sensing Deactivation Request) to the gNB.

[0138] Step 814: The gNB sends a message to the STx UE to deactivate the transmission of the sensing reference signal (Deactivate Sensing RS Transmission).

[0139] For the OOC scenario, since the UE cannot obtain network coverage, the core network elements cannot participate in the perception process, and the signaling interaction process shown in Figure 8 cannot be adopted. In this case, some terminal devices are required to assume at least part of the tasks of the core network elements, that is, to introduce sensing service UE / sensing management UE (Sensing Server UE / Sensing Management UE) to assume part of the SF functions, such as sensing measurement quantity processing and other functions. The sensing service UE / sensing management UE may be the STx UE, or it may be the SRx UE, or it may be a logical node independent of the STx UE and SRx UE. In particular, for the UE's self-transmitting and self-receiving perception mode, the STx UE and SRx UE are the same terminal devices. Taking the sensing service UE assuming the SF function as an example, the flow diagram of the signaling interaction in the perception method is shown in Figure 9.

[0140] Step 901a: The sensing client UE sends a sensing service request (eg, Sensing Service Request) to UE 1. Exemplarily, communication between UEs may be implemented via a direct communication interface (eg, PC5 interface).

[0141] Step 901b: UE 1 receives a sensing service request from the application layer (Sensing Service Request from Application Layer).

[0142] Step 902 is an optional step, which represents the discovery process (Discovery) between UE 1 and other UEs (such as UE 2 to UE n).

[0143] Step 903: UE 1 decides to perform UE-based perception (Determine UE-only Operation).

[0144] Step 904 is an optional step, which represents capability exchange between UE1 and other UEs.

[0145] Step 905 is an optional step, which represents the discovery and selection process of the sensing service UE (Sensing Server UE Discovery & Selection).

[0146] Step 906 is an optional step, which represents the sensing assistance data transmission process (Sensing Assistance Data Transfer) between the sensing service UE and UE 1 and other UEs.

[0147] Step 907: Sensing RS Measurement between UE 1 and other UEs.

[0148] Step 908: The sensing service UE receives the sensing reference signal measurement data and calculates the sensing result (Sensing RS Measurement Data Transfer & Result Calculation).

[0149] Step 909a: UE 1 feeds back a sensing service response (Sensing Service Response) to the sensing client UE, illustratively through the PC5 interface.

[0150] Step 909b: UE 1 feeds back a sensing service response (Sensing Service Response to Application Layer) to the application layer.

[0151] The above steps 904 to 908 belong to the interactive process of air interface perception signaling. Further reference may be made to the flow chart shown in FIG10 .

[0152] Step 1001: The sensing service UE sends a sensing capability request (eg, Sensing Capabilities Request) to a UE, wherein the UE includes an STx UE and / or an SRx UE.

[0153] Step 1002: The UE feeds back a sensing capability report (such as a Sensing Capabilities Report) to the sensing service UE, wherein the UE includes an STx UE and / or an SRx UE.

[0154] Step 1003: The sensing service UE sends a sensing reference signal request (eg, Sensing RS Request) to the STx UE.

[0155] Step 1004 is an optional step, indicating that the STx UE determines sensing reference signal resources (STx UE determines Sensing RS Resources), such as time domain resources, frequency domain resources, spatial domain resources, etc.

[0156] Step 1005: The STx UE sends a sensing reference signal response (eg, Sensing RS Response) to the sensing service UE.

[0157] Step 1006: The sensing serving UE sends sensing assistance data (Provide Sensing Assistance Data) to the SRx UE.

[0158] Step 1007: The sensing service UE sends a sensing information request (eg, Sensing Information Request) to the SRx UE.

[0159] Step 1008: The SRx UE performs sensing reference signal measurements (eg, Sensing RS Measurements).

[0160] Step 1009: The SRx UE feeds back a sensing information report (eg, Sensing Information Report) to the sensing service UE.

[0161] Furthermore, in order to achieve energy conservation and save air interface resource overhead, the present application proposes a sensing method as shown in FIG11, which is applicable to the sensing processes shown in FIG5, FIG6, FIG8, FIG9, and FIG10, and is also applicable to other different sensing processes. The sensing method shown in FIG11 is executed by a UE, which can be implemented as a UE as shown in FIG1 or FIG2, and the method includes at least the following steps:

[0162] Step 1101: Receive first information, where the first information includes configuration information related to perception.

[0163] Configuration information related to perception may also be referred to as perception configuration information, which may be understood as configuration information used to perform perception services, or as configuration information related to perception services.

[0164] In some embodiments, the configuration information related to perception includes at least one of the following: perception measurement configuration information, perception assistance information for calculation, and configuration information for switching perception modes.

[0165] In some embodiments, the UE performs an awareness service based on the received first information.

[0166] In some embodiments, perception can be equivalent to or replaced by at least one of the following: positioning, ranging, speed measurement, angle measurement, target imaging, target detection, target tracking, and target recognition.

[0167] In some embodiments, the perception result includes at least one of the following: a detection result of a target, a detection result of an environment, a recognition result of a target, a recognition result of an environment, a measurement result of a target, and a measurement result of an environment. The measurement includes at least one of distance measurement, delay measurement, angle measurement, movement speed measurement, and phase measurement.

[0168] The UE involved in the embodiments of the present application is a UE participating in the perception service, for example, it can be the STx UE mentioned above, it can also be the SRx UE mentioned above, it can also be a perception service UE, a perception management UE, a perception client UE, etc.

[0169] To sum up, the method provided in the embodiment of the present application configures the UE with configuration information related to perception, so that the UE can perform perception services based on the expectations and instructions of the network side, avoiding the UE from performing meaningless, repetitive, and redundant operations to waste power consumption, and avoiding the UE from interacting with the network side with meaningless, repetitive, and redundant signaling or data to waste air interface resources, which helps to achieve energy saving and save air interface resources.

[0170] With reference to the positioning service described above, the sensing method provided in the embodiments of the present application can also be divided into two sensing modes: a first sensing mode and a second sensing mode. The first sensing mode is a UE-based sensing mode, in which the UE calculates the sensing result. The second sensing mode is a core network element-based sensing mode, in which the core network element calculates the sensing result. The core network element can be either a SF or a LMF.

[0171] Referring to the perception processes shown in Figures 8, 9, and 10, it can be understood that the UE's execution steps and the air interface signaling used for interaction will be different in different perception modes. So, how should the UE determine whether it is currently using the first perception mode or the second perception mode? In other words, how should the UE determine whether the perception result is calculated by itself or by the core network element? Based on the perception method shown in Figure 11, the embodiment of the present application further proposes the following three perception methods that help determine the perception mode:

[0172] Method 1: The core network element indicates the sensing mode based on the capability information of the UE and / or access network device;

[0173] Method 2: The core network element indicates the sensing mode based on the request information of the UE and / or the access network device;

[0174] Method 3: The UE independently determines the perception mode.

[0175] It should be noted that method one, method two, and method three can be used individually or in combination. Exemplarily, method one and method two are used in combination. For example, method one is executed at the beginning of the perception process, and method two is executed during the perception process; for another example, method two is executed first, and method one is executed later, and so on. All scenarios for combined use are not listed here one by one. Exemplarily, method one and method three are used in combination. For example, method one is executed at the beginning of the perception process, and method three is executed during the perception process; for another example, method three is executed first, and method one is executed later, and so on. Exemplarily, method two and method three are used in combination. Exemplarily, method one, method two, and method three are used in combination.

[0176] First, we introduce method 1: the core network element indicates the sensing mode based on the UE's capability information. Figure 12 shows a flowchart of a sensing method provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application. The method is performed by the UE and includes at least one of the following steps:

[0177] Step 1201: Receive third information, where the third information is used to request the UE to send second information.

[0178] In some embodiments, the third information includes sensing capability request information (Sensing Capabilities Request).

[0179] In some embodiments, the third information instructs the UE to report one or more of the following information: capability information related to the processing of perception information, capability information related to the calculation of perception information, preference information related to the processing of perception information, preference information related to the calculation of perception information, UE power saving class, UE power saving mode, etc.

[0180] In some embodiments, the third information implicitly instructs the UE to send the second information. Exemplarily, if the UE receives the third information, it indicates that the UE is instructed to send the second information, and if the UE does not receive the third information, it indicates that the UE is not instructed to send the second information. Alternatively, the third information explicitly instructs the UE to send the second information.

[0181] In some embodiments, capability information related to the processing and calculation of perception information can also be understood as the processing and calculation methods of perception information supported by the UE. Preference information related to the processing and calculation of perception information can also be understood as the processing and calculation methods of perception information desired by the UE, or the processing and calculation methods of perception information recommended by the UE.

[0182] In some embodiments, the sensing capability request information also includes information related to the sensing service, such as the sensing service type and service requirements.

[0183] In some embodiments, the sensing service type includes at least one of the following: intrusion detection, weather monitoring, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) identification, unmanned aerial vehicle obstacle avoidance, high-precision map construction, road supervision, flight path management, respiratory monitoring, gesture / posture recognition, motion monitoring, mobile trajectory tracking, material detection, object defect detection, etc.

[0184] The UE involved in the embodiments of the present application is a UE participating in the perception service, for example, it can be the STx UE mentioned above, it can also be the SRx UE mentioned above, it can also be a perception service UE, a perception management UE, a perception client UE, etc.

[0185] Step 1202: Send second information, where the second information includes UE perception-related capability information and / or preference information.

[0186] In some embodiments, the second information includes a sensing capabilities report.

[0187] In some embodiments, the second information includes at least one item of the following information: whether the UE supports the first perception mode; whether the UE supports the second perception mode; the type of perception data supported by the UE for reporting; the perception data supported by the UE for reporting; the perception performance indicators supported by the UE; the perception mode preferred by the UE; the type of perception data preferred by the UE; the perception data preferred by the UE; the perception performance indicators preferred by the UE; and the current energy saving level / energy saving mode of the UE.

[0188] In some embodiments, the perception data type includes at least one of the following: original perception data, preliminary perception data, intermediate perception data, and perception results. In fact, different perception data types mean the degree of perception processing and calculation that the UE can perform. For example, if the UE supports reporting perception results, it means that the UE supports calculation to obtain the final perception result. For example, if the UE prefers to report original perception data, it means that the UE does not expect to perform perception processing and calculation. Optionally, different perception data types can be combined with perception information of different levels shown in Table 1, where low-level perception information corresponds to original, preliminary perception data, medium-level perception information corresponds to intermediate perception data, and high-level perception information corresponds to perception results.

[0189] In some embodiments, the sensing data includes at least one of the following: speed, delay, Doppler frequency shift, angle, signal strength, distance, direction, acceleration, complex result of received signal or channel response, amplitude, phase, I path / Q path and related operation results.

[0190] In some embodiments, the perception result includes at least one of the following: whether the target exists, spatial position, trajectory, movement, expression, vital signs, quantity, imaging results, weather, air quality, shape, material, composition, etc.

[0191] In some embodiments, the perception performance indicator includes at least one of the following: perception service delay, refresh rate, and perception accuracy. The perception performance indicator can also be understood as a key performance indicator (KPI) corresponding to the UE processing perception information.

[0192] In some embodiments, the communication protocol stipulates multiple energy-saving levels or energy-saving modes, and the UE selects an energy-saving level or energy-saving mode that matches the current energy-saving requirements according to the provisions of the communication protocol.

[0193] In some embodiments, the network side configures multiple energy-saving levels or energy-saving modes, and the UE selects an energy-saving level or energy-saving mode that matches the current energy-saving requirement based on the received configuration.

[0194] In some embodiments, the network side indicates or recommends the current energy saving level or energy saving mode of the UE. Exemplarily, the third information carries indication information of the energy saving level or energy saving mode.

[0195] Step 1203: Receive first information, where the first information includes configuration information related to perception.

[0196] In some embodiments, the first information includes perception measurement configuration information and / or perception assistance information for calculation.

[0197] In some embodiments, the sensing measurement configuration information includes at least one of the following: sensing reference signal reception configuration (Sensing RS Rx Configuration), sensing measurement quantity, measurement configuration, reporting configuration, and sensing QoS information.

[0198] In some embodiments, the perception assistance information used for calculation refers to auxiliary information used to calculate preliminary perception data, intermediate perception data, and perception results based on the original perception data. Exemplarily, the perception assistance information used for calculation includes the position information of the sensing transmitting UE, the angle information of the sensing transmitting UE, the speed information of the sensing transmitting UE, and the like, which is specifically related to the parameters required for the calculation. Exemplarily, the perception assistance information used for calculation may also be referred to as Assistance Data for UE-Based Sensing.

[0199] In some embodiments, the first information is used to instruct the UE to adopt the first sensing mode or the second sensing mode. Optionally, the first information implicitly indicates which sensing mode the UE adopts. For example, if the first information carries configuration information for the first sensing mode, it means that the UE is instructed to adopt the first sensing mode; for example, if the first information carries configuration information for the second sensing mode, it means that the UE is instructed to adopt the second sensing mode. Optionally, the first information explicitly indicates which sensing mode the UE adopts.

[0200] In some embodiments, the perceived QoS information includes at least one of the following: location accuracy, velocity accuracy, perception resolution, maximum perceived service delay, refresh rate, confidence level, missed detection rate, and false alarm rate.

[0201] Step 1204: Execute a sensing service based on the first information.

[0202] In some embodiments, the UE performs a sensing service using the sensing mode indicated by the first information. If the UE uses the first sensing mode, it means that the UE calculates the sensing result. If the UE uses the second sensing mode, it means that the UE does not need to calculate the sensing result and needs to report the sensing data.

[0203] In some embodiments, the UE measures the perception measurement quantity and / or reports the measurement data according to the perception measurement configuration information included in the first information.

[0204] In some embodiments, the UE calculates the measurement data according to the perception assistance information used for calculation included in the first information, and obtains one or more of preliminary perception data, intermediate perception data, and perception results.

[0205] Step 1205: Report the perception data and / or perception results.

[0206] In some embodiments, the sensing data and / or sensing results are carried in a sensing information report.

[0207] In some embodiments, the perception data may be measurement data of a perception measurement quantity, or may be perception information as shown in Table 1.

[0208] It should be noted that the above steps 1201, 1202, 1204, and 1205 are optional steps. The execution order of different steps can be adjusted according to actual conditions. Different steps can be combined. For example, step 1201 and step 1203 are implemented as one step. For example, step 1204 and step 1205 are implemented as one step. Different steps can be split. For example, step 1203 is implemented as two steps. The first information is sent twice. The first information is implemented as perception assistance data (including perception reference signal reception configuration and / or perception assistance information for calculation) and perception information request (including perception measurement quantity, measurement configuration, reporting configuration, and perception QoS information). The UE receives the perception assistance data and the perception information request respectively.

[0209] In summary, the method provided in the embodiment of the present application configures the UE with perception-related configuration information, enabling the UE to perform perception services based on the expectations and instructions of the network side, thereby helping to achieve energy conservation and save air interface resources. In addition, the method supports the UE to report its own capability information and preference information to assist the network side in determining which perception mode to adopt, and then accurately and specifically sends the configuration information corresponding to the perception mode, which helps to improve perception efficiency and accuracy and reduce power consumption and air interface resource waste.

[0210] FIG13 shows a flow chart of a sensing method provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application. The method is performed by a core network element and includes at least one of the following steps:

[0211] Step 1301: Send third information, where the third information is used to request the UE to send second information.

[0212] The relevant content of step 1301 can be referred to step 1201 and will not be repeated here.

[0213] Step 1302: Receive second information, where the second information includes UE perception-related capability information and / or preference information.

[0214] The relevant content of step 1302 can be referred to step 1202 and will not be repeated here.

[0215] Step 1303: Send first information, where the first information includes configuration information related to perception.

[0216] The relevant content of step 1303 can be referred to step 1203 and will not be repeated here.

[0217] It should be noted that the above steps 1301 and 1302 are optional steps. The execution order of different steps can be adjusted according to actual conditions. Different steps can be combined. For example, step 1301 and step 1303 are implemented as one step. Different steps can be split. For example, step 1303 is implemented as two steps. The first information is sent twice. The first information is implemented as perception assistance data (including perception reference signal reception configuration and / or perception assistance information for calculation) and perception information request (including perception measurement amount, measurement configuration, reporting configuration, perception QoS information). The UE receives the perception assistance data and the perception information request respectively.

[0218] The core network element involved in the embodiment of the present application can be the SF mentioned above or the LMF.

[0219] In summary, the method provided in the embodiment of the present application configures the UE with perception-related configuration information, enabling the UE to perform perception services based on the expectations and instructions of the core network element, thereby helping to achieve energy conservation and save air interface resources. Furthermore, the method supports the UE to report its own capability information and preference information to assist the core network element in determining which perception mode to adopt, thereby accurately and specifically sending the configuration information corresponding to the perception mode, thereby helping to improve perception efficiency and accuracy and reduce power consumption and air interface resource waste.

[0220] FIG14 shows a flow chart of a sensing method provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application. The method is performed by a UE and a core network element. The method includes at least one of the following steps:

[0221] Step 1401: The core network element sends a sensing capability request to the UE.

[0222] The perception capability request belongs to the third information. Please refer to step 1201 for details and will not be repeated here.

[0223] Step 1402: The UE sends a perception capability report to a core network element.

[0224] The perception capability report belongs to the second information. Please refer to step 1202 for details, which will not be repeated here.

[0225] Step 1403: The core network element determines the sensing method (Determines UE / SF-based sensing method).

[0226] That is, the core network element determines whether the UE adopts the first sensing mode or the second sensing mode. Optionally, the core network element determines the sensing mode adopted by the UE based on the received sensing capability report.

[0227] Step 1404: The core network element sends sensing assistance data (Provide Sensing Assistance Data) to the UE.

[0228] The perception auxiliary data belongs to the first information. For details, please refer to step 1203 and will not be repeated here.

[0229] Exemplarily, the sensing assistance data includes sensing reference signal reception configuration (Sensing RS Rx Configuration) and / or sensing assistance information for calculation (Assistance Data for UE-Based Sensing).

[0230] In some embodiments, the perception assistance information used for calculation is related to the first perception mode, and indicates the perception assistance information used for calculation by the UE in the first perception mode.

[0231] Step 1405: The core network element sends a sensing information request (Sensing Information Request) to the UE.

[0232] The perception information request belongs to the first information. Please refer to step 1203 for details, which will not be repeated here.

[0233] Exemplarily, the sensing information request includes at least one of the following: sensing measurement quantities (Sensing Measurement Quantities), measurement configuration (Measurement Config), reporting configuration (Reporting Config), and sensing QoS information (Sensing QoS).

[0234] In some embodiments, the information carried by the perception information request is related to the first perception mode or the second perception mode, indicating the measurement reporting configuration used by the UE in the first perception mode or the second perception mode.

[0235] In some embodiments, the signaling interaction involved in steps 1401 to 1405 occurs at the Sensing Protocol Layer.

[0236] Step 1406: The UE reports the sensing data and / or sensing result.

[0237] For related content, please refer to step 1204 and step 1205, which will not be repeated here.

[0238] In summary, the method provided in the embodiment of the present application configures the UE with perception-related configuration information, enabling the UE to perform perception services based on the expectations and instructions of the core network element, thereby helping to achieve energy conservation and save air interface resources. Furthermore, the method supports the UE to report its own capability information and preference information to assist the core network element in determining which perception mode to adopt, thereby accurately and specifically sending the configuration information corresponding to the perception mode, thereby helping to improve perception efficiency and accuracy and reduce power consumption and air interface resource waste.

[0239] Furthermore, in addition to the UE reporting capability information, the access network device may also report capability information. The following method 1 is: the core network element indicates the sensing mode according to the capability information of the UE and / or the access network device.

[0240] FIG15 shows a flow chart of a sensing method provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application. The method is performed by an access network device and includes at least one of the following steps:

[0241] Step 1501: Send third information, where the third information is used to request the UE to send second information.

[0242] In some embodiments, the third information includes Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration information (RRC Reconfiguration).

[0243] For the relevant content of the third information, please refer to step 1201 and will not be repeated here.

[0244] Step 1502: Receive second information, where the second information includes UE perception-related capability information and / or preference information.

[0245] In some embodiments, the second information includes terminal equipment assistance information (UE Assistance Info).

[0246] For the relevant content of the second information, please refer to step 1202 and will not be repeated here.

[0247] Step 1503: Send perception auxiliary information, where the perception auxiliary information is generated according to the second information and / or the fourth information.

[0248] The second information includes UE capability information and / or preference information related to perception, and the fourth information includes access network device capability information and / or preference information related to perception.

[0249] In some embodiments, the fourth information includes at least one item of the following information: whether the access network device supports the first perception mode; whether the access network device supports the second perception mode; the type of perception data supported by the access network device for reporting; the perception data supported by the access network device for reporting; the perception performance indicators supported by the access network device; the perception mode preferred by the access network device; the type of perception data preferred by the access network device; the perception data preferred by the access network device; the perception performance indicators preferred by the access network device; and the air interface resource overhead information (Signaling Overhead Info) of the access network device.

[0250] In some embodiments, the access network device configures multiple energy-saving levels or energy-saving modes for the UE.

[0251] In some embodiments, the access network device indicates or suggests to the UE which energy saving level or energy saving mode the UE is currently using.

[0252] In some embodiments, the perception assistance information includes second information. Exemplarily, after receiving the second information, the access network device sends the second information to the core network element via a perception protocol layer between the access network device and the core network element.

[0253] In some embodiments, the perception assistance information includes the second information and the fourth information. Exemplarily, after receiving the second information, the access network device sends the fourth information and the second information together to the core network element via the perception protocol layer between the access network device and the core network element.

[0254] In some embodiments, there is a conflict between the second information and the fourth information, and the access network device generates perception assistance information based on the second information and the fourth information, that is, the access network device decides which information to inform the core network element.

[0255] In some embodiments, there is a conflict between the second information and the fourth information. The access network device sends both the second information and the fourth information to the core network element, and the core network element decides which information to use to determine the perception mode.

[0256] For other related content, please refer to step 1202 and will not be repeated here.

[0257] Step 1504: Receive first information, where the first information includes configuration information related to perception.

[0258] For the relevant content of the first information, please refer to step 1203 and will not be repeated here.

[0259] In some embodiments, the first information is used to instruct the access network device to adopt the first perception mode or the second perception mode. Optionally, the first information implicitly indicates which perception mode the access network device adopts. For example, if the first information carries configuration information for the first perception mode, it indicates that the access network device adopts the first perception mode; for example, if the first information carries configuration information for the second perception mode, it indicates that the access network device adopts the second perception mode. Unfortunately, the first information explicitly indicates which perception mode the access network device adopts.

[0260] Step 1505: Execute a sensing service based on the first information.

[0261] In some embodiments, the UE performs a sensing service using the sensing mode indicated by the first information. If the UE uses the first sensing mode, it means that the UE calculates the sensing result. If the UE uses the second sensing mode, it means that the UE does not need to calculate the sensing result and needs to report the sensing data.

[0262] In some embodiments, the UE measures the perception measurement quantity and / or reports the measurement data according to the perception measurement configuration information included in the first information.

[0263] In some embodiments, the UE calculates the measurement data according to the perception assistance information used for calculation included in the first information, and obtains one or more of preliminary perception data, intermediate perception data, and perception results.

[0264] Step 1506: Report the perception data and / or perception results.

[0265] In some embodiments, the sensing data and / or sensing results are carried in a sensing information report.

[0266] It should be noted that the above steps 1501, 1502, 1503, 1505, and 1506 are optional steps. The execution order of different steps can be adjusted according to actual conditions. Different steps can be merged or split. Exemplarily, step 1505 and step 1506 are implemented as one step. Exemplarily, step 1504 is implemented as two steps. The first information is sent twice. The first information is implemented as perception assistance data (including perception reference signal reception configuration and / or perception assistance information for calculation) and perception information request (including perception measurement quantity, measurement configuration, reporting configuration, and perception QoS information). The access network device receives the perception assistance data and the perception information request respectively.

[0267] In summary, the method provided in the embodiment of the present application configures the access network device with configuration information related to perception, so that the access network device can perform perception services based on the expectations and instructions of the core network network element, which helps to achieve energy saving and air interface resource saving. In addition, it supports the access network device to report its own capability information, preference information and the capability information and preference information of the UE to assist the core network network element in determining which perception mode to adopt, and then accurately and specifically sends the configuration information corresponding to the perception mode, which helps to improve perception efficiency and accuracy and reduce power consumption waste and air interface resource waste. In addition, it supports the access network device to decide which capability information and preference information to report to the core network network element, thereby improving the flexibility of the access network device in the perception process.

[0268] FIG16 shows a flow chart of a sensing method provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application. The method is performed by a UE, an access network device, and a core network element. The method includes at least one of the following steps:

[0269] Step 1601: The access network device sends RRC reconfiguration information to the UE.

[0270] The RRC reconfiguration information belongs to the third information. For details, please refer to step 1201 and will not be repeated here.

[0271] In some embodiments, the RRC reconfiguration information includes a first information element, and the first information element is used to configure whether the UE sends the second information. Exemplarily, the first information element is a sensing calculation preference configuration (SensingCalculation-PreferenceConfig).

[0272] In some embodiments, the other configuration (OtherConfig) in the RRC reconfiguration information carries indication information: SensingCalculation-PreferenceConfig. For example:

[0273] In some embodiments, the RRC reconfiguration information comes from a core network element.

[0274] Step 1602: The UE sends terminal equipment assistance information (UEAssistanceInformation) to the access network device.

[0275] In some embodiments, when the RRC reconfiguration information includes a first information element (IE), and the first information element is used to configure the UE to send the second information, a first timer is started, wherein the first timer is related to the perception handover request message.

[0276] In some embodiments, if the RRC reconfiguration message received by the UE includes OtherConfig, and if the OtherConfig received by the UE carries indication information SensingCalculation-PreferenceConfig, and if SensingCalculation-PreferenceConfig is set to "Setup", the UE considers itself to be configured to provide the second information.

[0277] In some embodiments, when the UE believes that it is configured to provide second information, if the UE has a preference for perceptual information processing (for example, a preference for perceptual mode, a preference for perceptual data type, a preference for perceptual data, etc.), and / or if the UE has not sent second information through UEAssistanceInformation since being configured to provide second information, and / or if at least one of the UE's current preference information, capability information, energy saving mode, and energy saving level changes, the UE starts a first timer.

[0278] Among them, at least one of the UE's current preference information, capability information, energy saving mode, and energy saving level has changed, which can also be understood as the current second information being different from the information carried in the previously sent UEAssistanceInformation.

[0279] In some embodiments, the timing duration of the first timer is set to a sensing calculation preference prohibition time (SensingCalculation-PreferenceProhibitTimer). The design of the first timer is convenient for preventing the UE from frequently sending the second information, which helps to save energy and signaling overhead.

[0280] In some embodiments, when the second information is sent, a first timer is started.

[0281] In some embodiments, the second information is not sent during activation of the first timer.

[0282] In some embodiments, the second information is sent after the first timer expires.

[0283] In some embodiments, when the RRC reconfiguration information includes the first information element and / or the first information element is not used to configure the UE to send the second information, the first timer is stopped.

[0284] In some embodiments, if the RRC reconfiguration message received by the UE does not include OtherConfig, or if the OtherConfig received by the UE does not carry the indication information SensingCalculation-PreferenceConfig, or if SensingCalculation-PreferenceConfig is not set to "Setup", the UE considers that it is not configured to provide the second information.

[0285] In some embodiments, in the case where the UE believes that it is not configured to provide the second information, if the first timer is running, the UE stops the first timer.

[0286] In some embodiments, if the UE is configured to provide the second information, the UE sends the second information to the access network device.

[0287] In some embodiments, the UE carries the SensingCalculation-Preference in the UEAssistanceInformation message.

[0288] In some embodiments, if the UE has a preference for a sensing mode (ie, a preference for the first sensing mode and / or the second sensing mode), the UE indicates the first sensing mode or the second sensing mode in the SensingCalculation-Preference IE.

[0289] In some embodiments, if the UE has a preference for a sensing data type, the UE indicates the sensing data type and / or one or more levels of sensing information in the SensingCalculation-Preference IE.

[0290] In some embodiments, if the UE has a preference for sensing data, the UE indicates one or more sensing data in the SensingCalculation-Preference IE.

[0291] In some embodiments, if the UE has preference information of the current energy saving level / energy saving mode, the UE selects an energy saving level or energy saving mode that matches the energy saving requirement and carries it in the SensingCalculation-Preference IE.

[0292] In some embodiments, if the UE does not have preference information for sensing mode, sensing data type, sensing data, or energy saving level / energy saving mode, the preference information is not carried in the SensingCalculation-Preference IE.

[0293] The terminal device auxiliary information belongs to the second information. For other contents, please refer to step 1202 and will not be repeated here.

[0294] Step 1603: The access network device sends perception assistance information to the core network element.

[0295] For related content, please refer to step 1503, which will not be repeated here.

[0296] Step 1604: The core network element determines the sensing method (Determines UE / SF-based sensing method).

[0297] That is, the core network element determines whether the UE adopts the first sensing mode or the second sensing mode. Optionally, the core network element determines the sensing mode adopted by the UE and the access network device based on the received sensing assistance information.

[0298] Step 1605: The core network element sends sensing assistance data (Provide Sensing Assistance Data) to the UE.

[0299] The perception auxiliary data belongs to the first information. For details, please refer to step 1203 and will not be repeated here.

[0300] Exemplarily, the sensing assistance data includes sensing reference signal reception configuration (Sensing RS Rx Configuration) and / or sensing assistance information for calculation (Assistance Data for UE-Based Sensing).

[0301] In some embodiments, the perception assistance information used for calculation is related to the first perception mode, and indicates the perception assistance information used for calculation by the UE in the first perception mode.

[0302] Step 1606: The core network element sends a sensing information request (Sensing Information Request) to the UE.

[0303] The perception information request belongs to the first information. Please refer to step 1203 for details, which will not be repeated here.

[0304] Exemplarily, the perception information request includes at least one of the following: perception measurement quantity, measurement configuration, reporting configuration, and perception QoS information.

[0305] In some embodiments, the information carried by the perception information request is related to the first perception mode or the second perception mode, indicating the measurement reporting configuration used by the UE in the first perception mode or the second perception mode.

[0306] Step 1607: The core network element sends the first information to the access network device.

[0307] For related content, please refer to step 1203 and step 1504, which will not be repeated here.

[0308] In some embodiments, the signaling interaction involved in steps 1603 and 1607 occurs at the perception protocol layer between the access network device and the core network element.

[0309] Step 1608: The UE reports the sensing data and / or sensing result.

[0310] For related content, please refer to step 1204 and step 1205, which will not be repeated here.

[0311] In summary, the method provided in the embodiment of the present application enables UE and access network equipment to perform perception services based on the expectations and instructions of the core network network element by sending configuration information related to perception, which helps to achieve energy saving and air interface resource saving. In addition, it supports UE and access network equipment to report their own capability information and preference information to assist the core network network element in determining which perception mode to adopt, and then accurately and specifically sends the configuration information corresponding to the perception mode, which helps to improve perception efficiency and accuracy and reduce power consumption waste and air interface resource waste. In addition, it supports access network equipment to decide which capability information and preference information to report to the core network network element, thereby improving the flexibility of access network equipment in the perception process.

[0312] Next, method 2 is introduced: the core network element indicates the perception mode according to the request information of the UE and / or the access network device.

[0313] FIG17 shows a flow chart of a sensing method provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application. The method is performed by a UE and / or an access network device, and includes at least one of the following steps:

[0314] Step 1701: Send a perception switching request message, which is used to request switching of the perception mode.

[0315] In some embodiments, the perception switching request message implicitly indicates the perception mode to be switched. For example, if the perception mode currently adopted by the UE is the first perception mode, then the UE sending the perception switching request message means that the UE requests to switch to the second perception mode. For example, if the perception mode currently adopted by the access network device is the second perception mode, then the access network device sending the perception switching request message means that the access network device requests to switch to the first perception mode.

[0316] In some embodiments, the awareness switching request message explicitly indicates the awareness mode of the switch.

[0317] Step 1702: Receive first information, the first information including configuration information for switching the perception mode.

[0318] If the executor of step 1702 is a UE:

[0319] In some embodiments, the configuration information for switching the perception mode includes at least one of the following: configuration information of the first perception mode; configuration information of the second perception mode; first acknowledgment (ACK) information; first negative acknowledgment (NACK) information; and configuration information of the first timer.

[0320] Among them, the first ACK information is used to indicate that the UE is allowed to switch the perception mode. Exemplarily, the perception switching request message is used to request switching from the first perception mode to the second perception mode. If the first information received by the UE includes the first ACK information, it indicates that the core network element allows the UE to switch from the first perception mode to the second perception mode. Exemplarily, the perception switching request message is used to request switching from the second perception mode to the first perception mode. If the first information received by the UE includes the first ACK information, it indicates that the core network element allows the UE to switch from the second perception mode to the first perception mode.

[0321] The first NACK information is used to indicate that the UE is not allowed to switch the perception mode. Exemplarily, the perception switching request message is used to request switching from the first perception mode to the second perception mode. If the first information received by the UE includes the first NACK information, it indicates that the core network element does not allow the UE to switch from the first perception mode to the second perception mode. Exemplarily, the perception switching request message is used to request switching from the second perception mode to the first perception mode. If the first information received by the UE includes the first NACK information, it indicates that the core network element does not allow the UE to switch from the second perception mode to the first perception mode.

[0322] In some embodiments, the first information implicitly instructs the UE to adopt the first sensing mode or the second sensing mode. For example, if the first information carries configuration information of the first sensing mode, it means instructing the UE to adopt the first sensing mode; for example, if the first information carries configuration information of the second sensing mode, it means instructing the UE to adopt the second sensing mode.

[0323] In some embodiments, the first information explicitly instructs the UE to adopt the first perception mode or the second perception mode.

[0324] In some embodiments, the first information indicates that the UE adopts a first perception mode. Optionally, the first information also includes perception assistance information and / or perception measurement configuration information used for calculation.

[0325] In some embodiments, the first information indicates that the UE is not allowed to switch the perception mode, or the first information indicates that the UE maintains the current perception mode, or the perception mode indicated by the first information is the same as the current perception mode of the UE.

[0326] In some embodiments, the UE also receives configuration information of the first timer to prevent the UE from frequently sending perception switching request messages, which helps to save energy and signaling overhead. Optionally, the configuration information of the first timer is sent together with the first NACK information, and the UE receives the configuration information of the first timer and the first NACK information together. Optionally, the configuration information of the first timer is carried in the first NACK information. Optionally, the configuration information of the first timer is sent before the first NACK information, and the UE first receives the configuration information of the first timer and then receives the first NACK information.

[0327] In some embodiments, upon receiving the first NACK information, the UE starts a first timer.

[0328] In some embodiments, the UE stops the first timer upon receiving the first ACK information.

[0329] In some embodiments, the UE stops the first timer when sending the perception switching request message.

[0330] In some embodiments, the UE does not send an awareness switching request message during the activation of the first timer.

[0331] In some embodiments, the UE sends a perception switching request message after the first timer expires.

[0332] If the executor of step 1702 is an access network device:

[0333] In some embodiments, the configuration information for switching the sensing mode includes at least one of the following: configuration information of the first sensing mode; configuration information of the second sensing mode; second ACK information; and second NACK information.

[0334] Among them, the second ACK information is used to indicate that the access network device is allowed to switch the perception mode. Exemplarily, the perception switching request message is used to request switching from the first perception mode to the second perception mode. If the first information received by the access network device includes the second ACK information, it indicates that the core network network element allows the access network device to switch from the first perception mode to the second perception mode. Exemplarily, the perception switching request message is used to request switching from the second perception mode to the first perception mode. If the first information received by the access network device includes the second ACK information, it indicates that the core network network element allows the access network device to switch from the second perception mode to the first perception mode.

[0335] The second NACK information is used to indicate that the access network device is not allowed to switch the perception mode. Exemplarily, the perception switching request message is used to request switching from the first perception mode to the second perception mode. If the first information received by the access network device includes the second NACK information, it indicates that the core network network element does not allow the access network device to switch from the first perception mode to the second perception mode. Exemplarily, the perception switching request message is used to request switching from the second perception mode to the first perception mode. If the first information received by the access network device includes the second NACK information, it indicates that the core network network element does not allow the access network device to switch from the second perception mode to the first perception mode.

[0336] In some embodiments, the first information implicitly indicates that the access network device adopts the first perception mode or the second perception mode. Alternatively, the first information explicitly indicates that the access network device adopts the first perception mode or the second perception mode.

[0337] In some embodiments, the first information instructs the access network device to adopt the first sensing mode. Optionally, the access network device further sends the first information to the UE, which also includes sensing assistance information and / or sensing measurement configuration information used for calculation.

[0338] In some embodiments, the first information indicates that the access network device is not allowed to switch the sensing mode, or the first information indicates that the access network device maintains the current sensing mode, or the sensing mode indicated by the first information is the same as the current sensing mode of the access network device. Optionally, the access network device also sends configuration information of a first timer to the UE to prevent the UE from frequently sending sensing switching request messages, thereby helping to save energy and signaling overhead.

[0339] For other contents, please refer to step 1203 and will not be repeated here.

[0340] Step 1703: Execute the switch of the perception mode.

[0341] In a case where the first information includes configuration information for switching the perception mode, switching of the perception mode is performed based on the configuration information for switching the perception mode.

[0342] In some embodiments, when the configuration information for switching the perception mode includes configuration information of the first perception mode, the perception mode is switched to the first perception mode.

[0343] In some embodiments, when the configuration information for switching the perception mode includes configuration information of the second perception mode, the perception mode is switched to the second perception mode.

[0344] In some embodiments, switching of the sensing mode is performed when the configuration information for switching the sensing mode includes ACK information.

[0345] In some embodiments, when the configuration information for switching the sensing mode includes NACK information, the switching of the sensing mode is not performed.

[0346] Step 1704: Report the perception data and / or perception results.

[0347] Based on the switched sensing mode, only the service needs to be sensed, sensing data and / or sensing results are obtained, and the sensing data and / or sensing results are reported. For related content, please refer to step 1204 and step 1205, which will not be repeated here.

[0348] It should be noted that step 1701, step 1703, and step 1704 are optional steps.

[0349] In summary, the method provided in the embodiment of the present application, by sending configuration information related to perception, enables UE and access network equipment to perform perception mode switching based on the expectations and instructions of the core network network element, which helps to achieve energy saving and air interface resource conservation. In addition, it supports UE and access network equipment to send request information to assist the core network network element in determining whether to switch the perception mode, and then accurately and specifically sends the configuration information corresponding to the perception mode, which helps to improve perception efficiency and accuracy, and reduce power consumption waste and air interface resource waste.

[0350] FIG18 shows a flow chart of a sensing method provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application. The method is performed by a core network element and includes at least one of the following steps:

[0351] Step 1801: Receive a perception switching request message, where the perception switching request message is used to request switching of the perception mode.

[0352] The perception switching request message may come from the UE or from the access network device. For details, please refer to step 1701, which will not be repeated here.

[0353] Step 1802: Send first information, the first information including configuration information for switching the perception mode.

[0354] Please refer to step 1802 for details, which will not be repeated here.

[0355] It should be noted that step 1801 is an optional step.

[0356] In summary, the method provided in the embodiment of the present application, by sending configuration information related to perception, enables UE and access network equipment to switch perception modes based on the expectations and instructions of core network elements, which helps to achieve energy saving and air interface resource conservation. In addition, it supports UE and access network equipment to send request information to assist core network elements in determining whether to switch perception modes, and then accurately and specifically sends configuration information corresponding to the perception mode, which helps to improve perception efficiency and accuracy and reduce power consumption waste and air interface resource waste.

[0357] FIG19 shows a flow chart of a sensing method provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application. The method is performed by a UE, an access network device, and a core network element. The method includes at least one of the following steps:

[0358] Step 1901: The UE sends a perception switching request message to the core network element.

[0359] For related content, please refer to step 1701 and will not be repeated here.

[0360] Step 1902: The core network element determines whether to switch the perception mode.

[0361] In some embodiments, the core network element decides whether to switch the perception mode based on the perception switching request message and / or the second information and / or the fourth information and / or the perception assistance information.

[0362] Step 1903: The core network element sends configuration information for switching the perception mode to the UE.

[0363] In some embodiments, the configuration information for switching the sensing mode includes the first ACK information or the first NACK information. Optionally, the configuration information for switching the sensing mode also includes one or more of the following: configuration information of the first sensing mode; configuration information of the second sensing mode; and configuration information of the first timer.

[0364] For related content, please refer to step 1702 and will not be repeated here.

[0365] Step 1904: The access network device sends a perception switching request message to the core network element.

[0366] For related content, please refer to step 1701 and will not be repeated here.

[0367] Step 1905: The core network element decides whether to switch the perception mode.

[0368] Step 1906: The core network element sends configuration information for switching the perception mode to the access network device.

[0369] In some embodiments, the configuration information for switching the sensing mode includes the second ACK information or the second NACK information. Optionally, the configuration information for switching the sensing mode also includes one or more of the following: configuration information of the first sensing mode; configuration information of the second sensing mode.

[0370] For related content, please refer to step 1702 and will not be repeated here.

[0371] Step 1907: The core network element sends configuration information for switching the perception mode to the UE.

[0372] In some embodiments, in addition to executing step 1906, the core network element also indicates to the UE to switch between UE / SF-based sensing modes.

[0373] For related content, please refer to step 1702 and will not be repeated here.

[0374] In summary, the method provided in the embodiment of the present application, by sending configuration information related to perception, enables UE and access network equipment to perform perception mode switching based on the expectations and instructions of the core network network element, which helps to achieve energy saving and air interface resource conservation. In addition, it supports UE and access network equipment to send request information to assist the core network network element in determining whether to switch the perception mode, and then accurately and specifically sends the configuration information corresponding to the perception mode, which helps to improve perception efficiency and accuracy, and reduce power consumption waste and air interface resource waste.

[0375] Finally, we introduce method three: the UE autonomously determines the perception mode.

[0376] FIG20 shows a flow chart of a sensing method provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application. The method is performed by a UE and includes at least one of the following steps:

[0377] Step 2001: Receive first information, the first information including configuration information for switching the perception mode.

[0378] In some embodiments, the configuration information for switching the perception mode includes switching condition information of the perception mode.

[0379] In some embodiments, the switching condition information of the perception mode includes at least one of the following information: a first threshold related to the perception calculation complexity; and a second threshold related to the amount of uplink perception data.

[0380] In some embodiments, the first threshold includes, for example, a latency threshold, a computational complexity threshold, and the like. Exemplarily, the UE may perform preliminary processing on the sensing measurement data. When the sensing computational complexity is low and the UE processing time meets the latency requirement, the UE reports the sensing results to the network based on the first sensing mode, thereby saving air interface transmission resources. Exemplarily, when the computational complexity exceeds the first threshold, the UE transmits the complete sensing data to the network based on the second sensing mode, initiating the second sensing mode.

[0381] In some embodiments, the second threshold includes, for example, an uplink sensing data volume threshold (ul-DataThreshold). Exemplarily, when the sensing measurement volume changes significantly due to environmental changes or other reasons, and the amount of sensing data generated by the UE exceeds the second threshold, the UE processes the sensing measurement volume based on the first sensing mode and then reports the sensing result to the network. Exemplarily, when the amount of sensing data generated by the UE is less than the second threshold, the UE transmits the complete sensing data to the network side based on the second sensing mode, thereby initiating the second sensing mode.

[0382] In some embodiments, the configuration information for switching the sensing mode is pre-configured.

[0383] Step 2002: Based on the switching condition information, perform switching of the perception mode.

[0384] In some embodiments, when the current perception calculation complexity is less than or equal to the first threshold, the UE and / or access network device switches from the second perception mode to the first perception mode.

[0385] In some embodiments, when the current perception calculation complexity is greater than a first threshold, the UE and / or access network device switches from the first perception mode to the second perception mode.

[0386] In some embodiments, when the current perception calculation complexity is less than or equal to a first threshold, the UE reports the perception result based on the first perception mode. When the current perception calculation complexity is greater than the first threshold, the UE reports the perception data.

[0387] In some embodiments, when the current amount of uplink perception data is less than or equal to a second threshold, the UE and / or access network device switches from the first perception mode to the second perception mode.

[0388] In some embodiments, when the current amount of uplink perception data is greater than a first threshold, the UE and / or access network device switches from the second perception mode to the first perception mode.

[0389] In some embodiments, when the current amount of uplink sensing data is less than or equal to a second threshold, the UE reports the sensing data. When the current amount of uplink sensing data is greater than the second threshold, the UE reports the sensing result based on the first sensing mode.

[0390] Step 2003: Reporting perception data and / or perception results.

[0391] Based on the switched sensing mode, only the service needs to be sensed, sensing data and / or sensing results are obtained, and the sensing data and / or sensing results are reported. For related content, please refer to step 1204 and step 1205, which will not be repeated here.

[0392] In some embodiments, the perception data and / or perception results are carried in a perception information report.

[0393] In some embodiments, the perception information report is also used to implicitly indicate that the UE has switched perception modes. For example, in the first perception mode, the UE reports the perception result. If the UE reports the perception result, it indicates that the UE has switched to the first perception mode. For example, in the second perception mode, the UE reports the perception data. If the UE reports the perception data, it indicates that the UE has switched to the second perception mode.

[0394] In some embodiments, the UE sends a notification message to explicitly indicate that the UE has switched the perception mode.

[0395] It should be noted that step 2002 and step 2003 are optional steps.

[0396] In summary, the method provided in the embodiment of the present application, by configuring configuration information for switching perception modes, enables the UE to autonomously switch perception modes based on switching condition information, thereby helping to achieve energy conservation and save air interface resources. Furthermore, the method supports the UE to indicate that it has switched perception modes, allowing the network side to clarify the switching behavior on the UE side, helping to ensure efficiency and consistency within the system, improve perception efficiency and accuracy, and reduce power consumption and air interface resource waste.

[0397] FIG21 shows a flow chart of a sensing method provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application. The method is performed by a UE, an access network device, and a core network element. The method includes at least one of the following steps:

[0398] Step 2101: The core network element sends a sensing capability request to the UE.

[0399] The perception capability request belongs to the third information. Please refer to step 1201 for details and will not be repeated here.

[0400] Step 2102: The UE sends a perception capability report to the core network element.

[0401] The perception capability report belongs to the second information. Please refer to step 1202 for details, which will not be repeated here.

[0402] Step 2103: The core network element sends a sensing reference signal information request (Sensing RS Info Request) to the access network device.

[0403] Step 2104: The access network device determines sensing reference signal resources (gNB determines Sensing RS Resources).

[0404] The perception reference signal resources include, for example, at least one of the following: time domain resources, frequency domain resources, spatial domain resources, etc.

[0405] Step 2105: The access network device sends a sensing reference signal information response (Sensing RS Info Response) to the core network element.

[0406] Step 2106: The core network element sends sensing assistance data (Provide Sensing Assistance Data) to the UE.

[0407] The perception auxiliary data belongs to the first information. For details, please refer to step 1203 and step 1404, which will not be described here.

[0408] In some embodiments, the configuration information for switching the perception mode as described in step 2001 is carried in the perception assistance data.

[0409] Step 2107: The core network element sends a sensing information request (Sensing Information Request) to the UE.

[0410] The perception information request belongs to the first information. For details, please refer to step 1203 and step 1405, which will not be repeated here.

[0411] In some embodiments, the configuration information for switching the perception mode as described in step 2001 is carried in the perception information request.

[0412] Step 2108: The UE autonomously switches the perception mode based on the first information.

[0413] In some embodiments, the UE measures sensing reference signals and autonomously decides whether to perform sensing results calculation based on conditions.

[0414] For related content, please refer to step 2002, which will not be repeated here.

[0415] Step 2109: The UE sends a Sensing Information Report.

[0416] The sensing information report includes sensing data (Sensing Measurement) and / or sensing results (Sensing Result).

[0417] For related content, please refer to step 1204 and step 1205, which will not be repeated here.

[0418] In summary, the method provided in the embodiment of the present application, by configuring configuration information for switching perception modes, enables the UE to autonomously switch perception modes based on switching condition information, thereby helping to achieve energy conservation and save air interface resources. Furthermore, the method supports the UE to indicate that it has switched perception modes, allowing the network side to clarify the switching behavior on the UE side, helping to ensure efficiency and consistency within the system, improve perception efficiency and accuracy, and reduce power consumption and air interface resource waste.

[0419] Figure 22 shows a block diagram of a sensing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application. The device can be implemented as a terminal device or a portion of a terminal device, which can be implemented as one or more of the terminal devices shown in Figures 1 and 2. The device includes a receiving module 2210. Optionally, the device also includes at least some of the sending module 2230 and the processing module 2250.

[0420] The receiving module 2210 is used to receive first information, where the first information includes configuration information related to perception.

[0421] In some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following information: perception measurement configuration information; perception assistance information used for calculation; and configuration information for switching perception modes.

[0422] In some embodiments, the perception measurement configuration information includes at least one of the following information: perception measurement quantity, measurement configuration, reporting configuration, perception QoS information, and perception signal reception configuration information.

[0423] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a sending module 2230 for sending second information, where the second information comprises capability information and / or preference information of the apparatus related to perception.

[0424] In some embodiments, the second information includes at least one of the following information: whether the device supports a first perception mode, the first perception mode is a device-based perception mode; whether the device supports a second perception mode, the second perception mode is a core network element-based perception mode; the type of perception data supported by the device for reporting; the perception data supported by the device for reporting; the perception performance indicators supported by the device; the perception mode preferred by the device; the type of perception data preferred by the device; the perception data preferred by the device; the perception performance indicators preferred by the device; and the current energy saving level of the device.

[0425] In some embodiments, the perception data type includes at least one of the following: original perception data, preliminary perception data, intermediate perception data, and perception results.

[0426] In some embodiments, the sensing data includes at least one of the following: speed, delay, Doppler shift, angle, signal strength, distance, direction, and acceleration.

[0427] In some embodiments, the perception performance indicator includes at least one of the following: perception service delay, refresh rate, and perception accuracy.

[0428] In some embodiments, the receiving module 2210 is further configured to receive third information, where the third information is used to request or configure the device to send the second information.

[0429] In some embodiments, the third information includes sensing capability request information, and the second information includes sensing capability report; or, the third information includes RRC reconfiguration information, and the second information includes device assistance information.

[0430] In some embodiments, the device also includes a processing module 2250, which is used to start a first timer when the RRC reconfiguration information includes a first information element and the first information element is used to configure the device to send the second information, and the first timer is related to the perception switching request message.

[0431] In some embodiments, the processing module 2250 is further used to stop a first timer when the RRC reconfiguration information includes a first information element and the first information element is not used to configure the device to send the second information, and the first timer is related to the perception switching request message.

[0432] In some embodiments, the sending module 2230 is used to send a perception switching request message, where the perception switching request message is used to request switching of the perception mode.

[0433] In some embodiments, the processing module 2250 is further configured to, when the first information includes configuration information for switching the perception mode, execute switching of the perception mode based on the configuration information for switching the perception mode.

[0434] In some embodiments, the configuration information for switching the perception mode includes at least one of the following: configuration information of the first perception mode; configuration information of the second perception mode; first ACK information, used to indicate that the device is allowed to switch the perception mode; first NACK information, used to indicate that the device is not allowed to switch the perception mode; configuration information of the first timer, the first timer is related to the perception switching request message; and switching condition information of the perception mode.

[0435] In some embodiments, the processing module 2250 is further used for at least one of the following: when the configuration information for switching the perception mode includes the configuration information of the first perception mode, switching the perception mode to the first perception mode; when the configuration information for switching the perception mode includes the configuration information of the second perception mode, switching the perception mode to the second perception mode; when the configuration information for switching the perception mode includes the ACK information, performing the switching of the perception mode; when the configuration information for switching the perception mode includes the NACK information, not performing the switching of the perception mode.

[0436] In some embodiments, the processing module 2250 is also used for at least one of the following: starting the first timer when receiving a first NACK information, the first NACK information is used to indicate that the device is not allowed to switch the perception mode; stopping the first timer when receiving a first confirmation ACK information, the first ACK information is used to indicate that the device is allowed to switch the perception mode; starting the first timer when sending a second information, the second information including the device's perception-related capability information and / or preference information.

[0437] In some embodiments, the sending module 2230 is also used for at least one of the following: not sending the second information during the startup of the first timer; sending the second information after the first timer times out; stopping the first timer when sending the perception switching request message; not sending the perception switching request message during the startup of the first timer; sending the perception switching request message after the first timer times out.

[0438] In some embodiments, the switching condition information of the sensing mode includes at least one of the following information: a first threshold related to the sensing calculation complexity; and a second threshold related to the amount of uplink sensing data.

[0439] In some embodiments, the processing module 2250 is also used for at least one of the following: switching from the second perception mode to the first perception mode when the current perception calculation complexity is less than or equal to the first threshold; switching from the first perception mode to the second perception mode when the current perception calculation complexity is greater than the first threshold; switching from the first perception mode to the second perception mode when the current uplink perception data volume is less than or equal to the second threshold; switching from the second perception mode to the first perception mode when the current uplink perception data volume is greater than the first threshold.

[0440] In some embodiments, the sending module 2230 is also used for at least one of the following: reporting the perception result based on the first perception mode when the current perception calculation complexity is less than or equal to the first threshold; sending the perception data when the current perception calculation complexity is greater than the first threshold; sending the perception data when the current uplink perception data volume is less than or equal to the second threshold; reporting the perception result based on the first perception mode when the current uplink perception data volume is greater than the second threshold.

[0441] In some embodiments, the processing module 2250 is further configured to obtain perception data and / or perception results based on the first information.

[0442] In some embodiments, the sending module 2230 is further configured to report the perception data and / or the perception result.

[0443] In some embodiments, the perception data and / or the perception result are carried in a perception information report.

[0444] In some embodiments, the perception information report is also used to implicitly indicate that the device has switched perception mode.

[0445] In some embodiments, the sending module 2230 is further used to send a notification message, where the notification message is used to explicitly indicate that the device has switched to a perception mode.

[0446] In some embodiments, the receiving module 2210 is used to perform one or more of the following steps: step 1101, step 1201, step 1203, step 1401, step 1404, step 1405, step 1601, step 1605, step 1606, step 1702, step 1903, step 1907, step 2001, step 2101, step 2106, step 2107.

[0447] In some embodiments, the sending module 2230 is used to perform one or more of the following steps: step 1202, step 1205, step 1402, step 1406, step 1602, step 1608, step 1701, step 1704, step 1901, step 2003, step 2102, and step 2109.

[0448] In some embodiments, the processing module 2250 is used to perform one or more of the following steps: step 1204 , step 1703 , step 2002 , and step 2108 .

[0449] In summary, the device provided in the embodiment of the present application can perform perception services based on the expectations and instructions of the network side through configuration information related to perception, which helps to achieve the effect of energy saving and saving air interface resources. In addition, the device is supported to report its own capability information and preference information to assist the network side in determining which perception mode to adopt, and the device is also supported to send request information to assist the core network element in determining whether to switch the perception mode, thereby supporting the network side to accurately and specifically send configuration information corresponding to the perception mode, which helps to improve perception efficiency and accuracy, and reduce power consumption waste and air interface resource waste. In addition, the device is supported to autonomously execute the switching of perception modes based on switching condition information, which helps to further improve the effect of energy saving and saving air interface resources. The device is also supported to indicate to the network side that it has switched the perception mode, so that the network side can understand the autonomous switching behavior of the device, which helps to ensure efficiency and consistency within the system.

[0450] Figure 23 shows a block diagram of a sensing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application. This device can be implemented as an access network device or a portion of an access network device. The access network device can be implemented as one or more of the access network devices shown in Figures 1 and 2 . The device includes a receiving module 2310. Optionally, the device also includes at least some of the sending module 2330 and the processing module 2350.

[0451] The receiving module 2310 is used to receive first information, where the first information includes configuration information related to perception.

[0452] In some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following information: perception measurement configuration information; perception assistance information used for calculation; and configuration information for switching perception modes.

[0453] In some embodiments, the perception measurement configuration information includes at least one of the following information: perception measurement quantity, measurement configuration, reporting configuration, perception QoS information, and perception signal reception configuration information.

[0454] In some embodiments, the device also includes a sending module 2330 for sending perception auxiliary information, and the perception auxiliary information is generated based on the second information and / or fourth information; wherein, the second information includes the capability information and / or preference information of the terminal device related to perception, and the fourth information includes the capability information and / or preference information of the device related to perception.

[0455] In some embodiments, the fourth information includes at least one item of the following information: whether the device supports a first perception mode, which is a perception mode based on a terminal device; whether the device supports a second perception mode, which is a perception mode based on a core network element; the type of perception data supported by the device for reporting; the perception data supported by the device for reporting; the perception performance indicators supported by the device; the perception mode preferred by the device; the type of perception data preferred by the device; the perception data preferred by the device; the perception performance indicators preferred by the device; and the air interface resource overhead information of the device.

[0456] In some embodiments, the receiving module 2310 is further configured to receive the second information. The second information includes at least one of the following information: whether the terminal device supports a first perception mode, where the first perception mode is a perception mode based on the terminal device; whether the terminal device supports a second perception mode, where the second perception mode is a perception mode based on a core network element; types of perception data supported by the terminal device for reporting; perception data supported by the terminal device for reporting; perception performance indicators supported by the terminal device; a preferred perception mode of the terminal device; a preferred perception data type of the terminal device; preferred perception data of the terminal device; preferred perception performance indicators of the terminal device; and a current energy saving level of the terminal device.

[0457] In some embodiments, the perception data type includes at least one of the following: original perception data, preliminary perception data, intermediate perception data, and perception results.

[0458] In some embodiments, the sensing data includes at least one of the following: speed, delay, Doppler shift, angle, signal strength, distance, direction, and acceleration.

[0459] In some embodiments, the perception performance indicator includes at least one of the following: perception service delay, refresh rate, and perception accuracy.

[0460] In some embodiments, the receiving module 2310 is further used to receive third information, where the third information is used to request or configure the terminal device to send second information.

[0461] In some embodiments, the third information includes sensing capability request information, and the second information includes sensing capability report; or, the third information includes RRC reconfiguration information, and the second information includes device assistance information.

[0462] In some embodiments, the sending module 2330 is further used to send a perception switching request message, where the perception switching request message is used to request switching of the perception mode.

[0463] In some embodiments, the device further includes a processing module 2350 for performing switching of the perception mode based on the configuration information for switching the perception mode when the first information includes configuration information for switching the perception mode.

[0464] In some embodiments, the configuration information for switching the perception mode includes at least one of the following: second ACK information, used to indicate that the device is allowed to switch the perception mode; second NACK information, used to indicate that the device is not allowed to switch the perception mode; configuration information of the first perception mode; configuration information of the second perception mode.

[0465] In some embodiments, the processing module 2350 is further used for at least one of the following: when the configuration information for switching the perception mode includes the configuration information of the first perception mode, switching the perception mode to the first perception mode; when the configuration information for switching the perception mode includes the configuration information of the second perception mode, switching the perception mode to the second perception mode; when the configuration information for switching the perception mode includes the ACK information, performing the switching of the perception mode; when the configuration information for switching the perception mode includes the NACK information, not performing the switching of the perception mode.

[0466] In some embodiments, the processing module 2350 is further configured to obtain perception data and / or perception results based on the first information.

[0467] In some embodiments, the sending module 2330 is further configured to report the perception data and / or the perception result.

[0468] In some embodiments, the receiving module 2310 is further used to receive the perception data and / or the perception result from the terminal device based on the first information.

[0469] In some embodiments, the receiving module 2310 is used to perform one or more of the following steps: step 1502 , step 1504 , step 1602 , step 1607 , step 1702 , step 1906 , step 2001 , and step 2103 .

[0470] In some embodiments, the sending module 2330 is used to perform one or more of the following steps: step 1501, step 1503, step 1506, step 1603, step 1608, step 1701, step 1704, step 1904, step 2003, and step 2105.

[0471] In some embodiments, the processing module 2350 is used to perform one or more of the following steps: step 1505 , step 1703 , step 2002 , and step 2104 .

[0472] In summary, the device provided in the embodiment of the present application can perform perception services based on the expectations and instructions of the network side through configuration information related to perception, which helps to achieve energy saving and air interface resource conservation. In addition, the device supports reporting its own capability information and preference information to assist the network side in determining which perception mode to adopt. It also supports the device sending request information to assist the core network element in determining whether to switch the perception mode, and further supports the accurate and targeted sending of configuration information corresponding to the perception mode, which helps to improve perception efficiency and accuracy and reduce power consumption waste and air interface resource waste.

[0473] Figure 24 shows a block diagram of a sensing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application. The device can be implemented as a core network element or a portion of a core network element. The core network element can be implemented as one or more of the core network elements shown in Figures 1 and 2 . The device includes a sending module 2410. Optionally, the device also includes at least some of the receiving module 2430 and the processing module 2450.

[0474] The sending module 2410 is used to send first information, where the first information includes configuration information related to perception.

[0475] In some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following information: perception measurement configuration information; perception assistance information used for calculation; and configuration information for switching perception modes.

[0476] In some embodiments, the perception measurement configuration information includes at least one of the following information: perception measurement quantity, measurement configuration, reporting configuration, perception QoS information, and perception signal reception configuration information.

[0477] In some embodiments, the device also includes a receiving module 2430 for receiving at least one of the following information: second information, fourth information, and perception auxiliary information; wherein, the second information includes capability information and / or preference information related to perception of the terminal device, and the fourth information includes capability information and / or preference information related to perception of the access network device, and the perception auxiliary information is generated based on the second information and / or the fourth information.

[0478] In some embodiments, the second information includes at least one of the following information: whether the device supports a first perception mode, the first perception mode is a device-based perception mode; whether the device supports a second perception mode, the second perception mode is a device-based perception mode; the type of perception data supported by the device for reporting; the perception data supported by the device for reporting; the perception performance indicators supported by the device; the perception mode preferred by the device; the type of perception data preferred by the device; the perception data preferred by the device; the perception performance indicators preferred by the device; and the current energy saving level of the device.

[0479] In some embodiments, the perception data type includes at least one of the following: original perception data, preliminary perception data, intermediate perception data, and perception results.

[0480] In some embodiments, the sensing data includes at least one of the following: speed, delay, Doppler shift, angle, signal strength, distance, direction, and acceleration.

[0481] In some embodiments, the perception performance indicator includes at least one of the following: perception service delay, refresh rate, and perception accuracy.

[0482] In some embodiments, the fourth information includes at least one item of the following information: whether the access network device supports a first perception mode, which is a perception mode based on a terminal device; whether the access network device supports a second perception mode, which is a perception mode based on a device; the type of perception data supported by the access network device for reporting; the perception data supported by the access network device for reporting; the perception performance indicators supported by the access network device; the perception mode preferred by the access network device; the type of perception data preferred by the access network device; the perception data preferred by the access network device; the perception performance indicators preferred by the access network device; and the air interface resource overhead information of the access network device.

[0483] In some embodiments, the sending module 2410 is used to send third information, and the third information is used to request or configure the terminal device to send the second information.

[0484] In some embodiments, the third information includes perception capability request information, and the second information includes perception capability report; or, the third information includes RRC reconfiguration information, and the second information includes terminal device auxiliary information.

[0485] In some embodiments, the configuration information for switching the perception mode includes at least one of the following: configuration information of the first perception mode; configuration information of the second perception mode; first ACK information, used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to switch the perception mode; first NACK information, used to indicate that the terminal device is not allowed to switch the perception mode; configuration information of the first timer, the first timer is related to the perception switching request message; switching condition information of the perception mode; second ACK information, used to indicate that the access network device is allowed to switch the perception mode; second NACK information, used to indicate that the access network device is not allowed to switch the perception mode.

[0486] In some embodiments, the receiving module 2430 is further used to receive a perception switching request message, where the perception switching request message is used to request switching of the perception mode.

[0487] In some embodiments, the receiving module 2430 is further configured to receive perception data, where the perception data is acquired based on the first information.

[0488] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a processing module 2450 for obtaining a perception result based on the perception data.

[0489] In some embodiments, the receiving module 2430 is further configured to receive a perception result, where the perception result is obtained based on the first information.

[0490] In some embodiments, the device comprises a SF or a LMF.

[0491] In some embodiments, the sending module 2410 is used to perform one or more of the following steps: step 1301, step 1303, step 1401, step 1404, step 1405, step 1605, step 1606, step 1607, step 1802, step 1903, step 1906, step 1907, step 2101, step 2103, step 2106, step 2107.

[0492] In some embodiments, the receiving module 2430 is used to perform one or more of the following steps: step 1302 , step 1402 , step 1406 , step 1603 , step 1608 , step 1801 , step 1901 , step 1904 , step 2102 , and step 2105 .

[0493] In some embodiments, the processing module 2450 is used to perform one or more of the following steps: step 1403 , step 1604 , step 1902 , and step 1905 .

[0494] In summary, the device provided in the embodiment of the present application, by sending configuration information related to perception, enables the UE and access network equipment to perform switching of perception modes based on the expectations and instructions of the device, which helps to achieve the effect of energy saving and saving of air interface resources. In addition, it supports the UE and access network equipment to send request information to assist the device in determining whether to switch the perception mode, and then accurately and specifically sends the configuration information corresponding to the perception mode, which helps to improve perception efficiency and accuracy, and reduce power consumption waste and air interface resource waste. It also supports the use of configuration information for switching perception modes, so that the UE can autonomously perform switching of perception modes based on switching condition information, further improving the effect of energy saving and saving of air interface resources.

[0495] It should be noted that the apparatus provided in the above embodiments only uses the division of the above functional modules as an example to illustrate the implementation of its functions. In actual applications, the above functions can be distributed and completed by different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the terminal device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above. In addition, the apparatus and method embodiments provided in the above embodiments are based on the same concept.

[0496] Figure 25 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a perception device 2500 provided in an exemplary embodiment of the present application, including a receiver 2501. Optionally, the perception device 2500 also includes at least one of the following: a transmitter 2502, a processor 2503, a memory 2504, and a bus (not shown in the figure). The perception device 2500 can be used to execute some or all of the steps executed by the terminal device described above. The perception device 2500 can also be used to execute some or all of the steps executed by the access network device described above.

[0497] The receiver 2501 is used to implement the receiving function, and the transmitter 2502 is used to implement the sending function.

[0498] In some embodiments, receiver 2501 and transmitter 2502 may be implemented as a communication component, which may be a communication chip and referred to as a transceiver. In some embodiments, receiver 2501 may be used to implement the functions and steps of receiving module 2210 and / or receiving module 2310 described above, and transmitter 2502 may be used to implement the functions and steps of transmitting module 2230 and / or transmitting module 2330 described above.

[0499] In some embodiments, receiver 2501 and transmitter 2502 may be implemented as one wireless communication component.

[0500] The processor 2503 includes one or more processing cores, and the processor 2503 executes various functional applications and information processing by running software programs and modules. In some embodiments, the processor 2503 can be used to implement the functions and steps of the processing module 2250 and / or the processing module 2350 described above.

[0501] The memory 2504 may be used to store a computer program executed by the processor 2503 , and the processor 1401 is used to execute the computer program to implement each step in the above method embodiment.

[0502] In some embodiments, the memory 2504 may be connected to the processor 2503 as well as the receiver 2501 and the transmitter 2502 .

[0503] In addition, the memory 2504 can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device or a combination thereof. Volatile or non-volatile storage devices include but are not limited to: magnetic disks or optical disks, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic memory, flash memory, and programmable read-only memory (PROM).

[0504] In some embodiments, the receiver 2501 receives signals / data independently, or the processor 2503 controls the receiver 2501 to receive signals / data, or the processor 2503 requests the receiver 2501 to receive signals / data, or the processor 2503 cooperates with the receiver 2501 to receive signals / data.

[0505] In some embodiments, the transmitter 2502 independently sends signals / data, or the processor 2503 controls the transmitter 2502 to send signals / data, or the processor 2503 requests the transmitter 2502 to send signals / data, or the processor 2503 cooperates with the transmitter 2502 to send signals / data.

[0506] For details not described in detail in this embodiment, please refer to the above embodiments and will not be described in detail here.

[0507] Figure 26 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a sensing device 2600 provided in an exemplary embodiment of the present application, including a transmitter 2601. Optionally, the sensing device 2600 also includes at least one of the following: a receiver 2602, a processor 2603, a memory 2604, and a bus (not shown in the figure). The sensing device 2600 can also be used to execute some or all of the steps performed by the core network element described above.

[0508] The transmitter 2601 is used to implement the sending function, and the receiver 2602 is used to implement the receiving function.

[0509] In some embodiments, receiver 2602 and transmitter 2601 may be implemented as a communication component, which may be a communication chip and referred to as a transceiver. In some embodiments, receiver 2602 may be used to implement the functions and steps of receiving module 2430 described above, and transmitter 2601 may be used to implement the functions and steps of transmitting module 2410 described above.

[0510] In some embodiments, receiver 2602 and transmitter 2601 may be implemented as a wireless communication component and / or a wired communication component.

[0511] The processor 2603 includes one or more processing cores, and the processor 2603 executes various functional applications and information processing by running software programs and modules. In some embodiments, the processor 2603 can be used to implement the functions and steps of the processing module 2450 described above.

[0512] The memory 2604 may be used to store a computer program executed by the processor 2603 , and the processor 2603 is used to execute the computer program to implement each step in the above method embodiment.

[0513] In some embodiments, the memory 2604 may be connected to the processor 2603 as well as the transmitter 2601 and the receiver 2602 .

[0514] In addition, the memory 2604 can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device or a combination thereof, including but not limited to: magnetic or optical disks, EEPROM, EPROM, SRAM, ROM, magnetic storage, flash memory, PROM.

[0515] In some embodiments, the receiver 2602 receives signals / data independently, or the processor 2603 controls the receiver 2602 to receive signals / data, or the processor 2603 requests the receiver 2602 to receive signals / data, or the processor 2603 cooperates with the receiver 2602 to receive signals / data.

[0516] In some embodiments, the transmitter 2601 independently sends signals / data, or the processor 2603 controls the transmitter 2601 to send signals / data, or the processor 2603 requests the transmitter 2601 to send signals / data, or the processor 2603 cooperates with the transmitter 2601 to send signals / data.

[0517] For details not described in detail in this embodiment, please refer to the above embodiments and will not be described in detail here.

[0518] In an exemplary embodiment of the present application, a chip is also provided, which includes a programmable logic circuit and / or program instructions. When the chip runs on a communication device, it is used to implement the perception methods provided by the above-mentioned various method embodiments.

[0519] In some embodiments, the chip includes a receiving module 2210. Optionally, the device also includes a sending module 2230 and / or at least part of the processing module 2250. The relevant contents of the receiving module 2210, the sending module 2230, and the processing module 2250 can be found in the above description and will not be repeated here.

[0520] In some embodiments, the chip includes a receiving module 2310. Optionally, the device further includes a sending module 2330 and / or a processing module 2350. The relevant contents of the receiving module 2310, the sending module 2330 and the processing module 2350 can be referred to above and will not be repeated here.

[0521] In some embodiments, the chip includes a sending module 2410. Optionally, the chip also includes a receiving module 2430 and / or a processing module 2450. The relevant contents of the sending module 2410, the receiving module 2430 and / or the processing module 2450 can be referred to above and will not be repeated here.

[0522] In an exemplary embodiment of the present application, a computer-readable storage medium is further provided, wherein a computer program is stored in the computer-readable storage medium, and when the computer program is executed by a processor, the above-mentioned perception method is implemented.

[0523] In an exemplary embodiment of the present application, a computer program product is further provided. When the computer program product is executed by a processor, it is used to implement the above-mentioned perception method.

[0524] In an exemplary embodiment of the present application, a computer program is further provided. The computer program includes computer instructions. A processor of a computer device executes the computer instructions, so that the computer device executes the above-mentioned perception method.

[0525] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps to implement the above embodiments may be accomplished by hardware, or may be accomplished by a program instructing the relevant hardware, and the program may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and the above-mentioned storage medium may be a read-only memory, a disk, or an optical disk, etc.

[0526] The above are only optional embodiments of the present application and are not intended to limit the present application. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present application should be included in the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A perception method, characterized in that, The method is executed by a terminal device, and the method includes: Receiving first information, where the first information includes configuration information related to sensing.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The first information includes at least one of the following information: sensing measurement configuration information; sensing assistance information for calculation; configuration information for switching sensing modes.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein The sensing measurement configuration information includes at least one of the following information: sensing measurement quantity, measurement configuration, reporting configuration, sensing QoS information, receiving configuration information of sensing signals.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The method further includes: Sending second information, where the second information includes the terminal device's capabilities information and / or preference information related to sensing.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein The second information includes at least one of the following information: Whether the terminal device supports a first sensing mode, where the first sensing mode is a sensing mode based on the terminal device; whether the terminal device supports a second sensing mode, where the second sensing mode is a sensing mode based on a core network element; the type of sensing data supported by the terminal device for reporting; The sensing data supported by the terminal device for reporting; The sensing performance metrics supported by the terminal device; the preferred sensing mode of the terminal device; the preferred type of sensing data of the terminal device; the preferred sensing data of the terminal device; the preferred sensing performance metrics of the terminal device; the current energy-saving level of the terminal device.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein The type of sensing data includes at least one of the following: raw sensing data, preliminary sensing data, intermediate sensing data, sensing results; and / or, the sensing data includes at least one of the following: speed, time delay, Doppler frequency shift, angle, signal strength, distance, orientation, acceleration; and / or, the sensing performance metrics include at least one of the following: sensing service time delay, refresh rate, sensing accuracy.

7. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: receiving third information, where the third information is used to request or configure the terminal device to send the second information.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein The third information includes sensing capabilities request information, and the second information includes a sensing capabilities report; or, The third information includes radio resource control (RRC) reconfiguration information, and the second information includes terminal device assistance information.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein The method further includes: When the RRC reconfiguration information includes a first information element and the first information element is used to configure the terminal device to send the second information, starting a first timer, where the first timer is related to a sensing switching request message.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: When the RRC reconfiguration information includes a first information element and the first information element is not used to configure the terminal device to send the second information, stopping the first timer, where the first timer is related to a sensing switching request message.

11. According to the method described in any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: Sending a sensing switching request message, where the sensing switching request message is used to request switching of the sensing mode.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that The method further includes: When the first information includes configuration information for switching the sensing mode, performing switching of the sensing mode based on the configuration information for switching the sensing mode.

13. The method according to claim 2 or 12, characterized in that, The configuration information for switching the sensing mode includes at least one of the following: configuration information of the first sensing mode; configuration information of the second sensing mode; a first acknowledgment (ACK) message for indicating that the terminal device is allowed to switch the sensing mode; a first negative acknowledgment (NACK) message for indicating that the terminal device is not allowed to switch the sensing mode; configuration information of a first timer, where the first timer is related to a sensing switching request message; and switching condition information of the sensing mode.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein The method further includes at least one of the following: When the configuration information for switching the sensing mode includes the configuration information of the first sensing mode, switching the sensing mode to the first sensing mode; When the configuration information for switching the sensing mode includes the configuration information of the second sensing mode, switching the sensing mode to the second sensing mode; When the configuration information for switching the sensing mode includes the first ACK message, performing the switching of the sensing mode; When the configuration information for switching the sensing mode includes the first NACK message, not performing the switching of the sensing mode.

15. The method according to claim 9 or 10 or 13, characterized in that The method further includes at least one of the following: When receiving a first negative acknowledgment (NACK) message, starting the first timer, where the first NACK message is used to indicate that the terminal device is not allowed to switch the sensing mode; When receiving a first acknowledgment (ACK) message, stopping the first timer, where the first ACK message is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to switch the sensing mode; When sending a second message, starting the first timer, where the second message includes the sensing-related capability information and / or preference information of the terminal device; During the startup period of the first timer, not sending the second message; After the first timer times out, sending the second message; When sending a sensing switching request message, stopping the first timer; During the startup period of the first timer, not sending the sensing switching request message; After the first timer times out, sending the sensing switching request message.

16. The method according to claim 13, wherein The switching condition information of the sensing mode includes at least one of the following information: a first threshold related to the sensing calculation complexity; a second threshold related to the uplink sensing data volume.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein The method further includes at least one of the following: When the current sensing calculation complexity is less than or equal to the first threshold, switching from the second sensing mode to the first sensing mode; when the current sensing calculation complexity is greater than the first threshold, switching from the first sensing mode to the second sensing mode; when the current uplink sensing data volume is less than or equal to the second threshold, switching from the first sensing mode to the second sensing mode; when the current uplink sensing data volume is greater than the first threshold, switching from the second sensing mode to the first sensing mode.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that, The method further includes at least one of the following: When the current sensing calculation complexity is less than or equal to the first threshold, reporting a sensing result based on the first sensing mode; When the current sensing calculation complexity is greater than the first threshold, sending sensing data. When the current uplink sensing data volume is less than or equal to the second threshold, send sensing data; When the current uplink sensing data volume is greater than the second threshold, report the sensing result based on the first sensing mode.

19. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that The method further includes: Obtain sensing data and / or sensing results based on the first information; Report the sensing data and / or the sensing results.

20. The method according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that, The sensing data and / or the sensing results are carried in a sensing information report.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein The sensing information report is further used to implicitly indicate that the terminal device has switched the sensing mode.

22. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a notification message, where the notification message is used to explicitly indicate that the terminal device has switched the sensing mode.

23. A perception method, characterized in that, The method is executed by an access network device, and the method includes: Receive first information, where the first information includes configuration information related to sensing.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein The first information includes at least one of the following information: sensing measurement configuration information; sensing auxiliary information for calculation; configuration information for switching the sensing mode.

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that, The sensing measurement configuration information includes at least one of the following information: sensing measurement quantity, measurement configuration, reporting configuration, sensing QoS information, receiving configuration information of the sensing signal.

26. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 25, characterized in that The method further includes: Send sensing auxiliary information, where the sensing auxiliary information is generated according to the second information and / or the fourth information; Wherein, the second information includes the terminal device's sensing-related capability information and / or preference information, and the fourth information includes the access network device's sensing-related capability information and / or preference information.

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein The fourth information includes at least one of the following items: Whether the access network device supports the first sensing mode, where the first sensing mode is a sensing mode based on the terminal device; whether the access network device supports the second sensing mode, where the second sensing mode is a sensing mode based on a core network element; The type of sensing data supported by the access network device for reporting; The sensing data supported by the access network device for reporting; The sensing performance indicators supported by the access network device; the sensing mode preferred by the access network device; the type of sensing data preferred by the access network device; The sensing data preferred by the access network device; The sensing performance indicators preferred by the access network device; the air interface resource overhead information of the access network device.

28. The method according to claim 26 or 27, characterized in that, The method further includes: receiving the second information; The second information includes at least one of the following information: whether the terminal device supports the first sensing mode, where the first sensing mode is a sensing mode based on the terminal device; whether the terminal device supports the second sensing mode, where the second sensing mode is a sensing mode based on a core network element; the type of sensing data supported by the terminal device for reporting; the sensing data supported by the terminal device for reporting; the sensing performance indicators supported by the terminal device; the sensing mode preferred by the terminal device; the type of sensing data preferred by the terminal device; the sensing data preferred by the terminal device; the sensing performance indicators preferred by the terminal device; the current energy-saving level of the terminal device.

29. The method according to claim 27 or 28, wherein The types of the sensed data include at least one of the following: raw sensed data, preliminary sensed data, intermediate sensed data, and sensing results; and / or, the sensed data includes at least one of the following: speed, time delay, Doppler shift, angle, signal strength, distance, orientation, and acceleration; and / or, the sensing performance metrics include at least one of the following: sensing service time delay, refresh rate, and sensing accuracy.

30. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 29, characterized in that, The method further includes: receiving third information, where the third information is used to request or configure the terminal device to send second information.

31. The method according to claim 30, wherein The third information includes sensing capability request information, and the second information includes a sensing capability report; or, the third information includes radio resource control (RRC) reconfiguration information, and the second information includes terminal device assistance information.

32. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 31, characterized in that, The method further includes: Sending a sensing mode switching request message, where the sensing mode switching request message is used to request a switch of the sensing mode.

33. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 32, characterized in that, The method further includes: When the first information includes configuration information for switching the sensing mode, based on the configuration information for switching the sensing mode, perform a switch of the sensing mode.

34. The method according to claim 24 or 33, characterized in that, The configuration information for switching the sensing mode includes at least one of the following: second acknowledgement (ACK) information, used to indicate that the access network device is allowed to switch the sensing mode; second negative acknowledgement (NACK) information, used to indicate that the access network device is not allowed to switch the sensing mode; configuration information of a first sensing mode; and configuration information of a second sensing mode.

35. The method according to claim 34, wherein The method further includes at least one of the following: When the configuration information for switching the sensing mode includes the configuration information of the first sensing mode, switch the sensing mode to the first sensing mode; When the configuration information for switching the sensing mode includes the configuration information of the second sensing mode, switch the sensing mode to the second sensing mode; When the configuration information for switching the sensing mode includes the second ACK information, perform a switch of the sensing mode; When the configuration information for switching the sensing mode includes the second NACK information, do not perform a switch of the sensing mode.

36. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 35, characterized in that, The method further includes: Obtain sensed data and / or sensing results based on the first information; Report the sensed data and / or the sensing results.

37. The method according to claim 35, wherein The obtaining of the sensed data and / or the sensing results based on the first information includes: based on the first information, receive the sensed data and / or the sensing results from the terminal device.

38. A perception method, characterized in that, The method is executed by a core network element, and the method includes: Send first information, where the first information includes configuration information related to sensing.

39. The method according to claim 38, wherein The first information includes at least one of the following information: sensing measurement configuration information; sensing assistance information for calculation; and configuration information for switching the sensing mode.

40. The method according to claim 39, wherein The sensing measurement configuration information includes at least one of the following information: sensing measurement quantity, measurement configuration, reporting configuration, sensing QoS information, and receiving configuration information of a sensing signal.

41. The method according to any one of claims 38 to 40, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive at least one of the following information: second information, fourth information, and sensing assistance information; Wherein, the second information includes the capability information and / or preference information of the terminal device related to sensing, the fourth information includes the capability information and / or preference information of the access network device related to sensing, and the sensing assistance information is generated according to the second information and / or the fourth information.

42. The method according to claim 41, wherein The second information includes at least one of the following information: Whether the terminal device supports the first sensing mode, where the first sensing mode is a sensing mode based on the terminal device; whether the terminal device supports the second sensing mode, where the second sensing mode is a sensing mode based on the core network element; the type of sensing data supported by the terminal device for reporting; The sensing data supported by the terminal device for reporting; The sensing performance metrics supported by the terminal device; the preferred sensing mode of the terminal device; the preferred type of sensing data of the terminal device; the preferred sensing data of the terminal device; the preferred sensing performance metrics of the terminal device; the current energy-saving level of the terminal device.

43. The method according to claim 41, wherein The fourth information includes at least one of the following information: Whether the access network device supports the first sensing mode, where the first sensing mode is a sensing mode based on the terminal device; whether the access network device supports the second sensing mode, where the second sensing mode is a sensing mode based on the core network element; The type of sensing data supported by the access network device for reporting; The sensing data supported by the access network device for reporting; The sensing performance metrics supported by the access network device; the preferred sensing mode of the access network device; the preferred type of sensing data of the access network device; The preferred sensing data of the access network device; The preferred sensing performance metrics of the access network device; the air interface resource overhead information of the access network device.

44. The method according to claim 42 or 43, wherein The type of sensing data includes at least one of the following: raw sensing data, preliminary sensing data, intermediate sensing data, sensing result; and / or, the sensing data includes at least one of the following: speed, delay, Doppler shift, angle, signal strength, distance, orientation, acceleration; and / or, the sensing performance metrics includes at least one of the following: sensing service delay, refresh rate, sensing accuracy.

45. The method according to any one of claims 41 to 44, characterized in that The method further includes: sending third information, where the third information is used to request or configure the terminal device to send the second information.

46. The method according to claim 45, wherein The third information includes sensing capability request information, and the second information includes sensing capability report; or, the third information includes radio resource control (RRC) reconfiguration information, and the second information includes terminal device assistance information.

47. The method according to claim 39, wherein, The configuration information for switching the sensing mode includes at least one of the following: configuration information for the first sensing mode; configuration information for the second sensing mode; first acknowledgement (ACK) information for indicating permission for the terminal device to switch the sensing mode; first negative acknowledgement (NACK) information for indicating non-permission for the terminal device to switch the sensing mode; configuration information for the first timer, where the first timer is related to the sensing switch request message; switching condition information for the sensing mode; Second ACK information for indicating permission for the access network device to switch the sensing mode; A second NACK message, used to indicate that the access network device is not allowed to switch the sensing mode.

48. The method according to any one of claims 38 to 47, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receiving a sensing handover request message, which is used to request a handover of the sensing mode.

49. The method according to any one of claims 38 to 48, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receiving sensing data, which is obtained based on the first information; Obtaining a sensing result based on the sensing data.

50. The method according to any one of claims 38 to 48, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receiving a sensing result, which is obtained based on the first information.

51. The method according to any one of claims 38 to 50, characterized in that The core network element includes a sensing network element SF or a location management network element LMF.

52. A sensing device, characterized in that, The apparatus includes: A receiving module, configured to receive first information, where the first information includes configuration information related to sensing.

53. A sensing device, characterized in that, The apparatus includes: A sending module, configured to send first information, where the first information includes configuration information related to sensing.

54. A sensing device, characterized in that, The sensing device includes: a processor; a transceiver connected to the processor; a memory for storing executable instructions of the processor; wherein, the processor is configured to load and execute the executable instructions to implement the sensing method according to any one of claims 1 to 22.

55. A sensing device, characterized in that, The sensing device includes: a processor; a transceiver connected to the processor; a memory for storing executable instructions of the processor; wherein, the processor is configured to load and execute the executable instructions to implement the sensing method according to any one of claims 23 to 37.

56. A sensing device, characterized in that, The sensing device includes: a processor; a transceiver connected to the processor; a memory for storing executable instructions of the processor; wherein, the processor is configured to load and execute the executable instructions to implement the sensing method according to any one of claims 38 to 51.

57. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, A computer program is stored in the storage medium, and the computer program is used to be executed by a processor to implement the sensing method according to any one of claims 1 to 22, or to implement the sensing method according to any one of claims 23 to 37, or to implement the sensing method according to any one of claims 38 to 51.

58. A chip, characterized in that, The chip includes programmable logic circuits and / or program instructions, which are used to implement the sensing method according to any one of claims 1 to 22, or to implement the sensing method according to any one of claims 23 to 37, or to implement the sensing method according to any one of claims 38 to 51 when the chip runs.

59. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes computer instructions, the computer instructions are stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and the processor reads and executes the computer instructions from the computer-readable storage medium to implement the sensing method according to any one of claims 1 to 22, or to implement the sensing method according to any one of claims 23 to 37, or to implement the sensing method according to any one of claims 38 to 51.

Images