Data processing method and apparatus

Abstract

Disclosed in the present application are a data processing method and an apparatus, which are applied to the technical field of communications. The method comprises: a first network element receives a first message from a second network element, the first message being used for indicating data fusion, the first network element having a data plane function of a sensing service, and the second network element having a control plane function of the sensing service; the first network element acquires first data and sensing data, the first data comprising at least one of terminal service data, third-party data and positioning data; and, in response to the first message, the first network element fuses the first data and the sensing data. Using the present application fuses sensing data and first data in 3GPP networks, thus reducing time delay, and improving sensing precision.

Description

A data processing method and apparatus

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410782954.6, filed on June 17, 2024, entitled "A Data Processing Method and Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a data processing method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0003] With the continuous development of wireless communication technology, future mobile communication systems will have higher frequency bands, larger bandwidths, and denser distribution of large-scale antenna arrays. Therefore, a single system can integrate wireless signal sensing and communication capabilities, enabling mutual performance enhancement between different systems. Both wireless communication and wireless sensing are based on electromagnetic wave theory. At the transmitting end, electromagnetic wave signals are modulated, allowing them to carry source information. During propagation, the environment's influence on the electromagnetic wave signals also allows them to carry environmental information. At the receiving end, by analyzing the electromagnetic wave signals, not only can the carried source information be obtained, but also sensing information reflecting the characteristics of the propagation environment can be extracted. In other words, electromagnetic wave signals inherently possess both communication and sensing functions, making integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) possible. Sensing can achieve high-precision positioning, imaging, and environmental reconstruction capabilities, thereby more accurately grasping channel information and improving communication performance. Compared to systems where sensing and communication are separate, integrated sensing and communication systems offer many advantages, such as cost savings, reduced equipment size, lower power consumption, improved spectral efficiency, and reduced mutual interference between communication and sensing.

[0004] Currently, communication systems may generate a large amount of sensing data. To improve sensing accuracy and overcome the limitations of single data sources, data fusion can be used to integrate data from different data sources. However, existing sensing data fusion is performed on the application side outside the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) network, failing to leverage the advantages of the 3GPP network, such as combining it with location services (LCS) data within the 3GPP network to improve sensing accuracy. Compared to external network fusion, intra-network fusion can acquire more data within the 3GPP network and perform sensing data fusion directly within the network, eliminating the need to transmit data to the external network and thus reducing latency. Furthermore, utilizing the computing power within the network can enhance the operator's competitiveness. Therefore, how to fuse sensing data within the 3GPP network is a pressing technical problem that needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a data processing method and apparatus that integrates sensing data and first data within a 3GPP network, thereby reducing latency and improving sensing accuracy.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a data processing method, which is applied to a first network element, or a chip or circuit configured in the first network element, comprising:

[0007] Receive a first message from a second network element, the first message being used to instruct data fusion, the first network element including data plane functions for sensing services, and the second network element including control plane functions for sensing services; acquire first data and sensing data, the first data including at least one of terminal service data, third-party data, and positioning data; and fuse the first data and the sensing data in response to the first message.

[0008] By receiving the first message, the first network element can perform fusion analysis on the first data and the sensed data after acquiring them. This enables the fusion of sensed data and first data within the 3GPP network, which helps reduce latency. The first network element can leverage the advantages of the 3GPP network to obtain more accurate sensed information, overcoming the limitations that may exist with a single data source. By integrating data from different sources, the quality of data and the accuracy of decision-making can be improved, which is conducive to improving the accuracy of sensed data.

[0009] In one possible design, the first message includes indication information of at least one of a fusion algorithm and a decryption key. The fusion algorithm is used to fuse the sensed data and the first data, and the decryption key is used to decrypt the first data. This facilitates the fusion of sensed data and the first data within a 3GPP network, thereby reducing latency and improving sensing accuracy.

[0010] In another possible design, the first message further includes first indication information, which is used to instruct the fusion of the sensed data and the terminal service data. This facilitates the fusion of sensed data and terminal service data within the 3GPP network, thereby reducing latency and improving sensing accuracy.

[0011] In another possible design, the terminal service data includes IoT data. This facilitates the fusion of sensing data and IoT data within the 3GPP network, thereby reducing latency and improving sensing accuracy.

[0012] In another possible design, the first message includes indication information from a server in the data network; the first network element sends a first request to the server based on the server's indication information, the first request being used to request the third-party data; the first network element receives the third-party data from the server. By sending the first request, the first network element receives the third-party data, which facilitates the subsequent combination, correlation, and integration of the sensing data and the third-party data by the first network element, thereby achieving the fusion of sensing data and third-party data within the 3GPP network, reducing latency, and improving sensing accuracy.

[0013] In another possible design, the server's indication information includes the server's Internet Protocol (IP) address. This facilitates establishing a communication connection with the server.

[0014] In another possible design, the first request includes first authentication information; the first network element receives a first response from the server, the first response indicating that the first authentication information is correct. Receiving the first response facilitates the subsequent reception of third-party data by the first network element, thereby enabling the fusion of sensing data and third-party data within the 3GPP network, reducing latency, and improving sensing accuracy.

[0015] In another possible design, the first network element receives a second request from a server in the data network, the second request being for requesting the receipt of the third-party data; the first network element then receives the third-party data from the server. Receiving the second request facilitates the subsequent receipt of third-party data by the first network element, thereby enabling the fusion of sensing data and third-party data within the 3GPP network, reducing latency, and improving sensing accuracy.

[0016] In another possible design, the second request includes second authentication information; the first network element sends a second response to the server, the second response indicating that the second authentication information is correct. Sending the second response facilitates the subsequent reception of third-party data by the first network element, thereby enabling the fusion of sensing data and third-party data within the 3GPP network, reducing latency, and improving sensing accuracy.

[0017] In another possible design, the first message includes indication information from the server; the first network element sends the second response to the server based on the server's indication information. This facilitates the subsequent reception of third-party data by the first network element, thereby enabling the fusion of sensing data and third-party data within the 3GPP network, reducing latency, overcoming the limitations of a single data source, and improving sensing accuracy.

[0018] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a data processing method, which is applied to a second network element, or a chip or circuit configured in the second network element, including:

[0019] The system receives a third request from a third network element, the third request being used to request sensing services. The second network element includes control plane functions for sensing services, and the third network element includes application functions. The system sends a first message to a first network element, the first message being used to instruct data fusion. The first network element includes data plane functions for sensing services.

[0020] By receiving the third request, the second network element sends the first message to the first network element, which is beneficial for the first network element to perform data fusion based on the first message. This enables the fusion of sensing data and terminal service data within the 3GPP network, reducing latency and improving sensing accuracy.

[0021] In one possible design, the third request includes indication information for at least one of a fusion algorithm and a decryption key, wherein the fusion algorithm is used to fuse the sensed data and the first data, and the decryption key is used to decrypt the first data. This facilitates the fusion of sensed data and the first data within a 3GPP network, thereby reducing latency and improving sensing accuracy.

[0022] In another possible design, the third request further includes first indication information, which indicates the fusion of sensing data and terminal service data. This facilitates the fusion of sensing data and terminal service data within the 3GPP network, thereby reducing latency and improving sensing accuracy.

[0023] In another possible design, the terminal service data includes IoT data. This facilitates the fusion of sensing data and IoT data within the 3GPP network, thereby reducing latency and improving sensing accuracy.

[0024] In another possible design, the second network element sends a second message to the fourth network element. This second message includes a target cell list, which contains identifiers of multiple target cells. This target cell list is used to verify whether the terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the multiple target cells. The fourth network element includes session management functionality. By sending this second message, the fourth network element can verify whether the terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the target cell list, thereby determining whether the terminal service data is the data required by the first network element to perform data fusion.

[0025] In another possible design, the second message also includes the address information of the first network element, which is used to send the terminal service data to the first network element. This facilitates the fusion of sensing data and terminal service data within the 3GPP network, thereby reducing latency and improving sensing accuracy.

[0026] In another possible design, the second network element sends a third message to the fifth network element. This third message includes a service server address and a target cell list. The service server address is used to verify whether the target Internet Protocol address (IPA) of the terminal service data matches. The target cell list includes identifiers of multiple target cells and is used to verify whether the terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​these target cells. The fifth network element includes user plane functionality. By sending this third message, the fifth network element can verify whether the target IPA of the terminal service data matches and whether the terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the target cell list, thereby determining whether the terminal service data is the data required by the first network element to perform data fusion.

[0027] In another possible design, the third message also includes the address information of the first network element, which is used to send the terminal service data to the first network element. This facilitates the fusion of sensing data and terminal service data within the 3GPP network, thereby reducing latency and improving sensing accuracy.

[0028] In another possible design, the third request includes indication information from a server in the data network; the second network element sends a third response to the server based on the server's indication information. The third response includes the address information of the first network element, which is used to send third-party data to the first network element. By sending a third response to the server, it is beneficial for the server to subsequently send third-party data to the first network element, thereby achieving the fusion of sensing data and third-party data within the 3GPP network, reducing latency, and improving sensing accuracy.

[0029] In another possible design, the server's indication information includes the server's Internet Protocol (IP) address. This facilitates establishing a communication connection with the server.

[0030] In another possible design, the second network element sends a fourth request to the sixth network element, which requests location data from the terminal device. The sixth network element includes location management functions. Sending the fourth request facilitates the subsequent transmission of location data from the sixth network element to the first network element, thereby enabling the fusion of sensing data and location data within the 3GPP network, reducing latency, and improving sensing accuracy.

[0031] In another possible design, the fourth request includes the identifier of the terminal device. This facilitates the sixth network element obtaining the location data of the terminal device.

[0032] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a data processing method, which is applied to a fourth network element, or a chip or circuit configured in a fourth network element, comprising:

[0033] The fourth network element receives terminal service data from a terminal device, and includes session management functionality; it determines whether the identifier of the cell where the terminal device is currently located is in a target cell list, the target cell list including identifiers of multiple target cells; when the identifier of the cell where the terminal device is currently located is in the target cell list, the fourth network element sends the terminal service data to a first network element, the first network element including data plane functionality for sensing services.

[0034] By receiving terminal service data, the fourth network element can send terminal service data to the first network element when it determines that the identifier of the cell where the terminal device is currently located is in the target cell list. This is beneficial for realizing the fusion of sensing data and terminal service data within the 3GPP network, thereby reducing latency and improving sensing accuracy.

[0035] In one possible design, the fourth network element receives a second message from the second network element. The second message includes the target cell list, which is used to verify whether the terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the multiple target cells. The second network element includes control plane functions for sensing services. When the identifier of the cell where the terminal device is currently located is in the target cell list, the fourth network element sends the terminal service data to the first network element. Receiving the second message helps the fourth network element verify whether the terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the target cell list, thereby determining whether the terminal service data is the data required by the first network element to perform data fusion.

[0036] In another possible design, the second message also includes the address information of the first network element; the fourth network element sends the terminal service data to the first network element based on the address information of the first network element. This facilitates the fusion of sensing data and terminal service data within the 3GPP network, thereby reducing latency and improving sensing accuracy.

[0037] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a data processing method, which is applied to a fifth network element, or a chip or circuit configured in a fifth network element, including:

[0038] The fifth network element receives terminal service data from a terminal device, and includes user plane functionality. It determines whether the identifier of the cell where the terminal device is currently located is in the target cell list, and whether the target Internet Protocol address of the terminal service data matches the service server address. The target cell list includes identifiers of multiple target cells. When the identifier of the cell where the terminal device is currently located is in the target cell list, and the target Internet Protocol address of the terminal service data matches the service server address, the fifth network element sends the terminal service data to a first network element, which includes data plane functionality for sensing services.

[0039] By receiving terminal service data, the fifth network element can send terminal service data to the first network element when it determines that the identifier of the cell where the terminal device is currently located is in the target cell list and that the target Internet Protocol address of the terminal service data is consistent with the service server address. This is beneficial for realizing the fusion of sensing data and terminal service data within the 3GPP network, thereby reducing latency and improving sensing accuracy.

[0040] In one possible design, the fifth network element receives a third message from the second network element. This third message includes the service server address and the target cell list. The service server address is used to verify whether the target Internet Protocol address (IP address) of the terminal service data matches, and the target cell list is used to verify whether the terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the multiple target cells. The second network element includes control plane functions for sensing services. Receiving this third information helps the fifth network element verify whether the target IIP address of the terminal service data matches and whether the terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the target cell list, thereby determining whether the terminal service data is the data required by the first network element to perform data fusion.

[0041] In another possible design, the third message also includes the address information of the first network element; the fifth network element sends the terminal service data to the first network element based on the address information of the first network element. This facilitates the fusion of sensing data and terminal service data within the 3GPP network, thereby reducing latency and improving sensing accuracy.

[0042] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a data processing method, which is applied to a sixth network element, or a chip or circuit configured in a sixth network element, including:

[0043] The system receives a fourth request from a second network element, the fourth request being used to request location data from a terminal device, the second network element including control plane functions for sensing services; and sends the location data of the terminal device to a first network element, the first network element including data plane functions for sensing services.

[0044] By receiving the fourth request, the sixth network element sends positioning data to the first network element, which helps to integrate sensing data and positioning data within the 3GPP network, thereby reducing latency and improving sensing accuracy.

[0045] In one possible design, the fourth request includes the identifier of the terminal device. This facilitates the sixth network element obtaining the location data of the terminal device.

[0046] Sixthly, embodiments of this application provide a data processing apparatus, including:

[0047] The receiving module is configured to receive a first message from a second network element, the first message being used to instruct data fusion, the first network element including data plane functions of sensing services, and the second network element including control plane functions of sensing services; the receiving module is further configured to acquire first data and sensing data, the first data including at least one of terminal service data, third-party data, and positioning data; the processing module is configured to fuse the first data and the sensing data in response to the first message.

[0048] In one possible design, the first message includes indication information of at least one of a fusion algorithm and a decryption key, wherein the fusion algorithm is used to fuse the perceived data and the first data, and the decryption key is used to decrypt the first data.

[0049] In another possible design, the first message may also include first indication information, which is used to indicate the fusion of the sensing data and the terminal service data.

[0050] In another possible design, the terminal service data includes Internet of Things (IoT) data.

[0051] In another possible design, the first message includes indication information from a server in the data network; a sending module is configured to send a first request to the server based on the indication information, the first request being used to request the third-party data; and the first network element receives the third-party data from the server.

[0052] In another possible design, the server's indication information includes the server's Internet Protocol address.

[0053] In another possible design, the first request includes first authentication information; the receiving module is further configured to receive a first response from the server, the first response indicating that the first authentication information is correct.

[0054] In another possible design, the receiving module is further configured to receive a second request from a server in the data network, the second request being for requesting the receipt of the third-party data; the receiving module is further configured to receive the third-party data from the server.

[0055] In another possible design, the second request includes second authentication information; the sending module is also configured to send a second response to the server, the second response indicating that the second authentication information is correct.

[0056] In another possible design, the first message includes indication information from the server; the sending module is further configured to send the second response to the server based on the indication information from the server.

[0057] The operations performed by the data processing device and its beneficial effects can be found in the method described in the first aspect above, as well as its beneficial effects; repeated descriptions will not be repeated here.

[0058] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a data processing apparatus, including:

[0059] The receiving module is used to receive a third request from a third network element, the third request being used to request sensing services, the second network element including control plane functions of the sensing services, and the third network element including application functions; the sending module is used to send a first message to a first network element, the first message being used to instruct data fusion, and the first network element including data plane functions of the sensing services.

[0060] In one possible design, the third request includes indication information of at least one of a fusion algorithm and a decryption key, wherein the fusion algorithm is used to fuse the perceived data and the first data, and the decryption key is used to decrypt the first data.

[0061] In another possible design, the third request also includes first indication information, which is used to indicate fused sensing data and terminal service data.

[0062] In another possible design, the terminal service data includes Internet of Things (IoT) data.

[0063] In another possible design, the sending module is also used to send a second message to the fourth network element. The second message includes a target cell list, which includes identifiers of multiple target cells. The target cell list is used to verify whether the terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the multiple target cells. The fourth network element includes session management functions.

[0064] In another possible design, the second message also includes the address information of the first network element, which is used to send the terminal service data to the first network element.

[0065] In another possible design, the sending module is also used to send a third message to the fifth network element. The third message includes a service server address and a target cell list. The service server address is used to verify whether the target Internet Protocol address of the terminal service data matches. The target cell list includes the identifiers of multiple target cells. The target cell list is used to verify whether the terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the multiple target cells. The fifth network element includes user plane functions.

[0066] In another possible design, the third message also includes the address information of the first network element, which is used to send the terminal service data to the first network element.

[0067] In another possible design, the third request includes indication information from a server in the data network; the sending module is further configured to send a third response to the server based on the indication information from the server, the third response including the address information of the first network element, the address information of the first network element being used to send third-party data to the first network element.

[0068] In another possible design, the server's indication information includes the server's Internet Protocol address.

[0069] In another possible design, the sending module is also used to send a fourth request to a sixth network element, the fourth request being used to request location data from a terminal device, the sixth network element including location management functions.

[0070] In another possible design, the fourth request includes the identifier of the terminal device.

[0071] The operations performed by the data processing device and its beneficial effects can be found in the method described in the second aspect above, and the details will not be repeated here.

[0072] Eighthly, embodiments of this application provide a data processing apparatus, including:

[0073] The receiving module is used to receive terminal service data from the terminal device, and the fourth network element includes a session management function; the processing module is used to determine whether the identifier of the cell where the terminal device is currently located is in the target cell list, and the target cell list includes the identifiers of multiple target cells; the sending module is used to send the terminal service data to the first network element when the identifier of the cell where the terminal device is currently located is in the target cell list, and the first network element includes the data plane function of sensing services.

[0074] In one possible design, the receiving module is further configured to receive a second message from a second network element, the second message including the target cell list, the target cell list being used to verify whether the terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the plurality of target cells, the second network element including control plane functions for sensing services; the sending module is further configured to, when the identifier of the cell where the terminal device is currently located is in the target cell list, the fourth network element sending the terminal service data to the first network element.

[0075] In another possible design, the second message also includes the address information of the first network element; the sending module is further configured to send the terminal service data to the first network element based on the address information of the first network element.

[0076] The operations performed by the data processing device and its beneficial effects can be found in the method described and its beneficial effects in the third aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0077] Ninthly, embodiments of this application provide a data processing apparatus, including:

[0078] The receiving module is used to receive terminal service data from a terminal device, and the fifth network element includes user plane functionality; the processing module is used to determine whether the identifier of the cell where the terminal device is currently located is in the target cell list and whether the target Internet Protocol address of the terminal service data is consistent with the service server address, and the target cell list includes identifiers of multiple target cells; the sending module is used to send the terminal service data from the fifth network element to the first network element when the identifier of the cell where the terminal device is currently located is in the target cell list and the target Internet Protocol address of the terminal service data is consistent with the service server address, and the first network element includes data plane functionality for sensing services.

[0079] In one possible design, the receiving module is further configured to receive a third message from the second network element, the third message including the service server address and the target cell list, the service server address being used to verify whether the target Internet Protocol address of the terminal service data matches, the target cell list being used to verify whether the terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the plurality of target cells, and the second network element including the control plane function of the sensing service.

[0080] In another possible design, the third message also includes the address information of the first network element; the sending module is further configured to send the terminal service data to the first network element based on the address information of the first network element.

[0081] The operations performed by the data processing device and its beneficial effects can be found in the method described and its beneficial effects in the fourth aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0082] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a data processing apparatus, including:

[0083] A receiving module is used to receive a fourth request from a second network element, the fourth request being for requesting location data of a terminal device, the second network element including control plane functions for sensing services; a sending module is used to send the location data of the terminal device to a first network element, the first network element including data plane functions for sensing services.

[0084] In one possible design, the fourth request includes the identifier of the terminal device.

[0085] The operations performed by the data processing device and its beneficial effects can be found in the method described and its beneficial effects in the fifth aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0086] Eleventhly, embodiments of this application provide a data processing apparatus applied in a sensing data process function (SDPF) network element. The data processing apparatus can be an SDPF network element or a chip in an SDPF network element. The data processing apparatus includes a processor, a memory, and a communication bus. The communication bus is used to enable communication between the processor and the memory. The processor executes a program stored in the memory to implement the steps of the first and sixth aspects described above.

[0087] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a data processing apparatus applied in a sensing service control function (SSCF) network element. The data processing apparatus can be an SSCF network element or a chip within an SSCF network element. The data processing apparatus includes a processor, a memory, and a communication bus. The communication bus is used to enable communication between the processor and the memory. The processor executes a program stored in the memory to implement the steps of the second and seventh aspects described above.

[0088] In a thirteenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a data processing apparatus applied in a session management function (SMF) network element. The data processing apparatus can be an SMF network element or a chip within an SMF network element. The data processing apparatus includes a processor, a memory, and a communication bus. The communication bus is used to enable communication between the processor and the memory. The processor executes a program stored in the memory to implement the steps of the third and eighth aspects described above.

[0089] In a fourteenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a data processing apparatus applied in a user plane function (UPF) network element. The data processing apparatus can be a UPF network element or a chip in a UPF network element. The data processing apparatus includes a processor, a memory, and a communication bus. The communication bus is used to enable communication between the processor and the memory. The processor executes a program stored in the memory to implement the steps of the fourth and ninth aspects described above.

[0090] In a fifteenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a data processing apparatus applied in a location management function (LMF) network element. The data processing apparatus can be an LMF network element or a chip within an LMF network element. The data processing apparatus includes a processor, a memory, and a communication bus. The communication bus is used to enable communication between the processor and the memory. The processor executes a program stored in the memory to implement the steps of the fifth and tenth aspects described above.

[0091] In a sixteenth aspect, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the methods described above.

[0092] In a seventeenth aspect, this application provides a computer program product containing instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform the methods described above.

[0093] In an eighteenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a chip including a processor and a communication interface for communicating with external or internal devices, and the processor for implementing the methods described in the above aspects.

[0094] In one possible design, the chip may further include a memory storing computer programs or instructions, which the processor executes, either from the stored computer programs or instructions or derived from other programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are executed, the processor implements the methods described above.

[0095] In one possible design, the chip can be integrated onto SDPF, SSCF, SMF, UPF, and LMF network elements.

[0096] In a nineteenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a data processing system, which includes an SDPF network element, an SSCF network element, an SMF network element, a UPF network element, or an LMF network element. The SDPF network element is used to execute the method described in the first aspect, the SSCF network element is used to execute the method described in the second aspect, the SMF network element is used to execute the method described in the third aspect, and the UPF network element is used to execute the method described in the fourth aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0097] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the background art, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments of this application or the background art will be described below.

[0098] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system applicable to the data processing method of this application embodiment;

[0099] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a 5G system architecture;

[0100] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of six perception scenarios;

[0101] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a wireless sensing service network architecture;

[0102] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of another wireless sensing service network architecture;

[0103] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a data processing method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0104] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating another data processing method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0105] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating another data processing method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0106] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating another data processing method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0107] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating another data processing method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0108] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating another data processing method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0109] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a data processing device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0110] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of another data processing device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0111] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of another data processing device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0112] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of another data processing device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0113] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of another data processing device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0114] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an SDPF network element provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0115] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an SSCF network element provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0116] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an SMF network element provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0117] Figure 20 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a UPF network element provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0118] Figure 21 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an LMF network element provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0119] The following explanations of some of the terms used in this application are provided to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0120] 1. Wireless sensing: also known as sensing, refers to the use of digital receivers to detect the propagation characteristics of radio waves in the physical environment, and to use advanced signal processing algorithms to obtain distance, speed and angle information from wireless signals. This enables a wide range of new services such as high-precision positioning, gesture capture, action recognition, breathing rate, heartbeat, detection of passive objects, imaging and environmental reconstruction, realizing "network as a sensor".

[0121] 2. Data fusion: This is the process of integrating data from multiple sources. Furthermore, data fusion can also include the analysis and processing of the integrated data. Data fusion aims to overcome the limitations of a single data source by combining data from different sources to improve data quality and the accuracy of decision-making.

[0122] 3. Sensing services: These refer to services related to wireless sensing and information acquisition, including target detection, localization and search, environmental reconstruction and imaging, gesture and posture recognition, health and safety environment, etc.

[0123] 4. Sensing data: refers to data that can be obtained through wireless sensing, including the following three types of data: (1) received signals or raw channel data, such as data of received signals or channel responses; (2) sensing measurement data, such as the time delay, Doppler, angle, intensity, speed, etc. of sampling points; (3) sensing result data, that is, data related to business functions and performance obtained based on further calculation and analysis of sensing measurement data, such as whether a target exists, the target's distance, speed, orientation, acceleration, position, path, action, expression, breathing rate / heart rate, imaging results, weather, air quality, etc.

[0124] The embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0125] It should be understood that in the description of this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "multiple" means two or more. In addition, the words "first," "second," etc., unless otherwise stated, are used only for the purpose of distinguishing descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or order.

[0126] It should be understood that in the description of this application, the indication includes direct indication (also known as explicit indication) and implicit indication. Direct indication information A refers to information A being included; implicit indication information A refers to information A being indicated through the correspondence between information A and information B, and the direct indication information B. The correspondence between information A and information B can be predefined, pre-stored, pre-burned, or pre-configured.

[0127] It should be understood that, in the description of this application, information C is used to determine information D, including both situations where information D is determined solely based on information C and situations where it is 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.

[0128] Furthermore, in this application, "network element A sends message A to network element B" can be understood as network element B being the destination of message A or an intermediate network element in the transmission path between the destination and network element B, which may include sending the message directly or indirectly to network element B. Similarly, "network element B receives message A from network element A" can be understood as network element A being the source of message A or an intermediate network element in the transmission path between the source and network element A, which may include receiving the message directly or indirectly from network element A. The message may undergo necessary processing between the source and destination, such as format changes, but the destination can understand a valid message from the source. Similar expressions in this application can be interpreted in a similar way and will not be elaborated further here.

[0129] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to various wireless communication systems, such as 5th generation (5G) or satellite communication systems, narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) systems, long term evolution (LTE) systems, and various application scenarios of 5G enhanced mobile communication systems, including the following three major application scenarios: enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC), and massive machine-type communication (mMTC). Furthermore, they can also be applied to future communication systems or converged systems of multiple systems.

[0130] Wireless communication systems typically consist of cells, each containing a base station (BS). The base station provides communication services to multiple mobile stations (MS). The base station includes a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU and DU can be located in different locations; for example, the DU can be placed in a high-traffic area, while the CU is placed in a central equipment room. Alternatively, the CU and DU can be located in the same equipment room, or they can be different components within the same rack.

[0131] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system applicable to the data processing method of this application embodiment. The communication system may include at least one network device, such as network device 101 shown in Figure 1; the communication system may also include at least one terminal device, such as terminal device 102 and terminal device 103 shown in Figure 1. Network device 101 and terminal devices (such as terminal devices 102 and 103) can communicate via a wireless link. The communication devices in this communication system, for example, network device 101 and terminal device 102, can communicate via multi-antenna technology.

[0132] It should be noted that Figure 1 is a simplified schematic diagram for ease of understanding. For example, the communication system may also include other devices, such as wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices, which are not shown in Figure 1. In practical applications, the communication system may include multiple network devices or multiple terminal devices. This application embodiment does not limit the number of network devices and terminal devices included in the communication system.

[0133] In the embodiments of this application, the terminal device may also be referred to as user equipment (UE), MS, mobile terminal (MT), etc., or a device used to provide voice or data connectivity to the user, or an Internet of Things (IoT) device. For example, the terminal device includes handheld devices with wireless connectivity, vehicle-mounted devices, etc. Currently, terminal devices can include: mobile phones, tablets, laptops, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices (such as smartwatches, smart bracelets, pedometers, etc.), in-vehicle equipment (such as cars, bicycles, electric vehicles, airplanes, ships, trains, high-speed trains, etc.), satellite terminals, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, smart point-of-sale (POS) machines, customer-premises equipment (CPE), wireless terminals in industrial control, smart home devices (such as refrigerators, televisions, air conditioners, electricity meters, etc.), smart robots, robotic arms, workshop equipment, wireless terminals in autonomous driving, wireless terminals in telemedicine, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, or wireless terminals in smart homes, and flying equipment (such as smart robots, hot air balloons, drones, airplanes), etc. Terminal devices can also be other devices with terminal functions; for example, a terminal device can also be a device that performs terminal functions in D2D communication.

[0134] Network devices are nodes in a radio access network (RAN), also known as access network devices or RAN nodes (or devices). Network devices help terminal devices achieve wireless access. In one possible scenario, network devices can be base stations (BS), evolved NodeBs (eNodeBs), transmitting and receiving points (TRPs), transmitting points (TPs), next-generation NodeBs (gNBs), next-generation base stations in 6G systems, base stations in future mobile communication systems, satellites, integrated access and backhaul (IAB) nodes, and access network devices in mobile switching center non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication systems; they can be deployed on high-altitude platforms or satellites. Network devices can be macro base stations, micro base stations or indoor stations, relay nodes or donor nodes, or wireless controllers in cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenarios. Network devices can also function as base stations in device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, drone communication, and machine-to-machine (M2M) communication. Optionally, network devices can also be servers, wearable devices, vehicles, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology, the network device can be a roadside unit (RSU).

[0135] All or part of the functions of the network device in this application can also be implemented through software functions running on hardware, or through virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (such as a cloud platform). The network device in this application can also be a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of a network device.

[0136] In one possible scenario, multiple network devices collaborate to assist terminals in achieving wireless access, with each network device performing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, network devices can be CUs, DUs, CUs (control plane, CP), CUs (user plane, UP), or radio units (RUs). CUs and DUs can be separate entities or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio equipment or radio units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs). It is understood that network devices can be CU nodes, DU nodes, or devices comprising both CU and DU nodes. Furthermore, CUs can be classified as network devices within the RAN or the core network (CN), without limitation.

[0137] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an open access network (open RAN, O-RAN, or ORAN) system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software modules and hardware modules.

[0138] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a 5G system architecture, which includes an access network and a core network. The access network is used to implement functions related to radio access. The core network mainly includes the following key logical network elements: access and mobility management function (AMF) network elements, SMF network elements, UPF network elements, policy control function (PCF) network elements, and unified data management (UDM) network elements. The following is a description of each network element involved in Figure 2:

[0139] UE can be a terminal device, such as a mobile phone or an IoT terminal device.

[0140] (R)AN equipment is a device that provides wireless access for terminal devices, including but not limited to gNB, wireless-fidelity (WiFi) access point, and worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) base station.

[0141] AMF network elements are primarily responsible for mobility management in mobile networks, such as user location updates, user network registration, and user handover.

[0142] SMF network elements are primarily responsible for session management in mobile networks, such as session establishment, modification, and release. Specific functions include assigning IP addresses to users and selecting the UPF that provides packet forwarding capabilities.

[0143] The PCF network element is mainly responsible for providing policies to the AMF and SMF, such as quality of service (QoS) policies and slice selection policies.

[0144] UDM network elements are used to store user data, such as contract information and authentication / authorization information.

[0145] Application function (AF) network elements are mainly responsible for providing services to the 3GPP network, such as influencing service routing and interacting with PCF for policy control.

[0146] UPF network elements are primarily responsible for processing user packets, such as forwarding and billing.

[0147] The data network (DN) is primarily responsible for providing data transmission services to users, such as IP multimedia service (IMS) and the Internet. The UE accesses the DN by establishing a session between the UE, RAN, UPF, and DN.

[0148] In Figure 2, N1 to N15 and N22 refer to the interfaces between network elements or between network elements and devices. For example, N1 is the interface between the AMF network element and the terminal device. The N1 interface is used to transmit signaling between the UE and the core network control plane, such as Non-Access-Stratum (NAS) signaling. N2 is the interface between the AMF network element and the RAN device. The N2 interface is used to transmit signaling between the RAN device and the core network control plane, such as the N2 INITIAL UE Message. N3 is the interface between the RAN device and the UPF network element. The N3 interface is used to transmit user plane data between the RAN device and the core network. Other interfaces are similar and will not be described in detail here.

[0149] It should be noted that a network element in a communication system can send signals to or receive signals from another network element; signals may include information, signaling, or data; a network element may also be replaced by an entity, network entity, device, communication device, communication module, node, communication node, etc. In this application, a network element is used as an example for description.

[0150] With the continuous development of wireless communication technology, in order to improve communication performance and achieve more accurate channel information, communication systems need to acquire sensing data and then perform high-precision positioning, imaging, and environmental reconstruction based on this data. Currently, the first version of 5G New Radio (Release 15) did not consider sensing services. The enhanced version of 5G New Radio (Release 16) began to support LMF-based user equipment positioning services, but the scope of 5G sensing is relatively limited, only supporting the sensing of the location of active devices such as UEs, and not providing sensing of the speed, direction, material, and imaging of passive objects. Therefore, 5G mainly plays the role of information transmitter. Future mobile communication systems will have interconnected sensing capabilities, higher frequency bands, larger bandwidths, and denser distribution of massive MIMO antenna arrays. Therefore, a single system can integrate wireless signal sensing and communication capabilities, enabling mutual performance enhancement between different systems.

[0151] As shown in Figure 3, which is a schematic diagram of six sensing scenarios, the sensing scenarios can be divided into sensing scenarios based on network devices, sensing scenarios based on both network devices and terminal devices, and sensing scenarios based on terminal devices. For example, the sensing scenarios shown in (1) to (6) of Figure 3 can be referred to.

[0152] The perception scenario shown in Figure 3(1) is a network device-based perception scenario, where the network device acts as both the transmitting (TX) and receiving (RX) end of the perception signal. For example, when the perception signal 1 sent by the network device reaches the target object (e.g., a person), the perception signal 1 is reflected by the target object, and the network device can receive the perception signal 2, which can then be processed to obtain the perception result.

[0153] The sensing scenario shown in Figure 3(2) is also a network device-based sensing scenario, where one network device acts as the transmitter (TX) of the sensing signal and the other network device acts as the receiver (RX) of the sensing signal. For example, the sensing signal 1 sent by the network device acting as TX reaches the target object. After the sensing signal 1 is reflected by the target object, the network device acting as RX can receive the sensing signal 2. Then, the network device acting as RX can process the sensing signal 2 to obtain the sensing result.

[0154] The sensing scenario shown in Figure 3(3) is a sensing scenario based on network devices and terminal devices. The network device is the sender of the sensing signal, and the terminal device is the receiver of the sensing signal. For example, the sensing signal 1 sent by the network device reaches the target object. After the sensing signal 1 is reflected by the target object, the terminal device can receive the sensing signal 2. Then, the terminal device can process the sensing signal 2 to obtain the sensing result.

[0155] The sensing scenario shown in Figure 3(4) is also a sensing scenario based on network devices and terminal devices. The terminal device is the sender of the sensing signal, and the network device is the receiver of the sensing signal. For example, the sensing signal 1 sent by the terminal device reaches the target object. After the sensing signal 1 is reflected by the target object, the network device can receive the sensing signal 2. Then the network device can process the sensing signal 2 to obtain the sensing result.

[0156] The perception scenario shown in Figure 3(5) is a perception scenario based on a terminal device, where the terminal device acts as both the sender and receiver of the perception signal. For example, when perception signal 1 sent by the terminal device reaches the target object, the terminal device can receive perception signal 2 after the perception signal 1 is reflected by the target object, and then process perception signal 2 to obtain the perception result.

[0157] The sensing scenario shown in Figure 3(6) is also a terminal device-based sensing scenario, where one terminal device acts as the transmitter of the sensing signal and the other terminal device acts as the receiver of the sensing signal. For example, the sensing signal 1 sent by the terminal device acting as TX reaches the target object. After the sensing signal 1 is reflected by the target object, the terminal device acting as RX can receive the sensing signal 2. Then, the terminal device acting as RX can process the sensing signal 2 to obtain the sensing result.

[0158] In this context, the aforementioned sensing signal 2 can be understood as a reflected signal of the aforementioned sensing signal 1. Sensing signal 2 carries more information than sensing signal 1; for example, sensing signal 2 can carry both source information and environmental information. It should be understood that while the target object in Figure 3 is exemplified by a human, in practical applications, the target object can be any perceived object, such as a building, vehicle, or reflector.

[0159] Currently, communication systems may have a large amount of sensing data. In order to improve sensing accuracy and overcome the limitations of a single data source, data fusion can be used to integrate data from different data sources. This process usually includes steps such as data collection, data cleaning, data transformation, data loading, and data analysis. Through these steps, raw data can be transformed into high-quality information, providing strong support for communication systems to achieve high-precision positioning, imaging, and environmental reconstruction, thereby improving communication performance.

[0160] Figure 4 illustrates a wireless sensing service network architecture. In this architecture, sensing network elements can directly connect to the DCP (Data Communication Proxy). The DCP is an efficient data transmission mechanism that allows sensing data, artificial intelligence (AI) data, and Internet of Things (IoT) data to be transmitted within the core network. Sensing network element 1 acts as the sensing source, directly transmitting sensing data to the DCP. Sensing network element 2, after acquiring sensing data from the terminal device via the Uu interface, transmits the sensing data to the DCP.

[0161] In this network architecture, sensing network elements can send and / or receive sensing signals, and can also transmit sensing capabilities to SSCF network elements or AMF network elements. Sensing network elements can possess at least one of the following capabilities:

[0162] (1) Layer 1 (L1) sensing capability, used to sense raw data. Raw data refers to the basic information of the sensing signal, such as amplitude, phase, and whether the sensing signal is an I-channel signal or a Q-channel signal, etc.

[0163] (2) Layer 2 (L2) sensing capability is used to sense measurement data. Measurement data refers to the data obtained by processing the original data and used to characterize the measurement dimension. It may include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: sampling point delay, receiving angle of the sensing signal, signal strength of the sensing signal, Doppler (i.e., the shift of the sensing signal frequency), position of the target object, and velocity of the target object. Among them, sampling point refers to the signal value at some specific time or position selected when discretizing the continuous signal during the signal processing process.

[0164] (3) Layer 3 (L3) sensing capability, used to process sensing data to obtain sensing results. The sensing data can be raw data and / or measurement data. The sensing results can include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: the distance between the sensing network element and the target object, the speed of the target object, the position of the target object, the angle between the sensing network element 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.

[0165] A sensing network element is a logical network element, also known as a logical sensing network element. Sensing network elements can be deployed on network devices or terminal devices; that is, any network device or terminal device with sensing capabilities can serve as a sensing network element, and a sensing network element can be any network device or terminal device with sensing capabilities. Network devices or terminal devices may possess the three capabilities mentioned above, or they may possess one or more of these capabilities. For example, some terminal devices with weaker computing power may have L1 sensing capabilities but lack L2 and L3 sensing capabilities. Conversely, some network devices may possess all three capabilities mentioned above. Sensing network elements can also be deployed independently.

[0166] SSCF network elements can be used to implement control plane functions for sensing services. For example, SSCF network elements are used to receive sensing capability information of sensing entities and orchestrate sensing services (including the selection of sensing signal receiving and transmitting entities) based on the sensing capability information of sensing entities. SSCF network elements can be mounted on the SBI bus through a service-based interface (SBI) to communicate with other network functions (NFs).

[0167] SDPF network elements can be used to implement data plane functions for sensing services. For example, SDPF network elements can process sensing data for sensing services to obtain sensing results. SDPF network elements can communicate with other network functions by being mounted on the SBI bus via SBI, or they can communicate through separate interfaces, such as communicating with other SDPF network elements or SSCF network elements through separate interfaces.

[0168] Data storage function (DSF) network elements can store sensing data.

[0169] Among them, network functions in this network architecture, such as AMF network elements, network exposure function (NEF) network elements, PCF network elements, charging function (CHF) network elements, service communication proxy (SCP) network elements, AF network elements, and sensing service subscriber management (SSSM) network elements, can subscribe to data from DCP or send data to DCP.

[0170] It should be understood that the devices included in the sensing architecture shown in Figure 4 are merely examples. The network architecture may also include other devices, or may not include some of the devices shown in Figure 4. This application does not limit this.

[0171] Figure 5 illustrates another wireless sensing service network architecture. In this architecture, sensing network elements can directly connect to network functions. Sensing network element 1 acts as the sensing source, directly transmitting sensing data to the network functions. Sensing network element 2, after acquiring sensing data from the terminal device via the Uu interface, transmits the sensing data to the network functions.

[0172] The network functions in this network architecture mainly include the following key logical network elements: AMF network element, SMF network element, NEF network element, PCF network element, CHF network element, UDM network element, network data analytics function (NWDAF) network element, UPF network element, SSCF network element, SSSM network element, network repository function (NRF) network element, SDPF network element, and DN.

[0173] In this network architecture, there is no DCP. SSCF network elements can communicate with other network functions through SBI. For example, SSCF network elements can register the services they can provide with NRF network elements. SDPF network elements can be mounted to the SBI bus through SBI, or they can define separate interfaces.

[0174] It should be understood that the devices included in the sensing architecture shown in Figure 5 are merely examples. The network architecture may also include other devices, or may not include some of the devices shown in Figure 5. This application does not limit this.

[0175] However, in existing technical solutions, the fusion of sensing data is performed on the application side outside the 3GPP network, failing to leverage the advantages of the 3GPP network, such as combining it with LCS data within the 3GPP network to improve sensing accuracy. Compared to external network fusion, intra-network fusion can acquire more data within the 3GPP network and perform sensing data fusion directly within the network, eliminating the need to transmit data to the external network and thus reducing latency. Furthermore, utilizing the computing power within the network can enhance the operator's competitiveness. Therefore, how to fuse sensing data within the 3GPP network is a pressing technical problem that needs to be solved.

[0176] To address the aforementioned technical problems, the embodiments of this application provide the following solutions.

[0177] For example, in the embodiments of this application, a network element containing data plane functions of sensing services can be referred to as a first network element, a network element containing control plane functions of sensing services can be referred to as a second network element, a network element containing application functions can be referred to as a third network element, a network element containing session management functions can be referred to as a fourth network element, a network element containing user plane functions can be referred to as a fifth network element, and a network element containing location management functions can be referred to as a sixth network element.

[0178] This application uses the following examples to illustrate the technical solution: the first network element is an SDPF network element, the second network element is an SSCF network element, the third network element is an AF network element, the fourth network element is an SMF network element, the fifth network element is a UPF network element, and the sixth network element is an LMF network element. It should be noted that the six names SDPF, SSCF, AF, SMF, UPF, and LMF are used as examples and do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of this application. With the development of communication and sensing technologies, these six network elements may use other names. For example, an SDPF network element can also be described as a sensing data processing network element, or a sensing processing network element, etc.; an SSCF network element can also be described as a sensing service control network element, or a sensing control network element, etc.; and so on, which will not be repeated here.

[0179] As shown in Figure 6, Figure 6 is a schematic flowchart of a data processing method provided in an embodiment of this application. This data processing method includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0180] S601: The SSCF network element sends the first message to the SDPF network element.

[0181] The first message is used to indicate data fusion and may include at least one of the following: first indication information, indication information for the fusion algorithm, indication information for the decryption key, indication information for the server in the data network, and / or first authentication information. The first indication information indicates the fusion of sensing data and terminal service data; the fusion algorithm is used to fuse sensing data and first data, which includes at least one of terminal service data, third-party data, and location data; the decryption key is used to decrypt the terminal service data; the data network refers to a DN outside the 3GPP network; the server indication information includes the server's Internet Protocol address and port information; the first authentication information may be the username and password of the server in the data network. The terminal service data includes data generated by terminal devices in the 3GPP network and transmitted to the network side (such as a radio access network or core network) through an air interface (such as a Uu interface), and may include IoT data, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) data, drone data, etc.; third-party data includes data from non-3GPP networks, such as data generated by a DN; and location data includes data indicating the location information of the terminal device.

[0182] For example, data fusion includes the fusion of at least one of terminal business data, third-party data, and location data with sensing data.

[0183] In one possible approach, the SSCF network element sends a first message to the SDPF network element. The first message may include first indication information, indication information of the fusion algorithm, indication information of the decryption key, Internet Protocol address of the server in the data network, port information, and / or first authentication information.

[0184] In another possible approach, the SSCF network element and the SDPF network element acquire a mapping relationship between the fusion algorithm and / or decryption key and the index. This mapping relationship includes multiple fusion algorithms and / or decryption keys, with different fusion algorithms and / or decryption keys corresponding to different indices. The SSCF network element sends a first message to the SDPF network element. This first message may include first indication information, the index of the fusion algorithm and / or decryption key, the Internet Protocol address of the server in the data network, port information, and / or first authentication information. After receiving the index of the fusion algorithm and / or decryption key, the SDPF network element determines the fusion algorithm and / or decryption key through the mapping relationship between the fusion algorithm and / or decryption key and the index. The mapping relationship between the fusion algorithm and / or decryption key and the index can be predefined, pre-stored, pre-burned, or pre-configured. Predefinition may include pre-defined terms, such as protocol definitions. Alternatively, the mapping relationship can be configured or pre-configured. Pre-configuration can be achieved by pre-saving corresponding codes, tables, or other methods that can be used to indicate relevant information in the device. This application does not limit the specific implementation method.

[0185] Optionally, before the SSCF network element sends the first message to the SDPF network element, the SSCF network element receives a third request from the AF network element. This third request is used to request the sensing service. Furthermore, the AF network element can send the third request to the SSCF network element through the NEF network element. After receiving the third request, the SSCF network element sends a third response to the NEF network element, the AF network element, or a server in the data network.

[0186] S602: The SDPF network element acquires first data and sensing data, wherein the first data includes at least one of terminal service data, third-party data and positioning data.

[0187] Specifically, SDPF network elements can obtain sensing data from RAN devices or terminal devices, and the main ways SDPF network elements obtain first data are as follows: Method 1, SDPF network elements can obtain terminal service data from terminal devices; Method 2, SDPF network elements can obtain third-party data from servers in the data network; Method 3, SDPF network elements can obtain positioning data from LMF network elements.

[0188] The specific process of acquiring the first data can be referred to the corresponding description in the method embodiments shown in Figures 7-11, and will not be described in detail here.

[0189] S603: The SDPF network element responds to the first message and fuses the first data and the sensed data.

[0190] Specifically, after acquiring the first data and the sensing data, the SDPF network element responds to the first message by performing a fusion analysis on the first data and the sensing data to obtain the fused data.

[0191] Optionally, the SDPF network element can also send the merged data to the AF network element.

[0192] It should be noted that the sensed data and / or information between different network elements can also be transmitted through the network architecture shown in Figure 4 or Figure 5. Furthermore, for the network architecture shown in Figure 4, the sensed data and / or information between different network elements can be transmitted via DCP; for the network architecture shown in Figure 5, the sensed data and / or information between different network elements can be transmitted either via SBI or via their respective individual interfaces.

[0193] In this embodiment, by receiving the first message, the first data, and the sensing data, the SDPF network element performs fusion analysis on the first data and the sensing data, realizing the fusion of sensing data and the first data within the 3GPP network. This can effectively reduce latency. Furthermore, by integrating data from different sources, the quality of data and the accuracy of decision-making can be improved, overcoming the limitations that may exist with a single data source, thereby improving sensing accuracy.

[0194] As shown in Figure 7, Figure 7 is a flowchart of another data processing method provided in the embodiment of this application, which is described in detail below.

[0195] In this scenario, the 3GPP network can utilize SMF network elements to transmit terminal service data, thereby improving sensing accuracy by fusing sensing data and terminal service data from the 3GPP network. The steps in this embodiment include at least:

[0196] S701: The AF network element sends a third request to the SSCF network element.

[0197] The third request is used to request a sensing service, and the third request may include at least one of the following: a first sensing service identifier, first indication information, a fusion algorithm, and a decryption key. At least one sensing service may exist on the SSCF network element, and the first sensing service identifier is the sensing service identifier of any one of the at least one sensing services.

[0198] Specifically, the AF network element can send a third request to the SSCF network element through the NEF network element. After receiving the third request, the SSCF network element executes the sensing service corresponding to the first sensing service identifier.

[0199] Optionally, the AF network element can be replaced by a sensing subscription terminal. Further, the third request may include at least one of the following: a sensing service identifier, first indication information, a fusion algorithm, and a decryption key. The sensing service identifier is used to identify the sensing service subscribed to by the sensing subscription terminal. The sensing subscription terminal has already subscribed to the sensing service.

[0200] Optionally, the AF network element can also be replaced by a third-party network element requesting the sensing service. Further, the third request may include one or more of the following information: the identifier of the third-party network element, the area information of the sensing service, the sensing service type, the sensing service requirement information, first indication information, and indication information of at least one of the following: fusion algorithm and decryption key. The above information can be used to represent the sensing service requested by the third-party network element, and the identifier of the third-party network element is used to identify the third-party network element. In this approach, the third-party network element does not subscribe to the sensing service and directly carries information related to the sensing service in the third request.

[0201] Optionally, the SSCF network element can also convert the area information of the perceived service in the third request into a target cell list for the corresponding geographical area in the 5G system. The target cell list includes the identifiers of multiple target cells.

[0202] S702: The SSCF network element sends a third response to the NEF network element.

[0203] S703: The SSCF network element sends the first message to the SDPF network element.

[0204] The first message may include at least one of the following: a first instruction, a fusion algorithm, and a decryption key. The first instruction is used to indicate the fusion of sensing data and terminal service data; the terminal service data may include IoT data, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) data, drone data, etc.; the IoT data may include temperature data, humidity data, illumination data, air pressure data, air quality data, noise level data, GPS data, heart rate data, blood pressure data, video data, audio data, etc.; the fusion algorithm is used to fuse the sensing data and the first message; the decryption key is used to decrypt the first message.

[0205] The indication information for at least one of the fusion algorithm and decryption key can be the fusion algorithm and / or decryption key itself, or it can be an identifier corresponding to the fusion algorithm and / or decryption key, such as the index of the fusion algorithm and / or decryption key. The specific implementation method is the same as that of step S601 in the previous embodiment, and can be referred to step S601, which will not be repeated here.

[0206] Optionally, the first message can also be used to instruct SDPF network elements to process sensing data for sensing services.

[0207] In one possible approach, the first message may also be used to indicate one or more of the following information: a sensing service identifier, a sensing service type, sensing service requirement information, and a task identifier for processing the sensing service.

[0208] In another possible approach, the first message is also used to indicate the identifiers of the various subtasks for processing the sensing service, so that the SDPF network element processes the sensing data of at least one subtask to obtain the sensing result of the sensing service.

[0209] In another possible approach, the first message may also be used to instruct the SDPF network element to perform L2 awareness processing and / or L3 awareness processing. Furthermore, the first message may also be used to indicate the subtask identifier for L2 awareness processing, and / or the subtask identifier for L3 awareness processing, allowing the SDPF network element to employ different processing methods for different subtasks. For example, the first message may instruct the SDPF network element to perform L2 awareness processing on the first subtask, and instruct the SDPF network element to perform L3 awareness processing on the second subtask, etc.

[0210] S704: The SSCF network element sends the fourth message to the RAN device.

[0211] The fourth message includes second indication information, which is used to indicate the reception of sensing signals for sensing services. For example, the second indication information may instruct the RAN device to receive sensing signals reflected by a sensing target object.

[0212] Optionally, the fourth message may also include one or more of the following information: sensing service identifier, sensing service type, and sensing service requirement information.

[0213] Optionally, the fourth message may also include a first subtask identifier, so that the RAN device knows which subtask in the sensing service is being processed, and can then receive the sensing signal of that subtask. Alternatively, the fourth message may also include a task identifier for processing the sensing service and a first subtask identifier, so that the RAN device knows which subtask of which sensing service is being processed.

[0214] Optionally, the fourth message may also be used to instruct the RAN device to perform L2 and / or L3 sensing processing on the first subtask.

[0215] S705: The RAN device executes sensing services and obtains sensing data based on the fourth message.

[0216] Specifically, after receiving the fourth message, the RAN device executes the sensing service. Executing the sensing service may specifically include executing the first sub-task of the sensing service, which may include, for example, receiving the sensing signal of the first sub-task; establishing a sensing data bearer with the SDPF network element, and sending the sensing data and / or sensing results of the first sub-task to the SDPF network element through the established sensing data bearer.

[0217] In one possible approach, if the RAN device has L1 sensing processing capability, then the RAN device can acquire information such as the phase and amplitude of the sensing signal to obtain the raw data of the first sub-task, and then send the raw data of the first sub-task to the SDPF network element through the sensing data bearer.

[0218] In another possible approach, if the RAN device has both L1 and L2 sensing processing capabilities, then the RAN device can obtain the raw data of the first subtask through the received sensing signals, process the raw data of the first subtask to obtain the measurement data of the first subtask, and then send the measurement data of the first subtask to the SDPF network element through the sensing data bearer.

[0219] In another possible approach, if the RAN device has L1, L2, and L3 sensing processing capabilities, then the RAN device can obtain the raw data of the first subtask through the received sensing signals, and then send the raw data of the first subtask to the SDPF network element through the sensing data bearer; or, the RAN device can obtain the raw data of the first subtask through the received sensing signals, process the raw data of the first subtask to obtain the measurement data of the first subtask, and then send the measurement data of the first subtask to the SDPF network element through the sensing data bearer; or, the RAN device can obtain the raw data of the first subtask through the received sensing signals, process the raw data of the first subtask to obtain the measurement data of the first subtask, process the measurement data of the first subtask to obtain the sensing result of the first subtask, and then send the sensing result of the first subtask to the SDPF network element through the sensing data bearer.

[0220] In another possible approach, if the RAN device possesses L1, L2, and L3 awareness processing capabilities, the fourth message can also instruct the RAN device whether to perform awareness processing on the first subtask. If it instructs the RAN device to perform awareness processing on the first subtask, it can further instruct the RAN device to perform at least one of L1, L2, and L3 awareness processing. For example, if the fourth message instructs the RAN device to perform L1 and L2 awareness processing on the first subtask, the first message can instruct the SDPF network element to perform L3 awareness processing on the first subtask. In other words, the fourth message instructing the RAN device to perform awareness processing on a certain subtask can complement the first message instructing the SDPF network element to perform awareness processing on that subtask.

[0221] S706: RAN equipment sends sensing data to SDPF network elements.

[0222] S707: The SSCF network element sends a second message to the SMF network element.

[0223] The second message includes a target cell list and the address information of the SDPF network element. The target cell list includes the identifiers of multiple target cells and is used to verify whether the terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​multiple target cells. The address information of the SDPF network element is used to send terminal service data to the SDPF network element.

[0224] S708: SMF network element subscribes to the first event from AMF network element.

[0225] The first event is the cell change event of the terminal device.

[0226] Specifically, after the SMF network element subscribes to the first event, if the cell where the terminal device is located changes, the AMF network element sends the identifier of the cell where the terminal device is currently located to the SMF network element.

[0227] S709: The AMF network element sends the identifier of the cell where the terminal device is currently located to the SMF network element.

[0228] S710: The terminal device sends terminal service data to the SMF network element.

[0229] S711: The SMF network element determines whether the identifier of the cell where the terminal device is currently located is in the target cell list.

[0230] If it is determined that the identifier of the cell where the terminal device is currently located is in the target cell list, then step S712 is executed.

[0231] Specifically, after receiving the second message, the SMF network element verifies whether the terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​multiple target cells, that is, whether the identifier of the cell where the terminal device is currently located is in the target cell list. If it is determined that the identifier of the cell where the terminal device is currently located is in the target cell list, the SMF network element sends the terminal service data to the SDPF network element.

[0232] Optionally, if it is determined that the identifier of the cell where the terminal device is currently located is not in the target cell list, the SMF network element will not send terminal service data to the SDPF network element.

[0233] S712: The SMF network element sends terminal service data to the SDPF network element.

[0234] S713: The SDPF network element responds to the first message by fusing terminal service data and sensing data to obtain fused data.

[0235] Specifically, after acquiring terminal service data and sensing data, the SDPF network element can decrypt the terminal service data according to the decryption key instruction information in the first message to obtain the decrypted terminal service data. Then, according to the fusion algorithm instruction information in the first message, it can perform fusion analysis on the decrypted terminal service data and sensing data to obtain the fused data.

[0236] S714: The SDPF network element sends the merged data to the AF network element.

[0237] It should be noted that the embodiment shown in Figure 7 transmits terminal service data through the control plane, which helps to ensure the robustness and timeliness of service data transmission.

[0238] In addition, this application can also transmit terminal service data through the user plane.

[0239] As shown in Figure 8, Figure 8 is a flowchart of another data processing method provided in the embodiment of this application, which is described in detail below.

[0240] In this scenario, the 3GPP network can utilize UPF network elements to transmit terminal service data, thereby improving sensing accuracy by fusing sensing data and terminal service data from the 3GPP network. The steps in this embodiment include at least:

[0241] S801: The AF network element sends a third request to the SSCF network element.

[0242] The third request may also include the address of the business server.

[0243] S802: The SSCF network element sends a third response to the NEF network element.

[0244] S803: The SSCF network element sends the first message to the SDPF network element.

[0245] S804: The SSCF network element sends the fourth message to the RAN device.

[0246] S805: The RAN device executes sensing services and obtains sensing data based on the fourth message.

[0247] S806: RAN equipment sends sensing data to SDPF network elements.

[0248] The specific implementation of steps S801 to S806 is the same as that of steps S701 to S706 in the previous embodiment. You can refer to steps S701 to S706, and they will not be repeated here.

[0249] S807: The SSCF network element sends a third message to the UPF network element.

[0250] The third message includes the service server address and the target cell list. The service server address is used to verify whether the target Internet Protocol address of the terminal service data matches. The target cell list includes the identifiers of multiple target cells and is used to verify whether the terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​multiple target cells.

[0251] S808: The UPF network element subscribes to the second event from the AMF network element.

[0252] The second event is the cell change event of the terminal device.

[0253] Specifically, after the UPF network element subscribes to the second event, if the cell where the terminal device is located changes, the AMF network element sends the identifier of the cell where the terminal device is currently located to the UPF network element.

[0254] S809: The AMF network element sends the identifier of the cell where the terminal device is currently located to the UPF network element.

[0255] S810: The terminal device sends terminal service data to the UPF network element.

[0256] S811: The UPF network element determines whether the identifier of the cell where the terminal device is currently located is in the target cell list, and whether the target Internet Protocol address of the terminal service data is consistent with the service server address.

[0257] If it is determined that the identifier of the cell where the terminal device is currently located is in the target cell list, and the target Internet Protocol address of the terminal service data is consistent with the service server address, then step S812 is executed.

[0258] Specifically, after receiving the third message, the UPF network element verifies whether the terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​multiple target cells and whether the target Internet Protocol address of the terminal service data matches. That is, it determines whether the identifier of the cell where the terminal device is currently located is in the target cell list and whether the target Internet Protocol address of the terminal service data is consistent with the service server address. If it is determined that the identifier of the cell where the terminal device is currently located is in the target cell list and the target Internet Protocol address of the terminal service data is consistent with the service server address, then the UPF network element sends the terminal service data to the SDPF network element.

[0259] Optionally, if it is determined that the identifier of the cell where the terminal device is currently located is not in the target cell list or the target Internet Protocol address of the terminal service data is inconsistent with the service server address, the UPF network element will not send the terminal service data to the SDPF network element.

[0260] S812: UPF network element sends terminal service data to SDPF network element.

[0261] S813: The SDPF network element responds to the first message by fusing terminal service data and sensing data to obtain fused data.

[0262] S814: The SDPF network element sends the merged data to the AF network element.

[0263] It should be noted that the embodiment shown in Figure 8 transmits terminal service data through the data plane, which helps to save system signaling overhead.

[0264] It should be noted that the first data in the embodiments shown in Figures 7 and 8 is terminal service data, and the first data in this application can also be third-party data.

[0265] As shown in Figure 9, which is a flowchart of another data processing method provided in an embodiment of this application, the details are as follows.

[0266] In this scenario, SDPF network elements can proactively acquire third-party data outside the 3GPP network. By fusing sensing data and third-party data outside the 3GPP network, sensing accuracy can be improved. The steps in this embodiment include at least:

[0267] S901: The AF network element sends a third request to the SSCF network element.

[0268] The third request is used to request a sensing service. This request may include a first sensing service identifier, first authentication information, and indication information from a server in the data network. The server indication information includes the server's Internet Protocol address and port information. At least one sensing service may exist on the SSCF network element. The first sensing service identifier is the sensing service identifier of any one of the at least one sensing services. The first authentication information may be the username and password of the server in the data network. The server's Internet Protocol address and port information are used to establish a communication connection with the server.

[0269] Specifically, the AF network element can send a third request to the SSCF network element through the NEF network element. After receiving the third request, the SSCF network element executes the sensing service corresponding to the first sensing service identifier.

[0270] Optionally, the AF network element can be replaced by a sensing subscription terminal. Furthermore, the third request may include a sensing service identifier, first authentication information, and indication information from a server in the data network. The sensing service identifier is used to identify the sensing service subscribed to by the sensing subscription terminal. In this approach, the sensing subscription terminal has already subscribed to the sensing service.

[0271] Optionally, the AF network element can also be replaced by a third-party network element requesting the sensing service. Further, the third request may include one or more of the following information: the identifier of the third-party network element, the area information of the sensing service, the sensing service type, the sensing service requirement information, the first authentication information, and the server indication information in the data network. The above information can be used to represent the sensing service requested by the third-party network element, and the identifier of the third-party network element is used to identify the third-party network element. In this approach, the third-party network element does not subscribe to the sensing service and directly carries information related to the sensing service in the third request.

[0272] S902: The SSCF network element sends a third response to the server in the data network.

[0273] The third response includes the address information of the SDPF network element, which is used to send third-party data to the SDPF network element.

[0274] S903: The SSCF network element sends the first message to the SDPF network element.

[0275] The first message includes first authentication information and instruction information from the server in the data network.

[0276] Optionally, the first message can also be used to instruct the SDPF network element to process the sensing data of the sensing service. The specific content is as described in step S703 of the above embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0277] S904: The SSCF network element sends the fourth message to the RAN device.

[0278] S905: The RAN device executes sensing services and obtains sensing data based on the fourth message.

[0279] S906: RAN equipment sends sensing data to SDPF network elements.

[0280] The specific implementation methods of steps S904 to S906 are the same as those of steps S704 to S706 in the above embodiments, and can be referred to steps S704 to S706, which will not be repeated here.

[0281] S907: The SDPF network element sends the first request to the server in the data network.

[0282] The first request is used to request data from a third party, and the first request includes first authentication information.

[0283] S908: The server in the data network sends the first response to the SDPF network element.

[0284] The first response is used to indicate that the first authentication information is correct.

[0285] Specifically, after receiving the first request from the SDPF network element, the server determines whether the first authentication information is correct. If the first authentication information is correct, the server sends the first response to the SDPF network element.

[0286] S909: Servers in the data network send third-party data to SDPF network elements.

[0287] S910: The SDPF network element responds to the first message by fusing third-party data and sensing data to obtain fused data.

[0288] S911: The SDPF network element sends the merged data to the AF network element.

[0289] It should be noted that the embodiment shown in Figure 9 is an SDPF network element actively acquiring third-party data, while the SDPF network element in this application can also passively acquire third-party data.

[0290] As shown in Figure 10, Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating another data processing method provided in an embodiment of this application, as detailed below.

[0291] In this scenario, SDPF network elements can passively acquire third-party data outside the 3GPP network. By fusing sensing data and third-party data outside the 3GPP network, sensing accuracy can be improved. The steps in this embodiment include at least:

[0292] S1001: The AF network element sends a third request to the SSCF network element.

[0293] The third request is used to request a sensing service. This request may include a first sensing service identifier and indication information from a server in the data network. The server indication information includes the server's Internet Protocol address and port information. At least one sensing service may exist on the SSCF network element. The first sensing service identifier is the sensing service identifier of any one of the at least one sensing services. The server's Internet Protocol address and port information are used to establish a communication connection with the server.

[0294] Specifically, the AF network element can send a third request to the SSCF network element through the NEF network element. After receiving the third request, the SSCF network element executes the sensing service corresponding to the first sensing service identifier.

[0295] Optionally, the AF network element can be replaced by a sensing subscription terminal. Furthermore, the third request may include a sensing service identifier and indication information from a server in the data network; the sensing service identifier is used to identify the sensing service subscribed to by the sensing subscription terminal. In this approach, the sensing subscription terminal has already subscribed to the sensing service.

[0296] Optionally, the AF network element can also be replaced by a third-party network element requesting the sensing service. Further, the third request may include one or more of the following information: the identifier of the third-party network element, the area information of the sensing service, the sensing service type, the sensing service requirement information, and the server indication information in the data network. The above information can be used to represent the sensing service requested by the third-party network element, and the identifier of the third-party network element is used to identify the third-party network element. In this approach, the third-party network element does not subscribe to the sensing service and directly carries information related to the sensing service in the third request.

[0297] S1002: The SSCF network element sends a third response to the server in the data network.

[0298] The third response includes the address information of the SDPF network element and the second authentication information. The address information of the SDPF network element is used to send third-party data to the SDPF network element, and the second authentication information can be the username and password of the SDPF network element.

[0299] S1003: The SSCF network element sends the first message to the SDPF network element.

[0300] The first message may include instructions from the server in the data network.

[0301] Optionally, the first message can also be used to instruct the SDPF network element to process the sensing data of the sensing service. The specific content is as described in step S703 of the above embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0302] S1004: The SSCF network element sends the fourth message to the RAN device.

[0303] S1005: The RAN device executes sensing services and obtains sensing data based on the fourth message.

[0304] S1006: RAN equipment sends sensing data to SDPF network elements.

[0305] The specific implementation methods of steps S1004 to S1006 are the same as those of steps S704 to S706 in the above embodiment. You can refer to steps S704 to S706, and they will not be repeated here.

[0306] S1007: The server in the data network sends a second request to the SDPF network element.

[0307] The second request is used to request the receipt of third-party data, and the second request includes second authentication information.

[0308] S1008: The SDPF element sends a second response to the server in the data network.

[0309] The second response is used to indicate that the second authentication information is correct.

[0310] Specifically, after receiving the second request from the server, the SDPF network element determines whether the second authentication information is correct. If the second authentication information is correct, the SDPF network element sends a second response to the server.

[0311] S1009: A server in a data network sends third-party data to an SDPF network element.

[0312] S1010: The SDPF network element responds to the first message by fusing third-party data and sensing data to obtain fused data.

[0313] S1011: The SDPF network element sends the merged data to the AF network element.

[0314] It should be noted that the first data in the embodiments shown in Figures 9 and 10 is third-party data, and the first data in this application can also be location data.

[0315] As shown in Figure 11, Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating another data processing method provided in an embodiment of this application, as detailed below.

[0316] In this scenario, sensing accuracy is improved by fusing sensing data and positioning data from the 3GPP network. The steps in this embodiment include at least:

[0317] S1101: The AF network element sends a third request to the SSCF network element.

[0318] The third request is used to request a sensing service, and the third request may include a first sensing service identifier. At least one sensing service may exist on the SSCF network element, and the first sensing service identifier is the sensing service identifier of any one of the at least one sensing services.

[0319] Specifically, the AF network element can send a third request to the SSCF network element through the NEF network element. After receiving the third request, the SSCF network element executes the sensing service corresponding to the first sensing service identifier.

[0320] Optionally, the AF network element can be replaced by a sensing subscription terminal. Furthermore, the third request may also include a sensing service identifier, which identifies the sensing service subscribed to by the sensing subscription terminal. In this approach, the sensing subscription terminal has already subscribed to the sensing service.

[0321] Optionally, the AF network element can also be replaced by a third-party network element requesting the sensing service. Furthermore, the third request may include one or more of the following information: the identifier of the third-party network element, the area information of the sensing service, the sensing service type, and the sensing service requirement information. The above information can be used to represent the sensing service requested by the third-party network element, and the identifier of the third-party network element is used to identify the third-party network element. Where the third-party network element has not subscribed to the sensing service, it directly carries the sensing service-related information in the third request.

[0322] S1102: The SSCF network element sends a third response to the NEF network element.

[0323] S1103: The SSCF network element sends the first message to the SDPF network element.

[0324] The first message is used to indicate data fusion.

[0325] S1104: The SSCF network element sends the fourth message to the terminal device.

[0326] The fourth message sent by the SSCF network element to the terminal device contains the same content as the fourth message sent by the SSCF network element to the RAN device. The terminal device in step S1104 is used to execute the various processes involving the RAN device in step S704. The specific implementation method can refer to step S704 in the above embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0327] S1105: The terminal device executes sensing services and obtains sensing data based on the fourth message.

[0328] S1106: The terminal device sends sensing data to the SDPF network element.

[0329] The terminal device in steps S1105 to S1106 is used to execute the various processes involving the RAN device in steps S705 to S706. The specific implementation method can be referred to steps S704 to S706 in the above embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0330] S1107: The SSCF network element sends a fourth request to the LMF network element.

[0331] The fourth request is used to request the location data of the terminal device, and the fourth request includes the identifier of the terminal device.

[0332] S1108: The LMF network element locates the terminal device based on the fourth request and obtains the location data.

[0333] The location data includes the location information of the terminal device, such as the environmental data of the community where the terminal device is located.

[0334] Specifically, after receiving the fourth request from the SSCF network element, the LMF network element locates the terminal device based on the identifier of the terminal device in the fourth request, thereby obtaining location data.

[0335] The location data includes the location information of the terminal device.

[0336] S1109: The LMF network element sends location data to the SDPF network element.

[0337] S1110: The SDPF network element responds to the first message by fusing the positioning data and sensing data to obtain the fused data.

[0338] Specifically, after acquiring positioning data and sensing data, the SDPF network element performs fusion analysis on the positioning data and sensing data to obtain fused data.

[0339] S1111: The SDPF network element sends the merged data to the AF network element.

[0340] In this embodiment of the application, by receiving the first message, the SDPF network element can perform fusion analysis on the first data and the sensing data after acquiring the first data and the sensing data. This enables the fusion of sensing data and the first data within the 3GPP network, which helps to reduce latency. The SDPF network element can obtain more accurate sensing information by leveraging the advantages of the 3GPP network. By integrating data from different sources, the quality of data and the accuracy of decision-making can be improved, overcoming the limitations that may exist in a single data source, and thus improving the sensing accuracy.

[0341] The methods of the embodiments of this application have been described in detail above, and the apparatus of the embodiments of this application is provided below.

[0342] As shown in Figure 12, Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of a data processing device provided in an embodiment of this application. This data processing device can be an SDPF network element, or a chip or processing system within an SDPF network element. This device can be used to implement any method and function related to the SDPF network element in any of the foregoing embodiments. The device may include a receiving module 1201, a processing module 1202, and a transmitting module 1203. Optionally, the transmitting module 1203 corresponds to the radio frequency circuit and baseband circuit included in the SDPF network element. The detailed description of each module is as follows.

[0343] The receiving module 1201 is used to receive a first message from the second network element. The first message is used to indicate data fusion. The first network element contains the data plane function of the sensing service, and the second network element contains the control plane function of the sensing service.

[0344] The receiving module 1201 is also used to acquire first data and sensing data, wherein the first data includes at least one of terminal service data, third-party data and positioning data.

[0345] The processing module 1202 is used to fuse the first data and the sensed data in response to the first message.

[0346] Optionally, the first message includes indication information of at least one of a fusion algorithm and a decryption key, wherein the fusion algorithm is used to fuse the sensed data and the first data, and the decryption key is used to decrypt the first data.

[0347] Optionally, the first message may also include first indication information, which is used to indicate the fused sensing data and terminal service data.

[0348] Optionally, terminal business data includes IoT data.

[0349] Optionally, the first message includes indication information from the server in the data network; the sending module 1203 is used to send a first request to the server based on the server's indication information, the first request being used to request third-party data; the receiving module 1201 is also used to receive third-party data from the server.

[0350] Optionally, the server's indication information may include the server's Internet Protocol address.

[0351] Optionally, the first request includes first authentication information; the receiving module 1201 is also configured to receive a first response from the server, the first response being used to indicate that the first authentication information is correct.

[0352] Optionally, the receiving module 1201 is further configured to receive a second request from a server in the data network, the second request being for requesting to receive third-party data; the receiving module 1201 is further configured to receive third-party data from the server.

[0353] Optionally, the second request includes second authentication information; the sending module 1203 is also configured to send a second response to the server, the second response indicating that the second authentication information is correct.

[0354] Optionally, the first message includes indication information from the server; the sending module 1203 is also used for the first network element to send a second response to the server based on the indication information from the server.

[0355] It should be noted that the implementation of each module can also correspond to the descriptions of the method embodiments shown in Figures 6-11, and execute the methods and functions performed by the SDPF network elements in the above embodiments.

[0356] As shown in Figure 13, Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of another data processing device provided in an embodiment of this application. This data processing device can be an SSCF network element, or a chip or processing system within an SSCF network element. This device can be used to implement any method and function involving the SSCF network element in any of the foregoing embodiments. The device may include a receiving module 1301, a processing module 1302, and a transmitting module 1303. Optionally, the transmitting module 1303 corresponds to the radio frequency circuit and baseband circuit included in the SSCF network element. The detailed description of each module is as follows.

[0357] The receiving module 1301 is used to receive a third request from a third network element. The third request is used to request sensing services. The second network element contains the control plane functions of the sensing services, and the third network element contains the application functions.

[0358] The sending module 1303 is used to send a first message to the first network element. The first message is used to indicate data fusion. The first network element contains the data plane function of sensing services.

[0359] Optionally, the third request includes indication information of at least one of a fusion algorithm and a decryption key, wherein the fusion algorithm is used to fuse the sensed data and the first data, and the decryption key is used to decrypt the first data.

[0360] Optionally, the third request may also include first indication information, which is used to indicate the fused sensing data and terminal service data.

[0361] Optionally, terminal business data includes IoT data.

[0362] Optionally, the sending module 1303 is also used to send a second message to the fourth network element. The second message includes a target cell list, which includes the identifiers of multiple target cells. The target cell list is used to verify whether the terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the multiple target cells. The fourth network element includes session management functions.

[0363] Optionally, the second message may also include the address information of the first network element, which is used to send terminal service data to the first network element.

[0364] Optionally, the sending module 1303 is also used to send a third message to the fifth network element. The third message includes a service server address and a target cell list. The service server address is used to verify whether the target Internet Protocol address of the terminal service data matches. The target cell list includes the identifiers of multiple target cells. The target cell list is used to verify whether the terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​multiple target cells. The fifth network element includes user plane functions.

[0365] Optionally, the third message may also include the address information of the first network element, which is used to send terminal service data to the first network element.

[0366] Optionally, the third request includes indication information from the server in the data network; the sending module 1303 is also used to send a third response to the server based on the server's indication information, the third response including the address information of the first network element, the address information of the first network element being used to send third-party data to the first network element.

[0367] Optionally, the server's indication information may include the server's Internet Protocol address.

[0368] Optionally, the sending module 1303 is also used to send a fourth request to the sixth network element, the fourth request being used to request the location data of the terminal device, the sixth network element including location management functions.

[0369] Optionally, the fourth request may include the identifier of the terminal device.

[0370] It should be noted that the implementation of each module can also correspond to the descriptions of the method embodiments shown in Figures 6-11, and execute the methods and functions performed by the SSCF network element in the above embodiments.

[0371] As shown in Figure 14, Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of another data processing device provided in an embodiment of this application. This data processing device can be an SMF network element, or a chip or processing system within an SMF network element. This device can be used to implement any method and function related to the SMF network element in any of the foregoing embodiments. The device may include a receiving module 1401, a processing module 1402, and a transmitting module 1403. Optionally, the transmitting module 1403 corresponds to the radio frequency circuit and baseband circuit included in the SMF network element. The detailed description of each module is as follows.

[0372] The receiving module 1401 is used to receive terminal service data from the terminal device. The fourth network element includes session management functions.

[0373] The processing module 1402 is used to determine whether the identifier of the cell where the terminal device is currently located is in the target cell list, which includes the identifiers of multiple target cells.

[0374] The sending module 1403 is used to send terminal service data to the first network element when the identifier of the cell where the terminal device is currently located is in the target cell list. The first network element includes the data plane function of the sensing service.

[0375] Optionally, the receiving module 1401 is further configured to receive a second message from the second network element, the second message including a target cell list, the target cell list being used to verify whether the terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​multiple target cells, the second network element including the control plane function of the sensing service; the sending module 1403 is further configured to send terminal service data to the first network element when the identifier of the cell where the terminal device is currently located is in the target cell list.

[0376] Optionally, the second message may also include the address information of the first network element; the sending module 1403 is also used for the fourth network element to send terminal service data to the first network element based on the address information of the first network element.

[0377] It should be noted that the implementation of each module can also correspond to the descriptions of the method embodiments shown in Figures 6-11, and execute the methods and functions performed by the SMF network elements in the above embodiments.

[0378] As shown in Figure 15, Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of another data processing device provided in an embodiment of this application. This data processing device can be a UPF network element, or a chip or processing system within a UPF network element. This device can be used to implement any method and function related to the UPF network element in any of the foregoing embodiments. The device may include a receiving module 1501, a processing module 1502, and a transmitting module 1503. Optionally, the transmitting module 1503 corresponds to the radio frequency circuit and baseband circuit included in the UPF network element. The detailed description of each module is as follows.

[0379] The receiving module 1501 is used to receive terminal service data from the terminal device. The fifth network element includes user plane functions.

[0380] The processing module 1502 is used to determine whether the identifier of the cell where the terminal device is currently located is in the target cell list, and whether the target Internet Protocol address of the terminal service data is consistent with the service server address. The target cell list includes the identifiers of multiple target cells.

[0381] The sending module 1503 is used to send terminal service data to the first network element when the identifier of the cell where the terminal device is currently located is in the target cell list and the target Internet Protocol address of the terminal service data is consistent with the service server address. The first network element includes the data plane function of the sensing service.

[0382] Optionally, the receiving module 1501 is also used to receive a third message from the second network element. The third message includes a service server address and a target cell list. The service server address is used to verify whether the target Internet Protocol address of the terminal service data matches. The target cell list is used to verify whether the terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​multiple target cells. The second network element includes the control plane function of the sensing service.

[0383] Optionally, the third message may also include the address information of the first network element; the sending module 1503 is also used to send terminal service data to the first network element based on the address information of the first network element.

[0384] It should be noted that the implementation of each module can also correspond to the descriptions of the method embodiments shown in Figures 6-11, and execute the methods and functions performed by the UPF network elements in the above embodiments.

[0385] As shown in Figure 16, Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of another data processing device provided in an embodiment of this application. This data processing device can be an LMF network element, or a chip or processing system within an LMF network element. This device can be used to implement any method and function related to the LMF network element in any of the foregoing embodiments. The device may include a receiving module 1601, a processing module 1602, and a transmitting module 1603. Optionally, the transmitting module 1603 corresponds to the radio frequency circuit and baseband circuit included in the LMF network element. The detailed description of each module is as follows.

[0386] The receiving module 1601 is used to receive a fourth request from the second network element. The fourth request is used to request the positioning data of the terminal device. The second network element includes the control plane function of the sensing service.

[0387] The sending module 1603 is used to send the location data of the terminal device to the first network element, which includes the data plane function of the sensing service.

[0388] Optionally, the fourth request may include the identifier of the terminal device.

[0389] It should be noted that the implementation of each module can also correspond to the descriptions of the method embodiments shown in Figures 6-11, and execute the methods and functions performed by the LMF network element in the above embodiments.

[0390] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an SDPF network element provided in an embodiment of this application. This SDPF network element can be applied to the system shown in Figure 5 to perform the functions of the SDPF network element in the above method embodiments, or to implement the steps or processes performed by the SDPF network element in the above method embodiments.

[0391] As shown in Figure 17, the SDPF network element includes a processor 1701 and a transceiver 1702. Optionally, the SDPF network element also includes a memory 1703. The processor 1701, transceiver 1702, and memory 1703 can communicate with each other via internal connections to transmit control and / or data signals. The memory 1703 stores computer programs, and the processor 1701 retrieves and runs these programs from the memory 1703 to control the transceiver 1702 to transmit and receive signals. Optionally, the SDPF network element may also include an antenna for transmitting uplink data or uplink control signaling output by the transceiver 1702 via wireless signals.

[0392] The processor 1701 and memory 1703 can be combined into a single processing device. The processor 1701 executes the program code stored in the memory 1703 to achieve the aforementioned functions. In specific implementations, the memory 1703 can be integrated into the processor 1701 or be independent of the processor 1701. The processor 1701 can correspond to the processing module 1202 in Figure 12.

[0393] The transceiver 1702 described above can correspond to the receiving module 1201 and the transmitting module 1203 in Figure 12, and can also be referred to as a transceiver unit or transceiver module. The transceiver 1702 may include a receiver (or receiver circuit) and a transmitter (or transmitter circuit). The receiver is used to receive signals, and the transmitter is used to transmit signals.

[0394] It should be understood that the SDPF network element shown in Figure 17 can implement all the processes involved in the SDPF network element in the method embodiments shown in Figures 6-11. The operations and / or functions of each module in the SDPF network element are respectively for implementing the corresponding processes in the above method embodiments. For details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments; to avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are appropriately omitted here.

[0395] The processor 1701 described above can be used to execute the actions implemented internally by the SDPF network element as described in the preceding method embodiments, while the transceiver 1702 can be used to execute the actions described in the preceding method embodiments whereby the SDPF network element sends data to or receives data from the terminal device. For details, please refer to the descriptions in the preceding method embodiments; they will not be repeated here.

[0396] The processor 1701 can be a central processing unit, a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. It can implement or execute various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the disclosure of this application. The processor 1701 can also be a combination that implements computing functions, such as a combination of one or more microprocessors, a combination of a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, etc. The communication bus 1704 can be a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus or an extended industry standard architecture (EISA) bus, etc. The bus can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, only one thick line is used in Figure 17, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus. The communication bus 1704 is used to realize the connection and communication between these components. In this embodiment, the transceiver 1702 is used for signaling or data communication with other node devices. Memory 1703 may include volatile memory, such as nonvolatile random access memory (NVRAM), phase change RAM (PRAM), magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM), etc., and may also include non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory devices, such as NOR flash memory or NAND flash memory, semiconductor devices, such as solid-state disk (SSD), etc. Memory 1703 may also be at least one storage device located remotely from the aforementioned processor 1701. Memory 1703 may also store a set of computer program code or configuration information. Processor 1701 may also execute the program stored in memory 1703. The processor can cooperate with the memory and transceiver to execute any of the methods and functions of the SDPF network elements in the above-described embodiments.

[0397] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an SSCF network element provided in an embodiment of this application. This SSCF network element can be applied to the system shown in Figure 1 to perform the functions of the SSCF network element in the above method embodiments, or to implement the steps or processes executed by the SSCF network element in the above method embodiments.

[0398] As shown in Figure 18, the SSCF network element includes a processor 1801 and a transceiver 1802. Optionally, the AMF entity also includes a memory 1803. The processor 1801, transceiver 1802, and memory 1803 can communicate with each other via internal connections to transmit control and / or data signals. The memory 1803 stores computer programs, and the processor 1801 retrieves and runs these programs from the memory 1803 to control the transceiver 1802 to transmit and receive signals. Optionally, the SSCF network element may also include an antenna for transmitting uplink data or uplink control signaling output by the transceiver 1802 via wireless signals.

[0399] The processor 1801 and memory 1803 can be combined into a single processing device. The processor 1801 executes the program code stored in the memory 1803 to achieve the aforementioned functions. In specific implementations, the memory 1803 can be integrated into the processor 1801 or be independent of the processor 1801. The processor 1801 can correspond to the processing module 1302 in Figure 13.

[0400] The transceiver 1802 described above can correspond to the receiving module 1301 and the transmitting module 1303 in Figure 13, and can also be referred to as a transceiver unit or transceiver module. The transceiver 1802 may include a receiver (or receiver circuit) and a transmitter (or transmitter circuit). The receiver is used to receive signals, and the transmitter is used to transmit signals.

[0401] It should be understood that the SSCF network element shown in Figure 18 can implement all the processes involving the SSCF network element in the method embodiments shown in Figures 6-11. The operations and / or functions of each module in the SSCF network element are respectively for implementing the corresponding processes in the above method embodiments. For details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments; to avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are appropriately omitted here.

[0402] The processor 1801 described above can be used to execute the actions implemented internally by the SSCF network element as described in the preceding method embodiments, while the transceiver 1802 can be used to execute the actions described in the preceding method embodiments, such as the SSCF network element sending to the SDPF network element, the SSCF network element sending to the RAN device, the SSCF network element sending to the SMF network element, the SSCF network element sending to the UPF network element, the SSCF network element sending to the terminal device, or receiving from the AF network element. For details, please refer to the descriptions in the preceding method embodiments; they will not be repeated here.

[0403] The processor 1801 can be any of the processors mentioned above. The communication bus 1804 can be a PCI bus or an EISA bus, etc. The bus can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, only one thick line is used in Figure 18, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus. The communication bus 1804 is used to realize the connection and communication between these components. In this embodiment, the transceiver 1802 of the SSCF network element is used to communicate with other devices for signaling or data. The memory 1803 can be any of the memory types mentioned above. The memory 1803 can also be at least one storage device located away from the aforementioned processor 1801. The memory 1803 stores a set of computer program code or configuration information, and the processor 1801 executes the program in the memory 1803. The processor can cooperate with the memory and the transceiver to execute any method and function of the SSCF network element in the above embodiment.

[0404] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of an SMF network element provided in an embodiment of this application. This SMF network element can be applied to the system shown in Figure 1 to perform the functions of the SMF network element in the above method embodiments, or to implement the steps or processes executed by the SMF network element in the above method embodiments.

[0405] As shown in Figure 19, the SMF network element includes a processor 1901 and a transceiver 1902. Optionally, the SMF network element also includes a memory 1903. The processor 1901, transceiver 1902, and memory 1903 can communicate with each other via internal connections to transmit control and / or data signals. The memory 1903 stores computer programs, and the processor 1901 retrieves and runs these programs from the memory 1903 to control the transceiver 1902 to transmit and receive signals. Optionally, the SMF network element may also include an antenna for transmitting uplink data or uplink control signaling output by the transceiver 1902 via wireless signals.

[0406] The processor 1901 and memory 1903 can be combined into a single processing device. The processor 1901 executes the program code stored in the memory 1903 to achieve the aforementioned functions. In specific implementations, the memory 1903 can be integrated into the processor 1901 or be independent of the processor 1901. The processor 1901 can correspond to the processing module 1402 in Figure 14.

[0407] The transceiver 1902 described above can correspond to the receiving module 1401 and the transmitting module 1403 in Figure 14, and can also be referred to as a transceiver unit or transceiver module. The transceiver 1902 may include a receiver (or receiver circuit) and a transmitter (or transmitter circuit). The receiver is used to receive signals, and the transmitter is used to transmit signals.

[0408] It should be understood that the SMF network element shown in Figure 19 can implement all the processes involved in the SMF network element in the method embodiments shown in Figures 6-11. The operations and / or functions of each module in the SMF network element are respectively for implementing the corresponding processes in the above method embodiments. For details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments; to avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are appropriately omitted here.

[0409] The processor 1901 described above can be used to execute the actions implemented internally by the SMF network element as described in the preceding method embodiments, while the transceiver 1902 can be used to execute the actions described in the preceding method embodiments of the SMF network element sending to or receiving from the first device. For details, please refer to the descriptions in the preceding method embodiments; they will not be repeated here.

[0410] The processor 1901 can be any of the processors mentioned above. The communication bus 1904 can be a PCI bus or an EISA bus, etc. The bus can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, only one thick line is used in Figure 19, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus. The communication bus 1904 is used to realize the connection and communication between these components. In this embodiment, the transceiver 1902 of the SMF network element is used to communicate with other devices for signaling or data. The memory 1903 can be any of the memory types mentioned above. The memory 1903 can also be at least one storage device located away from the aforementioned processor 1901. The memory 1903 stores a set of computer program code or configuration information, and the processor 1901 executes the program in the memory 1903. The processor can cooperate with the memory and the transceiver to execute any method and function of the SMF network element in the above embodiment.

[0411] Figure 20 is a schematic diagram of a UPF network element provided in an embodiment of this application. This UPF network element can be applied to the system shown in Figure 1 to perform the functions of the UPF network element in the above method embodiments, or to implement the steps or processes performed by the UPF network element in the above method embodiments.

[0412] As shown in Figure 20, the UPF network element includes a processor 2001 and a transceiver 2002. Optionally, the UPF network element also includes a memory 2003. The processor 2001, transceiver 2002, and memory 2003 can communicate with each other through internal connection paths to transmit control and / or data signals. The memory 2003 stores computer programs, and the processor 2001 calls and runs the computer programs from the memory 2003 to control the transceiver 2002 to transmit and receive signals. Optionally, the UPF network element may also include an antenna for transmitting uplink data or uplink control signaling output by the transceiver 2002 via wireless signals.

[0413] The processor 2001 and memory 2003 can be combined into a single processing device. The processor 2001 executes the program code stored in the memory 2003 to achieve the above functions. In specific implementations, the memory 2003 can be integrated into the processor 2001 or independent of the processor 2001. The processor 2001 can correspond to the processing module 1502 in Figure 15.

[0414] The transceiver 2002 described above can correspond to the receiving module 1501 and the transmitting module 1503 in Figure 15, and can also be referred to as a transceiver unit or transceiver module. The transceiver 2002 may include a receiver (or receiver circuit) and a transmitter (or transmitter circuit). The receiver is used to receive signals, and the transmitter is used to transmit signals.

[0415] It should be understood that the UPF network element shown in Figure 20 can implement all the processes involved in the UPF network element in the method embodiments shown in Figures 6-11. The operations and / or functions of each module in the UPF network element are respectively for implementing the corresponding processes in the above method embodiments. For details, please refer to the description in the above method embodiments. To avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are appropriately omitted here.

[0416] The processor 2001 described above can be used to execute the actions implemented internally by the UPF network element as described in the preceding method embodiments, while the transceiver 2002 can be used to execute the actions described in the preceding method embodiments whereby the UPF network element sends data to or receives data from the first device. For details, please refer to the descriptions in the preceding method embodiments; they will not be repeated here.

[0417] The processor 2001 can be any of the processors mentioned above. The communication bus 2004 can be a PCI bus or an EISA bus, etc. The bus can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, only one thick line is used in Figure 20, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus. The communication bus 2004 is used to realize the connection and communication between these components. In this embodiment, the transceiver 2002 of the UPF network element is used to communicate with other devices for signaling or data. The memory 2003 can be any of the memory types mentioned above. The memory 2003 can also be at least one storage device located away from the aforementioned processor 2001. The memory 2003 stores a set of computer program code or configuration information, and the processor 2001 executes the program in the memory 2003. The processor can cooperate with the memory and the transceiver to execute any method and function of the UPF network element in the above embodiment.

[0418] Figure 21 is a schematic diagram of an LMF network element provided in an embodiment of this application. This LMF network element can be applied to the system shown in Figure 1 to perform the functions of the LMF network element in the above method embodiments, or to implement the steps or processes executed by the LMF network element in the above method embodiments.

[0419] As shown in Figure 21, the LMF network element includes a processor 2101 and a transceiver 2102. Optionally, the LMF network element also includes a memory 2103. The processor 2101, transceiver 2102, and memory 2103 can communicate with each other via internal connections to transmit control and / or data signals. The memory 2103 stores computer programs, and the processor 2101 retrieves and runs these programs from the memory 2103 to control the transceiver 2102 to transmit and receive signals. Optionally, the LMF network element may also include an antenna for transmitting uplink data or uplink control signaling output by the transceiver 2102 via wireless signals.

[0420] The processor 2101 and memory 2103 can be combined into a single processing device. The processor 2101 executes the program code stored in the memory 2103 to achieve the aforementioned functions. In specific implementations, the memory 2103 can be integrated into the processor 2101 or be independent of the processor 2101. The processor 2101 can correspond to the processing module 1602 in Figure 16.

[0421] The transceiver 2102 described above can correspond to the receiving module 1601 and the transmitting module 1603 in Figure 16, and can also be referred to as a transceiver unit or transceiver module. The transceiver 2102 may include a receiver (or receiver circuit) and a transmitter (or transmitter circuit). The receiver is used to receive signals, and the transmitter is used to transmit signals.

[0422] It should be understood that the LMF network element shown in Figure 21 can implement all the processes involved in the LMF network element in the method embodiments shown in Figures 6-11. The operations and / or functions of each module in the LMF network element are respectively for implementing the corresponding processes in the above method embodiments. For details, please refer to the description in the above method embodiments. To avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are appropriately omitted here.

[0423] The processor 2101 described above can be used to execute the actions implemented internally by the LMF network element as described in the preceding method embodiments, while the transceiver 2102 can be used to execute the actions described in the preceding method embodiments of the LMF network element sending to or receiving from the first device. For details, please refer to the descriptions in the preceding method embodiments; they will not be repeated here.

[0424] The processor 2101 can be any of the processors mentioned above. The communication bus 2104 can be a PCI bus or an EISA bus, etc. The bus can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, only one thick line is used in Figure 21, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus. The communication bus 2104 is used to realize the connection and communication between these components. In this embodiment, the transceiver 2102 of the LMF network element is used to communicate with other devices for signaling or data. The memory 2103 can be any of the memory types mentioned above. The memory 2103 can also be at least one storage device located away from the aforementioned processor 2101. The memory 2103 stores a set of computer program code or configuration information, and the processor 2101 executes the program in the memory 2103. The processor can cooperate with the memory and the transceiver to execute any method and function of the LMF network element in the above embodiment.

[0425] This application also provides a chip system including a processor for supporting SDPF, SSCF, SMF, UPF, or LMF network elements to implement the functions involved in any of the above embodiments. In one possible design, the chip system may further include a memory for storing necessary program instructions and data for the SDPF, SSCF, SMF, UPF, or LMF network elements. This chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0426] This application also provides a processor for coupling with a memory to execute any method and function involving SDPF network element, SSCF network element, SMF network element, UPF network element or LMF network element in any of the above embodiments.

[0427] This application also provides a computer program product containing instructions, which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any method and function involving SDPF network element, SSCF network element, SMF network element, UPF network element or LMF network element in any of the above embodiments.

[0428] This application also provides a data processing apparatus for executing any method and function involving SDPF network element, SSCF network element, SMF network element, UPF network element or LMF network element in any of the above embodiments.

[0429] This application also provides a data processing system, which includes at least one SDPF network element, at least one SSCF network element, at least one SMF network element, at least one UPF network element and at least one LMF network element involved in any of the above embodiments.

[0430] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially as a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media can be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., digital versatile discs (DVDs)), or semiconductor media (e.g., SSDs), etc.

[0431] It should be understood that the "and / or" appearing in the embodiments of this application is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone.

[0432] It should be understood that in the embodiments of this application, "B corresponding to A" means that B is associated with A, and B can be determined based on A. However, it should also be understood that determining B based on A does not mean that B is determined solely based on A; B can also be determined based on A and / or other information.

[0433] It should be understood that the symbol " / " appearing in the embodiments of this application can indicate that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship. Additionally, the symbol " / " can also represent a division sign, i.e., performing a division operation. For example, A / B can mean A divided by B.

[0434] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A data processing method, characterized in that, include: The first network element receives a first message from the second network element. The first message is used to instruct data fusion. The first network element includes the data plane function of the sensing service, and the second network element includes the control plane function of the sensing service. The first network element acquires first data and sensing data, wherein the first data includes at least one of terminal service data, third-party data, and positioning data; The first network element responds to the first message by fusing the first data and the sensed data.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first message includes indication information of at least one of a fusion algorithm and a decryption key, wherein the fusion algorithm is used to fuse the perceived data and the first data, and the decryption key is used to decrypt the first data.

3. The method as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first message also includes first indication information, which is used to indicate the fusion of the sensing data and the terminal service data.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The terminal service data includes Internet of Things (IoT) data.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The first message includes indication information from a server in the data network; the method further includes: The first network element sends a first request to the server based on the instruction information from the server. The first request is used to request the third-party data. The first network element receives the third-party data from the server.

6. The method as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The server's indication information includes the server's Internet Protocol address.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first network element receives a second request from a server in the data network, the second request being used to request the receipt of the third-party data; The first network element receives the third-party data from the server.

8. A data processing method, characterized in that, include: The second network element receives a third request from the third network element, the third request being used to request a sensing service. The second network element includes the control plane function of the sensing service, and the third network element includes application functions. The second network element sends a first message to the first network element. The first message is used to instruct data fusion. The first network element includes the data plane function of the sensing service.

9. The method as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The third request includes indication information of at least one of a fusion algorithm and a decryption key, wherein the fusion algorithm is used to fuse the perceived data and the first data, and the decryption key is used to decrypt the first data.

10. The method as described in claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The third request also includes first indication information, which is used to indicate fused sensing data and terminal service data.

11. The method as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The terminal service data includes Internet of Things (IoT) data.

12. The method according to any one of claims 8-11, characterized in that, The method further includes: The second network element sends a second message to the fourth network element. The second message includes a target cell list, which includes the identifiers of multiple target cells. The target cell list is used to verify whether the terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the multiple target cells. The fourth network element includes session management functions.

13. The method as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The second message also includes the address information of the first network element, which is used to send the terminal service data to the first network element.

14. The method according to any one of claims 8-11, characterized in that, The method further includes: The second network element sends a third message to the fifth network element. The third message includes a service server address and a target cell list. The service server address is used to verify whether the target Internet Protocol address of the terminal service data matches. The target cell list includes the identifiers of multiple target cells. The target cell list is used to verify whether the terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the multiple target cells. The fifth network element includes user plane functions.

15. The method as described in claim 14, characterized in that, The third message also includes the address information of the first network element, which is used to send the terminal service data to the first network element.

16. The method according to any one of claims 8-11, characterized in that, The third request includes indication information from a server in the data network; the method further includes: The second network element sends a third response to the server based on the server's instruction information. The third response includes the address information of the first network element, which is used to send third-party data to the first network element.

17. The method as described in claim 16, characterized in that, The server's indication information includes the server's Internet Protocol address.

18. The method according to any one of claims 8-11, characterized in that, The method further includes: The second network element sends a fourth request to the sixth network element, the fourth request being used to request the location data of the terminal device, and the sixth network element includes location management functions.

19. The method as described in claim 18, characterized in that, The fourth request includes the identifier of the terminal device.

20. A data processing method, characterized in that, include: The fourth network element receives terminal service data from the terminal device, and the fourth network element includes session management functions; The fourth network element determines whether the identifier of the cell where the terminal device is currently located is in the target cell list, and the target cell list includes the identifiers of multiple target cells; When the identifier of the cell where the terminal device is currently located is in the target cell list, the fourth network element sends the terminal service data to the first network element, whereby the first network element includes the data plane function of the sensing service.

21. The method as described in claim 20, characterized in that, The method further includes: The fourth network element receives a second message from the second network element. The second message includes the target cell list, which is used to verify whether the terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the multiple target cells. The second network element includes the control plane function of the sensing service. When the identifier of the cell where the terminal device is currently located is in the target cell list, the fourth network element sends the terminal service data to the first network element.

22. The method as described in claim 20 or 21, characterized in that, The second message also includes the address information of the first network element; the method further includes: The fourth network element sends the terminal service data to the first network element based on the address information of the first network element.

23. A data processing method, characterized in that, include: The fifth network element receives terminal service data from terminal devices, and the fifth network element includes user plane functions; The fifth network element determines whether the identifier of the cell where the terminal device is currently located is in the target cell list, and whether the target Internet Protocol address of the terminal service data is consistent with the service server address. The target cell list includes the identifiers of multiple target cells. When the identifier of the cell where the terminal device is currently located is in the target cell list, and the target Internet Protocol address of the terminal service data is consistent with the service server address, the fifth network element sends the terminal service data to the first network element, wherein the first network element includes the data plane function of the sensing service.

24. The method as described in claim 23, characterized in that, The method further includes: The fifth network element receives a third message from the second network element. The third message includes the service server address and the target cell list. The service server address is used to verify whether the target Internet Protocol address of the terminal service data matches. The target cell list is used to verify whether the terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the multiple target cells. The second network element includes the control plane function of the sensing service.

25. The method as described in claim 23 or 24, characterized in that, The third message also includes the address information of the first network element; the method further includes: The fifth network element sends the terminal service data to the first network element based on the address information of the first network element.

26. A data processing apparatus, characterized in that, The data processing apparatus includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1-7; or, the data processing apparatus includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 8-19; or, the data processing apparatus includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 20-22; or, the data processing apparatus includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 23-25.

27. A data processing apparatus, characterized in that, The method includes a processor configured to perform the method of any one of claims 1-7, or the processor configured to perform the method of any one of claims 8-19, or the processor configured to perform the method of any one of claims 20-22, or the processor configured to perform the method of any one of claims 23-25.

28. A data processing system, characterized in that, It includes a first network element, a second network element, a fourth network element, or a fifth network element, wherein the first network element is used to perform the method of any one of claims 1-7, the second network element is used to perform the method of any one of claims 8-19, the fourth network element is used to perform the method of any one of claims 20-22, and the fifth network element is used to perform the method of any one of claims 23-25.

29. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium includes a computer program that, when executed by a processor, causes the method of any one of claims 1-7, any one of claims 8-19, any one of claims 20-22, or any one of claims 23-25 ​​to be implemented.

30. A chip, characterized in that, The chip includes a processor and a communication interface, the communication interface being used to communicate with external or internal devices, and the processor being used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-7, any one of claims 8-19, any one of claims 20-22, or any one of claims 23-25.

31. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method of any one of claims 1-7, any one of claims 8-19, any one of claims 20-22, or any one of claims 23-25.

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