Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

A communication method and a communication apparatus, relating to the technical field of communications. In the method, a first network device sends, to a second network device, information of a sensing service between a terminal device and the first network device, and on the basis of the information, the second network device can determine whether the second network device can continue supporting the sensing service. When the second network device determines that the second network device can continue supporting the sensing service, the sensing service originally carried out by the terminal device can be continuously carried out. Thus, continuation of the sensing service originally carried out by the terminal device can be supported.

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 January 15, 2024, with application number 202410059461.X 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 specifically, to a communication method and a communication device. Background Art

[0003] Wireless communication and wireless sensing are both based on electromagnetic wave theory. For example, the transmitter modulates electromagnetic wave signals, allowing them to carry information about the source. However, electromagnetic wave signals are affected by the wireless environment during propagation, meaning they are modulated by the environment and therefore carry environmental information. The receiver analyzes the electromagnetic wave signals to not only obtain the source information but also extract sensory information reflecting the characteristics of the propagation environment. This makes the integration of communication and sensing possible.

[0004] Communication systems are evolving toward higher frequency bands, greater bandwidths, and denser distribution of large-scale antenna arrays. This allows a single system to integrate both perception and communication capabilities, enabling mutual performance enhancements between systems. Perception, a fundamental characteristic of communication systems, can observe and sample both the physical and biological worlds, opening a new channel for the convergence of the physical and biological worlds with the digital world.

[0005] In communication systems, terminal devices can collaborate with network devices to perform sensing services. For example, a terminal device sends a sensing signal to the network device, which then measures the signal and generates a sensing result. However, when a terminal device switches from one network device to another, the sensing service it is currently performing may be interrupted. Therefore, ensuring the continuity of the sensing service currently being performed by the terminal device is a pressing technical challenge.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present application provides a communication method and a communication device, which can support the continuous performance of the perception service originally performed by the terminal device.

[0008] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, including: sending a request message, which is used to request a terminal device to switch from a first network device to a second network device, and the request message is also used to indicate information of a perceived service between the terminal device and the first network device; and receiving a response message, which corresponds to the request message.

[0009] The execution entity of the solution described in the first aspect can be the first network device, a module within the first network device (such as a chip system), or a logical node, logic module, or software that implements all or part of the functions of the first network device, without limitation. For ease of description, the following description uses the first network device as an example.

[0010] In the above solution, the first network device can send information about the perceived service between the terminal device and the first network device to the second network device (either indirectly or directly, without limitation). The second network device can obtain information about the perceived service originally performed by the terminal device through information exchange with the first network device. When the second network device determines that it can continue to support the perceived service, the perceived service originally performed by the terminal device can continue.

[0011] By exchanging information about the perception service originally performed by the terminal device with the first network device and the second network device, the embodiment of the present application can increase the possibility or probability that the perception service originally performed by the terminal device can be continued. In other words, the present application provides an interaction mechanism for the first network device and the second network device to exchange information about the perception service originally performed by the terminal device. The interaction mechanism can increase the probability or possibility that the perception service originally performed by the terminal device can continue. For example, after the second network device obtains the information about the perception service originally performed by the terminal device, it can determine whether it supports the perception service. If it does, the perception service originally performed by the terminal device can continue or be performed continuously. Accordingly, the probability that the perception service originally performed by the terminal device can continue is improved, thereby enabling the perception service originally performed by the terminal device to continue to be supported.

[0012] In the first aspect, the sending of the request information may include: sending the request information to the second network device; or sending the request information to the mobility management network element.

[0013] When there is a communication interface between the first network device and the second network device, the first network device can directly send request information to the second network device, which can reduce the cost of information interaction overhead between the first network device and the second network device, and can support the continuous performance of the perception service originally performed by the terminal device.

[0014] When there is no communication interface between the first network device and the second network device, the first network device can send the request information to the mobility management network element, and the mobility management network element forwards the request information to the second network device. In this way, the first network device can complete information exchange with the second network device through the mobility management network element, and can support the continuous operation of the perception service originally performed by the terminal device.

[0015] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided, including: receiving request information, the request information being used to request a terminal device to switch from a first network device to a second network device, the request information also being used to indicate information of a perceived service between the terminal device and the first network device; and sending response information in response to the request information.

[0016] The execution entity of the solution described in the second aspect can be a second network device, a module in the second network device (such as a chip system, etc.), or a logical node, logic module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the second network device, without limitation. For ease of description, the following description uses the second network device as an example.

[0017] In the above solution, the second network device can obtain information about the perception service originally performed by the terminal device through information exchange with the first network device (which can be indirect or direct interaction, without limitation). When the second network device determines that it can continue to support the perception service, the perception service originally performed by the terminal device can continue.

[0018] By exchanging information about the perception service originally performed by the terminal device with the first network device and the second network device, the embodiment of the present application can increase the possibility or probability that the perception service originally performed by the terminal device can be continued. In other words, the present application provides an interaction mechanism for the first network device and the second network device to exchange information about the perception service originally performed by the terminal device. The interaction mechanism can increase the probability or possibility that the perception service originally performed by the terminal device can continue. For example, after the second network device obtains the information about the perception service originally performed by the terminal device, it can determine whether it supports the perception service. If it does, the perception service originally performed by the terminal device can continue or be performed continuously. Accordingly, the probability that the perception service originally performed by the terminal device can continue is improved, thereby enabling the perception service originally performed by the terminal device to continue to be supported.

[0019] In a second aspect, the method further includes: sending switching information to a mobility management network element, where the switching information indicates that the perception service is switched from the first network device to the second network device.

[0020] When the second network device determines that it can support the continuation of the perception service, the second network device can instruct the mobility management network element to switch the perception service from the first network device to the second network device. The mobility management network element can complete the switching of the perception service accordingly, thereby enabling the perception service originally carried out by the terminal device to continue.

[0021] In the second aspect, the switching information includes at least one of the following: information about the perception service, identification information of the first network device, identification information of the second network device, or information indicating that the perception service can continue.

[0022] For example, the switching information includes information about the perception service. When the second network device sends the perception service information to the mobility management network element, the mobility management network element can determine that the second network device supports continuing the perception service and further determine that the perception service needs to be switched from the first network device to the second network device.

[0023] For another example, the switching information includes identification information of the first network device. When the second network device sends the identification information of the first network device to the mobility management network element, the mobility management network element can determine the perception service corresponding to the identification of the first network device based on the association between the identification information of the first network device and the perception service (which can be pre-configured in the mobility management network element), and can determine that the second network device can continue to support the perception service, and further determine that the perception service needs to be switched from the first network device to the second network device.

[0024] For example, the switching information includes identification information of the second network device. When the second network device sends the identification information of the second network device to the mobility management network element, the mobility management network element can determine the perception service corresponding to the identification of the second network device based on the association between the identification information of the second network device and the perception service (which can be pre-configured in the mobility management network element), and can determine that the second network device supports the continuation of the perception service, and further determine that the perception service needs to be switched from the first network device to the second network device.

[0025] In the second aspect, the response information indicates that the perception service can continue, and the method further includes: sending first information to the perception service control network element, where the first information is used to indicate that the perception service has changed.

[0026] When the perception service control network element determines that the perception service has changed based on the first information, the perception service control network element can make adaptive adjustments to the perception service. For example, the perception service control network element can adjust the transmission channel of the perception data of the perception service, etc., so as to enable the perception service originally carried out by the terminal device to continue.

[0027] In the second aspect, the first information includes at least one of the following: information on a change in a sensing entity of the sensing service or information on whether the sensing service can continue.

[0028] For example, the first information includes information about changes in the perception entity of the perception service. The perception service control network element may determine that a data channel between the perception data management network element and the network device needs to be switched. For example, the data channel between the first network device and the perception data management network element needs to be released, and a data channel between the second network device and the perception data management network element needs to be established, thereby enabling the perception service originally carried out by the terminal device to continue.

[0029] For example, the first information includes information that the perception service can continue. Based on this, the perception service control network element can determine that the perception entity of the perception service has changed, for example, from a first network device to a second network device, and the perception service control network element determines that the data channel between the perception data management network element and the network device needs to be switched, for example, the data channel between the first network device and the perception data management network element needs to be released, and a data channel between the second network device and the perception data management network element needs to be established, so as to enable the perception service originally carried out by the terminal device to continue. In the second aspect, the method also includes: receiving perception data of the perception service from the terminal device; and sending the perception data of the perception service to the perception data management network element.

[0030] When the terminal device switches from the first network device to the second network device, the terminal device sends the perception data of the perception service to the second network device, and the second network device sends the perception data of the perception service to the perception data management network element. The perception data management network element can process the perception data of the perception service, thereby completing the transmission of the perception data of the perception service.

[0031] In the second aspect, the receiving request information includes: receiving the request information from the first network device; the sending response information includes: sending the response information to the first network device.

[0032] When there is a communication interface between the first network device and the second network device, the first network device can directly send request information to the second network device, which can reduce the cost of information interaction overhead between the first network device and the second network device, and can support the continuous performance of the perception service originally performed by the terminal device.

[0033] In the second aspect, the receiving request information includes: receiving the request information from the mobility management network element; the sending response information includes: sending the response information to the mobility management network element.

[0034] When there is no communication interface between the first network device and the second network device, the first network device can send the request information to the mobility management network element, and the mobility management network element forwards the request information to the second network device. In this way, the first network device can complete information exchange with the second network device through the mobility management network element, and can support the continuous operation of the perception service originally performed by the terminal device.

[0035] In a third aspect, a communication method is provided, comprising: determining indication information, the indication information indicating information of a perceived service between a terminal device and a first network device; and sending the indication information to the first network device.

[0036] The execution entity of the solution described in the third aspect can be a terminal device, a module in the terminal device (such as a chip system, etc.), or a logical node, logic module, or software that can implement all or part of the terminal device functions, without limitation. For ease of description, the following description uses a terminal device as an example.

[0037] In the above solution, the terminal device can send information indicating the perception service between the terminal device and the first network device to the first network device. The first network device can then send this information to the second network device. After the second network device obtains the information about the perception service originally performed by the terminal device, it can determine whether it can continue to support the perception service. If the second network device determines that it can continue to support the perception service, the perception service originally performed by the terminal device can continue.

[0038] By having the terminal device report information about the perception service originally performed by the terminal device to the first network device, the first network device can send the information about the perception service originally performed by the terminal device to the second network device during information exchange with the second network device. This helps the second network device determine whether to support the continuation of the perception service. When the second network device obtains this information, the possibility or probability of the perception service originally performed by the terminal device being able to continue can be increased, thereby enabling the perception service originally performed by the terminal device to continue to be supported.

[0039] In a fourth aspect, a communication method is provided, comprising: receiving request information from a first network device, the request information being used to request a terminal device to switch from the first network device to a second network device, the request information also being used to indicate information of a perceived service between the terminal device and the first network device; sending the request information to the second network device; receiving response information from the second network device, the response information corresponding to the request information; and sending the response information to the first network device.

[0040] The execution entity of the solution described in the fourth aspect may be a mobility management network element, a module within the mobility management network element (such as a chip system), or a logical node, logic module, or software that implements all or part of the mobility management network element functions, without limitation. For ease of description, the following description uses the mobility management network element as an example.

[0041] In the above solution, the mobility management network element can assist the first network device and the second network device in completing the exchange request information, so that the second network device can obtain information about the perception service originally performed by the terminal device. When the second network device determines that it can continue to support the perception service, the perception service originally performed by the terminal device can continue.

[0042] By exchanging information about the perception service originally performed by the terminal device with the first network device and the second network device, the embodiment of the present application can increase the possibility or probability that the perception service originally performed by the terminal device can be continued. In other words, the present application provides an interaction mechanism for the first network device and the second network device to exchange information about the perception service originally performed by the terminal device. The interaction mechanism can increase the probability or possibility that the perception service originally performed by the terminal device can continue. For example, after the second network device obtains the information about the perception service originally performed by the terminal device, it can determine whether it supports the perception service. If it does, the perception service originally performed by the terminal device can continue or be performed continuously. Accordingly, the probability that the perception service originally performed by the terminal device can continue is improved, thereby enabling the perception service originally performed by the terminal device to continue to be supported.

[0043] In the fourth aspect, the method further includes: receiving switching information from the second network device, the switching information indicating that the perception service is switched from the first network device to the second network device. In the fourth aspect, the switching information includes at least one of the following: information about the perception service, identification information of the first network device, identification information of the second network device, or information indicating that the perception service can continue. In the fourth aspect, the method further includes: sending first information to the perception service control network element, the first information indicating that the perception service has changed. When the perception service control network element determines that the perception service has changed based on the first information, the perception service control network element can make adaptive adjustments to the perception service. For example, the perception service control network element can adjust the transmission channel of the perception data of the perception service, etc., so as to enable the perception service originally carried out by the terminal device to continue.

[0044] In the fourth aspect, the first information includes at least one of the following: information on changes in the perception entity of the perception service or information on whether the perception service can continue.

[0045] For the description of the beneficial effects of the fourth aspect, reference can be made to the description of the beneficial effects of the second aspect, and no further details will be given.

[0046] In combination with the method of any one of the first to fourth aspects, the information of the perceived service includes at least one of the following: identification information or context information.

[0047] For example, the information of the perception service includes identification information (eg, an identification of the perception service or an index for distinguishing the perception service). The second network device can determine the perception service performed between the terminal device and the first network device based on the identification information of the perception service.

[0048] For example, the information of the perceived service includes context information. The second network device can determine the specific content of the perceived service performed between the terminal device and the first network device based on the context information of the perceived service.

[0049] In combination with the method of any of the first to fourth aspects, the context information includes at least one of the following: perception content, perception cycle, or perception result requirement.

[0050] In this way, the second network device can obtain the specific content of the perception service through one or more of the above methods.

[0051] In combination with the method described in any of the first to fourth aspects, the response information is used to indicate whether the perception service can continue.

[0052] In this way, the first network device can determine whether the second network device supports continuing the perception service based on the response information.

[0053] In combination with the method described in any of the first to fourth aspects, the response information is related to the perception capability of the second network device with respect to the perception service.

[0054] The second network device can determine whether it can support the continuation of the perception service based on its own perception capability of the perception service, so as to avoid the second network device sending an erroneous instruction to the first network device. For example, the second network device indicates to the first network device that it supports the continuation of the perception service. When the perception service is switched from the first network device to the second network device, the second network device cannot execute the perception service, resulting in the interruption of the perception service originally performed by the terminal device.

[0055] Through the above solution, the embodiment of the present application can better support the continuation of the perception service originally performed by the terminal device.

[0056] In the fifth aspect, a communication method is provided, including: receiving first information, the first information being used to indicate information that a perception service between a terminal device and a first network device has changed; and establishing a data channel between a second network device and a perception data management network element based on the first information, the second network device being the network device to which the terminal device switches from the first network device.

[0057] The execution entity of the solution described in the fifth aspect can be a perception service control network element, a module within the perception service control network element (such as a chip system, etc.), or a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the perception service control network element functions, without limitation. For ease of description, the following description uses the perception service control network element as an example.

[0058] In the above scheme, after the perception service control network element obtains the first information, the perception service control network element determines based on the first information that the perception service has switched, that is, the perception service has switched from the first network device to other network devices. The perception service control network element can determine that it is necessary to release the data transmission channel between the first network device and the perception data management network element, and establish a data transmission channel between the second network device and the perception data management network element, so as to support the perception service originally performed by the terminal device to continue.

[0059] In the fifth aspect, the first information includes at least one of the following: information on changes in the perception entity of the perception service or information on whether the perception service can continue.

[0060] For the description of the beneficial effects of the fifth aspect, reference can be made to the description of the beneficial effects of the second aspect, and no further details will be given.

[0061] In the sixth aspect, a communication device is provided, which includes: an interface unit for sending request information, the request information is used to request the terminal device to switch from the first network device to the second network device, and the request information is also used to indicate the information interface unit of the perception service between the terminal device and the first network device, and is also used to receive response information, which corresponds to the request information.

[0062] The above-mentioned communication device can also be used to execute the solution described in the method described in the first aspect and any possible manner of the first aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0063] In the seventh aspect, a communication device is provided, which includes: an interface unit for receiving request information, the request information is used to request a terminal device to switch from a first network device to a second network device, and the request information is also used to indicate information of the perceived service between the terminal device and the first network device; the interface unit is also used to send response information in response to the request information.

[0064] The above-mentioned communication device can also be used to execute the solution described in the method described in the aforementioned second aspect and any possible manner of the second aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0065] In an eighth aspect, a communication device is provided, which includes: a processing unit for determining indication information, where the indication information indicates information of a perceived service between a terminal device and a first network device; and an interface unit for sending the indication information to the first network device.

[0066] The above-mentioned communication device can also be used to execute the solution described in the method described in the aforementioned third aspect and any possible manner of the third aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0067] In the ninth aspect, a communication device is provided, which includes: an interface unit for receiving request information from a first network device, the request information being used to request a terminal device to switch from the first network device to a second network device, the request information being also used to indicate information of a perception service conducted between the terminal device and the first network device; an interface unit for sending the request information to the second network device; an interface unit for receiving response information from the second network device, the response information corresponding to the request information; and an interface unit for sending the response information to the first network device.

[0068] The above-mentioned communication device can also be used to execute the scheme described in the method described in the aforementioned fourth aspect and any possible manner of the fourth aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0069] In the tenth aspect, a communication device is provided, which includes: an interface unit for receiving first information, the first information being used to indicate information that a change has occurred in the perception service between the terminal device and the first network device; a processing unit for establishing a data channel between the second network device and the perception data management network element based on the first information, the second network device being the network device to which the terminal device switches from the first network device.

[0070] The above-mentioned communication device can also be used to execute the scheme described in the method described in the aforementioned fifth aspect and any possible manner in the fifth aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0071] In the eleventh aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a processor, wherein the processor is used to, by executing a computer program or instruction, or by a logic circuit, enable the communication device to execute the method described in the first aspect and any possible manner of the first aspect; or, enable the communication device to execute the method described in the second aspect and any possible manner of the second aspect, or, enable the communication device to execute the method described in the third aspect and any possible manner of the third aspect, or, enable the communication device to execute the method described in the fourth aspect and any possible manner of the fourth aspect, or, enable the communication device to execute the method described in the fifth aspect and any possible manner of the fifth aspect.

[0072] In a possible implementation, the communication device further includes a memory for storing the computer program or instruction.

[0073] In a possible implementation, the communication device further includes a communication interface, which is used to input and / or output signals.

[0074] In the twelfth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a logic circuit and an input / output interface, the input / output interface being used to input and / or output signals, the logic circuit being used to execute the method described in the first aspect and any possible embodiment of the first aspect, or the logic circuit being used to execute the method described in the first aspect and any possible embodiment of the first aspect, or the logic circuit being used to execute the method described in the second aspect and any possible embodiment of the second aspect, or the logic circuit being used to execute the method described in the third aspect and any possible embodiment of the third aspect, or the logic circuit being used to execute the method described in the fourth aspect and any possible embodiment of the fourth aspect, or the logic circuit being used to execute the method described in the fifth aspect and any possible embodiment of the fifth aspect.

[0075] In the thirteenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, on which a computer program or instruction is stored. When the computer program or the instruction is run on a computer, the method described in the first aspect and any possible manner of the first aspect is executed, or the method described in the second aspect and any possible manner of the second aspect is executed, or the method described in the third aspect and any possible manner of the third aspect is executed, or the method described in the fourth aspect and any possible manner of the fourth aspect is executed, or the method described in the fifth aspect and any possible manner of the fifth aspect is executed.

[0076] In the fourteenth aspect, a computer program product is provided, comprising instructions, which, when executed on a computer, cause the method described in the first aspect and any possible manner of the first aspect to be executed, or cause the method described in the second aspect and any possible manner of the second aspect to be executed, or cause the method described in the third aspect and any possible manner of the third aspect to be executed, or cause the method described in the fourth aspect and any possible manner of the fourth aspect to be executed, or cause the method described in the fifth aspect and any possible manner of the fifth aspect to be executed.

[0077] In the fifteenth aspect, a chip system is provided, which is connected to a memory and is used to read and execute a software program stored in the memory to execute the method described in the first aspect and any possible manner in the first aspect, or to execute the method described in the second aspect and any possible manner in the second aspect, or to execute the method described in the third aspect and any possible manner in the third aspect, or to execute the method described in the fourth aspect and any possible manner in the fourth aspect, or to execute the method described in the fifth aspect and any possible manner in the fifth aspect.

[0078] In the sixteenth aspect, a chip system is provided, which includes: a communication interface for communicating with other devices; a processor for causing a communication device equipped with the chip system to execute the method described in the first aspect and any possible manner in the first aspect, or for causing a communication device equipped with the chip system to execute the method described in the second aspect and any possible manner in the second aspect, or for causing a communication device equipped with the chip system to execute the method described in the third aspect and any possible manner in the third aspect, or for causing a communication device equipped with the chip system to execute the method described in the fourth aspect and any possible manner in the fourth aspect, or for causing a communication device equipped with the chip system to execute the method described in the fifth aspect and any possible manner in the fifth aspect.

[0079] In the seventeenth aspect, a chip system is provided, which includes a processor, a memory and an input / output port, the memory being used to store a computer program; the processor being used to execute the computer program stored in the memory, so that the processor executes the method described in the first aspect and any possible manner in the first aspect, or so that the processor executes the method described in the second aspect and any possible manner in the second aspect, or so that the processor executes the method described in the third aspect and any possible manner in the third aspect, or so that the processor executes the method described in the fourth aspect and any possible manner in the fourth aspect, or so that the processor executes the method described in the fifth aspect and any possible manner in the fifth aspect.

[0080] In aspect 18, a chip system is provided, which is applied to an electronic device, and the chip system includes one or more processors, which are used to call computer instructions to enable the electronic device to execute the method described in the first aspect and any possible manner in the first aspect, or to enable the electronic device to execute the method described in the second aspect and any possible manner in the second aspect, or to enable the electronic device to execute the method described in the third aspect and any possible manner in the third aspect, or to enable the electronic device to execute the method described in the fourth aspect and any possible manner in the fourth aspect, or to enable the electronic device to execute the method described in the fifth aspect and any possible manner in the fifth aspect.

[0081] The description of the advantageous effects of any of the sixth to eighteenth aspects, etc., can refer to the description of the advantageous effects of the first to fifth aspects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0082] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system to which an embodiment of the present application is applicable.

[0083] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a perception scenario according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0084] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture applicable to an embodiment of the present application.

[0085] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario of an embodiment of the present application.

[0086] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of an interaction flow of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0087] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of an interaction flow of another communication method according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0088] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of an interaction flow of another communication method according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0089] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of an interaction flow of yet another communication method according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0090] FIG9 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0091] FIG10 is a schematic block diagram of another communication device according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0092] The technical solution in this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0093] In order to facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present application, the following points are first explained.

[0094] 1. In the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified, "a plurality of or at least two" means two or more.

[0095] 2. In each embodiment of the present application, unless otherwise specified or there is a logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form a new embodiment based on their internal logical relationships.

[0096] 3. The various numerical numbers involved in the embodiments of the present application are only for the convenience of description and are not used to limit the scope of protection of the present application. The size of the serial numbers involved in the present application does not mean the order of execution. The order of execution of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic. For example, the terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth" and other various terminology labels (if any) in the specification and claims and drawings of the present application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. Among them, the data used in this way can be interchangeable where appropriate, so that the embodiments described here can be implemented in an order other than what is illustrated or described here.

[0097] At the same time, any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of the present application should not be interpreted as being more preferred or more advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner to facilitate understanding.

[0098] 4. The terms "comprise" and "have" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such process, method, product or apparatus.

[0099] In the embodiments of the present application, "used to indicate" can be understood as "enabling," and "enabling" can include both direct and indirect enabling. When describing that certain information is used to enable A, it can include that the information directly enables A or indirectly enables A, and does not necessarily mean that the information contains A.

[0100] The information enabled by the information is called information to be enabled. In the specific implementation process, there are many ways to enable the enabled information, such as but not limited to, directly enabling the information to be enabled, such as the information to be enabled itself or the index of the information to be enabled. The information to be enabled can also be indirectly enabled by enabling other information, wherein there is an association between the other information and the information to be enabled. It is also possible to enable only a part of the information to be enabled, while the other parts of the information to be enabled are known or agreed in advance. For example, it is also possible to enable specific information with the help of the arrangement order of each piece of information agreed in advance (such as specified in the protocol), thereby reducing the enabling overhead to a certain extent. At the same time, it is also possible to identify the common parts of each piece of information and enable them uniformly to reduce the enabling overhead caused by enabling the same information separately.

[0101] 6. In the embodiments of the present application, "pre-configuration" may include pre-definition, such as protocol definition. "Pre-definition" may be implemented by pre-storing corresponding codes, tables, or other methods that can be used to indicate relevant information in a device (e.g., including each network element). This application does not limit the specific implementation method.

[0102] VII. "Storage" or "saving" as used in the embodiments of this application may refer to storage in one or more memories. The one or more memories may be provided separately or integrated into an encoder or decoder, a processor, or a communication device. The one or more memories may also be provided in part separately and in part integrated into a decoder, a processor, or a communication device. The type of memory may be any form of storage medium and is not limited thereto.

[0103] 8. The “protocol” involved in the embodiments of the present application may refer to a standard protocol in the field of communications, such as the fourth generation (4G) network, the fifth generation (5G) network protocol, the new radio (NR) protocol, the 5.5G network protocol, the sixth generation (6 th generation, 6G) network protocols and related protocols used in future communication systems, which are not limited in this application.

[0104] 9. The arrows or boxes indicated by dotted lines in the schematic diagrams in the accompanying drawings of this application specification represent optional steps or optional modules.

[0105] 10. In the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified, “ / ” indicates that the objects associated with each other are in an “or” relationship. For example, A / B can represent A or B. “And / or” in the present application is merely a description of the association relationship between associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. A and B can be singular or plural.

[0106] 11. In the embodiments of the present application, indications include direct indications (also called explicit indications) and implicit indications. Direct indication of information A refers to including information A. Implicit indication of information A refers to indicating information A through the correspondence between information A and information B and the direct indication of information B. The correspondence between information A and information B can be predefined, pre-stored, pre-burned, or pre-configured.

[0107] 12. In the embodiments of the present application, information C is used to determine information D, which includes both information D being determined solely based on information C and information D being determined based on information C and other information. Furthermore, information C can also be used to determine information D indirectly, for example, where information D is determined based on information E, and information E is determined based on information C.

[0108] 13. In the embodiment of the present application, "device A sends information A to device B" can be understood as the destination end of the information A or the intermediate network element in the transmission path between the destination end and the device B, which may include sending information to device B directly or indirectly.

[0109] 14. In the embodiments of this application, the phrase "Device B receives information A from Device A" can be understood to mean that the source of information A or an intermediate network element in the transmission path between the source and the device A is Device A, and may include directly or indirectly receiving the information from Device A. Information may undergo necessary processing between the source and destination, such as formatting changes, but the destination can still understand the valid information from the source. Similar expressions in this application should be understood similarly and are not elaborated on here.

[0110] First, a communication system to which the embodiments of the present application are applicable is described.

[0111] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system applicable to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system includes: a radio access network (RAN) 100 and a core network (CN) 200. The RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (such as 110a and 110b, collectively referred to as 110) and at least one terminal device (such as 120a-120j, collectively referred to as 120). The RAN 100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices (not shown in Figure 1). The terminal device 120 is connected to the RAN node 110 via a wireless method. The RAN node 110 is connected to the CN 200 via a wireless or wired method. The core network device in the CN 200 and the RAN node 110 in the RAN 100 can be different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device that integrates the CN logical functions and the RAN logical functions.

[0112] RAN 100 can be used for the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) rd The RAN 100 may also be an open radio access network (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (C-RAN), or a wireless high-fidelity (Wi-Fi) system. The RAN 100 may also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0113] The RAN node 110, sometimes also referred to as access network equipment, RAN entity, or access node, facilitates wireless access for terminal devices. Multiple RAN nodes 110 in the communication system can be of the same type or different types. In some scenarios, the roles of the RAN node 110 and the terminal device 120 are relative. For example, the network element 120i can be a helicopter or drone, which can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminal devices 120j accessing the RAN 100 via the network element 120i, the network element 120i is a base station; however, for the base station 110a, the network element 120i is a terminal device. The RAN node 110 and the terminal 120 are sometimes referred to as communication devices. For example, the network elements 110a and 110b can be understood as communication devices with base station functionality, and the network elements 120a-120j can be understood as communication devices with terminal functionality.

[0114] In one possible scenario, a RAN node may be a base station (BS), an evolved NodeB (eNB), an access point (AP), a transmitting and receiving point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), a next-generation NodeB in a 6G mobile communication system, a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a Wi-Fi system. A RAN node may be a macro base station (such as 110a in Figure 1 ), a micro base station or an indoor station (such as 110b in Figure 1 ), a relay node or a donor node, or a wireless controller in a CRAN scenario.

[0115] Optionally, the RAN node may also be a server, a wearable device, a vehicle, or an on-board device. All or part of the functions of the RAN node in this application may also be implemented through software functions running on hardware, or through virtualized functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). The RAN node in this application may also be a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the RAN node.

[0116] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist terminal devices 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 centralized unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (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 radio frequency unit, such as a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH).

[0117] In different communication 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, in the ORAN system, CU may also be called O-CU (Open CU), DU may also be called O-DU, CU-CP may also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP may also be called O-CU-UP, and RU may also be called O-RU. For the convenience of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU and RU as examples for description. Any unit of CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU and RU in this application can be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module.

[0118] The number of devices in the above-mentioned communication system is for illustration only and is not limited thereto. In actual applications, the communication system may further include more terminal devices, more RAN devices, and other devices.

[0119] In an embodiment of the present application, a terminal device is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities, which may refer to user equipment (UE), access terminal, subscriber unit, user station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, wireless communication device, user agent or user device.

[0120] In the embodiment of the present application, the terminal device may also be a satellite phone, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a wireless data card, a wireless modem, a machine type communication device, a cordless phone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a customer-premises equipment (CPE), a smart point of sale (POS) machine, a handheld device with wireless communication function, a computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, a vehicle-mounted device, a communication device carried on a high-altitude aircraft, a wearable device, a drone, a robot, a terminal in device-to-device (D2D) communication, a terminal in vehicle-to-everything (V2X), a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self-driving, a remote medical device, or a similar device. There is no restriction on wireless terminals in medical, smart grid, transportation safety, smart city, smart home, or terminal devices in communication networks evolved after 5G.

[0121] In the embodiment of the present application, the terminal device may also be a device with communication functions in the 6G communication system, without limiting the form or type of the terminal device in the 6G and other future communication systems.

[0122] In the embodiments of the present application, the communication device used to implement the functions of the terminal device can be the terminal device, or it can be a device that can support the terminal device to implement the functions, such as a chip system. The device can be installed in the terminal device or used in conjunction with the terminal device. In the present application, the chip system can be composed of a chip or include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0123] In the embodiments of the present application, a network device is a device with wireless transceiver functions, which is used to communicate with a terminal device. The network device can be a node in the RAN, which can also be called a base station, or a RAN node. It can be an eNB in ​​long-term evolution (LTE); or a base station in a 5G network such as a gNB or a base station in a public land mobile network (PLMN) evolved after 5G, a broadband network gateway (BNG), an aggregation switch, or a network device in 3GPP, etc.

[0124] Network equipment may also include various forms of base stations, such as: macro base stations, micro base stations (also called small stations), relay stations, TRPs, transmitting points (TPs), mobile switching centers, and devices that perform base station functions in device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), and machine-to-machine (M2M) communications, network equipment in non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), etc., without specific limitation.

[0125] In the embodiments of the present application, the communication device used to implement the functions of the network device can be a network device, or a device that can support the network device to implement the functions, such as a chip system. The device can be installed in the network device or used in conjunction with the network device. The chip system in the embodiments of the present application can be composed of a chip, or can include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0126] The network architecture and service scenarios described in this application are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided herein. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that, with the evolution of communication network architectures and the emergence of new service scenarios, the technical solutions provided in this application are equally applicable to similar technical problems. For example, this application may be applicable to V2X scenarios.

[0127] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present application, the following is a brief explanation of the terms involved in the embodiments of the present application.

[0128] 1. Definition of Perception

[0129] Wireless sensing uses wireless signals for sensing. Perception is the process of collecting and processing data to generate sensing results. For example, collected data can be used to determine the distance, shape, and type of surrounding obstacles, or to determine the breathing rate and heart rate of the monitored subject. The collected data can be collected by sensors or wireless signals.

[0130] Wireless sensing and wireless communications are both based on electromagnetic wave theory. The transmitter modulates electromagnetic wave signals, allowing them to carry information about the source. During propagation, electromagnetic wave signals are affected by the wireless environment, meaning they can also carry environmental information. By analyzing the electromagnetic wave signals, the receiver can not only obtain the source information but also extract sensory information reflecting the characteristics of the propagation environment. In other words, electromagnetic wave signals inherently possess both communication and perception capabilities, making integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) possible. This is also known as joint communications and sensing (JCAS), or simply as integrated synaesthesia. Compared to systems that separate sensing and communication, ISAC offers a range of advantages, including cost savings, reduced device size, lower power consumption, improved frequency efficiency, and reduced interference between communication and sensing.

[0131] 2. Perception Scene

[0132] Perception scenarios can be divided into perception scenarios based on network devices, perception scenarios based on network devices and terminal devices, and perception scenarios based on terminal devices. For example, see the perception scenarios shown in (1) to (6) of Figure 2.

[0133] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a perception scene according to an embodiment of the present application. For example:

[0134] The perception scenario shown in (1) of Figure 2 is based on a network device, which acts as both the transmitter and receiver of the perception signal. For example, perception signal 1 sent by the network device reaches the target object (e.g., a car). After being reflected by the target object, the network device receives perception signal 2, which it then processes to obtain a perception result.

[0135] The perception scenario shown in (2) of Figure 2 is also a network device-based perception scenario, with one network device acting as the transmitter of the perception signal and the other as the receiver. For example, perception signal 1 sent by network device A reaches the target object. After being reflected by the target object, network device B can receive perception signal 2. Network device B can then process perception signal 2 to obtain the perception result.

[0136] The perception scenario shown in (3) of Figure 2 is based on a network device and a terminal device. The network device acts as the transmitter of the perception signal, and the terminal device acts as the receiver of the perception signal. For example, perception signal 1 sent by the network device reaches the target object. After being reflected by the target object, perception signal 1 is received by the terminal device. The terminal device then processes perception signal 2 to obtain a perception result.

[0137] The perception scenario shown in (4) of Figure 2 is also based on network devices and terminal devices. The terminal device acts as the transmitter of the perception signal, and the network device acts as the receiver of the perception signal. For example, perception signal 1 sent by the terminal device reaches the target object. After being reflected by the target object, perception signal 1 is received by the network device. The network device then processes perception signal 2 to obtain the perception result.

[0138] The perception scenario shown in (5) of Figure 2 is based on a terminal device, which acts as both the transmitter and receiver of the perception signal. For example, perception signal 1 sent by the terminal device reaches the target object. After being reflected by the target object, perception signal 1 is received by the terminal device as perception signal 2, which is then processed to obtain a perception result.

[0139] The perception scenario shown in (6) of Figure 2 is also a perception scenario based on terminal devices, with one terminal device acting as the transmitter of the perception signal and the other terminal device acting as the receiver of the perception signal. For example, perception signal 1 sent by terminal device a reaches the target object. After being reflected by the target object, perception signal 1 is received by terminal device b, which then processes perception signal 2 to obtain the perception result.

[0140] The above-mentioned perception signal 2 can be understood as a reflection signal of the above-mentioned perception signal 1. The perception signal 2 carries more information than the perception signal 1. For example, the perception signal 2 can carry source information and environmental information.

[0141] 3. Sensing Entity (SE)

[0142] The sensing entity may send and / or receive sensing signals, and may also send sensing capabilities to the sensing control entity or access management entity. In an embodiment of the present application, the sensing capabilities may include one or more of the following capabilities:

[0143] 1) Layer 1 (L1) sensing capability, used to sense raw data. Raw data refers to basic information about the sensed signal, such as amplitude, phase, and whether the sensed signal is an I-path signal or a Q-path signal.

[0144] 2) Layer 2 (L2) perception capability, used to perceive measurement data. Measurement data refers to data obtained by processing raw data and used to represent the measurement dimension. It may include but is not limited to one or more of the following information: sampling point delay, reception angle of the perception signal, signal strength of the perception signal, Doppler (i.e., frequency offset of the perception signal), location of the target object, and speed of the target object. Sampling points refer to signal values ​​at specific moments or locations selected during the discretization of continuous signals during signal processing.

[0145] 3) Layer 3 (L3) perception capability, which is used to process perception data to obtain perception results. The perception data can be raw data and / or measurement data. The perception results can include but are not limited to one or more of the following information: the distance between the perception entity and the target object, the speed of the target object, the position of the target object, the angle between the perception entity and the target object, the movement path of the target object, the breathing rate of the target object, the heartbeat of the target object, etc.

[0146] A perception entity is a logical entity, also known as a logical perception entity. A perception entity can be deployed on network devices or terminal devices. In other words, any network device or terminal device with perception capabilities can serve as a perception entity. A network device or terminal device may possess the three capabilities described above, or it may possess one or more of these capabilities. For example, some terminal devices with less computing power may possess L1 perception capabilities but not L2 or L3 perception capabilities. Another example is that some network devices possess all three capabilities described above. A perception entity can also be deployed independently.

[0147] The above-mentioned perception entities may also include perception control entities and perception processing entities. The perception control entity may be used to implement the control plane functions of the perception service, such as for receiving the perception capability information of the perception entity, and for orchestrating the perception service based on the perception capability information of the perception entity. The perception processing entity may be used to implement the data plane functions of the perception service, such as for processing the perception data of the perception service to obtain the perception results of the perception service. After the control plane functions of the perception service and the data plane functions of the perception service are deployed independently of each other, the number of control plane functional entities and data plane functional entities can be flexibly configured and adjusted according to resources and business conditions; secondly, attacks on the data plane will not affect the control plane, and vice versa, thereby improving the reliability and security of the perception service.

[0148] The orchestration of the sensing service may include selecting a transmitting sensing entity and a receiving sensing entity. The transmitting sensing entity and the receiving sensing entity may be the same sensing entity. The transmitting sensing entity is a transmitter of a sensing signal and is configured to send the sensing signal. The receiving sensing entity is a receiver of the sensing signal and is configured to receive the sensing signal.

[0149] The processing of the perception data may include processing the raw data to obtain measurement data, and / or processing the measurement data to obtain a perception result. The measurement data may be obtained by processing the raw data or by perception by a perception entity.

[0150] The names of perception control entity and perception processing entity are used for example only and do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of the present application. With the development of communication technology and perception technology, these two modules may adopt other names. For example, the perception control entity can also be described as a sensing service control function (SSCF) network element, or a perception service control network element, or a perception control network element, etc.; the perception processing entity can also be described as a sensing data processing function (SDPF) network element, or a perception data processing network element, or a perception processing network element, a perception data function network element, a data function network element, etc. For the convenience of description, the perception control entity is described as SSCF and the perception processing entity is described as SDPF in the following embodiments.

[0151] The embodiments of this application take the introduction of SSCF and SDPF into the core network architecture of the 5G system as an example to achieve better compatibility with the 5G system so as to enable smooth evolution to the 6G system. The SSCF can communicate with other core network functional modules by coupling to the SBI bus via a service-based interface (SBI); the SDPF can communicate with other core network functional modules by coupling to the SBI bus via the SBI, or can communicate through separate interfaces, such as communicating with other SDPFs or communicating with the SSCF via a separate interface.

[0152] The network architecture after the introduction of SSCF and SDPF can be seen in Figure 3.

[0153] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture applicable to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG3 , the network architecture illustratively includes:

[0154] Access and mobility management function (AMF) network elements, network element function (NEF) network elements and policy control function (PCF) network elements can be mounted to the SBI bus through SBI, or in other words, AMF network elements, NEF network elements and PCF network elements can perform signaling interaction through the SBI bus.

[0155] The RAN node can be connected to the SSCF through the AMF network element or directly connected to the SSCF.

[0156] The SDPF is coupled to the SBI bus through the SSCF.

[0157] The sensing service subscriber management (SSSM) network element is coupled to the SBI bus via the SBI.

[0158] SSSM is responsible for managing awareness service users and can be responsible for one or more of the following:

[0159] ·Perceive business users' account opening and account closing;

[0160] ·Contract subscription for sensing services;

[0161] Authentication and authorization of business users;

[0162] ·Account balance management of business users.

[0163] In the network architecture shown in Figure 3, the RAN can transmit perception data through a data communication proxy (DCP), and the SDPF can obtain the perception data through the DCP. For example, the RAN publishes the perception data to the DCP in the form of topics, and the SDPF obtains the perception data from the DCP based on the topics.

[0164] In the network architecture shown in Figure 3, SSCF and AMF can communicate based on SBI, SSCF and SDPF have a dedicated interface communication, SSCF and RAN can communicate indirectly through AMF (such as N2 interface) or directly through Ns interface.

[0165] In summary, the RAN can communicate with the SSCF directly on the control plane, or through the AMF (e.g., transmitting control plane messages, such as control messages). The SDPF can be coupled to the SBI bus or not. The RAN can communicate with the SDPF directly on the data plane (e.g., transmitting sensing data and / or sensing results).

[0166] Through the network architecture shown in Figure 3, the SSCF and SDPF can be independently upgraded and maintained without impacting each other, enabling flexible deployment and management of core network functional entities. Furthermore, Figure 3 uses one SSCF and one SDPF as an example, which does not limit the present embodiment. For example, the number of SDPFs can be increased or decreased based on actual needs, and even if the number of SDPFs is reduced, the SSCF will not be impacted. This makes network expansion or streamlining easier.

[0167] The introduction of SSCF and SDPF allows for the separation of the control and data planes for sensing services. This prevents attackers from attacking control plane entities (such as SSCF) through data plane entities (such as SDPF), helping to improve network security. By separating the control and data planes for sensing services, control plane entities can respond more quickly to requests from data plane entities, reducing network latency and improving network responsiveness.

[0168] The following describes the application scenario of the embodiment of the present application in conjunction with Figure 4.

[0169] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 4 , a terminal device needs to switch from cell 1 to cell 2. Cell 1 belongs to a first network device, and cell 2 belongs to a second network device. The first network device and the second network device can establish a connection with the SSCF and / or SDPF based on the network architecture shown in Figure 3 . For details, please refer to the description of Figure 3 .

[0170] As a perception entity, the terminal device can jointly perform perception services with the first network device (see the description of (3) and (4) of Figure 2). When the terminal device switches from the first network device to the second network device, for example, the terminal device switches from cell 1 to cell 2, the perception service originally performed by the terminal device may be interrupted.

[0171] In view of this, the present application provides a communication method and a communication device that can support the continuous performance of the perception services originally performed by the terminal device.

[0172] The communication method according to the embodiment of the present application is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0173] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of an interactive flow of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. The method shown in FIG5 can be performed by a first network device and a second network device, or by modules and / or devices (e.g., chips or integrated circuits) with corresponding functions installed in the first network device and the second network device. The following description takes the first network device and the second network device as an example. As shown in FIG5, the method includes:

[0174] S501: A first network device sends request information 1 to a second network device.

[0175] Correspondingly, the second network device receives the request information 1.

[0176] In a possible implementation, the first network device may directly send the request information 1 to the second network device.

[0177] When there is a communication interface between the first network device and the second network device, the first network device can directly send request information 1 to the second network device, which can reduce the cost of information interaction overhead between the first network device and the second network device, and can support the continuous performance of the perception service originally performed by the terminal device.

[0178] In a possible implementation, the first network device may directly send the request information 1 to the mobility management network element, and the mobility management network element sends the request information 1 to the second network device.

[0179] When there is no communication interface between the first network device and the second network device, the first network device can send request information 1 to the mobility management network element, and the mobility management network element forwards the request information 1 to the second network device. In this way, the first network device can complete information exchange with the second network device through the mobility management network element, and can ensure that the perception service originally performed by the terminal device can continue.

[0180] Request message 1 is used to request that the terminal device switch from the first network device to the second network device. Request message 1 may also be used to indicate information about a sensing service between the terminal device and the first network device. The sensing service may be one or more of a speed sensing service, a positioning sensing service, a measurement sensing service, and the like, without limiting the specific service form of the sensing service.

[0181] In one possible implementation method, the perception service can also be understood as the information of the perception service originally performed by the terminal device. The perception service needs to be jointly completed by the terminal device and the first network device now or in the future. In other words, the perception service can be understood as the perception service that the terminal device and the first network device need to jointly complete.

[0182] For example, the perception service originally performed by the terminal device may be an ongoing perception service between the terminal device and the first network device.

[0183] Exemplarily, before or when the first network device sends the request information 1 to the second network device, the perception service is being carried out between the terminal device and the first network device.

[0184] For example, the perception service originally performed by the terminal device may be a perception service periodically performed between the terminal device and the first network device.

[0185] For example, at 8:00, the terminal device sends perception signal 1 to the first network device. The first network device receives perception signal 1 and performs perception measurement on perception signal 1. At 8:20, the terminal device sends perception signal 2 to the first network device. The first network device receives perception signal 2 and performs perception measurement on perception signal 2. At 8:40, the terminal device sends perception signal 3 to the first network device. The first network device receives perception signal 3 and performs perception measurement on perception signal 3. In other words, the terminal device can send perception signals to the first network device every 20 minutes. The sending and receiving of perception signals 1, 2, and 3 can be understood as a perception service jointly performed between the terminal device and the first network device. This perception service requires the terminal device to periodically send perception signals to the first network device, and the first network device needs to periodically receive the perception signals.

[0186] For example, the perception service originally performed by the terminal device is a perception service agreed upon between the terminal device and the first network device.

[0187] For example, the terminal device needs to perform a sensing service in conjunction with the first network device at a specified time, for example, 10:00. The time may be after or when the first network device sends the request information 1 to the second network device, and is not limited thereto.

[0188] In summary, the first network device can send information indicating a perception service to the second network device, and the perception service is a service that the terminal device and the first network device need to jointly complete. Among them, the terminal device and the first network device need to jointly complete, which can be understood as: the terminal device and the first network device need to proceed now, or the terminal device and the first network device need to complete at a specified time (the specified time may be later than the sending time or receiving time of the request information 1, and the specified time may also be the same as the sending time or receiving time of the request information 1). In other words, the embodiment of the present application does not strictly limit the completion time or processing time of the perception service.

[0189] In one possible implementation, the information about the perceived service may be determined by the terminal device. For example, the terminal device may determine relevant information about the perceived service that the terminal device needs to continue and report it to the first network device. For example, the terminal device may send indication information to the first network device, where the indication information is used to indicate information about the perceived service between the terminal device and the first network device. Accordingly, the first network device may receive the indication information, obtain information about the perceived service between the terminal device and the first network device based on the indication information, and send the information to the second network device.

[0190] Specifically, the terminal device may send information indicating a perceived service between the terminal device and the first network device to the first network device, and the first network device may send the information to the second network device. After the second network device obtains the information about the perceived service originally performed by the terminal device, the second network device determines whether to support the continued performance of the perceived service. If the second network device determines to continue supporting the perceived service, the perceived service originally performed by the terminal device may continue.

[0191] By having the terminal device report information about the perception service originally performed by the terminal device to the first network device, the first network device can send the information about the perception service originally performed by the terminal device to the second network device during information exchange with the second network device. This helps the second network device determine whether to support the continuation of the perception service. When the second network device obtains this information, the possibility or probability of the perception service originally performed by the terminal device being able to continue can be increased, thereby enabling the perception service originally performed by the terminal device to continue to be supported.

[0192] In one possible implementation, the service perception information may include at least one of the following:

[0193] Identification information or context information.

[0194] For example, the information of the perception service includes identification information (eg, an identification of the perception service or an index for distinguishing the perception service). The second network device can determine the perception service performed between the terminal device and the first network device based on the identification information of the perception service.

[0195] For example, the information of the perceived service includes context information. The second network device may determine the specific content of the perceived service between the terminal device and the first network device according to the context information of the perceived service.

[0196] For example, the information of the perceived service may include identification information and context information. The second network device may determine the perceived service performed between the terminal device and the first network device and the specific content of the perceived service based on the identification information and context information of the perceived service.

[0197] In a possible implementation, the identification information of the sensing service and the context information of the sensing service may be associated, as shown in Table 1. The content shown in Table 1 is only an example and is not intended to be a final limitation.

[0198] Table 1

[0199] As shown in Table 1:

[0200] The identification of the sensing service is identification 1, and its associated context is 1;

[0201] The identification of the sensing service is identification 2, and its associated context is 2.

[0202] In this way, by establishing an association relationship between the identifier of the perception service and the context of the perception service and pre-configuring the association relationship, the second network device can determine the context information of the associated perception service based on the identifier of the perception service, or the second network device can determine the identifier information of the associated perception service based on the context information of the perception service.

[0203] In one possible implementation, the context information of the aforementioned perception service may include at least one of the following:

[0204] Perception content, perception cycle or perception result requirements.

[0205] For example, the context information of the perception service includes perception content (eg, perception of the surrounding environment, environment reconstruction, etc.), and the second network device can obtain the perception content of the perception service between the terminal device and the first network device accordingly.

[0206] For example, the context information of the perception service includes a perception period (e.g., a time interval at which the perception signal sending entity sends a perception signal, e.g., the perception signal sending entity sends a perception signal at intervals, etc.). The second network device can obtain the perception period of the perception service between the terminal device and the first network device based on this.

[0207] For example, the context information of the perception service includes perception result requirements (such as accuracy, speed accuracy, maximum latency, refresh rate, and false alarm rate). The second network device can obtain the perception result requirements (or terms such as key performance indicators (KPIs)) of the perception service between the terminal device and the first network device based on this. Exemplarily, the perception result requirements may include information such as perception accuracy or perception error.

[0208] In a possible implementation, the context information of the aforementioned perception service may further include a topic corresponding to the perception data of the perception service, so that the second network device may obtain the perception data of the perception service according to the topic.

[0209] It should be noted that the above-mentioned perception content, perception cycle or perception result requirements can also be collectively referred to as context information, or in other words, the information of the perception service can include one or more of the identification information, perception content, perception cycle or perception result requirements.

[0210] S502: The second network device sends response information 1 to the first network device.

[0211] Correspondingly, the first network device receives the response information 1. The second network device may send the response information 1 directly to the first network device, or may send the response information 1 indirectly to the first network device (see the description of FIG. 6 ), which is not limited thereto.

[0212] Response information 1 corresponds to request information 1, or in other words, response information 1 is used to respond to request information 1, or in other words, response information 1 is a form of response of the second network device to request information 1. The second network device can also respond to request information 1 to the first network device in other ways, or the first network device receives a response to request information 1, for example, the first network device receives response information 1.

[0213] In one possible implementation, response information 1 can be used to respond to the terminal device switching from the first network device to the second network device indicated by request information 1, such as allowing the terminal device to switch from the first network device to the second network device, or not allowing the terminal device to switch from the first network device to the second network device; response information 1 can also be used to respond to information about the perception service performed between the terminal device and the first network device indicated by request information 1, such as indicating that the second network device supports continuing the perception service, or indicating that the second network device does not support continuing the perception service. When response information 1 is used to respond simultaneously to information about the terminal device switching from the first network device to the second network device and the perception service performed between the terminal device and the first network device, response information 1 may include a new parameter for responding to information about the perception service performed between the terminal device and the first network device. For example, the new parameter may be a sensing continuity identifier, which is used to indicate whether the perception service can continue.

[0214] Exemplarily, when the perception continuity identifier takes a value of 1, it indicates that the second network device supports continuing the perception service; when the perception continuity identifier takes a value of 0, it indicates that the second network device does not support continuing the perception service.

[0215] In another possible implementation, the response information 1 may only be used to indicate whether the sensing service can be continued. In this way, the first network device may determine whether the second network device supports continuing the sensing service based on the response information 1.

[0216] In one embodiment of the present application, in one possible implementation, request information 1 may also be used to request that the perception service be switched from the first network device to the second network device. When request information 1 is used to request that the perception service be switched from the first network device to the second network device, request information 1 may include information about the perception service. The second network device may determine whether to support switching the perception service from the first network device to the second network device based on the information about the perception service.

[0217] Exemplarily, the information of the perception service includes identification information of the perception service. When the second network device determines, based on the identification information of the perception service, that the perception service corresponding to the identification information is a perception service supported by the second network device, the second network device determines to support the continuation of the perception service, and further determines that it can support switching the perception service from the first network device to the second network device.

[0218] Exemplarily, the information of the perception service includes context information of the perception service. The second network device determines the specific requirements or parameters of the perception service (such as perception cycle, perception result requirements or perception content, etc.) based on the context information of the perception service. When the second network device determines that its own perception capability can match the perception service, the second network device determines to support the continuation of the perception service, and further determines that it can support the switching of the perception service from the first network device to the second network device.

[0219] When the second network device determines, based on the information about the perceived service, that it supports handing over the perceived service from the first network device to the second network device, the response information 1 is used to indicate that it supports handing over the perceived service from the first network device to the second network device. When the second network device determines, based on the information about the perceived service, that it cannot support handing over the perceived service from the first network device to the second network device, the response information 1 is used to indicate that it does not support handing over the perceived service from the first network device to the second network device.

[0220] In summary, the first network device can send information about the perceived service between the terminal device and the first network device to the second network device (either indirectly or directly, without limitation). The second network device can obtain information about the perceived service originally performed by the terminal device through information exchange with the first network device. When the second network device determines that it can continue to support the perceived service, the perceived service originally performed by the terminal device can continue.

[0221] By exchanging information about the perception service originally performed by the terminal device with the first network device and the second network device, the embodiment of the present application can increase the possibility or probability that the perception service originally performed by the terminal device can be continued. In other words, the present application provides an interaction mechanism for the first network device and the second network device to exchange information about the perception service originally performed by the terminal device. The interaction mechanism can increase the probability or possibility that the perception service originally performed by the terminal device can continue. For example, after the second network device obtains the information about the perception service originally performed by the terminal device, it can determine whether it supports the perception service. If it does, the perception service originally performed by the terminal device can continue or be performed continuously. Accordingly, the probability that the perception service originally performed by the terminal device can continue is improved, thereby enabling the perception service originally performed by the terminal device to continue to be supported.

[0222] In one possible implementation, the second network device may determine the response information 1 based on its own perception capability of the perception service, or in other words, the response information 1 is related to the perception capability of the second network device of the perception service.

[0223] Exemplarily, the second network device can obtain the identification information and / or context information of the perception service based on the information of the perception service indicated by the request information 1, and determine whether to support the perception service based on its own perception capability. For example, the first network device acts as a sending entity of the perception signal. If the second network device also has perception capability and can act as a sending entity of the perception signal after its own judgment, it can be determined that it can continue to support the perception service.

[0224] Specifically, the second network device can determine whether it can support the continuation of the perception service based on its own perception capability of the perception service, thereby avoiding the second network device sending an erroneous instruction to the first network device. For example, the second network device indicates to the first network device that it supports the continuation of the perception service. When the perception service is switched from the first network device to the second network device, the second network device cannot execute the perception service, resulting in the interruption of the perception service originally performed by the terminal device. In this way, through the above solution, the embodiment of the present application can better support the continuation of the perception service originally performed by the terminal device.

[0225] Figure 5 mainly describes the example of the first network device indicating to the second network device the information of the perception service originally performed by the terminal device. For relevant content on how the terminal device switches from the first network device to the second network device, please refer to the description of the existing standard.

[0226] The method shown in FIG5 is further described below in conjunction with FIG6 to FIG8.

[0227] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the interaction flow of another communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. The method shown in Figure 6 can be performed by a first network device, a mobility management network element (taking AMF as an example) and a second network device, or by modules and / or devices (for example, chips or integrated circuits, etc.) with corresponding functions installed in the first network device, the mobility management network element and the second network device. The following description takes the first network device, AMF and the second network device as examples. As shown in Figure 6, the method includes:

[0228] S601. The first network device sends request information 1 to AMF.

[0229] Correspondingly, AMF receives request information 1.

[0230] For the description of request information 1, please refer to the description of S501 and will not be repeated here.

[0231] S602. AMF sends request information 1 to the second network device.

[0232] Correspondingly, the second network device receives the request information 1.

[0233] S603. The second network device sends response information 1 to the AMF.

[0234] Correspondingly, AMF receives response information 1.

[0235] For the description of the information interaction method between the second network device and AMF, please refer to the existing standards and will not be repeated here.

[0236] For the description of response information 1, please refer to the description of S502 and will not be repeated here.

[0237] S604. AMF sends response information 1 to the first network device.

[0238] Correspondingly, the first network device receives response information 1.

[0239] The information interaction process between the first network device, the second network device and the AMF can be referred to the description of the existing standard and will not be repeated here.

[0240] In the solution shown in Figure 6, the first network device can interact with the second network device via the AMF. For example, when there is no communication interface between the first network device and the second network device, the first network device can send request information 1 to the AMF, and the AMF forwards the request information 1 to the second network device. In this way, the first network device can complete information exchange with the second network device through the AMF, and can achieve the continuous support of the perception service originally performed by the terminal device.

[0241] In the above solution, the AMF assists the first and second network devices in completing the interaction request message 1. The second network device can obtain information about the perception service originally performed by the terminal device through the AMF. When the second network device determines that it can continue to support the perception service, the perception service originally performed by the terminal device can continue.

[0242] By exchanging information about the perception service originally performed by the terminal device with the first network device and the second network device, the embodiment of the present application can increase the possibility or probability that the perception service originally performed by the terminal device can be continued. In other words, the present application provides an interaction mechanism for the first network device and the second network device to exchange information about the perception service originally performed by the terminal device. The interaction mechanism can increase the probability or possibility that the perception service originally performed by the terminal device can continue. For example, after the second network device obtains the information about the perception service originally performed by the terminal device, it can determine whether it supports the perception service. If it does, the perception service originally performed by the terminal device can continue or be performed continuously. Accordingly, the probability that the perception service originally performed by the terminal device can continue is improved, thereby enabling the perception service originally performed by the terminal device to continue to be supported.

[0243] The content shown in Figures 5 and 6 is described by taking the information of the perception service originally performed by the terminal device as an example of the interaction between the first network device and the second network device. When the second network device supports the continuation of the perception service, the second network device and the AMF can further interact to complete the switching of the transmission path, such as the AMF releasing the communication connection between the terminal device and the first network device and establishing a communication connection between the terminal device and the second network device. For how to establish the communication connection between the terminal device and the second network device, please refer to the description of the existing standard and will not be repeated here.

[0244] The following describes a process of establishing a data channel between the second network device and the SDPF with reference to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 .

[0245] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the interaction flow of another communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. The method shown in Figure 7 can be performed by the second network device, the mobility management network element (taking AMF as an example) and the SSCF, or by modules and / or devices (for example, chips or integrated circuits, etc.) with corresponding functions installed in the second network device, the mobility management network element and the SSCF, without limitation. The following description takes the second network device, AMF and SSCF as examples. As shown in Figure 7, the method includes:

[0246] S701. The second network device sends switching information 1 to the AMF.

[0247] Correspondingly, AMF receives switching information 1.

[0248] The switching information 1 can be used to indicate that the perception service is switched from the first network device to the second network device.

[0249] When the second network device determines that it can support the continuation of the perception service, the second network device can instruct the AMF to switch the perception service from the first network device to the second network device. The AMF can complete the switching of the perception service accordingly, thereby enabling the perception service originally carried out by the terminal device to continue.

[0250] In one possible implementation, the switching information 1 includes at least one of the following:

[0251] Perceive business information;

[0252] identification information of the first network device;

[0253] Identification information of the second network device; or,

[0254] Information indicating that the sensing service can continue.

[0255] For example, switching information 1 includes information about the perception service. When the second network device sends the information about the perception service to the AMF, the AMF can determine that the second network device supports continuing the perception service, and further determine that the perception service needs to be switched from the first network device to the second network device.

[0256] For another example, the switching information 1 includes the identification information of the first network device. When the second network device sends the identification information of the first network device to the AMF, the AMF can determine the perception service corresponding to the identification of the first network device based on the association between the identification information of the first network device and the perception service (which can be pre-configured in the AMF), and can determine that the second network device can continue to support the perception service, and further determine that the perception service needs to be switched from the first network device to the second network device.

[0257] For example, switching information 1 includes identification information of the second network device. When the second network device sends the identification information of the second network device to the AMF, the AMF can determine the perception service corresponding to the identification of the second network device based on the association between the identification information of the second network device and the perception service (which can be pre-configured in the AMF), and can determine that the second network device supports the continuation of the perception service, and further determine that the perception service needs to be switched from the first network device to the second network device. For details, please refer to Table 2. The content shown in Table 2 is only an example and is not a final limitation.

[0258] Table 2

[0259] As shown in Table 2:

[0260] The identifier of the second network device is identifier 11, which is associated with identifier 21 of the first network device and identifier 31 of the sensing service;

[0261] The identifier of the second network device is identifier 12, which is associated with the identifier 22 of the first network device and the identifier 32 of the sensing service.

[0262] Through the above-mentioned association relationship, when the second network device sends the identification information of the second network device to the AMF, the AMF can determine the identification of the corresponding first network device and the identification of the perception service based on the identification information of the second network device and the association relationship described in Table 2, and can thereby determine that the second network device supports the continuation of the perception service, thereby determining that the perception service needs to be switched from the first network device to the second network device.

[0263] For another example, the switching information 1 includes information indicating that the perception service can continue. When the second network device sends information indicating that the second network device can continue the perception service to the AMF, the AMF can determine, based on the information, that the second network device supports continuing the perception service, and thus can determine that the perception service needs to be switched from the first network device to the second network device.

[0264] To sum up, AMF can determine based on the switching information 1 that the perception service originally performed by the terminal device needs to be switched from the first network device to the second network device, or in other words, AMF can determine based on the switching information 1 that the perception service originally performed by the terminal device has changed, for example, the perception entity of the perception service has changed, etc.

[0265] It should be noted that the above-mentioned switching information 1 is only an information example, and it can adopt other information names, including but not limited to: path switching request information (PATH SWITCH REQUEST) and switching notification information (HANDOVER NOTIFY), etc. For the description of these two information, please refer to the description of the existing standard and will not be repeated here.

[0266] S702. AMF sends information 1 (for example, the first information) to SSCF.

[0267] Correspondingly, the SSCF receives information 1. Information 1 can be used to indicate that the perception service has changed.

[0268] When the AMF determines that the perception service is switched from the first network device to the second network device based on the switching information 1, the AMF can send information 1 to the SSCF to indicate that the perception service has changed. The SSCF can determine that the perception service has changed based on the information 1, for example, the perception service is switched from the first network device to the second network device, or the perception entity of the perception service has changed.

[0269] After SSCF obtains the first information, SSCF can determine that the perception service has been switched based on information 1, that is, the perception service is switched from the first network device to other network devices. SSCF determines that it is necessary to release the data transmission channel between the first network device and SDPF, and establish a data transmission channel between the second network device and SDPF, so as to support the perception service originally performed by the terminal device to continue.

[0270] In one possible implementation, information 1 may include at least one of the following:

[0271] Information about changes in the sensing entity of the sensing service, or information that the sensing service can continue.

[0272] For example, information 1 includes information about changes in the sensing entity of the sensing service. The SSCF may determine that the data channel between the SDPF and the network device needs to be switched, for example, the data channel between the first network device and the SDPF needs to be released and the data channel between the second network device and the SDPF needs to be established.

[0273] For example, information 1 includes information indicating that the perception service can continue. When the AMF sends information indicating that the perception service can continue to the SSCF, the SSCF can determine that the perception service perception entity has changed, for example, from the first network device to the second network device, and the SSCF determines that the data channel between the SDPF and the network device needs to be switched, for example, the data channel between the first network device and the SDPF needs to be released and a data channel between the second network device and the SDPF needs to be established.

[0274] In one possible implementation, information 1 may further include identification information of a second network device, which can be used to indicate a new awareness entity for the awareness service. When information 1 does not include identification information of the second network device, an association between information 1 and the identification information of the second network device may be preconfigured (see Table 2). In this way, the SSCF may determine that a data channel needs to be established between the second network device and the SDPF.

[0275] In one possible implementation, information 1 may further include identification information of the first network device, which can be used to indicate the source perception entity of the perception service. When information 1 does not include the identification information of the first network device, an association between information 1 and the identification information of the first network device may be preconfigured (see Table 2). In this way, the SSCF may determine that the data channel between the first network device and the SDPF needs to be released.

[0276] S703. The SSCF establishes a data channel between the second network device and the SDPF.

[0277] For a description of how the SSCF establishes a data channel between the second network device and the SDPF, please refer to the existing standards and will not be repeated here.

[0278] The data channel between the second network device and the SDPF may be a DCP or other transmission channels, which is not limited thereto.

[0279] Through the above technical solution, the embodiment of the present application can support SSCF to establish a data channel between the second network device and SDPF, thereby supporting the perception service originally performed by the terminal device to continue. For example, SDPF can obtain the perception data generated by the perception service originally performed by the terminal device from the second network device.

[0280] The method shown in Figure 7 is described by taking the example of the second network device sending switching information 1 to the AMF to indicate that the perception service is switched from the first network device to the second network device. The switching information 1 can also be used to request that the terminal device be switched from the first path to the second path. The first path is the transmission path between the terminal device and the first network device, and the second path is the transmission path between the terminal device and the second network device. For how to implement the switching of the communication path, please refer to the description of the existing standard and will not be repeated here.

[0281] It should be noted that when the switching information 1 is also used to request switching the terminal device from the first path to the second path, the switching information 1 may also include information or parameters for indicating path switching. The information or parameters can be found in the description of the existing standard and will not be repeated here.

[0282] It should also be noted that Figure 7 describes the example of AMF sending information to SSCF to indicate changes in perceived services. The following describes the scenario in which the terminal device sends information to SSCF to indicate changes in perceived services in combination with Figure 8.

[0283] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of an interaction flow of another communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. The method shown in FIG8 can be executed by a terminal device, a second network device, and an SSCF, or by modules and / or devices (e.g., chips or integrated circuits) with corresponding functions installed in the terminal device, the second network device, and the SSCF, without limitation. The following description uses a terminal device, a second network device, and an SSCF as an example. As shown in FIG8 , the method includes:

[0284] S801. The terminal device sends information 2 (which may also be first information) to the second network device.

[0285] Correspondingly, the second network device receives information 2.

[0286] Information 2 is used to indicate that the sensing service has changed. For a description of information 2, refer to the description of information 1 above.

[0287] After the terminal device switches from the first network device to the second network device, the terminal device may send information 2 to the second network device.

[0288] S802. The second network device sends information 2 to the SSCF.

[0289] Correspondingly, the SSCF receives information 2.

[0290] When SSCF determines that the perception service has changed based on information 2, SSCF can make adaptive adjustments to the perception service. For example, SSCF can adjust the transmission channel of the perception data of the perception service, etc., so as to enable the perception service originally carried out by the terminal device to continue.

[0291] S803. The SSCF establishes a data channel between the second network device and the SDPF.

[0292] For the description of S803 , please refer to the description of S703 and will not be repeated here.

[0293] Through the above technical solution, the embodiment of the present application can support SSCF to establish a data channel between the second network device and SDPF, thereby supporting the perception service originally performed by the terminal device to continue. For example, SDPF can obtain the perception data generated by the perception service originally performed by the terminal device from the second network device.

[0294] In the embodiment of the present application, the above-mentioned method embodiment is described by taking the information of the perception service originally performed by the terminal device in the interaction between the first network device and the second network device and the data channel established between the second network device and the SDPF by the SSCF as an example. After the terminal device switches from the first network device to the second network device, and jointly performs the perception service originally performed by the terminal device with the second network device, the terminal device can send the perception data corresponding to the perception service to the second network device. The second network device can send the perception data corresponding to the perception service through the aforementioned data channel, and the SDPF can receive and process the perception data. For the description of how the second network device transmits perception data, please refer to the description of the existing standard and will not be repeated here.

[0295] In summary, by establishing information about the perception service originally performed by the terminal device for interaction between the first network device and the second network device, the second network device can obtain the information about the perception service originally performed by the terminal device. Based on this information interaction mechanism, the embodiment of the present application can increase the probability that the perception service originally performed by the terminal device can continue. For example, when the second network device determines that it can continue to support the perception service, the perception service originally performed by the terminal device can be carried out continuously.

[0296] In the embodiments of the present application, the information names appearing in the above method embodiments are only used as examples. When the functions or effects of the information are the same or similar, other information names can be used to replace them.

[0297] The following describes the device embodiments corresponding to the method embodiments of the present application. The following only briefly describes the device, and the specific implementation steps and details of the solution can be referred to the method embodiments above.

[0298] To implement the various functions of the method provided herein, the terminal device, the first network device, the second network device, the mobility management network element, and the SSCF may each include hardware structures and / or software modules, and implement the aforementioned functions in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules. Whether a particular one of the aforementioned functions is implemented in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0299] Figure 9 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device includes a processor 910 and a communication interface 920, which may be interconnected via a bus 930. The communication device may be a terminal device, a first network device, a second network device, an SSCF, or a mobility management network element.

[0300] Optionally, the communication device may further include a memory 940. The memory 940 includes, but is not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), or compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM). The memory 940 is used for related instructions and data. In some embodiments, the memory 940 may be a cache or a register. In some embodiments, the memory 940 and the processor 910 may be integrated.

[0301] The processor 910 may be one or more central processing units (CPUs). In the case where the processor 910 is a CPU, the CPU may be a single-core CPU or a multi-core CPU.

[0302] The processor 910 may be a signal processor, chip, or other integrated circuit capable of implementing the method of the present application, or a portion of the circuitry within the aforementioned processor, chip, or integrated circuit for processing functions. Furthermore, the communication interface 920 may also be an input / output interface, which is used for inputting or outputting signals or data, or may be an input / output circuit.

[0303] When the communication device is a terminal device, illustratively, the processor 910 is configured to perform the following operations: determining indication information; sending indication information, etc.

[0304] When the communication device is a first network device, illustratively, the processor 910 is configured to perform the following operations: sending request information 1; receiving response information 1, etc.

[0305] When the communication device is a second network device, illustratively, the processor 910 is configured to perform the following operations: receive request information 1; send response information 1, etc.

[0306] When the communication device is a mobility management network element, illustratively, the processor 910 is configured to perform the following operations: receive request information 1; send request information 1; receive response information 1; send response information 1, etc.

[0307] When the communication device is an SSCF, illustratively, the processor 910 is configured to perform the following operations: receive information 1; establish a data channel between the second network device and the SDPF, etc.

[0308] The above content is only for illustrative purposes. When the communication device is a terminal device, a first network device, a second network device, an SSCF, or a mobility management network element, it will be responsible for executing the methods or steps related to the terminal device, the first network device, the second network device, the SSCF, or the mobility management network element in the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0309] When the communication device is a terminal device, a first network device, a second network device, an SSCF, or a mobility management network element, the communication interface 920 may also be referred to as a transceiver. The above description is merely exemplary. For details, please refer to the contents of the above method embodiments. The implementation of each operation in Figure 9 may also correspond to the corresponding description of the method embodiments shown in Figures 5 to 8.

[0310] Figure 10 is a schematic block diagram of another communication device according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device may be a terminal device, a first network device, a second network device, an SSCF, or a mobility management network element, or may be a chip or module within the terminal device, the first network device, the second network device, the SSCF, or the mobility management network element, configured to implement the methods described in the above embodiments. The communication device includes an interface unit 1010 and a processing unit 1020. The interface unit 1010 and the processing unit 1020 are described below as examples.

[0311] The interface unit 1010 may include a transmitting unit and a receiving unit. The transmitting unit is used to perform a transmitting operation of the communication device, and the receiving unit is used to perform a receiving operation of the communication device. For ease of description, this embodiment of the application combines the transmitting unit and the receiving unit into a single transceiver unit. This is described here as a unified description and will not be repeated later.

[0312] When the communication device is a terminal device, illustratively, the interface unit 1010 is used to send indication information, etc. The processing unit 1020 is used to execute the content of the terminal device involving processing, coordination, etc. For example, the processing unit 1020 is used to determine the indication information.

[0313] When the communication device is a first network device, illustratively, the interface unit 1010 is configured to perform the following operations: sending request information 1; receiving response information 1; etc. The processing unit 1020 is configured to execute the content of the first network device involving processing, coordination, etc. For example, the processing unit 1020 is configured to determine the request information 1, etc.

[0314] When the communication device is a second network device, illustratively, the interface unit 1010 is configured to perform the following operations: receive request information 1; send response information 1; etc. The processing unit 1020 is configured to execute the content of the second network device involving processing, coordination, etc. For example, the processing unit 1020 is configured to determine the response information 1, etc.

[0315] When the communication device is a mobility management network element, the interface unit 1010 is illustratively configured to perform the following operations: receive request information 1; send request information 1; receive response information 1; send response information 1, etc. The processing unit 1020 is configured to execute the content of the mobility management network element related to processing, coordination, etc. For example, the processing unit 1020 is configured to determine information 1, etc.

[0316] When the communication device is an SSCF, illustratively, the interface unit 1010 is configured to perform the following operations: receive information 1; and the processing unit 1020 is configured to establish a data channel between the second network device and the SDPF.

[0317] The above content is only for illustrative purposes. When the communication device is a terminal device, a first network device, a second network device, an SSCF, or a mobility management network element, it will be responsible for executing the methods or steps related to the terminal device, the first network device, the second network device, the SSCF, or the mobility management network element in the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0318] Optionally, the communication device further includes a storage unit 1030, which is used to store a program or code for executing the aforementioned method.

[0319] The device embodiments shown in Figures 9 and 10 are used to implement the contents described in Figures 5 to 8. The specific execution steps and methods of the devices shown in Figures 9 and 10 can refer to the contents described in the above method embodiments.

[0320] The present application also provides a chip, including a processor, for calling and executing instructions stored in a memory from the memory, so that a communication device equipped with the chip executes the methods in the above examples.

[0321] The present application also provides another chip, comprising: an input interface, an output interface, and a processor, wherein the input interface, the output interface, and the processor are connected via an internal connection path, and the processor is configured to execute code in a memory. When the code is executed, the processor is configured to execute the methods in the above examples. Optionally, the chip also includes a memory, which is configured to store computer programs or code.

[0322] The present application also provides a processor for coupling with a memory, and for executing the methods and functions involving a network device or a terminal device in any of the above embodiments.

[0323] In another embodiment of the present application, a computer program product including instructions is provided. When the computer program product is run on a computer, the method of the above embodiment is implemented.

[0324] The present application also provides a computer program. When the computer program is executed in a computer, the method of the aforementioned embodiment is implemented.

[0325] In another embodiment of the present application, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores a computer program. When the computer program is executed by a computer, the method described in the above embodiment is implemented.

[0326] The present application also provides a circuit system for executing the methods and functions related to network equipment or terminal equipment in any of the above embodiments. In some embodiments, the circuit system includes a processor and a memory, and the memory is used to store relevant instructions. When the processor calls the instruction, the circuit system implements the methods and functions related to network equipment or terminal equipment in any of the above embodiments. In some embodiments, the memory can also be used to store relevant data. The memory can be a cache or a register. In some embodiments, the memory and the processor can be integrated together. In some embodiments, the circuit system is a chip.

[0327] 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.

[0328] 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.

[0329] In the several embodiments provided in this application, 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 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.

[0330] Units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and 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 based on actual needs to achieve the objectives of the technical solutions of this embodiment.

[0331] 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.

[0332] If the function is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the embodiment 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, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the various embodiments 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 ROM, a RAM, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0333] The above is only a specific implementation of the embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the embodiment of the present application is not limited to this. Any person skilled in the art can easily think of changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the embodiment of the present application, and they should be included in the scope of protection of the embodiment of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the embodiment of the present application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Including: Sending a request message, where the request message is used to request the terminal device to switch from a first network device to a second network device, and the request message is further used to indicate information about a sensing service between the terminal device and the first network device; Receiving a response message, where the response message corresponds to the request message.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The information about the sensing service includes at least one of the following: Identification information or context information.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The context information includes at least one of the following: Sensing content, sensing period, or sensing result requirement.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The sending of the request message includes: Sending the request message to the second network device; or, Sending the request message to a mobility management network element.

5. A communication method, characterized in that, Including: Receiving a request message, where the request message is used to request the terminal device to switch from a first network device to a second network device, and the request message is further used to indicate information about a sensing service between the terminal device and the first network device; In response to the request message, sending a response message.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein The information about the sensing service includes at least one of the following: Identification information or context information.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein The context information includes at least one of the following: Sensing content, sensing period, or sensing result requirement.

8. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that The response message indicates whether the sensing service can continue.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The response message is related to the sensing capability of the second network device for the sensing service.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, If the response message indicates that the sensing service can continue, the method further includes: Sending a handover message to a mobility management network element, where the handover message indicates that the sensing service is switched from the first network device to the second network device.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein The handover message includes at least one of the following: The information about the sensing service, the identification information of the first network device, the identification information of the second network device, or information indicating that the sensing service can continue.

12. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that If the response message indicates that the sensing service can continue, the method further includes: Sending a first message to a sensing service control network element, where the first message indicates that the sensing service has changed.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein The first message includes at least one of the following: Information indicating that the sensing entity of the sensing service has changed or information indicating whether the sensing service can continue.

14. A communication method, characterized in that, Including: Receiving a request message from a first network device, where the request message is used to request the terminal device to switch from the first network device to a second network device, and the request message is further used to indicate information about a sensing service performed between the terminal device and the first network device; Sending the request message to the second network device; Receiving a response message from the second network device, where the response message corresponds to the request message; Sending the response message to the first network device.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein The information about the sensing service includes at least one of the following: Identification information or context information.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein The context information includes at least one of the following: Sensing content, sensing period, or sensing result requirement.

17. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that, Further including: Receiving a handover message from the second network device, where the handover message indicates that the sensing service is switched from the first network device to the second network device.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein The handover message includes at least one of the following: Information of the sensing service, identification information of the first network device, identification information of the second network device, or information indicating that the sensing service can continue.

19. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 18, characterized in that, It further includes: Sending first information to a sensing service control network element, where the first information indicates that the sensing service has changed.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein The first information includes at least one of the following: Information indicating that the sensing entity of the sensing service has changed or information indicating whether the sensing service can continue.

21. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 20, characterized in that The response information indicates whether the sensing service can continue.

22. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a processor, and the processor is configured to, by executing a computer program or instruction, or by means of a logic circuit, Cause the communication device to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 4; or, Cause the communication device to execute the method according to any one of claims 5 to 13; or, Cause the communication device to execute the method according to any one of claims 14 to 21.

23. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a logic circuit and an input / output interface, and the input / output interface is used for inputting and / or outputting signals. The logic circuit is configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 4; or, The logic circuit is configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 5 to 13; or, The logic circuit is configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 14 to 21.

24. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, A computer program or instruction is stored on the computer-readable storage medium, and when the computer program or the instruction runs on a computer, Cause the method according to any one of claims 1 to 4 to be executed; or, Cause the method according to any one of claims 5 to 13 to be executed; or, Cause the method according to any one of claims 14 to 21 to be executed.

25. A computer program product, characterized in that, It contains an instruction, and when the instruction runs on a computer, Cause the method according to any one of claims 1 to 4 to be executed; or, Cause the method according to any one of claims 5 to 13 to be executed; or, Cause the method according to any one of claims 14 to 21 to be executed.

26. A chip system, characterized in that, The chip system includes a processor, a memory, and an input / output port. The memory is used for storing a computer program; the processor is configured to execute the computer program stored in the memory, So that the processor executes the method according to any one of claims 1 to 4; or, So that the processor executes the method according to any one of claims 5 to 13; or, So that the processor executes the method according to any one of claims 14 to 21.

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