Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides a communication method. The method is applied to a radio access network side sensing function network element. The method comprises: a radio access network side sensing function network element receives a sensing requirement from a core network side sensing function network element; the radio access network side sensing function network element determines sensing resource configuration information on the basis of the sensing requirement; and the radio access network side sensing function network element sends the sensing resource configuration information to a base station, wherein the sensing resource configuration information is used for configuring sensing resources of the base station. By means of the method, the radio access network side sensing function network element can provide a sensing resource configuration for the base station, and the sensing resource configuration information can adjust and control the sensing resources of the base station, thereby reducing the interference between base stations, and further improving the sensing effect. In addition, the radio access network side sensing function network element is close to the base station, thereby reducing the delay, and also improving the sensing effect.

Description

Communication method and communication device

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on December 29, 2023, with application number 202311872069.9 and application name “Communication Method and Communication Device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

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

[0003] Synaesthesia integration is a key technology for the next generation of wireless communication systems. It aims to integrate wireless communication and perception into a single system, and utilize the various propagation characteristics of wireless signals to achieve perception functions such as positioning, detection, imaging, and identification of targets, in order to obtain information about the surrounding physical environment, improve communication capabilities, and enhance user experience.

[0004] Currently, both positioning networks and telepathic networks have network elements with positioning or perception capabilities on the core network side. For example, in a positioning network architecture, a network element with positioning management capabilities is added to the core network to receive and process positioning-related data requests. Similarly, in a telepathic network architecture, a perception network element is added to the core network to control the perception function and process perception data. However, existing perception network elements provide poor perception services to base stations.

[0005] Therefore, how to improve the perception effect needs to be solved urgently. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present application provides a communication method and a communication device, which can improve the perception effect.

[0007] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, which is applied to a first network device and can be executed by the first network device. Unless otherwise specified, the "first network device" in this application can refer to the first network device itself, a component of the first network device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first network device. The method includes: receiving a sensing demand from a second network device; and sending sensing resource configuration information corresponding to the sensing demand to an access network device, where the sensing resource configuration information is used to configure sensing resources of the access network device.

[0008] Perception requirements are perception-related requirements. These include perception QoS information, such as perception resolution, perception range, and perception accuracy. They can also include perception service information, such as information about latency-sensitive or latency-insensitive perception services. Perception resource configuration information includes information about perception-related resources, including time-domain, frequency-domain, and spatial-domain resources.

[0009] Based on the above scheme, a first network device is provided that can configure perception resources for an access network device. The first network device can adjust and control the perception resources of the access network device according to the perception resource configuration information, without the access network device itself configuring the perception resources, thereby reducing interference between access network devices and improving the perception effect.

[0010] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: sending the sensing capability information of the first network device and / or the location information of the first network device to the second network device.

[0011] The sensing capability information of the first network device and / or the location information of the first network device may be used by the second network device to select a suitable first network device according to sensing requirements.

[0012] Based on the above technical solution, the first network device reports the perception capability information of the first network device and / or the location information of the first network device to the second network device, so that the second network device can subsequently select a suitable first network device based on the perception capability information of the first network device and / or the location information of the first network device.

[0013] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving address information of the second network device; and sending the address information of the first network device and / or the address information of the second network device to the access network device.

[0014] Optionally, address information of the first network device is received from the second network device.

[0015] Based on the above scheme, the first network device sends the address information of the first network device and / or the address information of the second network device to the access network device, so that the subsequent access network device reports the perception measurement data to the first network device or the second network device based on the address information of the first network device and / or the address information of the second network device.

[0016] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving perception measurement data from the access network device; and sending a perception result to the second network device, where the perception result is determined based on the perception measurement data.

[0017] The perception measurement data is data obtained by the access network device through perception.

[0018] Based on the above solution, since the first network device can directly configure sensing resources for the base station, the first network device can directly process the sensing measurement data of the access network device, thereby reducing latency and improving sensing effects.

[0019] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: sending first access network device list information to the second network device, where the first access network device list information is used to indicate at least one access network device within the management area of ​​the first network device.

[0020] Based on the above solution, the first network device can send information of at least one access network device in the management area to the second network device, so that the second network device can subsequently re-determine a more suitable access network device for sensing resource configuration according to sensing requirements.

[0021] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving second access network device list information from the second network device.

[0022] The second access network device list information is used to indicate part or all of the at least one access network device in the first access network device list information.

[0023] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the second access network device list information is used to indicate some or all of the at least one access network device.

[0024] Based on the above scheme, the access network device can be all or part of the access network devices in the second access network device list information, and the second access network device list information is used to indicate all or part of the access network devices of at least one access network device within the management area reported by the first network device, making the access network device selection method more flexible.

[0025] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided, which is applied to a second network device and can be executed by the second network device. Unless otherwise specified, the "second network device" in this application can refer to the second network device itself, a component in the second network device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the second network device. The method includes: sending a sensing requirement to a first network device, the sensing requirement is used to determine sensing resource configuration information of the first network device, and the sensing resource configuration information is used to configure sensing resources of the access network device.

[0026] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: receiving sensing capability information and / or location information of the first network device from the first network device.

[0027] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: sending address information of the second network device to the first network device.

[0028] Optionally, address information of the first network device is sent to the first network device.

[0029] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: receiving a perception result from the first network device, where the perception result is determined by the first network device based on the perception measurement data sent by the access network device.

[0030] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: receiving first access network device list information from the first network device, the first access network device list information being used to indicate at least one access network device within the management area of ​​the first network device.

[0031] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: sending the second access network device list information to the first network device.

[0032] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the second access network device list information is used to indicate all or part of the access network devices in the at least one access network device.

[0033] In a third aspect, a communication method is provided, which is applied to an access network device. The method can be executed by the access network device. Unless otherwise specified, the "access network device" in this application can refer to the access network device itself, a component in the access network device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the access network device. The method includes: receiving sensing resource configuration information from a first network device; and determining a sensing resource based on the sensing resource configuration information.

[0034] In combination with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the method further includes: receiving address information of the first network device; and sending the perception measurement data to the first network device according to the address information of the first network device.

[0035] In combination with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the method further includes: receiving address information of the first network device and address information of the second network device; and determining, based on the perception service information, perception measurement data sent based on the address information of the first network device.

[0036] Optionally, the perception measurement data sent according to the address information of the second network device is determined according to the perception service information.

[0037] In combination with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, the perception service information includes delay-sensitive perception services.

[0038] Optionally, the perception measurement data sent according to the address information of the second network device is determined according to the perception service information that does not include the delay-sensitive perception service.

[0039] Based on the above scheme, for latency-sensitive perception services, the access network device can report the perception measurement data to the first network device. Since the first network device can directly configure perception resources for the base station, the first network device can directly process the perception measurement data to obtain perception results, reduce latency, and improve perception effects.

[0040] In a fourth aspect, a communication device is provided, the device comprising: a processing unit, configured to determine sensing resource configuration information, the sensing resource configuration information being used to configure sensing resources of an access network device;

[0041] a transceiver unit, configured to receive a sensing demand from a second network device; and further configured to send the sensing resource configuration information to the access network device;

[0042] The transceiver unit may perform the reception and transmission processing in the aforementioned first aspect, and the processing unit of the communication device may perform other processing except the reception and transmission in the aforementioned first aspect.

[0043] In a fifth aspect, a communication device is provided, the device comprising: a processing unit, configured to determine a sensing requirement, the sensing requirement being used to determine sensing resource configuration information of a first network device, the sensing resource configuration information being used to configure sensing resources of an access network device;

[0044] a transceiver unit, configured to send a sensing request to the first network device;

[0045] The transceiver unit may perform the reception and transmission processing in the aforementioned second aspect, and the processing unit of the communication device may perform other processing except reception and transmission in the aforementioned second aspect.

[0046] According to a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided, the device comprising: a processing unit configured to determine a sensing resource based on sensing resource configuration information of a first network device;

[0047] a transceiver unit, configured to receive sensing resource configuration information from the first network device;

[0048] The transceiver unit can perform the reception and transmission processing in the aforementioned third aspect, and the processing unit of the communication device can perform other processing except reception and transmission in the aforementioned third aspect.

[0049] In a seventh aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a processor, wherein the processor is configured to execute a computer program so that the communication device executes the method of the above-mentioned first to third aspects and any possible implementation thereof.

[0050] Optionally, there are one or more processors.

[0051] Optionally, the communication device further includes a memory, which is used to store the computer program, and the memory is one or more.

[0052] Optionally, the memory may be integrated with the processor, or the memory may be set separately from the processor, or the memory may be located within the processor.

[0053] Optionally, the communication device further includes a transceiver circuit such as a transceiver or an input / output circuit.

[0054] In an eighth aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising: a first network device and an access network device, wherein the first network device is used to execute the method in the possible implementation manner of the above-mentioned first aspect, and the access network device is used to execute the method in the possible implementation manner of the above-mentioned third aspect.

[0055] Optionally, the communication system further includes a second network device, which is used to execute the method in the possible implementation manner of the above-mentioned second aspect.

[0056] In the ninth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or code, and when the computer program or code is run on a computer, the computer executes the method in any possible implementation of the first to third aspects above.

[0057] In a tenth aspect, a chip is provided, comprising at least one processor, which is used to run a computer program so that a device equipped with the chip executes the method in the above-mentioned first to third aspects and any possible implementation thereof.

[0058] The chip may include an output circuit or interface for sending information or data, and an input circuit or interface for receiving information or data.

[0059] In the eleventh aspect, a computer program product is provided, comprising: a computer program code, which, when executed on a communication device, enables the device to execute the methods in the above-mentioned first to third aspects and any possible implementation thereof.

[0060] The chip may include an input circuit or interface for sending information or data, and an output circuit or interface for receiving information or data.

[0061] The possible designs and beneficial effects of the fourth to eleventh aspects can refer to the descriptions of the first to third aspects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0062] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a synaesthesia fusion network architecture that may be applicable to the present application.

[0063] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a positioning network architecture.

[0064] FIG3 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method 300 provided in this application.

[0065] FIG4 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method 400 provided in this application.

[0066] FIG5 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 500 provided in this application.

[0067] FIG6 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 600 provided in this application.

[0068] FIG7 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 700 provided in this application.

[0069] FIG8 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 800 provided in this application.

[0070] FIG9 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 900 provided in this application.

[0071] FIG10 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 1000 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0072] FIG11 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 2000 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0073] FIG12 is a schematic block diagram of a chip system 3000 provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0074] The technical solution in this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0075] The various numerical numbers such as first, second, etc. are only used to distinguish for the convenience of description, and are not used to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present application, nor are they used to indicate the order or importance, such as distinguishing different messages, different information, etc. "Example", "for example", "exemplarily", "as (another) example" and other words are used to indicate examples, illustrations or explanations. Any embodiment or design described as an "example" in this application should not be interpreted as being more preferred or more advantageous than other embodiments or design. The terms "include", "comprising", "having" and their variations all mean "including but not limited to", unless otherwise specifically emphasized. "At least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist, for example, A and / or B can mean: the existence of A alone, the existence of A and B at the same time, and the existence of B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the associated objects are in an "or" relationship. The descriptions involving network element A sending a message, information or data to network element B, and network element B receiving a message, information or data from network element A, are intended to explain to which network element the message, information or data is to be sent, but do not limit whether they are sent directly or indirectly via other network elements. "Used for indication" may include being used for direct indication and being used for indirect indication. When describing that a certain indication information is used to indicate A, it may include that the indication information directly indicates A or indirectly indicates A, but does not mean that A must be carried in the indication information. Descriptions such as "when...", "in the case of...", "if" and "if" all mean that the device will make corresponding processing under certain objective circumstances, but do not limit the time, nor do they require the device to have a judgment action when implementing, nor do they mean that there are other limitations.

[0076] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, including but not limited to: global system of mobile communication (GSM) system, enhanced data rate for GSM evolution system (EDGE), fifth generation (5G) system or new radio (NR) system, LTE system, long term evolution-advanced (LTE-A) system, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, LTE time division duplex (TDD) system, wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) system, code division multiple access (CDMA) system, time division-synchronization code division multiple access system (TD-SCDMA), etc. It can also be applied to future communication systems, such as the sixth generation mobile communication system. Furthermore, the present invention can also be applied to device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), and Internet of Things (IoT) communication systems or other communication systems. Furthermore, the present invention can also be extended to similar wireless communication systems, such as wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WIMAX), and communication systems related to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), without limitation.

[0077] The scenarios in which this application can be applied include, but are not limited to: enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) scenarios, ultra-reliable low latency communication (ULRRC), massive machine type communication (mMTC) scenarios, uplink ultra-wideband (Uplink Centric Broadband Communication) scenarios, real-time broadband communication (Real-time Broadband Communication) scenarios, harmonized communication and sensing (HCS) scenarios, etc., without limitation.

[0078] For the sake of brevity, the following description focuses on the communication-awareness fusion scenario, but it should be understood that the applicable scenarios of this application are not limited to this scenario. The communication-awareness fusion scenario primarily enables two major scenarios: the Internet of Vehicles (IoV) and drones, which can contribute to the development of autonomous driving. By applying the massive multiple input multiple output (MIMO) beam scanning technology of cellular networks to the perception domain, communication-awareness fusion technology enables both communication and perception in HCS scenarios. If extended to indoor scenarios, positioning services can also be provided. Potential scenarios for communication-awareness fusion include, but are not limited to: rail networks, railway or subway perimeter safety scenarios, such as those caused by landslides, rockfalls, and mudslides; emergency networks, including emergency situation awareness scenarios, such as personnel detection in emergency scenarios like fires and explosions, or scenarios with limited cameras; low-altitude detection scenarios in important locations, such as government offices, stadiums, and chemical plants; and mountain deformation detection scenarios, such as those for preventing landslides, mudslides, and other mountain deformations. IoV applications include scenarios such as autonomous driving, highway toll collection, fatigue driving violations, high-precision mapping, and intersection efficiency.

[0079] In the current 3GPP SA1 discussion, it has been determined that the perception modes can be divided into the following six modes:

[0080] 1. Base station self-transmission and self-reception: The sensing signal is sent by the base station, reflected by the target in the environment, and then received by the base station.

[0081] 2. Base station A sends and base station B receives: The sensing signal is sent by base station A, reflected by the target in the environment, and then received by base station B.

[0082] 3. Base station sends and terminal receives: The perception signal is sent by the base station, reflected by the target in the environment, and then received by the terminal.

[0083] 4. Terminal sends and base station receives: The perception signal is sent by the terminal, reflected by the target in the environment, and then received by the base station.

[0084] 5. Terminal self-transmission and self-reception: The perception signal is sent by the terminal, reflected by the target in the environment, and then received by the terminal.

[0085] 6. Terminal A sends and terminal B receives: The perception signal is sent by terminal A, reflected by the target in the environment, and then received by terminal B.

[0086] The following description of the embodiments of the present application is only based on the base station self-transmitting and self-receiving mode, but ordinary technicians in this field should understand that they can still modify the recorded technical solutions in other modes, or replace some of the technical features therein in other modes, and these modifications and replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

[0087] Communication and perception fusion, or communication and perception integration, referred to as synaesthesia fusion or synaesthesia integration, is a key technology in next-generation wireless communication systems. It aims to integrate wireless communication and perception functions into a single system, leveraging the various propagation characteristics of wireless signals to enable perception functions such as target location, detection, imaging, and identification. This allows for information about the surrounding physical environment, improved communication performance, and enhanced user experience. In this communication and perception integration technology, network devices transmit perception signals and receive echo signals to perform perception, obtaining information such as the location and velocity of targets in the environment. The echo signal is generated by the reflection of the perception signal from an object in the environment. The time delay of the echo signal relative to the transmitted perception signal reflects the target's distance, while the Doppler shift of the echo signal relative to the transmitted perception signal reflects the target's velocity.

[0088] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a synaesthesia fusion network architecture applicable to the present application. As shown in Figure 1, the network architecture includes wireless access network elements (such as base stations, etc.) and core network (CN) network elements (such as perception function network elements, positioning management function network elements, etc.). The network elements included in the network architecture and their respective functions are described as follows:

[0089] The access network (AN) network element provides network access functions for authorized users in a specific area and can use transmission tunnels of different qualities according to the user level, business requirements, etc. The access network can be an access network that adopts different access technologies. There are currently two types of wireless access technologies: 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) access technology (such as the wireless access technology used in 3G, 4G or 5G systems) and non-3GPP access technology. 3GPP access technology refers to access technology that complies with 3GPP standards and specifications. The access network that adopts 3GPP access technology is called Radio Access Network (RAN). Among them, the access network equipment in the 5G system is called the next generation Node Base station (gNB). Non-3GPP access technology refers to access technology that does not comply with 3GPP standards and specifications, for example, the air interface technology represented by the access point (AP) in WiFi.

[0090] An access network that implements access network functions based on wireless communication technology can be called a radio access network (RAN). The radio access network can be used for radio resource management, uplink and downlink data classification and quality of service (QoS) applications, as well as completing signaling processing with the control plane function and data forwarding with the user plane function. The radio access network can be a next-generation (e.g., 6G or higher) radio access network, or a traditional (e.g., 5G, 4G, 3G or 2G) radio access network. Access network equipment (RAN equipment) is a device that provides wireless communication functions for terminal equipment, and can also be called a network device. In the embodiment of the present application, the device for implementing the function of the access network device can be a network device, or it can be a device that can support the access network device to implement the function. The device can be called a network device, or it can be called an access network device, such as a chip system or a chip, which can be installed in the access network device. In the embodiment of the present application, the chip system can be composed of a chip, or it can include a chip and other discrete devices. For the convenience of description, in all embodiments of the present application, the above-mentioned devices that provide wireless communication functions for terminal equipment are collectively referred to as access network devices or simply referred to as RAN or AN. It should be understood that the specific type of access network device is not limited herein. In the embodiments of the present application, it mainly corresponds to the access network device.

[0091] Exemplarily, the access network device may be a base station, a broadband network gateway (BNG), an aggregation switch, a non-3GPP access device, etc. The base station may include various forms of base stations, such as macro base stations, micro base stations (also known as small stations), relay stations, access points, etc., which are not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present application. The devices for terminal access to the core network are collectively referred to as access network devices in this document. For example, the access network device may be an evolved universal terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN) device in the fourth generation (4G) network, a next generation radio access network (NG-RAN) device in the fifth generation (5G) network, etc.

[0092] In some deployments, the network devices and access network devices mentioned in the embodiments of the present application may include a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a device including both a CU and a DU, or a control plane CU node (central unit-control plane (CU-CP)), a user plane CU node (central unit-user plane (CU-UP)), and a DU node. For example, the network device may include a gNB-CU-CP, a gNB-CU-UP, and a gNB-DU.

[0093] In some deployments, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist terminals in achieving wireless access, and different RAN nodes implement part of the functions of the base station respectively. For example, the RAN node can be a CU, DU, CU-CP, CU-UP, or a radio unit (RU). The CU and DU can be set separately, or they can be included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). The RU can be included in a radio frequency device or a radio frequency unit, such as a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH). In one possible design, the processing unit for implementing the baseband function in the BBU is called a baseband high layer (BBH) unit, and the processing unit for implementing the baseband function in the RRU / AAU / RRH is called a baseband low layer (BBL) unit. In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may also have different names, but those skilled in the art can understand their meanings. For example, the radio access network may also be an open radio access network (O-RAN) architecture. In the ORAN system, the CU may also be referred to as an O-CU (open CU), the DU may also be referred to as an O-DU, the CU-CP may also be referred to as an O-CU-CP, the CU-UP may also be referred to as an O-CU-UP, and the RU may also be referred to as an O-RU. Any of the CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application may be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module.

[0094] User equipment (UE), also known as terminal device, usually needs to be registered with the operator's network to use the operator's network. Examples include mobile phones with subscriber identity module (SIM) cards, IoT devices using embedded SIM (eSIM) cards, and so on.

[0095] The unified data management (UDM) network element is responsible for user contract data management, user identity management, etc.

[0096] The network data analytics function (NWDAF) network element can provide network analysis services based on the request data of network services.

[0097] The access and mobility management function (AMF) network element mainly performs access management functions.

[0098] The policy control function (PCF) network element has the function of providing policy information to the control plane function. The policy information can be user policy, access and mobility management policy, session management policy, etc. For example, it sends UE policy information to the UE, sends the UE's access and mobility management policy to the AMF, and sends the session management policy to the session management function (SMF).

[0099] The network exposure function (NEF) network element has monitoring, analysis and reporting functions, and can provide open security service capabilities for third-party applications.

[0100] The application function (AF) network element can be an application server and can belong to the operator or a third party.

[0101] The Location Management Function (LMF) network element can select a positioning method, which can be a single positioning method or a hybrid positioning method, or can control related positioning measurements based on different positioning methods, or can calculate location information and estimate positioning accuracy. The LMF can also calculate auxiliary data and send it to the UE, or can also receive and process positioning requests or positioning-related data requests sent by the AMF, or can also send positioning results or related positioning data to the AMF.

[0102] The sensing function (SF) is deployed on the core network side and can be a core network element or a core network device. A core network device refers to a device in the core network that provides service support for terminal devices. The sensing control signaling between the SF and the RAN or UE is transmitted through the AMF. The sensing measurement data obtained by the RAN or UE can be transmitted to the SF via the control plane or the user plane. Among them, the user plane can be forwarded by the user plane function (UPF) or directly transmitted to the SF. In addition, sensing charging in scenarios where the UE performs sensing and the RAN performs sensing is also supported. The figure only shows an architecture where the SF-C and SF-U are not separated. It should be understood that the present application can be applied not only to this architecture, but also to an architecture where the SF-C and SF-U are separated. This application is not limited to this. In the architecture where the SF-C and SF-U are separated, the SF includes the sensing function control plane (SF-C) and the sensing function user plane (SF-U). The SF-C interacts with the control plane network elements and is responsible for the transmission of control plane information. The SF-C can provide the SF-U address to the base station or UE. The SF-U is responsible for collecting and analyzing the perception measurement data generated by the terminal or base station, and providing the final perception results to the UE or application. The SF-U also supports perception charging when the UE or RAN performs perception. Perception control signaling between the SF-C and the RAN or UE is transmitted through the AMF. Perception measurement data obtained by the RAN or UE can be forwarded via the UPF or transmitted directly to the SF-U.

[0103] In addition, the interfaces between the aforementioned network elements are specifically shown in Figure 1. For example, the N1 interface is the communication interface between the UE and the AMF, used to transmit control plane signaling between the core network and the UE; the N2 interface is the communication interface between the RAN and the AMF; the N5 interface is the communication interface between the PCF and the NEF; the N8 interface is the communication interface between the UDM and the AMF; and the N33 interface is the communication interface between the NEF and the AF. These interfaces must support the transmission of information related to sensing services, such as authentication information, sensing service type, sensing service quality requirements, sensing measurement data, and sensing results. The other interfaces shown in the figure are the interaction interfaces between SF and 5G core network (5GC) network elements. For example, NS1 interface is the communication interface between SF and AMF, which can be used to transmit perception control signaling and perception measurement data; NS2 interface is the communication interface between SF and NEF; NS3 interface is the communication interface between SF and UDM; NS4 interface is the communication interface between SF and NWDAF; NS5 interface is the communication interface between SF and PCF; NS6 interface is the communication interface between SF and LMF, through which location-related information such as perception area, RAN information of perception target, location information of perceived UE, etc. can be obtained; NS7 interface is the communication interface between SF and UPF. Perception measurement data can be transmitted directly from RAN to SF via UPF, or indirectly forwarded to SF via UPF. If the RAN performs perception in the scenario forwarded via UPF, UPF needs to be modified to support RAN granularity data transmission.

[0104] In addition, if the architecture is one where SF-C and SF-U are separated, the SF-U and SF-C transmit the perception processing strategy and report the perception results through the NS8 communication interface.

[0105] It should be noted that the above-mentioned network architecture applicable to the embodiment of the present application is only an example, and the network architecture applicable to the present application is not limited thereto. Any network architecture that can realize the functions of the above-mentioned network elements is applicable to the present application. In other words, the network architecture described in this application is to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the present application and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solution provided in this application. It is known to those skilled in the art that with the evolution of the network architecture or the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solution provided in this application is also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0106] In addition, the network element names, names of interfaces between network elements, names of messages / information, etc. involved in this application are only examples. In future communication networks, these network elements, messages / information may also use other names. As long as these network elements, messages / information, etc. have the same or similar functions as the network elements, messages / information, etc. introduced in this application and achieve the same or similar technical purposes, they should all fall within the technical scope covered by this application. For example, in a 6G network, some or all of the names of the above-mentioned network elements may continue to use the names in 4G / 5G, or new names may be used.

[0107] In current perception technology architectures, both positioning networks and interawareness networks have network elements (NEs) with positioning or perception functions on the core network side. For example, Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of a positioning network architecture. As shown in Figure 2, a NE with positioning management functions is added to the core network to receive and process positioning-related data requests. However, because the NE with positioning management functions is located far from the base station, when the base station reports a large amount of positioning-related perception data to the NE for processing, latency may occur, resulting in poor perception quality. For another example, in the aforementioned interawareness fusion network architecture, a perception function NE (SF) is added to the core network to control perception functions and process perception data. In low-latency scenarios, such as drone tracking, if the gNB uses the self-transmitting and self-receiving mode to perform perception tasks, the gNB reports perception measurement data to the SF, which then performs calculations and makes decisions. However, this mode has several drawbacks. Firstly, the long distance between the SF and the gNB, coupled with the gNB's need to report a large amount of perception measurement data to the SF, can result in significant transmission and processing delays, resulting in poor perception quality. Especially in drone tracking scenarios, the gNB needs to adjust sensing resource configuration, such as beam direction, in real time. If there are significant transmission and processing delays, drone tracking cannot be effectively achieved. On the other hand, if the SF coordinates and makes decisions on gNB sensing resource configuration every time, the SF's decisions may not be timely, resulting in poor sensing quality.

[0108] To address the above technical issues, the present application provides a communication method that deploys two levels of network devices and designs interactions between the two levels of network devices. Based on this, the second-level network devices can provide perception requirements for the first-level network devices, and the first-level network devices can provide perception resource configuration information corresponding to the perception requirements for the access network devices. This perception resource configuration information can be used to configure the perception resources of the access network devices without requiring the access network devices to configure the perception resources themselves, thereby reducing interference between access network devices and improving perception effectiveness.

[0109] Some nouns or terms used in this application are explained below, and these nouns or terms are also considered part of the invention content.

[0110] The edge sensing function (ESF) can be deployed on the RAN side and can be a network element of the radio access network or a radio access network device, which refers to the device that connects terminal devices to the wireless network. Alternatively, the ESF can also be a core network element or core network device deployed on the RAN side, that is, a core network element or core network device closer to the RAN than the SF. The ESF has control functions and / or data processing functions. The control function can be used to configure sensing resources for access network devices, and the data processing function can be used to process sensing measurement data reported by access network devices. The ESF can manage gNBs within an area, and these gNBs all have Xn interfaces, which can more quickly process sensing measurement data and coordinate the configuration of sensing resources for each gNB.

[0111] It should be understood that the terms or nouns mentioned above are only examples. In future communication networks, these terms or nouns may also adopt other names. As long as these terms or nouns have the same or similar functions of the devices, messages / information, etc. introduced in this application and achieve the same or similar technical purposes, they should all fall within the technical scope covered by this application.

[0112] FIG3 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method 300 provided in this application.

[0113] The method 300 includes steps S310 to S330, which are described in detail below.

[0114] S310: The first network device sends the first network device's sensing capability information and / or the first network device's location information to the second network device. Correspondingly, the second network device receives the sensing capability information and / or location information from the first network device. It should be understood that S310 is optional.

[0115] The first network device can be a RAN network element, or a core network network element deployed on the RAN side (for example, an ESF deployed on the RAN side) or closer to the RAN than the second network device. The first network device can be deployed within the access network device or outside the access network device. The first network device can manage access network devices in an area. For example, the first network device can be a fixed device, and the access network devices within the management area of ​​the first network device are perceived by the first network device for resource configuration or data processing. If the first network device is a mobile device, the access network devices within the management area of ​​the first network device can be changed, and the access network devices falling within the management area of ​​the first network device are perceived by the first network device for resource configuration or data processing. The second network device can be deployed on the core network side (for example, an SF deployed on the core network side), or it can be a network element of the core network.

[0116] It should be noted that the first network device is deployed on the RAN side, which means that the first network device can be deployed in the access network device, or can be deployed near the access network device, or can be a device moved to the vicinity of the access network device. This application does not limit this.

[0117] It should also be noted that the first network device can be fixed at any location relatively close to the access network device, and the access network device within the first network device management area can be fixed. Alternatively, the first network device can be a mobile device, and the access network device within the first network device management area can be variable, which is not limited in this application.

[0118] In one possible implementation, the perception capability of the first network device refers to the ability of the first network device to have control functions and / or data processing functions. The control function can be used to configure perception resources for the access network device, and the data processing function can be used to process perception measurement data. The perception capability information of the first network device may carry information indicating the ability of the first network device to have control functions and / or data processing functions. The perception measurement data may be data obtained by the access network device through perception. Perception measurement data may also be referred to as perception data, perception information, etc., which is not limited in this application.

[0119] Specifically, the location information of the first network device may carry information about the location of the first network device. The location information of the first network device may be used by the second network device to select an appropriate first network device according to the sensing requirement.

[0120] The location information of the first network device may be a geographical identifier, a location identifier, etc. of the first network device, or may also be information indicating the location of the first network device, etc., and this application does not limit this. In addition, the location of the first network device may be the absolute location of the first network device, for example, the location of the first network device is on the access network side. Alternatively, it may be the relative location of the first network device, for example, the location of the first network device is near or inside the base station. This application does not limit this either.

[0121] In addition, the perception requirement is perception-related requirement information. The perception requirement may include perception accuracy, perception area, perception resolution, etc., or the perception requirement may also be perception service information. For example, the perception service information may include information about latency-sensitive perception services or information about latency-insensitive perception services, etc. This application does not limit this.

[0122] Perception accuracy measures the accuracy of perceived targets and can be used to determine whether a perceived target is the desired target. The perception area represents the area where perception is required. Perception resolution distinguishes between two or more perceived targets. For example, if the resolution is 2 meters, two targets cannot be distinguished as separate if they are less than 2 meters apart.

[0123] The sensing capability information and / or location information of the first network device can be used by the second network device to select an appropriate first network device based on sensing requirements. For example, the second network device can manage a large area that includes multiple first network devices. When multiple first network devices report their sensing capability information and / or location information to the second network device, the second network device can select from the multiple first network devices based on the sensing requirements, thereby determining a first network device so that information can be subsequently sent to the selected first network device. More specifically, for example, the second network device selects a first network device with control functionality from the sensing capability information reported by the first network device based on sensing requirements. For another example, the second network device selects a first network device within the second network device's management area based on the location information reported by the first network device based on sensing requirements, and so on.

[0124] In one possible implementation, the first network device may further send first access network device list information to the second network device. Accordingly, the second network device may further receive the first access network device list information from the first network device. The first access network device list information is used to indicate at least one access network device within the management area of ​​the first network device.

[0125] In one possible implementation, the first network device may further send address information of the first network device to the second network device. Correspondingly, the second network device may further receive address information from the first network device. The address information of the first network device is transport layer address information, such as the Internet Protocol (IP) address of the first network device.

[0126] The first network device includes a user plane of the first network device and a control plane of the first network device. The address information of the first network device may also be the user plane address information of the first network device and / or the control plane address information of the first network device.

[0127] It should be noted that the aforementioned sensing capability information of the first network device and / or the location information of the first network device, the first access network device list information, the address information of the first network device, etc. sent by the first network device to the second network device may be sent via a single message or via multiple messages. Correspondingly, the sensing capability information of the first network device and / or the location information of the first network device, the first access network device list information, the address information of the first network device, etc. received by the second network device may be received via a single message or via multiple messages, and this application does not impose any limitation on this.

[0128] In a possible implementation, the second network device may further determine second access network device list information based on the first access network device list information. The second access network device list information is used to indicate some or all of the at least one access network device in the first access network device list information.

[0129] Specifically, the second network device may select at least one access network device within the first network device management area indicated in the first access network device list information according to the perception requirement, and determine the second access network device list information.

[0130] S320: The second network device sends a sensing request to the first network device. Correspondingly, the first network device receives the sensing request from the second network device.

[0131] The sensing requirement can be used to determine the sensing resource configuration information of the first network device, or in other words, the sensing requirement can carry information about the first network device configuring sensing resources for the access network device. The sensing requirement can include a sensing session identity document (ID), etc.

[0132] Specifically, the second network device may select an appropriate first network device based on the sensing requirement and the sensing capability information of the first network device and / or the location information of the first network device, and send the sensing requirement to the selected first network device. The sensing capability information of the first network device and / or the location information of the first network device have been specifically described in step S310 and are not repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0133] Optionally, the perception requirements may include perception QoS information, such as perception resolution, perception range, perception accuracy, etc.

[0134] In a possible implementation, the second network device may further send the address information of the first network device to the first network device. Correspondingly, the first network device may further receive the address information of the first network device from the second network device.

[0135] For the description of the address information of the first network device, please refer to step S310 , which will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0136] In one possible implementation, the second network device may also send its address information to the first network device. Accordingly, the first network device may also receive its address information from the second network device. The address information of the second network device may be transport layer address information, such as an IP address of the second network device.

[0137] In a possible implementation, the second network device may further send the address information of the first network device and the address information of the second network device to the first network device. Correspondingly, the first network device may further receive the address information of the first network device and the address information of the second network device from the second network device.

[0138] Optionally, the second network device includes a user plane of the second network device and a control plane of the second network device. The address information of the second network device may also be user plane address information of the second network device and / or control plane address information of the second network device.

[0139] In a possible implementation, the second network device may also send second access network device list information to the first network device. Correspondingly, the first network device may also receive second access network device list information from the first network device. The second access network device list information is used to indicate part or all of the access network devices in the first access network device list information. For a description of the first access network device list information, see step S310. For the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0140] It should be noted that the perception requirements, the address information of the first network device, the address information of the second network device, the second access network device list information, etc. sent by the second network device to the first network device can be sent via a single message or via multiple messages. Correspondingly, the perception requirements, the address information of the first network device, the address information of the second network device, the second access network device list information, etc. received by the first network device can be received via a single message or via multiple messages, and this application does not limit this.

[0141] S330: The first network device sends sensing resource configuration information corresponding to the sensing requirement to the access network device. Correspondingly, the access network device receives the sensing resource configuration information corresponding to the sensing requirement from the first network device.

[0142] The sensing resource configuration information corresponding to the sensing requirement may be the sensing resource configuration information determined by the first network device based on the sensing requirement sent by the second network device. Alternatively, the sensing resource configuration information corresponding to the sensing requirement may be the sensing resource configuration information corresponding to the sensing session ID in the sensing requirement. The sensing resource configuration information is used to configure sensing resources for the access network device.

[0143] In a possible implementation, the access network device may be at least one access network device determined after the first network device selects the access network devices within the management area, or it may be some or all of the access network devices within the management area of ​​the first network device indicated in the second access network device list information in step S320.

[0144] Sensing resource configuration information includes information about sensing-related resources. Sensing resources can include sensing time domain resources, sensing frequency domain resources, and sensing spatial domain resources. Sensing time domain, frequency domain, and spatial domain resources can be referred to as sensing time-frequency-spatial domain resources. Therefore, sensing resource configuration information can include sensing time-frequency-spatial domain resources.

[0145] The perception resource configuration information includes perception time-frequency-spatial domain resources, and the perception time-frequency-spatial domain resources can finely adjust and control the perception resources of the access network devices, thereby avoiding interference between the access network devices and enhancing the perception effect.

[0146] It can be seen from this that the first network device can configure sensing resources for the access network device, thereby finely adjusting and controlling the sensing resources of the access network device, reducing interference between the access network devices, and improving the sensing effect.

[0147] In a possible implementation, the first network device may further send the address information of the first network device to the access network device. Correspondingly, the access network device may further receive the address information of the first network device from the first network device.

[0148] In a possible implementation, the second network device may further send the address information of the second network device to the access network device. Correspondingly, the access network device may further receive the address information of the second network device from the second network device.

[0149] In a possible implementation, the second network device may also send the address information of the first network device and the address information of the second network device to the access network device. Correspondingly, the access network device may also receive the address information of the first network device and the address information of the second network device from the second network device.

[0150] It should be noted that the sensing resource configuration information, the address information of the first network device, the address information of the second network device, etc. sent by the first network device to the access network device may be sent via a single message or via multiple messages. Accordingly, the sensing resource configuration information, the address information of the first network device, the address information of the second network device, etc. received by the access network device may be received via a single message or via multiple messages, and this application does not limit this.

[0151] In a possible implementation, when the first network device does not have a control function, the first network device may send a sensing requirement to the access network device, and the access network device may receive the sensing requirement from the first network device. The access network device may configure sensing resources based on the sensing requirement.

[0152] In method 300, a first network device is deployed on the wireless access network side, and the interaction between the first network device, the second network device, and the access network device is designed so that the first network device has a control function. In other words, the first network device has the ability to provide resource configuration awareness for the access network device.

[0153] Based on the scheme of method 300, a first network device is provided that can provide perception resource configuration for an access network device. The first network device can adjust and control the perception resources of the access network device according to the perception resource configuration information without the access network device itself configuring the perception resources, thereby reducing interference between access network devices and improving the perception effect.

[0154] FIG4 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method 400 provided in this application.

[0155] For example, method 400 may further design a method for the access network device to report the sensing measurement data based on the deployment of the first network device in method 300. Method 400 includes steps S410 to S450, which are described in detail below.

[0156] Method 1: The access network device reports the sensing measurement data to the first network device

[0157] S410: The access network device sends sensing measurement data to the first network device. Correspondingly, the first network device receives the sensing measurement data from the access network device.

[0158] In a possible implementation, the access network device only receives address information of the first network device and sends the sensing measurement data to the first network device based on the address information of the first network device, where the address information of the first network device is determined by the first network device according to sensing requirements.

[0159] In one possible implementation, an access network device receives address information of a first network device and address information of a second network device, and determines the address information of the first network device based on perception service information. The access network device sends perception measurement data to the first network device based on the address information of the first network device. The perception service information includes latency-sensitive perception services, and the access network device may determine the address information of the first network device based on the latency-sensitive perception services. The access network device sends the perception measurement data to the first network device based on the address information of the first network device.

[0160] S420: The first network device processes the sensing measurement data to obtain a sensing result.

[0161] It should be understood that the perception result may be determined by processing the perception measurement data by the first network device.

[0162] It should be noted that the perception result may also be determined by another device processing the perception measurement data and then sending it to the first network device, and this application does not limit this.

[0163] Since the first network device is on the wireless access network side, it is understandable that the first network device is closer to the access network device. Therefore, the perception measurement data can be obtained more quickly, and then the perception measurement data can be processed more quickly to obtain the perception result, thereby reducing latency and improving the perception effect.

[0164] S430: The first network device sends the sensing result to the second network device. Correspondingly, the second network device receives the sensing result from the first network device.

[0165] Specifically, the first network device receives the address information of the second network device, and the first network device may send the sensing result to the second network device according to the address information of the second network device.

[0166] Based on the solution of method 1, for latency-sensitive perception services, the first network device is closer to the access network device, and the first network device can process the perception measurement data more quickly, thereby obtaining the perception results more quickly, reducing latency, and facilitating multi-station collaborative perception.

[0167] Method 2: The access network device reports the sensing measurement data to the second network device

[0168] S440: The access network device sends the sensing measurement data to the second network device. Correspondingly, the second network device receives the sensing measurement data from the access network device.

[0169] In a possible implementation, the access network device only receives address information of the second network device and sends the sensing measurement data to the second network device based on the address information of the second network device, where the address information of the second network device is determined by the first network device according to sensing requirements.

[0170] In one possible implementation, an access network device receives address information of a first network device and address information of a second network device. The access network device determines the address information of the second network device based on the perception service information. The access network device sends perception measurement data to the second network device based on the address information of the second network device. The perception service information does not include latency-sensitive perception services. The access network device may determine the address information of the second network device based on the absence of latency-sensitive perception services. The access network device sends the perception measurement data to the second network device based on the address information of the second network device.

[0171] S450: The second network device processes the sensing measurement data to obtain a sensing result.

[0172] Among them, the perception result is a global perception result.

[0173] It should be understood that the perception result may be determined by processing the perception measurement data by the first network device.

[0174] It should be noted that the perception result may also be determined by another device processing the perception measurement data and then sending it to the first network device, and this application does not limit this.

[0175] Based on the solution of the second approach, for perception services that are not sensitive to delay, the second network device is directly used to process the perception measurement data, which helps to directly obtain a global perception result.

[0176] FIG5 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 500 provided in this application.

[0177] Figure 5 illustrates a specific embodiment of Figure 3 . The following describes, in conjunction with Figure 5 , a method for selecting a gNB by the SF, when the first network device is an ESF, the second network device is an SF, and the access network device is a gNB. The SF includes the SF-U and SF-C. In this embodiment, interaction between the ESF and SF-C is designed to support the ESF's control functions. Method 500 includes steps S510 to S550, which are described in detail below.

[0178] S510: The ESF sends the ESF's sensing capability information and / or the ESF's location information and the first base station list information to the SF-C. Correspondingly, the SF-C receives the sensing capability information and / or the ESF's location information and the first base station list information from the ESF.

[0179] The ESF can be deployed within a gNB, deployed near a gNB, or moved near a gNB. The ESF can manage gNBs within an area. Alternatively, the ESF can provide awareness services for gNBs within the managed area. The first base station list (gNB list1) information indicates at least one gNB within the ESF management area. Alternatively, the first base station list includes at least one gNB within the ESF management area.

[0180] In addition, the location information of the ESF is used to report the location of the ESF so that the SF-C can subsequently select an appropriate ESF based on the sensing requirements.

[0181] Specifically, the ESF sensing capability information is information indicating that the ESF has control functions and / or data processing functions. In other words, the ESF sensing capability information may carry information indicating that the ESF has control functions and / or data processing functions. The ESF sensing capability is information indicating that the ESF has control functions and / or data processing functions. The control function may be used to configure sensing resources for the gNB, and the data processing function may be used to process sensing measurement data.

[0182] In one possible implementation, the ESF may forward the ESF's perception capability information and / or the ESF's location information and the first base station list information to the SF-C through the AMF. Correspondingly, the SF-C may receive the ESF's perception capability information and / or the ESF's location information and the first base station list information from the AMF.

[0183] In a possible implementation, the ESF may also send the address information of the ESF to the SF-C. Correspondingly, the SF-C may also receive the address information from the ESF.

[0184] In one possible implementation, the ESF may forward the ESF address information to the SF-C via the AMF. Correspondingly, the SF-C may receive the ESF address information from the AMF. The ESF address information may be the user plane address information of the ESF and / or the control plane address information of the ESF.

[0185] It should be noted that the ESF can send the ESF's sensing capability information and / or the ESF's location information, first base station list information, ESF's address information, etc. to the SF-C via a single message. For example, the ESF's sensing capability information and / or the ESF's location information, first base station list information, ESF's address information, etc. can be sent via a first message. In other words, the first message includes the ESF's sensing capability information and / or the ESF's location information, first base station list information, ESF's address information, etc. The ESF can also send the ESF's sensing capability information and / or the ESF's location information, first base station list information, ESF's address information, etc. via multiple messages. Accordingly, the SF-C can receive a single message sent by the ESF including the ESF's sensing capability information and / or the ESF's location information, first base station list information, ESF's address information, etc. The ESF can also receive multiple messages including the ESF's sensing capability information and / or the ESF's location information, first base station list information, ESF's address information, etc., which is not limited in this application.

[0186] It should also be noted that the ESF can send messages directly to the SF-C or forward them to the SF-C through the AMF, and this application does not limit this.

[0187] Step S510 is a specific example of step S310 in method 300. For a specific description of the perception capability information, location information, and address information, please refer to step S310 and will not be repeated here.

[0188] S520. The SF-C determines second base station list information according to the first base station list information.

[0189] Specifically, SF-C can select at least one base station in the first base station list information according to the perception needs to obtain the second base station list (gNB list2) information.

[0190] The first base station list information is used to indicate at least one gNB within the ESF management area. The second base station list information is used to indicate some or all of the at least one gNB in ​​the first base station list information. It is understood that the second base station list may include some or all of the gNBs within the ESF management area.

[0191] Step S520 is a specific example of step S310 in method 300. For the description of the first base station list information and the second base station list information, please refer to the first access network device list information and the second access network device list information in step S310, which will not be repeated here.

[0192] S530: The SF-C sends the sensing requirement and the second base station list information to the ESF. Correspondingly, the ESF receives the sensing requirement and the second base station list information from the SF-C.

[0193] Specifically, the SF-C may select a suitable ESF based on the perception requirements, the perception capability information of the ESF received in step S510 and / or the location information of the ESF, and send the perception requirements and the second base station list information to the selected ESF.

[0194] This sensing requirement can be used to determine the ESF's sensing resource configuration information. In other words, the sensing requirement can carry information about the ESF's configuration of sensing resources for the gNB. A detailed description of the sensing requirement can be found in step S320 and is omitted here for brevity.

[0195] In one possible implementation, the SF-C may forward the sensing requirement and the second base station list information to the ESF via the AMF. Correspondingly, the ESF may receive the sensing requirement and the second base station list information from the AMF.

[0196] In one possible implementation, the SF-C may further send SF address information and / or ESF address information to the ESF. Correspondingly, the ESF may further receive SF address information and / or ESF address information from the SF-C. The SF address information may be SF-U address information and / or SF-C address information. The ESF address information may be ESF user plane address information and / or ESF control plane address information.

[0197] In a possible implementation, the SF-C may further send the address information of the SF-U and / or the user plane address information of the ESF to the ESF. Correspondingly, the ESF may further receive the address information of the SF-U and / or the user plane address information of the ESF from the SF-C.

[0198] It should be noted that the SF-C can send the perception requirements, the second base station list information, the address information of the ESF, the address information of the SF-U, etc. to the ESF through one message. For example, the perception requirements, the second base station list information, the address information of the ESF, the address information of the SF-U, etc. are sent through the second message. In other words, the second message includes the perception requirements, the second base station list information, the address information of the ESF, the address information of the SF-U, etc. The SF-C may also send the perception requirements, the second base station list information, the address information of the ESF, the address information of the SF-U, etc. through multiple messages. Accordingly, the ESF may receive a message from the SF-C including the perception requirements, the second base station list information, the address information of the ESF, the address information of the SF-U, etc. The ESF may also receive multiple messages from the SF-C including the perception requirements, the second base station list information, the address information of the ESF, the address information of the SF-U, etc., which is not limited in this application.

[0199] It should also be noted that SF-C can send messages directly to ESF or forward them to ESF through AMF, and this application does not limit this.

[0200] Step S530 is a specific example of step S320 in method 300. For a description of sensing demand, please refer to step S330, which will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0201] S540. ESF determines the sensing resource configuration information according to the sensing requirements.

[0202] The sensing resource configuration information can be used to configure the sensing resources of the gNB.

[0203] Step S540 is a specific example of step S330 in method 300. For a description of sensing resource configuration information, please refer to step S330, which will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0204] S550: The ESF sends the sensing resource configuration information to the gNB. Accordingly, the gNB receives the sensing resource configuration information from the ESF.

[0205] The gNB is part or all of the gNBs of at least one base station in the first base station list information indicated in the second base station list information.

[0206] In one possible implementation, when the ESF does not have control functionality, the ESF may send a sensing request to the gNB. Accordingly, the gNB may receive the sensing request from the ESF. The gNB may configure sensing resources based on the sensing request.

[0207] In one possible implementation, the ESF may also send ESF address information and / or SF address information to the gNB. Correspondingly, the gNB may also receive SF address information and / or ESF address information from the ESF. The SF address information may be SF-U address information and / or SF-C address information. The ESF address information may be ESF user plane address information and / or ESF control plane address information.

[0208] In one possible implementation, the ESF may also send user plane address information of the ESF and / or address information of the SF-U to the gNB. Correspondingly, the gNB may also receive address information of the SF-U and / or user plane address information of the ESF from the ESF.

[0209] It should be noted that the ESF can send the sensing resource configuration information, ESF address information, SF-U address information, etc. to the gNB via a single message. For example, the sensing resource configuration information, ESF address information, SF-U address information, etc. can be sent via a third message. In other words, the third message includes the sensing resource configuration information, ESF address information, SF address information, etc. The ESF can also send the sensing resource configuration information, ESF address information, SF address information, etc. via multiple messages. Accordingly, the gNB can receive a single message from the ESF including the sensing resource configuration information, ESF address information, SF address information, etc. The gNB can also receive multiple messages from the ESF including the sensing resource configuration information, ESF address information, SF address information, etc. This application is not limited to this.

[0210] Step S550 is a specific example of step S330 in method 300 . For a detailed description, please refer to step S330 .

[0211] FIG6 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 600 provided in this application.

[0212] Figure 6 illustrates another specific embodiment of Figure 3 . The following describes, in conjunction with Figure 6 , a method flow for the ESF to select a gNB, when the first network device is an ESF, the second network device is an SF, and the access network device is a gNB. Method 600 differs from method 500 in that the ESF performs gNB selection. Method 600 includes steps S610 to S650, which are described in detail below.

[0213] S610: The ESF sends the ESF's sensing capability information and / or the ESF's location information to the SF-C. Correspondingly, the SF-C receives the sensing capability information and / or the ESF's location information from the ESF.

[0214] In one possible implementation, the ESF may forward the ESF's sensing capability information and / or the ESF's location information to the SF-C via the AMF. Correspondingly, the SF-C may receive the ESF's sensing capability information and / or the ESF's location information from the AMF.

[0215] In a possible implementation, the ESF may also send the address information of the ESF to the SF-C. Correspondingly, the SF-C may also receive the address information from the ESF.

[0216] In one possible implementation, the ESF may forward the ESF address information to the SF-C via the AMF. Correspondingly, the SF-C may receive the ESF address information from the AMF. The ESF address information may be the user plane address information of the ESF and / or the control plane address information of the ESF.

[0217] For a detailed description of the ESF's sensing capability information and / or the ESF's location information, please refer to step S510, which will not be repeated here.

[0218] S620: SF-C sends a sensing requirement to ESF. Correspondingly, ESF receives the sensing requirement from SF-C.

[0219] In a possible implementation, the SF-C may forward the sensing requirement to the ESF via the AMF. Correspondingly, the ESF may receive the sensing requirement from the AMF.

[0220] In a possible implementation, the SF-C may further send SF address information and / or ESF address information to the ESF. Correspondingly, the ESF may further receive SF address information and / or ESF address information from the SF-C. The SF address information may be SF-U address information and / or SF-C address information.

[0221] In a possible implementation, the SF-C may further send the address information of the SF-U and / or the user plane address information of the ESF to the ESF. Correspondingly, the ESF may further receive the address information of the SF-U and / or the user plane address information of the ESF from the SF-C.

[0222] For a detailed description, please refer to step S540, which will not be repeated here.

[0223] S630. ESF determines the sensing resource configuration information according to the sensing requirements.

[0224] For a detailed description, please refer to step S540, which will not be repeated here.

[0225] S640. The ESF selects a gNB and determines at least one gNB.

[0226] Specifically, the ESF selects the gNBs within the ESF management area and determines at least one gNB.

[0227] S650: The ESF sends the sensing resource configuration information to the gNB. Accordingly, the gNB receives the sensing resource configuration information from the ESF.

[0228] Specifically, the gNB is at least one gNB determined after the ESF selects the gNBs within the management area.

[0229] In one possible implementation, when the ESF does not have a control function, the ESF may send a sensing request to the gNB. Accordingly, the gNB may receive the sensing request from the ESF. The gNB may configure sensing resources based on the sensing request.

[0230] In one possible implementation, the ESF may also send ESF address information and / or SF address information to the gNB. Correspondingly, the gNB may also receive SF address information and / or ESF address information from the ESF.

[0231] In a possible implementation, the SF-C may further send the address information of the SF-U and / or the user plane address information of the ESF to the ESF. Correspondingly, the ESF may further receive the address information of the SF-U and / or the user plane address information of the ESF from the SF-C.

[0232] For a detailed description, please refer to step S550, which will not be repeated here.

[0233] Through the above-described methods 500 and 600, the ESF can configure gNB sensing resources, thereby reducing interference between gNBs and improving sensing quality. Furthermore, gNBs can be selected not only by the SF but also by the ESF, providing a more flexible selection method and thus improving sensing quality.

[0234] FIG7 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 700 provided in this application.

[0235] Figure 7 illustrates a specific embodiment of Figure 4 . The following, in conjunction with Figure 7 , describes a method flow for a gNB reporting perception measurement data when the first network device is an ESF, the second network device is an SF, and the access network device is a gNB. Method 700 further designs a method for gNB reporting perception measurement data based on the ESF deployment in methods 500 and 600. The SF includes the SF-U and SF-C. In this embodiment, interaction between the gNB and the SF-U is designed to support reporting of gNB perception measurement data. Method 700 can execute the steps included in Option 1 or Option 2. Steps S710 to S730 of Option 1 and steps S740 to S780 of Option 2 are described in detail below.

[0236] Option 1: The gNB reports the sensing measurement data to the SF-U.

[0237] S710: The gNB sends perception measurement data to the SF-U. Correspondingly, the SF-U receives the perception measurement data from the gNB.

[0238] In one possible implementation, the gNB only receives the address information of the SF-U, and the gNB sends the perception measurement data to the SF-U according to the address information of the SF-U.

[0239] In a possible implementation, the gNB receives address information of the SF-U and address information of the ESF, determines the address information of the SF-U based on the perception service information, and sends perception measurement data to the SF-U based on the address information of the SF-U.

[0240] Specifically, the perception service information does not include delay-sensitive perception services. Therefore, the gNB can determine the address information of the SF-U based on the perception services that do not include delay-sensitive perception services, and send perception measurement data to the SF-U based on the address information of the SF-U.

[0241] In a possible implementation manner, the address information of the ESF may be user plane address information of the ESF.

[0242] Step S710 is a specific example of step S440 in method 400 . For a detailed description, please refer to step S440 .

[0243] S720: The SF-U processes the sensing measurement data to obtain a sensing result.

[0244] Specifically, the SF-U performs calculations and decisions on the perception measurement data to obtain perception results.

[0245] Among them, the perception result is a global perception result.

[0246] Step S720 is a specific example of step S450 in method 400 . For a detailed description, please refer to step S450 .

[0247] S730: The SF-U sends the sensing result to the sensing service entity. Correspondingly, the sensing service entity receives the sensing result from the SF-U.

[0248] Among them, the perception service entity is the equipment, object, etc. that can provide perception services.

[0249] It should be noted that the perception service entity can be a terminal device or a communication device with perception service function, etc., and this application does not limit it.

[0250] Based on the method in Option 1, for services that are not sensitive to latency, the gNB reports the perception measurement data to the SF-U, which helps to directly obtain global perception results.

[0251] Option 2: The gNB reports the sensing measurement data to the ESF.

[0252] S740: The gNB sends the perception measurement data to the ESF. Accordingly, the ESF receives the perception measurement data from the gNB.

[0253] In one possible implementation, the gNB only receives the address information of the ESF, and the gNB sends the perception measurement data to the ESF according to the address information of the ESF.

[0254] In one possible implementation, the gNB receives the address information of the SF-U and the address information of the ESF, determines the address information of the ESF based on the sensing service information, and sends the sensing measurement data to the ESF based on the address information of the ESF.

[0255] Specifically, the perception service information includes delay-sensitive perception services, so the gNB can determine the address information of the ESF based on the delay-sensitive perception services, and send the perception measurement data to the ESF based on the address information of the ESF.

[0256] In a possible implementation manner, the address information of the ESF may be user plane address information of the ESF.

[0257] Step S740 is a specific example of step S410 in method 400 . For a detailed description, please refer to step S410 .

[0258] S750: The ESF processes the sensing measurement data to obtain a sensing result.

[0259] Specifically, the ESF performs calculations and decisions on the perception measurement data to obtain perception results.

[0260] Among them, the perception result is a local perception result.

[0261] Step S750 is a specific example of step S420 in method 400 . For a detailed description, please refer to step S420 .

[0262] S760: The ESF sends the perception result obtained after the ESF processes the perception measurement data to the SF-U. Correspondingly, the SF-U receives the perception result obtained after the ESF processes the perception measurement data.

[0263] Specifically, the ESF receives the address information of the SF-U, and sends the perception result obtained by the ESF after processing the perception measurement data to the SF-U according to the address information of the SF-U.

[0264] Step S760 is a specific example of step S430 in method 400 . For a detailed description, please refer to step S430 .

[0265] S770. SF-U processes the perception results sent by ESF to obtain a global perception result.

[0266] Specifically, the SF-U calculates and makes decisions on the perception results sent by the ESF to obtain a global perception result.

[0267] S780: The SF-U sends the global sensing result to the sensing service entity. Correspondingly, the sensing service entity receives the global sensing result from the SF-U.

[0268] Based on the approach in Option 2, for latency-sensitive services, the gNB reports sensing measurement data to the ESF, which is located closer to the gNB. This allows the ESF to obtain sensing results more quickly, thereby reducing latency, facilitating multi-station collaborative sensing, and improving perception quality. Furthermore, since the ESF is deployed on the RAN side, it is closer to the gNB and has data processing capabilities. Therefore, the ESF can directly process raw sensing measurement data, reducing latency and improving perception quality.

[0269] Based on the solution of method 700 described above, when the gNB performs sensing tasks in an ESF deployment, it needs to report sensing measurement data. Depending on the type of sensing service, the gNB can choose to report to the SF or the ESF. Sensing services include latency-sensitive and latency-insensitive sensing services. For latency-insensitive services, the gNB can choose to report sensing measurement data to the SF to directly obtain global sensing results. For latency-sensitive services, the gNB can choose to report sensing measurement data to the ESF to obtain sensing results more quickly. Therefore, different reporting methods are selected for different service types, making sensing measurement data reporting more flexible. Sensing measurement data is no longer solely determined and calculated by the SF, making sensing decisions faster and more efficient, thereby improving sensing quality.

[0270] FIG8 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 800 provided in this application.

[0271] Figure 8 illustrates a specific example of the method in Option 1 of Figure 7 . Method 800 describes a method flow in which the gNB sends sensing measurement data to the SF-U based on the SF-U address information. This method, based on Option 1 of method 700, adds the ability for the SF-C to send the SF-U address information to the ESF. Method 800 includes steps S810 to S850, which are described in detail below.

[0272] S810: SF-C sends the address information of SF-U to ESF. Correspondingly, ESF receives the address information of SF-U from SF-C.

[0273] S820. The ESF sends the address information of the SF-U to the gNB. Correspondingly, the gNB receives the address information of the SF-U from the ESF.

[0274] S830: The gNB sends the perception measurement data to the SF-U. Correspondingly, the SF-U receives the perception measurement data from the gNB.

[0275] Specifically, the gNB sends perception measurement data to the SF-U according to the address information of the SF-U.

[0276] For a detailed description, please refer to step S710, which will not be repeated here.

[0277] S840. The SF-U processes the sensing measurement data to obtain a sensing result.

[0278] Specifically, the SF-U performs calculations and decisions on the perception measurement data to obtain perception results.

[0279] Among them, the perception result is a global perception result.

[0280] For a detailed description, please refer to step S720, which will not be repeated here.

[0281] S850: The SF-U sends the sensing result to the sensing service entity. Correspondingly, the sensing service entity receives the sensing result from the SF-U.

[0282] For a detailed description, please refer to step S730, which will not be repeated here.

[0283] FIG9 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 900 provided in this application.

[0284] Figure 9 illustrates a specific example of the method in Option 2 of Figure 7 . Method 900 describes a method flow in which the gNB sends sensing measurement data to the ESF based on ESF address information. This method improves on Option 2 of Method 700 by adding the ESF sending the ESF address information to the gNB. Method 900 includes steps S910 to S970, which are described in detail below.

[0285] Optionally, at S910, the SF-C sends the address information of the ESF to the ESF. Correspondingly, the ESF receives the address information of the ESF from the SF-C.

[0286] S920. The ESF sends the ESF address information to the gNB. In response, the gNB receives the address information from the ESF.

[0287] S930: The gNB sends the perception measurement data to the ESF. Accordingly, the ESF receives the perception measurement data from the gNB.

[0288] Specifically, the gNB sends the perception measurement data to the ESF according to the address information of the ESF.

[0289] For a detailed description, please refer to step S740, which will not be repeated here.

[0290] S940. The ESF processes the sensing measurement data to obtain a sensing result.

[0291] Specifically, the ESF performs calculations and decisions on the perception measurement data to obtain perception results.

[0292] Among them, the perception result is a local perception result.

[0293] For a detailed description, please refer to step S750, which will not be repeated here.

[0294] S950: The ESF sends the perception result obtained after the ESF processes the perception measurement data to the SF-U. Correspondingly, the SF-U receives the perception result obtained after the ESF processes the perception measurement data.

[0295] Specifically, the ESF sends the perception result obtained after the ESF processes the perception measurement data to the SF-U according to the address information of the SF-U.

[0296] For a detailed description, please refer to step S760, which will not be repeated here.

[0297] S960. The SF-U processes the perception result sent by the ESF to obtain a global perception result.

[0298] Specifically, the SF-U calculates and makes decisions on the perception results sent by the ESF to obtain a global perception result.

[0299] For a detailed description, please refer to step S770, which will not be repeated here.

[0300] S970: The SF-U sends the global sensing result to the sensing service entity. Correspondingly, the sensing service entity receives the global sensing result from the SF-U.

[0301] For a detailed description, please refer to step S780, which will not be repeated here.

[0302] It should be noted that the present application does not limit the order of the steps in the above embodiments. The steps in the above embodiments can be performed sequentially or simultaneously.

[0303] The above describes in detail the communication method provided by the present application. The following describes the communication device provided by the present application.

[0304] In order to realize the various functions of the communication devices in the embodiments of the present application (such as the first network device, the second network device, the access network device, etc.), each communication device can realize the corresponding functions through hardware structure, software module, or hardware structure plus software module.

[0305] Figure 10 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 1000 provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 10 , the device 1000 may include a transceiver unit 1010 and a processing unit 1020. The transceiver unit 1010 can communicate with the outside world, and the processing unit 1020 is used to process data. The transceiver unit 1010 may also be referred to as a communication interface or a transceiver unit. The processing unit 1020 may be used to perform processing.

[0306] Optionally, the device 1000 may further include a storage unit, which may be used to store instructions and / or data. The processing unit 1020 may read the instructions and / or data in the storage unit so that the device implements the aforementioned method embodiment.

[0307] Exemplarily, the communication device 1000 is a first network device, which can be an ESF network element, or a communication device applied to an ESF network element or used in combination with an ESF network element and capable of implementing the method executed by the ESF network element, such as a chip, a chip system or a circuit. For details, please refer to the relevant description of the chip system shown in Figure 12.

[0308] Exemplarily, the communication device 1000 is an access network device, which can be a base station (gNB), or a communication device applied to a base station or used in combination with a base station and capable of implementing a method executed by a base station, such as a chip, a chip system or a circuit. For details, please refer to the relevant description of the chip system shown in Figure 12.

[0309] Exemplarily, the communication device 1000 is a second network device, which can be a SF network element, or a communication device applied to a SF network element or used in combination with a SF network element and capable of implementing the method executed by the SF network element, such as a chip, a chip system or a circuit. For details, please refer to the relevant description of the chip system shown in Figure 12.

[0310] In one possible design, the device 1000 can implement steps or processes corresponding to those performed by the first network device in the above method embodiment, wherein the processing unit 1020 is used to perform processing-related operations of the first network device in the above method embodiment, and the transceiver unit 1010 is used to perform transceiver-related operations of the first network device in the above method embodiment.

[0311] Exemplarily, the transceiver unit 1010 is used to receive perception requirements from the second network device; it is also used to send perception resource configuration information to the access network device; the processing unit 1020 is used to determine the perception resource configuration information, which is used to configure the perception resources of the access network device.

[0312] In another possible design, the device 1000 can implement steps or processes corresponding to those performed by the second network device in the above method embodiment, wherein the transceiver unit 1010 is used to perform the transceiver-related operations of the second network device in the above method embodiment, and the processing unit 1020 is used to perform the processing-related operations of the second network device in the above method embodiment.

[0313] Exemplarily, the transceiver unit 1010 is used to send a perception requirement to the first network device; the processing unit 1020 is used to determine the perception requirement, which is used to determine the perception resource configuration information of the first network device, and the perception resource configuration information is used to configure the perception resources of the access network device.

[0314] In another possible design, the device 1000 can implement steps or processes corresponding to those performed by the access network device in the above method embodiment, wherein the transceiver unit 1010 is used to perform the transceiver-related operations of the access network device in the above method embodiment, and the processing unit 1020 is used to perform the processing-related operations of the access network device in the above method embodiment.

[0315] Exemplarily, the transceiver unit 1010 is configured to receive sensing resource configuration information from a first network device; and the processing unit 1020 is configured to determine the sensing resource according to the sensing resource configuration information of the first network device.

[0316] It should be understood that the device 1000 here is embodied in the form of a functional unit. The term "unit" here may refer to an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (such as a shared processor, a dedicated processor or a group processor, etc.) and a memory for executing one or more software or firmware programs, a merging logic circuit and / or other suitable components that support the described functions. In an optional example, those skilled in the art will understand that the device 1000 can be specifically the transmitting end in the above-mentioned embodiment, and can be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the transmitting end in the above-mentioned method embodiment, or the device 1000 can be specifically the receiving end in the above-mentioned embodiment, and can be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the receiving end in the above-mentioned method embodiment. To avoid repetition, it will not be described here.

[0317] The device 1000 of each of the above-mentioned solutions has the function of implementing the corresponding steps performed by the sending end in the above-mentioned method, or the device 1000 of each of the above-mentioned solutions has the function of implementing the corresponding steps performed by the receiving end in the above-mentioned method. The functions can be implemented by hardware, or the corresponding software can be implemented by hardware. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above-mentioned functions; for example, the transceiver unit can be replaced by a transceiver (for example, the sending unit in the transceiver unit can be replaced by a transmitter, and the receiving unit in the transceiver unit can be replaced by a receiver), and other units, such as the processing unit, can be replaced by a processor to respectively perform the transceiver operations and related processing operations in each method embodiment.

[0318] In addition, the above-mentioned transceiver unit can also be a transceiver circuit (for example, it can include a receiving circuit and a transmitting circuit), and the processing unit can be a processing circuit. In an embodiment of the present application, the above-mentioned communication device can be the receiving end or the transmitting end in the aforementioned embodiment, or it can be a chip or a chip system, such as a system on chip (SoC). Among them, the transceiver unit can be an input and output circuit or a communication interface. The processing unit is a processor or microprocessor or integrated circuit integrated on the chip. This is not limited here.

[0319] Figure 11 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 2000 provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 11, the device 2000 includes a processor 2010 and a transceiver 2020. The processor 2010 and the transceiver 2020 communicate with each other via an internal connection path. The processor 2010 is configured to execute instructions to control the transceiver 2020 to transmit and / or receive signals.

[0320] Optionally, the apparatus 2000 may further include a memory 2030, which communicates with the processor 2010 and the transceiver 2020 via an internal connection path. The memory 2030 is used to store instructions, and the processor 2010 may execute the instructions stored in the memory 2030.

[0321] Exemplarily, the communication device 2000 is a first network device, which can be an ESF network element, or a communication device applied to an ESF network element or used in combination with an ESF network element and capable of implementing the method executed by the ESF network element, such as a chip, a chip system or a circuit. For details, please refer to the relevant description of the chip system shown in Figure 12.

[0322] Exemplarily, the communication device 2000 is an access network device, which can be a base station (gNB), or a communication device applied to a base station or used in combination with a base station and capable of implementing a method executed by a base station, such as a chip, a chip system or a circuit. For details, please refer to the relevant description of the chip system shown in Figure 12.

[0323] Exemplarily, the communication device 2000 is a second network device, which can be a SF network element, or a communication device applied to a SF network element or used in combination with a SF network element and capable of implementing the method executed by the SF network element, such as a chip, a chip system or a circuit. For details, please refer to the relevant description of the chip system shown in Figure 12.

[0324] In a possible implementation, the device 2000 is used to implement various processes and steps corresponding to the first network device in the above method embodiment.

[0325] In another possible implementation, the device 2000 is used to implement various processes and steps corresponding to the access network device in the above method embodiment.

[0326] In another possible implementation, the device 2000 is used to implement various processes and steps corresponding to the second network device in the above method embodiment.

[0327] Optionally, the memory 2030 may include a read-only memory and a random access memory, and provide instructions and data to the processor. A portion of the memory may also include non-volatile random access memory. For example, the memory may also store device type information. The processor 2010 may be configured to execute instructions stored in the memory. When the processor 2010 executes the instructions stored in the memory, the processor 2010 is configured to perform the various steps and / or processes of the above-described method embodiments corresponding to the transmitting end or the receiving end.

[0328] During implementation, each step of the above method can be completed by an integrated logic circuit of the hardware in the processor or by instructions in the form of software. The steps of the method disclosed in conjunction with the embodiments of the present application can be directly embodied as being executed by a hardware processor, or can be executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor. The software module can be located in a storage medium mature in the art such as a random access memory, a flash memory, a read-only memory, a programmable read-only memory or an electrically erasable programmable memory, a register, etc. The storage medium is located in the memory, and the processor reads the information in the memory and completes the steps of the above method in conjunction with its hardware. To avoid repetition, it will not be described in detail here.

[0329] It should be noted that the processor in the embodiments of the present application can be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. During implementation, each step of the above-described method embodiments can be completed by hardware integrated logic circuits in the processor or by software instructions. The above-described processor can be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field-programmable gate array or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, a discrete hardware component, or the aforementioned CPU, other general-purpose processors, a DSP, an ASIC, an FPGA or other programmable logic device, or a portion of the circuitry in other chips used for processing functions. The processor in the embodiments of the present application can implement or execute the various methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present application. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of the present application can be directly implemented and executed by a hardware decoding processor, or by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules can be located in a storage medium well-known in the art, such as random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, etc. The storage medium is located in a memory, and the processor reads information from the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above-described method.

[0330] It is understood that the memory in the embodiments of the present application may be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory may be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory may be a random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), synchronous link DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct RAM bus RAM (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory of the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0331] In the embodiments of the present application, the above-described method can be performed by the first network device, the access network device, and the second network device, or can be performed by a chip, chip system, or circuit of the first network device, the access network device, and the second network device. The chip, chip system, or circuit can be installed in the first network device, the access network device, and the second network device. The chip system of the first network device, the access network device, and the second network device is described below with reference to FIG12.

[0332] FIG12 is a schematic block diagram of a chip system 3000 according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG12 , the chip system 3000 (or also referred to as a processing system) includes a logic circuit 3010 and an input / output interface 3020 .

[0333] Logic circuit 3010 may be a processing circuit in chip system 3000. Logic circuit 3010 may be coupled to a storage unit and call instructions in the storage unit, so that chip system 3000 can implement the methods and functions of various embodiments of the present application. Input / output interface 3020 may be an input / output circuit in chip system 3000, outputting information processed by chip system 3000 or inputting data or signaling information to be processed into chip system 3000 for processing.

[0334] As a solution, the chip system 3000 is used to implement the operations performed by the first network device, the access network device, or the second network device in the above various method embodiments.

[0335] For example, the logic circuit 3010 is used to implement the processing-related operations performed by the first network device in the above method embodiments, such as the processing-related operations performed by the first network device in the above embodiment; the input / output interface 3020 is used to implement the sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the first network device in the above method embodiments, such as the sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the first network device in the above embodiment.

[0336] For another example, the logic circuit 3010 is used to implement the processing-related operations performed by the second network device in the above method embodiments, such as the processing-related operations performed by the second network device in the above embodiment; the input / output interface 3020 is used to implement the sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the second network device in the above method embodiments, such as the sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the second network device in the above embodiment.

[0337] For another example, the logic circuit 3010 is used to implement the processing-related operations performed by the access network device in the above method embodiments, such as the processing-related operations performed by the access network device in the above embodiments; the input / output interface 3020 is used to implement the sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the access network device in the above method embodiments, such as the sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the access network device in the above embodiments.

[0338] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions for implementing the methods executed by the first network device, the access network device, or the second network device in the above-mentioned method embodiments.

[0339] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program product comprising instructions, which, when executed by a computer, implement the methods performed by the first network device, the access network device, or the second network device in the above-mentioned method embodiments.

[0340] An embodiment of the present application further provides a communication system, which includes the first network device or the access network device or the second network device in each of the above embodiments.

[0341] The explanation of the relevant contents and beneficial effects of any of the above-mentioned devices can be referred to the corresponding method embodiments provided above, which will not be repeated here.

[0342] In this application, under the premise of no logical contradiction, the examples can reference each other, for example, the methods and / or terms between method embodiments can reference each other, for example, the functions and / or terms between device embodiments can reference each other, for example, the functions and / or terms between device examples and method examples can reference each other.

[0343] In various embodiments of the present application, the size of the serial numbers of the above-mentioned processes does not mean the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

[0344] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0345] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0346] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely schematic. For example, the division of the units is merely a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0347] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of these units may be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0348] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0349] If the functions are implemented in the form of software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or the part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk.

[0350] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a first network device, the method includes: Receiving a sensing requirement from a second network device; Sending sensing resource configuration information corresponding to the sensing requirement to an access network device, where the sensing resource configuration information is used to configure the sensing resources of the access network device.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The method further includes: Sending the sensing capability information of the first network device and / or the location information of the first network device to the second network device.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receiving the address information of the second network device; Sending the address information of the first network device and / or the address information of the second network device to the access network device.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The method further includes: Receiving sensing measurement data from the access network device; Sending a sensing result to the second network device, where the sensing result is determined according to the sensing measurement data.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The method further includes: Sending first access network device list information to the second network device, where the first access network device list information is used to indicate at least one access network device within the management area of the first network device.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receiving second access network device list information from the second network device.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein The second access network device list information is used to indicate some or all of the at least one access network device.

8. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to an access network device, the method includes: Receiving sensing resource configuration information from a first network device; Determining sensing resources according to the sensing resource configuration information.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein The method further includes: Receiving the address information of the first network device; According to the address information of the first network device, sending sensing measurement data to the first network device.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receiving the address information of the first network device and the address information of a second network device; Determining the sensing measurement data sent according to the address information of the first network device according to sensing service information.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein The sensing service information includes a latency-sensitive sensing service.

12. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a unit or module for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

13. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a unit or module for performing the method according to any one of claims 8 to 11.

14. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a processor, and when the processor runs computer instructions, the communication device performs the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, or the communication device performs the method according to any one of claims 8 to 11.

15. A communication system, characterized in that, Includes: A first network device and an access network device, where the first network device is used to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, and the access network device is used to perform the method according to any one of claims 8 to 11.

16. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions, and when the computer instructions run on a computer, the computer performs the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, or the computer performs the method according to any one of claims 8 to 11.

17. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes: computer program code which, when run on a communication device, causes the device to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, or causes the device to perform the method according to any one of claims 8 to 11.

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