Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

A communication method and apparatus, which are applied in the technical field of communication sensing. The method is applied to a first access network apparatus, the first access network apparatus may be responsible for sensing-related management, and the method comprises: the first access network apparatus receiving a first request message used for requesting a first sensing service, and determining a first terminal that executes the first sensing service; and then sending a first identifier of the first terminal to a second access network apparatus. By means of the method, an access network side can control a sensing procedure, for example, the second access network apparatus can determine a sensing measurement configuration of the first terminal on the basis of the first identifier, and can configure the sensing measurement configuration for the first terminal, such that the first terminal participates in the first sensing service.

Description

A communication method and apparatus

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410819607.6, filed on June 21, 2024, entitled "A Communication Method and Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of communication sensing technology, and in particular to a communication method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0004] With the development of communication technology, communication-sensing fusion technology has been proposed. The core idea of ​​this technology is to add sensing capabilities to mobile communication networks, building capabilities such as target detection, tracking, and imaging, thereby integrating communication and sensing capabilities into a single network system. The principle of sensing technology is that the transmitting end sends a signal (also called a sensing signal), which reaches the sensing target and is reflected by it. The receiving end receives the reflected sensing signal (also called the echo signal) and processes it to obtain information such as the target's position, speed, or type.

[0005] In current communication sensing systems, the sensing process is controlled / managed by the core network. Future development will support the introduction of sensing control / management functions on the access network side; therefore, how to achieve sensing capabilities for the access network-side control / management terminals is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that introduces sensing control / management functions on the access network side to realize the control of the sensing process on the access network side.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of this application adopt the following technical solutions:

[0008] Firstly, a communication method is provided, which can be applied to the access network side, for example, the method is applied to a first access network device. The first access network device can be responsible for sensing-related management, or the first access network device has a sensing management function (SMF) and / or a sensing control function (SCF). For example, the first access network device can implement sensing authorization / control, sensing data processing, and other functions. The first access network device can be a functional unit of the access network equipment, for example, the first access network device is a newly added sensing unit (SU) within the access network equipment. Alternatively, the first access network device is a communication node independent of the access network equipment (e.g., it can be called a sensing control (SC) node), and this communication node is deployed on the access network side. Alternatively, the first access network device is a circuit, or a chip system / chip, or other functional module capable of implementing sensing-related functions. In the embodiments of this application, the first access network device can also be called a first wireless access network device.

[0009] The communication method includes: a first access network device receiving a first request message, and in response to the first request message, determining a first terminal performing a first sensing service, and sending a first identifier of the first terminal to a second access network device. The first request message is used to request the first sensing service. The first terminal is used to transmit sensing signals, and / or, the first terminal is used to receive echo signals of the sensing signals.

[0010] The second access network device can be a centralized unit (CU) that performs some of the functions of the access network equipment. Considering the interference of sensing signals between different access network devices, the access network is more likely to sense air interface resources and allocate them reasonably and in a timely manner. To avoid interference, the access network should be allowed to perform some sensing control functions (e.g., air interface sensing resource allocation). To address the introduction of sensing control functions on the access network side, this method proposes a scheme for controlling the terminal to participate in sensing. For example, the first access network device determines the first terminal performing the first sensing service and informs the second access network device. This allows the second access network device to clearly identify the first terminal and control it to participate in sensing, thus completing the first sensing service.

[0011] In possible implementations, the first identifier includes (or is) a first next-generation application protocol identifier (NGAP ID); or, the first identifier includes (or is) an F1 interface application protocol identifier (FIAP ID); or, the first identifier includes (or is) a first terminal awareness identifier, which identifies the first terminal in the first access network device and the second access network device.

[0012] The first identifier identifies the first terminal in both the first access network device and the second access network device, thereby enabling the second access network device to determine the first terminal based on the first identifier and avoiding misidentification of the first terminal. The specific implementation of the first identifier is not limited in this application. For example, the first identifier can be a reused existing NGAP UE ID or FIAP UE ID, meaning that sensing and communication use the same ID, which is convenient for management and has low implementation complexity. Alternatively, the first identifier can be a temporary identifier (referred to as a terminal sensing identifier) ​​introduced in the future for sensing. In this case, the creation and release of the first identifier depends on whether the first identifier is needed during the sensing process; if not, the first identifier is released. The released first identifier can also be used for other terminals, thus making it applicable to scenarios with more terminals.

[0013] In a possible implementation, before the first access network device determines the first terminal performing the first sensing service, the method further includes: the first access network device receiving information from at least one terminal from a second access network device, the first terminal belonging to at least one terminal, wherein the information of the first terminal includes one or more of the following: identification information, radio resource control (RRC) status, capability information, information of the accessed cell, or beam information.

[0014] In this scheme, the second access network device can provide information about multiple terminals in the network to the first access network device, which then selects a suitable first terminal to perform the first sensing service based on this information. Since the second access network device knows the terminal's air interface information (e.g., RRC status, beamforming), it helps the first access network device determine the appropriate first terminal. For example, if the first sensing service requires the terminal to send a sensing signal, the first terminal can be selected from those in RRC connected state. Here, the identification information of the first terminal may include a cell-radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI), used to indicate the terminal under the cell air interface identified by the C-RNTI.

[0015] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: a first access network device receiving a first signaling message sent by a third access network device, the first signaling message including sensing data and a third identifier; or, the first access network device receiving a first data packet sent by the third access network device through a first tunnel, the first data packet including sensing data and a third identifier. The third identifier identifies the first terminal in both the first access network device and the third access network device, and the sensing data is obtained based on the echo signal of the sensing signal.

[0016] The third access network device can be a distributed unit (DU) that performs some of the functions of the access network equipment. The third identifier can be jointly maintained by the third access network device and the first access network device, identifying the first terminal in both devices. The specific implementation of the third identifier can be the same as that of the first identifier, and will not be elaborated here. In this scheme, the third access network device extracts the echo signal to obtain sensing data. If the third access network device and the first access network device have a direct communication interface, the third access network device can send the sensing data to the first access network device through this interface. Specifically, the third access network device can send the sensing data and the third identifier to the first access network device via first signaling based on the control plane, or it can establish a first tunnel based on the user plane to send the sensing data and the third identifier to the first access network device.

[0017] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: a first access network device receiving a second signaling sent by a second access network device, the second signaling including sensing data and a first identifier; or, the first access network device receiving a second data packet sent by the second access network device through a second tunnel, the second data packet including sensing data and a first identifier.

[0018] The third access network device can also forward the sensing data to the first access network device through the second access network device. The second access network device can send the sensing data and the first identifier to the first access network device via the second signaling based on the control plane, or it can send the sensing data and the first identifier to the first access network device by establishing a second tunnel based on the user plane.

[0019] Secondly, a communication method is provided, which can be applied to an access network side device, for example, the method is applied to a first access network device. For details regarding the first access network device, please refer to the relevant description in the first aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0020] The communication method includes: a first access network device receiving a first request message; responding to the first request message, determining a first terminal executing the first sensing service; and sending sensing measurement configuration or receiving sensing data and an identifier of the first terminal to the first terminal. The first request message is used to request the first sensing service. The first terminal is used to send sensing signals, and / or, the first terminal is used to receive echo signals of the sensing signals. The sensing data is obtained based on the echo signals of the sensing signals.

[0021] The sensing measurement configuration may include information such as resource information of the sensing signals and the reporting method of the sensing data. In this scheme, the first access network device determines the first terminal performing the first sensing service and can send the sensing measurement configuration to the first terminal to complete the first sensing service. Alternatively, another device (such as the second access network device) can send the sensing measurement configuration to the first terminal, and the sensing data obtained from the echo signal can be sent to the first access network device. At the same time, the identifier of the first terminal is also sent to the first access network device, so that the first access network device can identify the terminal corresponding to the sensing data. Through this scheme, the access network side can control the sensing process.

[0022] In a possible implementation, the first access network device determines the first terminal performing the first sensing service by: the first access network device receiving a second identifier and determining the first terminal based on the second identifier, wherein the second identifier is used to indicate the first terminal.

[0023] The first terminal can be determined by a device other than the first access network device and informed to the first access network device, thereby reducing the processing complexity of the first access network device.

[0024] In a possible implementation, the first access network device receiving the second identifier includes: the first access network device receiving a second identifier from a first core network element or a second access network device, the second identifier identifying the first terminal in the first access network device and the first core network element; or, the first access network device receiving a first identifier from a second access network device, the first identifier identifying the first terminal in both the first access network device and the second access network device.

[0025] The second identifier identifies the first terminal in both the first access network device and the first core network element, and can be jointly maintained by both. The first identifier can also be jointly maintained by the second access network device and the first access network device, identifying the first terminal in both. Typically, the core network has more comprehensive information about the terminal, such as its location. Therefore, the first terminal can be determined by the first core network element to ensure it is most suitable for performing the first sensing service. When the first core network element determines the first terminal, it can directly send the second identifier to the first access network device, or pass it through the second access network device to the first access network device, to avoid the first access network device failing to recognize the first terminal. Alternatively, the first terminal can also be determined by the second access network device, as it knows the terminal's air interface information (e.g., RRC status, beamforming), thus allowing it to identify a suitable first terminal. For example, if the first sensing service requires the terminal to send sensing signals, the first terminal can be selected from terminals in RRC connected state. When the first core network element determines the first terminal, it can send the first identifier to the first access network device to avoid the first access network device failing to recognize the first terminal.

[0026] In possible implementations, the second identifier includes a subscription permanent identity (SUPI); or, the second identifier includes a second NGAP ID; or, the second identifier includes a second terminal awareness identifier, which identifies the first terminal in the first access network device, the second access network device, and the first core network element.

[0027] There are various specific implementations of the second identifier, and this application does not limit them. For example, the second identifier can be a reused existing SUPI or NGAP ID, which is equivalent to using the same ID for sensing and communication, making management easier and reducing implementation complexity. Another example is that the second identifier can be a temporary identifier (which can be called a terminal sensing identifier) ​​introduced in the future for sensing, independent of the ID used for communication, reducing the impact on communication. Furthermore, the creation and release of the second identifier depends on whether it is needed during the sensing process; if not, the second identifier is released. The released second identifier can also be used for other terminals, thus making it applicable to scenarios with more terminals.

[0028] In a possible implementation, after the first access network device receives the second identifier from the second access network device, the method further includes: the first access network device determining a first identifier based on the second identifier and a first correspondence, wherein the first correspondence includes a correspondence between the second identifier and the first identifier, and the second identifier and the first identifier are different.

[0029] The first access network device can maintain a first correspondence, so that the second access network device can send a second identifier to the first access network device to indicate the first terminal.

[0030] In a possible implementation, before the first access network device determines the first terminal performing the first sensing service, the method further includes: the first access network device receiving information from at least one terminal from a second access network device, wherein the first terminal belongs to the at least one terminal, and the information of the first terminal includes one or more of the following: identification information, RRC status, capability information, information of the accessed cell, or beam information.

[0031] In this scheme, the second access network device can provide information from multiple terminals in the network to the first access network device, and the first access network device can select a first terminal suitable for performing the first sensing service based on the information from the multiple terminals.

[0032] In one possible implementation, the first access network device sends a sensing measurement configuration to the first terminal, including: the first access network device sending a first signaling radio bearer (SRB) to the first terminal, the first SRB including the sensing measurement configuration.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the first terminal is used to receive the echo signal of the sensing signal, and the sensing measurement configuration is included in the first secondary cell group (SCG).

[0034] This solution is applicable to dual-connectivity scenarios. By adding SCG to the sensing element, the impact on the communication function of the master node (MN) of the first terminal can be reduced.

[0035] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: a first access network device receiving a first signaling message sent by a third access network device, the first signaling message including sensing data and a third identifier; or, the first access network device receiving a first data packet sent by the third access network device through a first tunnel, the first data packet including sensing data and a third identifier. The third identifier identifies the first terminal in both the first access network device and the third access network device, and the sensing data is obtained based on the echo signal of the sensing signal.

[0036] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: a first access network device receiving a second signaling sent by a second access network device, the second signaling including sensing data and a first identifier; or, the first access network device receiving a second data packet sent by the second access network device through a second tunnel, the second data packet including sensing data and a first identifier.

[0037] Thirdly, a communication method is provided, which can be applied to an access network side device, for example, the method is applied to a second access network device. The second access network device can be an access network equipment, or a functional unit that performs some of the functions of the access network equipment; for example, the second access network device can be a CU that performs some of the functions of the access network equipment. Alternatively, the second access network device can be a circuit, a chip system / chip, or other functional module capable of realizing all or part of the functions of the access network equipment.

[0038] The communication method includes: a second access network device receiving a first identifier from a first terminal of a first access network device, and sending a sensing measurement configuration to the first terminal. The first terminal is used to perform a first sensing service.

[0039] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: a second access network device receiving a first request message from the core network and sending a first request message to a first access network device, the first request message being used to request a first sensing service.

[0040] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: the second access network device sending a first identifier of the first terminal to the first access network device.

[0041] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: the second access network device sending information about at least one terminal to the first access network device, the first terminal belonging to at least one terminal, and the information about the first terminal including one or more of the following: identification information, RRC status, capability information, information about the accessed cell, or beam information.

[0042] For the beneficial effects of the third aspect, please refer to the beneficial effects of the first or second aspect and their various implementation methods; they will not be elaborated here.

[0043] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method that can be executed by a first communication device and a second communication device. The first communication device has the function of implementing the behavior in the first aspect of the method example described above. For example, the first communication device includes corresponding means, modules, or units for executing the method of the first aspect, which can be implemented by software and / or hardware. The second communication device has the function of implementing the behavior in the second aspect of the method example described above. For example, the second communication device includes corresponding means, modules, or units for executing the method of the third aspect, which can be implemented by software and / or hardware. The first communication device can be the aforementioned first access network device. The second communication device can be the aforementioned second access network device, as exemplified below.

[0044] The communication method includes: a first access network device receiving a first request message, and in response to the first request message, determining a first terminal performing a first sensing service, and sending a first identifier of the first terminal to a second access network device; the second access network device sending a sensing measurement configuration to the first terminal. The first request message is used to request the first sensing service. The first terminal is used to send sensing signals, and / or, the first terminal is used to receive echo signals of the sensing signals.

[0045] For the beneficial effects of the fourth aspect, please refer to the beneficial effects of the first or third aspect and their various implementation methods; they will not be elaborated here.

[0046] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device that has the functionality to implement the behaviors described in any of the method examples of the first to third aspects. The beneficial effects can be found in the relevant descriptions and will not be repeated here. For example, the communication device may be a first access network device as described in the first or second aspect; or, the communication device may be a device capable of supporting a device or node to implement the functions required by the methods provided in the first or second aspect, such as a chip or chip system in an access network device. As another example, the communication device may be a second access network device as described in the third aspect; or, the communication device may be a device capable of supporting an access network device to implement the functions required by the methods provided in the third aspect, such as a chip or chip system in an access network device.

[0047] In one possible design, the communication device includes a baseband device and a radio frequency device.

[0048] In one possible design, the communication device includes corresponding means, modules, or units for performing the methods of any of the first to third aspects. These modules, units, or means can be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination of both. For example, the communication device includes a processing unit (sometimes also called a processing module or processor) and / or a transceiver unit (sometimes also called a transceiver module or transceiver). The transceiver unit is capable of both sending and receiving functions. When the transceiver unit performs the sending function, it can be called a sending unit (sometimes also called a sending module), and when it performs the receiving function, it can be called a receiving unit (sometimes also called a receiving module). The sending unit and the receiving unit can be the same functional unit, referred to as the transceiver unit, which performs both sending and receiving functions; or, the sending unit and the receiving unit can be different functional units, with "transceiver unit" being a general term for these functional units. These units (modules) can perform the corresponding functions in the method examples of any of the first to third aspects described above, as detailed in the method examples, and will not be repeated here.

[0049] Sixthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, which can be the communication device in the fifth aspect of the above embodiments, or a chip or chip system disposed in the communication device in the fifth aspect. The communication device includes a communication interface and a processor, and optionally, a memory. The memory is used to store computer programs, instructions, or data, and the processor is coupled to the memory and the communication interface. When the processor reads the computer program, instructions, or data, it causes the communication device to execute the method executed by the first access network device in the above method embodiments. For example, the communication device can be the first access network device, a device including the first access network device, or a functional module in the first access network device, such as a processing chip. Alternatively, when the processor reads the computer program, instructions, or data, it causes the communication device to execute the method executed by the second access network device in the above method embodiments. For example, the communication device can be the second access network device, a device including the second access network device, or a functional module in the second access network device, such as a baseband chip and a radio frequency chip.

[0050] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a chip system including a processor and a communication interface for implementing the methods described in any of the first to third aspects. Optionally, the chip system further includes a memory. The memory stores a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions). The processor retrieves and executes the computer program from the memory, causing a device equipped with the chip system to perform the methods in any of the first to third aspects and any possible implementation thereof. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0051] Eighthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device including an input / output interface and logic circuitry. The input / output interface is used for inputting and / or outputting information. The input / output interface may be an interface circuit, an output circuit, an input circuit, a pin, or related circuitry, etc. The logic circuitry is used to execute the methods described in any of the first to third aspects.

[0052] In practical implementation, the aforementioned communication device can be a chip, the input circuit can be an input pin, the output circuit can be an output pin, and the logic circuit can be a transistor, gate circuit, flip-flop, and various other logic circuits. The input signal received by the input circuit can be received and input by, for example, but not limited to, a receiver, and the signal output by the output circuit can be, for example, but not limited to, output to and transmitted by a transmitter. Furthermore, the input circuit and the output circuit can be the same circuit, which is used as both the input circuit and the output circuit at different times. This application does not limit the specific implementation of the input / output interface and the logic circuit.

[0053] Ninthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication system, which includes an access network device, a core network device, a sensing control node / sensing management device, and a terminal device. The sensing control node / sensing management device is used to implement the functions described in the first aspect, and the access network device is used to implement the functions described in the third aspect. Alternatively, the sensing control node / sensing management device is used to implement the functions described in the second aspect, and the access network device is used to process the echo signal.

[0054] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program or instructions that, when executed, cause the methods described in any of the first to third aspects and any implementation thereof to be implemented.

[0055] Eleventhly, embodiments of this application also provide a computer program product containing instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the methods described in any of the first to third aspects and any of their implementations to be implemented.

[0056] The beneficial effects of the fifth to eleventh aspects and their implementation methods can be referenced to the beneficial effects of the first or second aspects and any one of their implementation methods. Attached Figure Description

[0057] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of various sensing modes provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0058] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the network architecture of the communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0059] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a typical application scenario of sensing provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0060] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the core network architecture provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of two typical architectures for introducing SF on the RAN side according to the embodiments of this application;

[0062] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the potential communication interfaces of SU provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0063] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0064] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in Embodiment 2 of this application;

[0065] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in Embodiment 3 of this application;

[0066] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in Embodiment 4 of this application;

[0067] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in Embodiment 5 of this application;

[0068] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0069] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of another structure of the communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0070] The technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application can be applied to integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) systems. An integrated sensing and communication system refers to a system that integrates communication and sensing, also known as a harmonized communication and sensing (HCS) system. The core idea of ​​integrated sensing and communication is to add sensing capabilities to the communication network, building capabilities such as target detection, tracking, and imaging, thereby integrating communication and sensing capabilities into a single network.

[0071] Before introducing the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application, the technical terms, applicable network architectures, and scenarios involved in the embodiments of this application will be introduced first.

[0072] (1) Perception can also be replaced by: sensing process, sensing operation, sensing detection, and detection processing.

[0073] Perception can be understood as a technology capable of acquiring information about the characteristics of the environment and / or objects within it. This information includes, but is not limited to, shape, size, orientation, speed, position, distance between objects, or relative motion. The working principle of perception is as follows: the transmitting end sends a perception signal, and the receiving end receives the signal reflected from the perception target (also called the echo signal). The perception result, such as speed, distance, shape, and size, is obtained based on the echo signal. The perception target can also be called a target, the object being detected, the object being sensed, or the object being sensed, etc., without limitation. The perception target can be any tangible object in the environment capable of reflecting electromagnetic waves. For example, the perception target can be a stationary object such as a building. Alternatively, the perception target can be a mobile object such as a vehicle, drone, or terminal device.

[0074] (2) Sensing signal and echo signal

[0075] Sensing signal: A signal used to sense (or detect) a target (or object). Sensing signals are also called detection signals, linear frequency modulated signals, radar signals, radar sensing signals, radar detection signals, environmental sensing signals, etc. Sensing signals can be pulse signals or any signal that may be present in a wireless communication system, such as orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signals. For example, sensing signals may include (or be) sounding reference signals (SRS), demodulation reference signals (DMRS), positioning reference signals (PRS), sidelink positioning reference signals (SL-PRS), channel state information reference signals (CSI), synchronization signal blocks (SSB), synchronization signal / physical broadcast channel blocks (SS / PBCH), tracking reference signals (TRS), phase tracking reference signals (PTRS), beam manager reference signals (BMRS), or cell reference signals (CRS), etc. Sensing signals may also include communication information, such as signals carried on the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) or the physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH).

[0076] Echo signal: The echo signal is the signal reflected back to the receiver after the sensing signal is emitted from the transmitter to the target object. By performing autocorrelation processing on the echo signal and the sensing signal, and then transforming them, the time delay of the echo signal relative to the sensing signal in the time domain can be analyzed. This allows us to determine the distance of the sensing target from the transmitting source. By comparing the echo signals reflected back from the same target by different transmitted signals, we can convert the signal to the Doppler domain. Combining the Doppler and range domain analyses, we can determine the distance and velocity of the sensing target. Furthermore, the direction of the sensing target relative to the transmitting source can be determined by the beam direction of the antenna emitting the sensing signal. The echo signal can be understood as the reflected sensing signal; therefore, the echo signal can also be called the sensing signal.

[0077] (3) Perceptual data, also known as perceptual measurement data.

[0078] Sensing data refers to the data obtained after processing echo signals. The processing of echo signals involves multiple stages, and the data obtained from each stage can be called sensing data. For example, the echo signal processing flow may include the following stages: (1) Performing operations such as symbol extraction and cyclic prefix removal on the echo signal to obtain the time-domain data of the radar frame and separating in-phase (I / quadrature, IQ) data; (2) Performing time-frequency transformation, effective subcarrier extraction, signal estimation, and inverse fast fourier transform (IFFT) on the IQ data to obtain the range (R) spectrum; (3) Performing inter-symbol windowing and fast fourier transform on the R spectrum. (4) Perform FFT on the channel dimension of the RD spectrum to obtain the range / doppler / angle (RDA) spectrum; (5) Detect all valid point target information from the RD spectrum or RDA spectrum to obtain multiple data points. The set of these multiple data points is also called a point cloud. Each data point is used to represent a relative position or an absolute position relative to the sensing device; (6) Cluster the multiple data points to obtain the centroid of the real target.

[0079] Accordingly, sensing data can represent one or more of the following: time delay, Doppler effect, angle, and intensity of a sampling point; or it can represent one or more of the following: position, velocity, and intensity of a sampling point. For example, sensing data includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: IQ data, RD spectrum, RDA spectrum, distance / velocity (DV) spectrum, distance / velocity / angle (DVA) spectrum, range / velocity (RV) spectrum, range / velocity / angle (RVA) spectrum, set of coordinate points, point cloud, centroid of a real target, etc.

[0080] (4) Perception Results

[0081] Perception results refer to the results related to business functions and performance obtained based on the calculation and analysis of perceived data. For example, perception results include the presence of the target to be perceived and information about the target (e.g., speed, distance, angle, orientation, acceleration, position, movement path, imaging results, facial expression, breathing / heart rate, etc.). Perception results vary depending on the target. For example, if the target is air, the perception results include air quality and the composition of gases in the air; another example is vehicles, where the perception results include the number of vehicles, their positions, and their movement paths.

[0082] (5) Access network equipment refers to (radio)access network ((R)AN) equipment / RAN node. In the embodiments of this application, (R)AN and RAN are interchangeable.

[0083] RAN can refer to cellular systems related to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), such as 5G / New Radio (NR) mobile communication systems, or future-oriented evolution systems / networks. RAN can also be an open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), a virtualized RAN (vRAN), or a non-terrestrial network (NTN). RAN can also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems. RAN equipment can also be called RAN nodes, RAN entities, or access nodes. In future scenarios, access network equipment may also evolve into other forms; for example, it may not be distinguished from core network equipment and may be collectively referred to as network equipment.

[0084] In one possible scenario, RAN nodes can be base stations, evolved NodeBs (eNodeBs), next-generation NodeBs (gNBs), base stations in future communication networks, access points (APs), transmission reception points (TRPs), satellites, etc. RAN nodes can also be macro base stations, micro base stations, indoor stations, relay nodes, donor / host nodes, or wireless controllers. RAN nodes can also be servers, wearable devices, vehicles, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology, the RAN node can be a roadside unit (RSU).

[0085] In another possible scenario, the RAN node can be a module or unit that performs some of the functions of the base station; or multiple RAN nodes can cooperate to assist terminal equipment in achieving wireless access, with different RAN nodes performing some of the functions of the base station. For example, the RAN node can be a CU, DU, or radio unit (RU). The function of the CU can be implemented by a single entity or by different entities. For example, the function of the CU can be further divided, that is, the control plane and the user plane can be separated and implemented by different entities, namely the control plane CU entity (i.e., CU-control plane (CP) entity) and the user plane CU entity (i.e., CU-user plane (UP) entity). The CU-CP entity and CU-UP entity can be coupled with the DU to jointly complete the function of the RAN node. The CU and DU can be set up separately or included in the same network element, such as in the baseband unit (BBU). Any of the units among the CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented by software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software modules and hardware modules.

[0086] The CU and DU can be configured according to the protocol layer functions of the wireless network they implement: for example, the CU can be configured to implement the functions of the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer and above (such as the RRC layer and / or the Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) layer); the DU can be configured to implement the functions of protocol layers below the PDCP layer (such as the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, the MAC layer, and / or the Physical (PHY) layer). For specific descriptions of the above protocol layers, please refer to the relevant 3GPP technical specifications or the technical specifications of other applicable communication protocols.

[0087] The above division of CU and DU processing functions according to protocol layers is merely an example; other division methods are also possible, and this application does not limit this. For example, in one design, CU or DU can be further divided into processing functions with protocol layers. In one design, some functions of the RLC layer and the functions of the protocol layers above the RLC layer are located in the CU, while the remaining functions of the RLC layer and the functions of the protocol layers below the RLC layer are located in the DU. In some examples, the CU may not have a PDCP layer, i.e., it may only include the RRC layer. CU-CP may not have PDCP-C. CU-UP may not have PDCP-U, or may not have CU-UP at all. In some examples, the DU may not have an RLC layer, only MAC and higher PHY layers. Furthermore, in some examples, there may be no CU, only the DU.

[0088] When the RAN is O-RAN, it can also have artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. For example, O-RAN includes an intelligent controller. The intelligent controller can be a non-real-time RAN intelligent controller (RIC / non-RT RIC / NRT RIC) or a near-real-time RAN intelligent controller (RIC / near-RT RIC / nRT RIC). A non-real-time RIC can be used to implement non-real-time intelligent management of RAN functions, enabling workflows including model training and model updates, and guiding applications / functions in the nRT RIC based on policies. A near-real-time RIC can be used to implement near-real-time intelligent management of the RAN. Through data collection and related operations on the E2 interface, near-real-time control and optimization of O-RAN modules and resources are achieved.

[0089] (6) Terminal equipment

[0090] Any device capable of communicating with a base station can be considered a terminal device. Terminal devices are also called terminals, terminal equipment, user equipment (UE), mobile stations, or mobile terminals. Terminal devices can be widely used in various scenarios. For example, terminal devices can be: mobile phones, computers, mobile internet devices (MID), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, stations (STA), robotic arms, cameras, robots, vehicles, drones, helicopters, airplanes, ships, or smart home devices (such as televisions, air conditioners, robot vacuums, speakers, set-top boxes), relays, customer premises equipment (CPE), or terminal devices in Internet of Things (IoT) systems, such as water meters and electricity meters.

[0091] When the terminal device is applied to V2X, it can also be called a V2X device, such as a smart car, digital car, unmanned car, driverless car, pilotless car, autonomous car, pure electric vehicle, hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), range-extended electric vehicle (REEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), new energy vehicle, and RSU.

[0092] The various terminal devices described above, if located on a vehicle (e.g., placed / installed inside the vehicle), can all be considered in-vehicle terminal devices. In-vehicle terminal devices can be built into a vehicle's in-vehicle module, in-vehicle component, in-vehicle chip, or in-vehicle unit as one or more components or units. The vehicle can implement the methods of this application through the built-in in-vehicle module, in-vehicle component, in-vehicle chip, or in-vehicle unit. In-vehicle terminal devices can be vehicle equipment, in-vehicle modules, vehicles, on-board units (OBU), remote sensing units (RSU), in-vehicle infotainment systems (or in-vehicle transmission units) (telematics boxes, T-boxes), chips, or systems on a chip (SoC), etc. These chips or SoCs can be installed in the vehicle, OBU, RSU, or T-box.

[0093] (7) Perception Mode

[0094] Sensing can generally be divided into two modes: single-site sensing and dual-site sensing. In single-site sensing, the transmitting device for the sensing signal and the receiving device for the echo signal are the same device. In other words, in single-site sensing, the transmitting device both transmits the sensing signal and receives the echo signal reflected from the surface of the sensing target. Therefore, this single-site sensing mode can also be called a self-transmitting and self-receiving mode, without limitation. In dual-site sensing, the transmitting device for the sensing signal and the receiving device for the echo signal are two different devices. In other words, sensing site A transmits the sensing signal, and the echo signal reflected from the surface of the sensing target is received by sensing site B. Therefore, this dual-site sensing mode can also be called the A-transmitting and B-receiving mode. It should be noted that the echo signal is obtained by reflecting the sensing signal from the surface of the sensing target; therefore, this echo signal can still be called the sensing signal. Sensing sites can be access network devices or terminal devices.

[0095] For example, please refer to Figure 1, which is a schematic diagram of various sensing modes provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 illustrates a vehicle as the sensing target and provides six sensing modes. These six sensing modes are: the mode of self-transmission and self-reception of access network device A as shown in (1) of Figure 1, that is, the mode in which access network device A sends sensing signals and receives echo signals; the mode of self-transmission and self-reception of terminal device A as shown in (2) of Figure 1, that is, the mode in which terminal device A sends sensing signals and receives echo signals; the mode in (3) of Figure 1, in which access network device A sends sensing signals and access network device B receives echo signals; the mode in (4) of Figure 1, in which terminal device A sends sensing signals and terminal device B receives echo signals; the mode in (5) of Figure 1, in which access network device A sends sensing signals and terminal device A receives echo signals; and the mode in (6) of Figure 1, in which terminal device A sends sensing signals and access network device A receives echo signals. Figure 1 shows a smartphone as an example of a terminal device.

[0096] The sensing process for the six sensing modes shown in Figure 1 all includes sensing measurement configuration and reporting of sensing data. Optionally, the sensing process also includes reporting of sensing capabilities. Sensing capabilities mainly include whether sensing is supported, whether a certain sensing method / mode is supported, and whether the device has the function of processing sensing signals. Sensing capabilities are typically reported by the sensing device to the sensing management device. The sensing device refers to the device that performs sensing services / businesses; it can send sensing signals and / or receive echo signals. The sensing management device refers to the devices or units with management functions at each sensing node participating in the sensing process. The sensing management device determines the sensing measurement configuration based on the sensing capabilities reported by the sensing device and configures it for the sensing device. The sensing device performs sensing according to the sensing measurement configuration, obtains sensing data, and sends it to the sensing management device.

[0097] Depending on the different sensing modes, the interaction processes between network elements involved in the sensing process also differ, as shown in Table 1. In Table 1, SF refers to the network element with sensing management functions. Optionally, SF and UE can interact via non-access stratum signaling. In this case, the interaction between SF and UE is transparent to gNB, and the complexity is lower compared to the interaction between SF, gNB, and UE. It should be noted that in Table 1, gNB in ​​gNB sensing capability reporting includes gNB A and / or gNB B; gNB in ​​gNB sensing measurement reporting includes gNB A and / or gNB B; UE in UE sensing capability reporting includes UE A and / or UE B; and gNB in ​​UE sensing measurement reporting includes UE A and / or UE B.

[0098] Table 1

[0099] (8) UE identifier (ID)

[0100] UE IDs are used for communication between interfaces and are maintained or managed by each interface. There are various implementations of UE IDs, and UE IDs may be the same or different between different interfaces. For example, UE IDs may include the following types of IDs.

[0101] 1. SUPI: An ID assigned by the operator to the UE, which uniquely identifies the UE. SUPI is configured in Unified Data Management (UDM) / Unified Data Repository (UDR).

[0102] 2. NGAP ID (also known as NGAP pair ID) includes one or more identification information used to identify the UE.

[0103] For example, NGAP ID includes RAN UE NGAP ID, AMF UE NGAP ID, etc. The RAN UE NGAP ID is the ID assigned to the UE by the core network after the UE connects to the core network; it identifies the UE through the gNB's NG interface. The AMF UE NGAP ID is the ID assigned to the UE by the AMF, and it also identifies the UE through the NG interface within the AMF.

[0104] 3. The UE identification information to be introduced in the future for sensing can be called terminal sensing identification.

[0105] In the future, one or more UE identification information may be introduced for sensing purposes. As an example, an SF UE NGAP ID may be introduced. The SF UE NGAP ID can be an ID assigned to the UE by the SF, or it can be the UE identifier within the SF's NG interface. The SF and RAN can determine the UE based on the SF UE NGAP ID. It should be noted that the SF here includes sensing functions deployed on the RAN side. The specific name of the SF UE NGAP ID is not limited in this application embodiment.

[0106] As another example, a UE sensing context ID will be introduced in the future to identify the UE in sensing applications. This application does not limit the specific name of the UE sensing context ID.

[0107] (9) In the embodiments of this application, "send" and "receive" indicate the direction of signal transmission. For example, "send information to XX" can be understood as the destination of the information being XX, which may include direct transmission via the air interface or indirect transmission by other units or modules via the air interface. "Receive information from YY" can be understood as the sender of the information being YY, which may include direct reception from YY via the air interface or indirect reception from YY via other units or modules via the air interface. "Send" can also be understood as the "output" of the chip interface, and "receive" can also be understood as the "input" of the chip interface. In other words, sending and receiving can be performed between devices, such as between access network devices and terminal devices, or within a device, such as between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within the device via a bus, wiring, or interface.

[0108] In this application embodiment, the number of nouns, unless otherwise specified, refers to "singular nouns or plural nouns," that is, "one or more." "At least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone, where A / B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the related objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B means: A or B. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c means: a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0109] In the embodiments of this application, "when," "if," and "if" all refer to the device taking corresponding actions under certain objective circumstances, and are not time-limited, nor do they require the device to perform a judgment action, nor do they imply any other limitations. Unless otherwise specified, "if" and "if" can be substituted, and "when" and "in the case of" can be substituted. "When" and "if" / "if" can be substituted.

[0110] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of the terms "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0111] In this application, the ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish multiple objects, and are not used to limit the size, content, order, timing, priority, or importance of the multiple objects. For example, "first access network device" and "second access network device" refer to two different access network devices, and do not indicate that the two access network devices have different priorities or importance.

[0112] The technical solutions of this application embodiment can be applied to various communication systems. For example, the communication system can be a long term evolution (LTE), a sixth generation (5G) mobile communication system / NR communication system, a future communication system, or other similar communication systems. Other similar communication systems may include wireless fidelity (WIFI), V2X, IoT systems, etc.

[0113] Please refer to Figure 2, which is a schematic diagram of the network architecture of a communication system applicable to an embodiment of this application. This network architecture comprises four components: terminal equipment, access network, core network (CN), and data network (DN). The terminal equipment, access network, and core network are the main components of the aforementioned network architecture. Logically, they can be divided into user plane and control plane. The control plane is responsible for the management of the mobile network, and the user plane is responsible for the transmission of service data. For example, as shown in Figure 2, in a 5G communication system, the N2 interface is located between the access network control plane and the core network control plane, the N3 interface is located between the access network user plane and the core network user plane, and the N6 interface is located between the core network user plane and the data network.

[0114] It should be noted that the network architecture shown in Figure 2 is merely illustrative. The communication system described in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application and does not constitute a limitation on the communication systems to which the embodiments of this application are applicable. For example, the communication system may also include other devices, such as wireless relay devices and wireless backhaul devices, which are not shown in Figure 2. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems. When applying the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application to other communication systems, the devices, components, modules, etc. in the embodiments can be replaced with corresponding devices, components, modules in other communication systems without limitation.

[0115] The network architecture shown in Figure 2 can integrate sensing functions to achieve integrated communication and sensing. A typical application scenario for sensing is illustrated in Figure 3. Figure 3 uses an environment including one access network device and multiple terminal devices as an example, with smartphones as the terminal devices and drones, pedestrians, and vehicles as the sensing targets. In Figure 3, solid lines represent communication, and dashed lines represent sensing.

[0116] Currently, SF network elements can be added to the core network, and the core network can control / manage the sensing process to realize basic sensing functions, such as sensing authorization, sensing control, sensing measurement data processing or result output, etc.

[0117] For example, please refer to Figure 4, which is a schematic diagram of the core network architecture provided in an embodiment of this application. The network architecture shown in Figure 4 can be regarded as a potential sensing network architecture.

[0118] Figure 4 shows a new SF (Signal Provider) network element added to the 5G core network (5GC) on the core network side, along with interfaces between the SF and one or more 5GC network elements. For example, in Figure 4, the SF can interact with 5GC network elements such as Location Management Function (LMF), Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Network Exposure Function (NEF), UDM, Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF), and Policy Control Function (PCF) for sensing interactions. The SF can interact with the RAN or UE through the 5GC network element to sense signaling, etc. The sensed data acquired by the RAN or UE can be transmitted to the SF via the control plane or user plane. When sensed data is transmitted to the SF via the user plane, it can be forwarded to the SF through the UPF or transmitted directly to the SF. The interface definitions between the SF and 5GC network elements such as AMF, NEF, UDM, NWDAF, PCF, LMF, and UPF are as follows.

[0119] NS1: A new interface between SF and AMF, which can transmit sensing and control signaling. Additionally, this interface can also transmit sensing measurement data in scenarios where sensing measurement data is uploaded to the control plane.

[0120] NS2: A new interface between SF and NEF. This interface can transmit signaling messages between sensing network elements relayed through NEF and application functions (AF) on the service side, and at the same time open the sensing results to the AF.

[0121] NS3: A new interface between SF and UDM. This interface can be used for authentication or authorization, and to obtain UE-aware subscription information, service AMF information, or other information.

[0122] NS4: A new interface between SF and NWDAF. Through this interface, SF and NWDAF can jointly complete AI processing related to perception services.

[0123] NS5: A new interface between SF and PCF. Through this interface, SF can transmit information such as sensing requirements, quality of service (QoS) requirements, or sensing results of sensing services to PCF. PCF can then make decisions to generate policy control and charging (PCC) policies related to sensing services.

[0124] NS6: A new interface between SF and LMF. Through this interface, SF can obtain location-related information, such as the sensing area, the RAN information of the sensing target, and the location information of the sensed UE.

[0125] NS7: A new interface between SF and UPF. Sensing measurement data can be directly transmitted from (R)AN to SF via UPF, or indirectly forwarded to SF via UPF. In scenarios where (R)AN performs sensing, forwarding via UPF can improve the functionality of UPF to support data transmission at the (R)AN granularity.

[0126] In addition to the newly added interfaces mentioned above, existing interfaces (such as N1, N2, N5, N8, N33, etc.) can also support the transmission of information related to sensing services, such as authentication information, sensing service type, sensing service quality requirements, sensing measurement data, or sensing results, etc., one or more of these information. It should be noted that the above-mentioned interfaces "NSX (e.g., NS1 to NS6)" are only illustrative examples, and this application embodiment does not limit the names of interfaces between SF network elements and other network elements.

[0127] Considering the interference of sensing signals between different base stations, the RAN (Radio Interceptor) is better positioned to sense air interface resources and allocate them appropriately and in a timely manner. To avoid interference, the RAN should be allowed to perform some sensing control functions (e.g., air interface sensing resource allocation). Simultaneously, to reduce the amount of data transmitted during sensing data transmission, the RAN can perform preprocessing during sensing data reporting to reduce data transmission overhead. Therefore, in the future, it may be possible to support the introduction of sensing management / control functions / SF (Sensing Streaming Function) on the RAN side to implement basic sensing functions, such as sensing-related management, sensing authorization, sensing control, sensing measurement data processing, or result output. For example, in some scenarios, the RAN side can determine the sensing mode based on the sensing service requirements sent by the SF, or select appropriate gNBs and / or UEs to participate in sensing, and determine the sensing measurement configuration. It is understood that the sensing measurement configuration includes, for example, the time-frequency resource configuration information of the sensing signals. However, there is currently no clear solution regarding how to manage / control the sensing process after introducing sensing management / control functions on the RAN side; for example, there is no clear solution for managing UE participation in sensing.

[0128] Therefore, the solutions provided in this application embodiment are presented. This application embodiment essentially provides a solution for RAN-side management of the sensing process; for example, the RAN side can manage UE participation in sensing. It should be noted that in this application embodiment, on the RAN side, the SU implements basic sensing functions, such as sensing management / control functions. Optionally, the SU also has certain data processing functions; for example, the SU can perform calculations and analysis on the sensing data.

[0129] Please refer to Figure 5, which shows two typical architecture diagrams for introducing a Substation (SU) on the RAN side. Figure 5 uses a base station as an example of an access network device.

[0130] As shown in Figure 5(a), the SU can be an entity independent of the RAN equipment and can connect to the base station through an interface similar to the Xn interface. For ease of distinction, the interface between the SU and the base station can be called the Xn-S interface. If the base station is a CU-DU structure, the SU can communicate with the CU through the Xn-S interface. When the SU is an entity independent of the RAN equipment, it can also be regarded as a communication node independent of the RAN equipment (e.g., called an SC node).

[0131] As shown in Figure 5(b), the SU can be a functional unit in the access network device, and can communicate with the CU through an interface similar to F1. For ease of distinction, the interface between the SU and the CU can be called the F1-SC interface.

[0132] In Figure 5, the RAN side introduces the SU, which has the function of managing UEs for sensing. Therefore, the base station can communicate with both ordinary UEs and sensing UEs.

[0133] Please refer to Figure 6, which illustrates the potential communication interfaces of the SU. Figure 6 uses dashed lines to indicate the potential interfaces of the SU. As shown in Figure 6, the SU can communicate directly with the DU or the UE. The SU can be directly connected to one or more core network elements; for example, the SU may be directly connected to the SF, AMF, or UPF. The SU can also be indirectly connected to one or more core network elements; for example, the SU can connect to the SF via the AMF, or to the SF via the UPF. Alternatively, the SU can connect to the AMF via the CU, and then connect to the SF via the AMF.

[0134] In this embodiment, the SU is deployed on the RAN side and can interact directly with the CU, interacting with the core network through the CU. During the sensing and measurement process, the SU / CU can configure the sensing and measurement configuration for the UE, and the transmission path of this configuration can be: DU→CU / SU→UE. Similarly, the DU obtains sensing data and can send the sensing data to the SU. The transmission path of the sensing data can be DU→SU, or DU→CU→SU.

[0135] The following describes in detail the solution provided in the embodiments of this application, taking the network architecture shown in Figures 1 to 6 and one or more perception scenarios shown in Figure 3 as examples.

[0136] For ease of description, in the following description, the device with sensing and control-related functions introduced on the RAN side will be referred to as the first access network device. It is understood that the first access network device can be the aforementioned SU; or, the first access network device can be a circuit, a chip system / chip, or other functional module capable of implementing sensing and control-related functions. The steps executed by the first access network device can be implemented by the first access network device itself, by a device including the first access network device, or by components (e.g., processing units / processors) within the first access network device. For example, if the first access network device is an SU, the steps executed by the first access network device can be implemented by the SU itself or by the access network device in which the SU resides. As another example, if the first access network device is an access network device, the steps executed by the first access network device can be implemented by an SU used to implement some functions of the access network device. The steps executed by the second access network device can be implemented by the second access network device itself, by components (e.g., baseband chips, or other processing units or processors) within the second access network device, or by a device including the second access network device. For example, the second access network device is a CU, and the steps performed by the second access network device can be implemented by the CU itself or by an access network device that includes the CU.

[0137] The second access network device mentioned below can be an access network device or a CU. The third access network device can be an access network device or a DU. It is understood that when both the second and third access network devices are access network devices, then the second and third access network devices are essentially the same device, i.e., the access network device. In this case, the interaction between the first and second access network devices is actually the interaction between the first access network device and the access network device, and the interaction between the first and third access network devices is actually the interaction between the first access network device and the access network device.

[0138] Typically, when the initiator of a sensing service (also known as the sensing requester or sensing client) has a need, it can request sensing services from the core network. The initiator of a sensing service can be an AF network element, an external application server (AS), or a terminal device. For ease of description, this application embodiment takes the initiator of a sensing service requesting a first sensing service as an example.

[0139] Depending on the application scenario, the target of the first perception service varies. For example, in autonomous driving scenarios, it is necessary to perceive the vehicle's environment cyclically, so the target could be a moving object within the environment or an object within a certain area. Different perception targets require different devices to perform the first perception service. For example, if the target is an object within a first area, the device performing the first perception service is a device located at a certain distance from that object; or, if the target is an object within a first directional range, the device performing the first perception service is a device within a certain directional range. Therefore, to better complete the first perception service, it is necessary to determine the terminal that performs the first perception service (e.g., referred to as the first terminal). "Performing the first perception service" can also be replaced with "participating in the first perception service."

[0140] In this embodiment, the first terminal may be determined by the first access network device itself; alternatively, the first terminal may be determined by the second access network device and notified to the first access network device; or the first terminal may be determined by a core network-side device (e.g., a first core network element) and then notified to the first access network device. The first core network element may be, for example, an AMF network element. If an SF network element is deployed on the core network side, the first core network element may also be an SF network element. The sensing process varies depending on the device that determines the first terminal. The communication method provided in this embodiment will be described in detail below with specific examples.

[0141] The methods mentioned in this embodiment can all or some of the steps and do not constitute a limitation. Furthermore, the UE ID maintained by multiple devices in this application embodiment refers to these multiple devices exchanging UE IDs, enabling each device to identify the terminal based on the UE ID. For example, UE ID maintained by a first access network device and a second access network device includes the first access network device sending the UE ID to the second access network device, and / or the second access network device sending the UE ID to the first access network device, wherein the second access network device can identify a certain UE (e.g., referred to as UEx) based on the UE ID, and the first access network device can also identify UEx based on the UE ID.

[0142] Example 1: The first terminal is determined by the first access network device itself.

[0143] Please refer to Figure 7, which is a flowchart illustrating the communication method 700 provided in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 7, the communication method 700 provided in this embodiment includes the following steps. In the flowchart shown in Figure 7, taking a CU-DU architecture as an example, the second access network device is a CU, and the third access network device is a DU.

[0144] S701. The first core network element sends a first request message to the first access network device, which is used to request the first sensing service.

[0145] Accordingly, the first access network device receives a first request message from the first core network element. When the initiator of the sensing service has a need, it can request the first sensing service from the first core network element. In response to the request from the initiator of the sensing service, the first core network element sends a first request message to the first access network device, which is used to request the first sensing service. The first request message requesting the first sensing service can be replaced by requesting the establishment / creation of the first sensing service, or requesting the execution of the first sensing service. The specific name of the first request message is not limited in this embodiment. For example, the first request message can also be called a sensing service request message or a sensing service creation request message.

[0146] If the first core network element and the first access network device have a communication interface, the first core network element can send a first request message to the first access network device through this communication interface. If the first core network element and the first access network device do not have a communication interface, the first core network element can send a first request message to the first access network device through a second access network device (e.g., CU), and correspondingly, the first access network device receives the first request message sent by the second access network device. Essentially, the transmission path of the first request message from the first core network element to the first access network device includes: first core network element → second access network device / CU → first access network device (Figure 7 uses this as an example). Assuming the first access network device is the SU in Figure 5(a), the first core network element can send the first request message to the CU, which then sends the first request message to the first access network device through the Xn-S interface. Alternatively, if the first access network device is the SU in Figure 5(b), the first core network element can send the first request message to the CU, which then sends the first request message to the first access network device through the FI-SC interface. The specific name of the FI-SC interface is not limited in this embodiment.

[0147] Additionally, if the access network device / base station is not a CU-DU architecture, then the first core network element can send a first request message to the first access network device through the access network device / base station. In other words, the transmission path of the first request message from the first core network element to the first access network device includes: first core network element → access network device / base station → first access network device.

[0148] Depending on the application scenario, the perception requirements for the first perception service also vary. Perception requirements may include one or more of the following: perception distance, perception area, perception speed range, perception distance resolution, perception angle measurement accuracy, perception speed resolution, perception quality of service (QoS) requirements, perception latency, object recognition accuracy, object recognition false alarm rate, perception data accuracy, perception data update frequency, perception data level (e.g., point cloud), or perception feedback method. For example, if the first perception service is to perceive the environment around the vehicle, then the perception requirements may include perception distance, perception area, perception speed range, and perception distance resolution; if the first perception service is to identify objects, then the perception requirements may include object recognition accuracy and object recognition false alarm rate. The above perception requirements are merely examples, and the embodiments of this application do not limit the specific content of the perception requirements. Furthermore, the perception targets of the first perception service also differ depending on the application scenario. For example, in an autonomous driving scenario, it is necessary to perceive the environment around the vehicle, so the first perception service may be a perception service targeting a target (e.g., other vehicles) or a perception service targeting a specific area. It should be noted that the embodiments of this application do not limit the specific sensing targets of the first sensing service. In order to enable the first access network device to understand the requirements of the first sensing service, the initiator of the sensing service may also inform the first core network element of the sensing requirements, thereby the first core network element notifies the first access network device of the sensing requirements.

[0149] For example, the first request message may include relevant information about the first sensing service, including sensing requirements. This relevant information may include identification information of the sensing target; for example, if the sensing target is a UE, the relevant information may include the UE's identifier. Alternatively, if the sensing target is a first area, the relevant information may include indication information of the first area. Another example is that if the sensing target is a first area, the relevant information may include both indication information of the first area and sensing requirements. It should be noted that if the relevant information about the first sensing service is merely an example, it may also include other possible information, as long as the first access network device can identify the first sensing service.

[0150] S702, the first access network device responds to the first request message and determines the first terminal that will perform the first sensing service.

[0151] In the actual process of the first sensing service, multiple sensing devices (e.g., terminals) may be needed to complete the sensing of the target. Typically, there are multiple terminals in the network. Due to limitations in capabilities or other factors, some terminals do not support sensing and therefore cannot perform the first sensing service; or, although some terminals support sensing, they cannot meet certain sensing requirements and thus cannot perform the first sensing service. To ensure that the first sensing service can be performed and to meet its actual requirements as much as possible, the first access network device, in response to the first request message, needs to select a first terminal from among the multiple terminals that can perform the first sensing service. The ability of the first terminal to perform the first sensing service includes that the first terminal supports sensing and can meet the sensing requirements.

[0152] Understandably, after the first access network device determines the first terminal, it may involve information exchange between the first terminal and other devices. Therefore, the first access network device will try to select the first terminal from among the terminals in RRC connected state. Considering that the second access network device knows the air interface information (e.g., RRC status, beam) of each terminal, it helps the first access network device determine which terminals are in RRC connected state, thereby determining a suitable first terminal. Therefore, the second access network device can send terminal information to the first access network device. For example, the second access network device can send information about at least one terminal to the first access network device, so that the first access network device can select the first terminal from these at least one terminal.

[0153] For any given terminal, its information may include one or more of the following: identification information, RRC status, capability information, information about the accessed cell, or beam information, etc. The content of this information may differ between different terminals. For example, terminal A includes identification information, RRC status, and capability information, while terminal B includes identification information, RRC status, and information about the accessed cell. The above examples are just a few examples; other possible information may also be included.

[0154] The terminal's identification information may include a C-RNTI, used to indicate the terminal under the air interface of the cell identified by the C-RNTI. Alternatively, the terminal's identification information may include a UE ID as described above. For example, the terminal's identification information may also include a UE context ID, which is used for sensing and can also be called a UE sensing context ID; or, for example, the terminal's identification information may include a RAN NGAP UE ID. Both the UE sensing context ID and the RAN NGAP UE ID can be jointly maintained by the first access network device and the second access network device. For example, the first access network device may send the UE sensing context ID to the second access network device, and / or the second access network device may send the RAN NGAP UE ID to the first access network device.

[0155] Capability information may include one or more of the following: whether it has sensing capabilities, supported sensing modes, supported sensing distances, supported sensing areas, supported sensing speeds, or supported sensing accuracy, or whether sensing signals need to be sent at measurement intervals (gap), supported processing levels of sensing data (e.g., point clouds), etc. Optionally, each terminal may report its sensing capabilities to a first access network device, a second access network device, or the core network. For any terminal, if it reports its sensing capabilities to the core network, the core network may forward the terminal's sensing capabilities to the first access network device through the second access network device. If the terminal reports its sensing capabilities to the second access network device, the second access network device may forward the terminal's sensing capabilities to the first access network device.

[0156] In a possible implementation, the first access network device can determine the first terminal from at least one terminal based on sensing requirements and information from at least one terminal. For example, the at least one terminal is UE1, UE2, UE3, and UE4, where UE1 is in RRC connected state, UE2 is in RRC idle state, UE3 is in RRC connected state, and UE4 is in RRC connected state. UE1 is connected to cell 1, UE3 is connected to cell 2, and UE4 is connected to cell 2. The beam direction of UE1 points to a first region, and the beam direction of UE3 points to a second region. For example, if the sensing requirements include a sensing region, and if the sensing region includes cell 1, then the first access network device can determine that the first terminal includes UE1; if the sensing region includes cell 2, then the first access network device can determine that the first terminal includes UE3 and / or UE4. As another example, if the sensing requirements include a sensing region that includes the first region, then the first access network device can determine that the first terminal includes UE1.

[0157] S703, The first access network device sends the first identifier of the first terminal to the second access network device.

[0158] After identifying the first terminal, the first access network device can send the identification information of the first terminal to the second access network device. For example, the first access network device sends the first identifier of the first terminal to the second access network device, and the second access network device receives the first identifier sent by the first access network device.

[0159] The first identifier can identify the first terminal within both the first and second access network devices, and is jointly maintained by both devices to prevent incorrect identification of the first terminal. The first identifier can be used to exchange information about the first terminal between the first access network device and other devices; for example, the first identifier can be the UE ID as described above.

[0160] For example, the first identifier could be a temporary identifier introduced in the future for sensing (which could be called a terminal sensing identifier), such as a first terminal sensing identifier. Since the first terminal sensing identifier is dedicated to sensing and independent of the ID used for communication, its creation and release depend on whether the identifier is needed during the sensing process. If not, the first terminal sensing identifier is released. The released first terminal sensing identifier can also be used by other terminals, thus making it suitable for scenarios where terminal identifiers are limited. Furthermore, because the first terminal sensing identifier is dedicated to sensing and isolated from the ID used for communication, leakage can be avoided, improving security.

[0161] Optionally, the first terminal sensing identifier is similar to the terminal context identifier. For example, the first identifier may be a UE sensing context ID.

[0162] Alternatively, the first identifier can reuse an existing NGAP UE ID or FIAP UE ID. For example, the first identifier can be an F1AP UE ID or a first NGAP UE ID. Reusing an existing NGAP UE ID or FIAP UE ID is equivalent to using the same ID for sensing and communication, which is convenient for management and has lower implementation complexity.

[0163] Optionally, the first NGAP ID can be the RAN NGAP UE ID and / or the AMF NGAP UE ID.

[0164] S704, First terminal receives sensing measurement configuration.

[0165] The perception measurement configuration, also known as perception configuration, is used to configure related settings for perception measurement. Perception measurement configuration may include one or more of the following: configuration for transmitting perception signals, configuration for receiving echo signals, perception data reporting method, perception QoS requirements, perception mode, perception time, or configuration for transmitting perception data. The configuration for transmitting perception signals includes the configuration of perception resources used to transmit perception signals, including time-domain resources, frequency-domain resources, spatial-domain resources, code-domain resources, etc. Similarly, the configuration for receiving echo signals also includes the configuration of perception resources. The perception data reporting method is used to configure the reporting method of perception data, for example, including periodic reporting or event-triggered reporting. The reporting period of perception data can be (pre)configured or predefined by the protocol. Specific triggering events are not limited and vary depending on the application scenario. For example, to monitor the presence of drones, the triggering event could be the presence of an unauthorized drone; another example is to detect the speed of vehicles on the road, where the triggering event could be the presence of a speeding vehicle. Perception QoS requirements may include perception accuracy, perception latency requirements, etc. Perception modes include one or more perception modes as shown in Figure 1. The perception time is the time during which the first terminal performs perception, including, for example, the perception duration, perception cycle, or perception start time. It should be noted that the above perception measurement configuration is merely an example; the perception measurement configuration can include more configurations, such as the perception service type, which may be object localization, etc., and will not be listed here.

[0166] The sensing and measurement configuration can be determined by the first access network device, the second access network device, or the third access network device. Depending on the entity determining the sensing and measurement configuration, the process after the first access network device sends the first identifier to the second access network device will also differ, as described below.

[0167] (1) The sensing and measurement configuration is determined by the first access network device.

[0168] After the first access network device identifies the first terminal, it can determine the sensing and measurement configuration and send the sensing and measurement configuration to the first terminal.

[0169] Optionally, the first access network device can send the sensing and measurement configuration to the first terminal via the second and third access network devices. For example, the first access network device sends the sensing and measurement configuration to the second access network device, the second access network device receives the sensing and measurement configuration, sends it to the third access network device, and the third access network device sends the sensing and measurement configuration to the first terminal. The equivalent transmission path for the sensing and measurement configuration could be: first access network device → second access network device → third access network device → first terminal.

[0170] Optionally, the first access network device receives the sensing and measurement configuration and can directly send the sensing and measurement configuration to the first terminal. The transmission path for the sensing and measurement configuration could be: first access network device → first terminal.

[0171] (2) The sensing and measurement configuration is determined by the second access network device.

[0172] The second access network device determines the first terminal based on the received first identifier, determines the sensing and measurement configuration, and sends the sensing and measurement configuration to the first terminal. Alternatively, the second access network device can send the sensing and measurement configuration to the first terminal via a third access network device. For example, the second access network device sends the sensing and measurement configuration to the third access network device, which then sends it to the first terminal. The equivalent transmission path for the sensing and measurement configuration could be: second access network device → third access network device → first terminal.

[0173] Optionally, the second access network device determines the sensing and measurement configuration based on a request from the first access network device. For example, if the first access network device identifies a first terminal, it may request the second access network device to determine the sensing and measurement configuration of the first terminal.

[0174] Optionally, the second access network device may determine multiple sensing and measurement configurations, and the first access network device may determine one sensing and measurement configuration from these multiple sensing and measurement configurations.

[0175] (3) The sensing and measurement configuration is determined by the third access network device.

[0176] The third access network device can determine the sensing and measurement configuration of the first terminal based on a request from the first access network device or the second access network device. For example, the first access network device can request the sensing and measurement configuration from the second access network device, and the second access network device, in response to the request from the first access network device, can request the sensing and measurement configuration from the third access network device; the third access network device, upon receiving the request from the second access network device, can send the sensing and measurement configuration to either the second access network device or the first access network device.

[0177] The first access network device receives the sensing and measurement configuration and can send it to the first terminal via the second and third access network devices. For example, the transmission path of the sensing and measurement configuration could be: third access network device → first access network device → second access network device → third access network device → first terminal. Optionally, the first access network device can receive the sensing and measurement configuration and send it directly to the first terminal.

[0178] The second access network device receives the sensing and measurement configuration and can send the sensing and measurement configuration to the first terminal through the second access network device and the third access network device. For example, the transmission path of the sensing and measurement configuration can be: third access network device → second access network device → third access network device → first terminal.

[0179] Optionally, the second access network device may determine multiple sensing and measurement configurations, and the first access network device may determine one sensing and measurement configuration from these multiple sensing and measurement configurations.

[0180] In possible implementations, either the first or second access network device can transmit the sensing measurement configuration via a first signaling radio bearer (SRB). For example, the first or second access network device can transmit the sensing measurement configuration via SRB1, meaning the sensing measurement configuration is carried on SRB1. Alternatively, a dedicated sensing SRB (e.g., SRBx) can be introduced in the future, through which the first or second access network device can transmit the sensing measurement configuration. It is understood that "x" is used to distinguish SRB1, and the values ​​of x are not limited in this embodiment.

[0181] Optionally, the perception measurement configuration is included in the RRC reconfiguration message. For example, the RRC reconfiguration message includes a first container for configuring the perception measurement configuration.

[0182] Optionally, when the first terminal is simultaneously connected to both the MN and the secondary node (SN), an SCG can be configured for the first terminal for configuring sensing measurements or reporting sensing data. For example, the sensing measurement configuration can be included in the configuration of the first SCG. In this case, the first SCG and the master cell group (MCG) can exchange sensing measurement configurations, allowing the MCG to determine the sensing measurement configuration and send it to the first terminal. For example, if the first terminal sends a sensing signal and receives the echo signal of that sensing signal, or if the access network device sends a sensing signal and the first terminal receives the echo signal of that sensing signal, the sensing measurement configuration can be sent through the SCG. Thus, when the SCG acts as an access network device with sensing-related functions, the MCG, even without sensing-related functions, can still support terminal devices participating in sensing without affecting communication functions. In other words, the UE's communication functions can be implemented in the MCG, and the UE's sensing functions can be implemented in the SCG; sensing will not affect communication.

[0183] Optionally, the first terminal can be connected to an access network device, or an SCG can be configured for the first terminal for the configuration of sensing measurements or the reporting of sensing data.

[0184] S705, The first access network device receives sensing data.

[0185] The sensing data can be IQ data, RD spectrum, RDA spectrum, DV spectrum, DVA spectrum, RV spectrum, RVA spectrum, point cloud of multiple data points, or one or more of the centroids of the real target, depending on the degree of processing of the echo signal.

[0186] Depending on the sensing mode, the source of the sensing data also varies. For example, in the scenario shown in (2) of Figure 1, the first terminal sends the sensing signal and receives the echo signal of the sensing signal, so the sensing data comes from the first terminal. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the sensing data from the first terminal. Alternatively, for example, in the scenario shown in (6) of Figure 1, the first terminal sends the sensing signal and receives the echo signal of the sensing signal from the second access network device or the third access network device, so the sensing data comes from the second access network device or the third access network device.

[0187] Taking the two sensing scenarios above as examples, the first access network device may receive sensing data in the following three ways.

[0188] Case 1: The first access network device receives sensing data from the first terminal.

[0189] The first terminal determines the sensing data and can transmit the sensing data to the first access network device via a data radio bearer (DRB) or an SRB. The DRB can be established based on a sensing session, and the SRB can be SRB1 or a dedicated sensing SRB to be introduced in the future.

[0190] Optionally, the first terminal sends the sensing data to the first access network device via the second access network device or the third access network device. For example, the transmission path of the sensing data may be: first terminal → second access network device → first access network device, or, first terminal → third access network device → second access network device → first access network device, or, first terminal → third access network device → first access network device.

[0191] It should be noted that the transmission path of the sensing data from the first terminal to the first access network device in Figure 7 is only schematic and includes the following: first terminal → second access network device → first access network device, or, first terminal → third access network device → second access network device → first access network device, or, first terminal → third access network device → first access network device.

[0192] Scenario 2: The first access network device receives sensing data from the third access network device.

[0193] The third access network device determines the sensing data and can send the sensing data to the first access network device. Essentially, the transmission path of the sensing data is: third access network device -> first access network device. The third access network device determines the sensing data and sends it to the first access network device; correspondingly, the first access network device receives the sensing data sent by the third access network device. The third access network device can transmit the sensing data via the control plane or via the user plane.

[0194] When a third access network device transmits sensing data through the control plane, it can send a first signaling message to a first access network device. This first signaling message includes the sensing data and a third identifier; alternatively, the first signaling message includes the sensing data and is associated with the third identifier. Accordingly, the first access network device receives the first signaling message from the third access network device and can obtain the sensing data. The third identifier identifies the first terminal within both the third and first access network devices and is jointly maintained by both. Optionally, the specific implementation of the third identifier is the same as the first identifier; for example, the third identifier can be a first terminal sensing identifier, such as a UE sensing context ID.

[0195] When a third access network device transmits sensing data through the user plane, it can send the sensing data through a first tunnel. For example, the third access network device sends a user plane data PDU (e.g., a first data packet) to the first access network device through the first tunnel. This first data packet includes sensing data and a third identifier; or, the first data packet includes sensing data, and the first tunnel is associated with the third identifier. The association of the first tunnel with the third identifier can also be considered as establishing the first tunnel based on the third identifier. Accordingly, the first access network device receives the first data packet sent by the third access network device and can obtain the sensing data.

[0196] Case 3: The first access network device receives sensing data from the second access network device.

[0197] The third access network device determines the sensing data and can send the sensing data to the first access network device through the second access network device. Essentially, the transmission path of the sensing data is: third access network device → second access network device → first access network device. The third access network device determines the sensing data, sends the sensing data to the second access network device, and then the second access network device sends the sensing data to the first access network device. The second access network device can also transparently transmit the sensing data from the third access network device to the first access network device.

[0198] The sensed data can also be transmitted via the control plane or the user plane. When the sensed data is transmitted via the control plane, the third access network device can send a third signaling message to the second access network device. This third signaling message includes the sensed data and the identifier of the first terminal, or the third signaling message includes the sensed data and is associated with the identifier of the first terminal. The identifier of the first terminal identifies the first terminal between the third access network device and the second access network device. For example, the identifier of the first terminal here can be a first terminal sensed identifier or an F1AP ID (e.g., CU F1AP UE ID). After obtaining the sensed data from the third access network device, the second access network device sends a second signaling message to the first access network device. This second signaling message includes the sensed data and the first identifier; or the second signaling message includes the sensed data and is associated with the first identifier. The first identifier associated with the second signaling message identifies the first terminal between the first access network device and the second access network device. For example, the first identifier can be a first terminal temporary identifier or a CU F1AP UE ID.

[0199] When the sensed data is transmitted based on the user plane, the third access network device can send a user plane data PDU (e.g., referred to as a third data packet) to the second access network device through a third tunnel. This third data packet includes the sensed data and the identifier of the first terminal; alternatively, the user plane data PDU includes the sensed data, and the third data packet / third tunnel is associated with the identifier of the first terminal. Here, the identifier of the first terminal identifies the first terminal between the third and second access network devices. For example, the identifier of the first terminal can be a temporary identifier or an F1AP ID (e.g., a CU F1AP UE ID). After obtaining the sensed data from the third access network device, the second access network device sends a user plane data PDU (e.g., referred to as a second data packet) to the first access network device through a second tunnel. This second data packet includes the sensed data and a first identifier; alternatively, the user plane data PDU includes the sensed data, and the second data packet / second tunnel is associated with the first identifier. The first identifier can be a temporary identifier of the first terminal or a CU F1AP UE ID.

[0200] It should be noted that, in Figure 7, taking the execution of S705 as an example, S705 is not a mandatory step. For instance, the sensing result can be determined by the SF network element. In this case, the first terminal or the third access network device determines the sensing data and can send the sensing data to the SF network element, which then determines the sensing result; S705 is not required. As another example, the third access network device obtains the sensing data, can obtain the sensing result based on the sensing data, and send the sensing result to the second access network device or the first access network device; S705 is not required.

[0201] In the aforementioned communication method 700, an SU is introduced on the RAN side, and the SU determines the first terminal that performs the first sensing service. This enables the RAN side to manage the UE's participation in sensing and control the sensing process.

[0202] Example 2: The first terminal is determined by the first core network element and notified to the first access network device.

[0203] Typically, the core network has more comprehensive information about the terminal, or it may know the terminal's global information. For example, compared to the access network, the core network may also know the terminal's location information. Therefore, the first terminal is determined by the first core network element, which can ensure that the first terminal is more suitable for performing the first sensing service.

[0204] Please refer to Figure 8, which is a flowchart illustrating the communication method 800 provided in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 8, the communication method 800 provided in this embodiment includes the following steps. In the flowchart shown in Figure 8, taking a CU-DU architecture as an example, the second access network device is a CU, and the third access network device is a DU.

[0205] S801, the first core network element sends a first request message to the first access network device. This first request message is used to request the first sensing service. For details, please refer to the relevant content of S701 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0206] Optionally, the first request message in S801 may not include a perception requirement.

[0207] S802, The first access network device receives a second identifier, which is used to indicate the first terminal.

[0208] It should be noted that S802 can be replaced by: the first access network device responding to the first request message and determining the first terminal performing the first sensing service. Here, the first access network device determining the first terminal performing the first sensing service includes the first access network device receiving a second identifier from the first core network element. The second identifier identifies the first terminal within both the first access network device and the first core network element, and can be jointly maintained by the first access network device and the first core network element.

[0209] Specifically, when the first request message is forwarded from the second access network device to the first access network device, the first request message and the second identifier can be contained in the same message. That is, the second access network device can send the first request message and the second identifier to the first access network device using a single signaling message. Alternatively, when the first request message is forwarded from the second access network device to the first access network device, the first request message and the second identifier are carried on two separate signaling messages. That is, the second access network device can send the first request message to the first access network device using one signaling message and send the second identifier to the first access network device using another signaling message.

[0210] The initiator of the sensing service requests the first sensing service from the first core network element. Upon receiving the request, the first core network element can determine the first terminal from multiple terminals based on sensing requirements. For example, if the sensing requirements include sensing distance, the first core network element can select one or more terminals that meet the sensing distance requirements as the first terminal; or, if the sensing requirements include a first area, the first core network element can select one or more terminals located within the first area as the first terminal; or, if the sensing requirements include a first speed range, the first core network element can select one or more terminals located within the first speed range as the first terminal.

[0211] The first core network element identifies the first terminal and can inform the first access network device of the first terminal. For example, the first core network element can send the identifier of the first terminal (e.g., referred to as the second identifier) ​​to the first access network device. Depending on the first core network element, the transmission path of the second identifier and the second identifier itself will differ. The following description uses either an SF (First Core Network Element) or an AMF (First Core Network Element) as examples to illustrate the transmission path of the second identifier and its specific implementation. In the following description, the first terminal is assumed to be a UE (User Equipment).

[0212] (1) The first core network element is the SF network element.

[0213] The second identifier can be an identifier used for sensing between the SF and SU in the future, and can also identify the UE (this can be called a terminal sensing identifier). For example, the second identifier can be called the second terminal sensing identifier. This second terminal sensing identifier can be called the SF UE NGAP ID. Since the second terminal sensing identifier is dedicated to sensing and independent of the ID used for communication, the impact on communication can be reduced. If there is a communication interface between the SF network element and the first access network device, the SF network element can send the second identifier directly to the first access network device through this communication interface. That is, the transmission path of the second identifier is SF network element → first access network device. Accordingly, the first access network device receives the second identifier from the SF network element and can determine the first terminal based on the second identifier. If there is no direct communication interface between the SF network element and the first access network device, the SF network element can forward the second identifier to the first access network device through other devices. For example, the SF network element can forward the second identifier to the second access network device, and the second access network device can forward the second identifier to the first access network device. That is, the transmission path of the second identifier is SF network element → second access network device → first access network device. Alternatively, the transmission path of the second identifier is SF network element → AMF network element → second access network device → first access network device. That is, the SF network element can forward the second identifier to the AMF network element, the AMF network element forwards the second identifier to the second access network device, and the second access network device forwards the second identifier to the first access network device. In this process, the second identifier is transparently transmitted from the second access network device to the first access network device.

[0214] Understandably, if the identifier of the first terminal determined by the SF network element is not the second identifier, the first access network device cannot identify the first terminal based on this identifier, or it may lead to incorrect identification of the first terminal. Therefore, in this case, the identifier of the first terminal can be converted into a second identifier that the first access network device can recognize. This conversion can be a replacement, alteration, or modification.

[0215] For example, the identifier of the first terminal initially determined by the SF network element can be SUPI. The SF can convert the SUPI into a second identifier, and then transmit the second identifier directly or indirectly to the first access network device. In this case, the SF network element maintains the correspondence between the SUPI and the second identifier.

[0216] For example, the SF network element determines the identifier of the first terminal as SUPI and sends the SUPI to the second access network device. The second access network device receives the SUPI, converts the SUPI into a second identifier, and then sends the second identifier to the first access network device. In this case, the second access network device maintains the correspondence between the SUPI and the second identifier.

[0217] (2) The first core network element is AMF.

[0218] The second identifier could be an identifier used for sensing between the AMF and SU in the future, and also to identify the UE, for example, called the second terminal sensing identifier. Since the second terminal sensing identifier is dedicated to sensing and independent of the ID used for communication, the impact on communication can be reduced.

[0219] After the AMF identifies the first terminal, it can send the second identifier to the first access network device through the second access network device. Essentially, the transmission path of the second identifier could be: AMF network element → second access network device → first access network device. If the AMF and the first access network device have a direct communication interface, then the AMF can send the second identifier directly to the first access network device. Essentially, the transmission path of the second identifier could be: AMF network element → first access network device.

[0220] Specifically, if the identifier of the first terminal determined by the AMF is not the second identifier—for example, if the identifier of the first terminal determined by the AMF network element is the AMF NGAP UE ID—the first access network device cannot determine the first terminal based on the AMF NGAP UE ID, or this will lead to incorrect identification of the first terminal. Therefore, the AMF needs to convert the AMF NGAP UE ID into a second identifier that the first access network device can recognize.

[0221] Optionally, the AMF can convert the AMF NGAP UE ID into a second terminal awareness identifier, and then send the second terminal awareness identifier to the second access network device, which in turn sends the second terminal awareness identifier to the first access network device. In this case, the AMF maintains the correspondence between the AMF NGAP UE ID and the second identifier. Alternatively, the AMF can send the AMF NGAP UE ID to the second access network device, which then converts the AMF NGAP UE ID into a second terminal awareness identifier and sends the second terminal awareness identifier to the first access network device. In this case, the second access network device maintains the correspondence between the AMF NGAP UE ID and the second identifier.

[0222] S803, First terminal receives sensing measurement configuration.

[0223] For details regarding S803, please refer to the relevant content in S704 mentioned above; it will not be repeated here.

[0224] S804, The first access network device receives sensing data.

[0225] For details regarding S804, please refer to the relevant content in S705 mentioned above; it will not be repeated here.

[0226] In the aforementioned communication method 800, an SU is introduced on the RAN side, and the core network determines the first terminal that performs the first sensing service and notifies the first access network device, which enables the RAN side to manage the UE's participation in sensing and control the sensing process.

[0227] Example 3: The first terminal is determined by the second access network device and notified to the first access network device.

[0228] Typically, the RAN side knows information about the terminal's air interface (e.g., RRC status, beamforming), which helps the first access network device determine a suitable first terminal. For example, if the first sensing service requires the terminal to send sensing signals, then the first terminal can be selected from those in RRC connected state. Therefore, the first terminal is determined by the second access network device, which can ensure that the first terminal is more suitable for performing the first sensing service.

[0229] Please refer to Figure 9, which is a flowchart illustrating the communication method 900 provided in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 9, the communication method 900 provided in this embodiment includes the following steps. In the flowchart shown in Figure 9, taking a CU-DU architecture as an example, the second access network device is a CU, and the third access network device is a DU.

[0230] S901, the first core network element sends a first request message to the first access network device, which is used to request the first sensing service. For details, please refer to the relevant content in S701 above, which will not be repeated here. It should be noted that, in response to the request from the initiator of the sensing service, the first core network element sends a first request message to the second access network device, which then sends the first request message to the first access network device.

[0231] S902, The first access network device receives the second identifier or the first identifier.

[0232] S902 can be replaced by: A first access network device responding to a first request message determines a first terminal performing the first sensing service. Specifically, the first access network device determining the first terminal performing the first sensing service includes the first access network device receiving a second identifier or a first identifier from a second access network device. The second identifier identifies the first terminal within both the second access network device and the first core network element, and can be jointly maintained by both the first access network device and the first core network element. The first identifier identifies the first terminal within both the second access network device and the first access network element, and can be jointly maintained by both the first access network device and the second access network device.

[0233] Specifically, when the first request message is forwarded from the second access network device to the first access network device, the first request message and the second identifier can be contained in the same message. That is, the second access network device can send the first request message and the second identifier to the first access network device using a single signaling message. Alternatively, when the first request message is forwarded from the second access network device to the first access network device, the first request message and the second identifier are carried on two separate signaling messages. That is, the second access network device can send the first request message to the first access network device using one signaling message and send the second identifier to the first access network device using another signaling message.

[0234] Optionally, after receiving the first request message, the first access network device may also request the second access network device to determine or query the participating terminal information, or request the second access network device to determine the first terminal.

[0235] The second access network device, knowing that the initiator of the sensing service requests the first sensing service, can determine the first terminal from multiple terminals based on sensing requirements. For example, if the sensing requirements include sensing distance, the first core network element can select one or more terminals that meet the sensing distance requirements as the first terminal. As another example, if the sensing requirements include a first area, the first core network element can select one or more terminals located within the first area as the first terminal.

[0236] The second access network device identifies the first terminal and sends the identifier of the first terminal to the first access network device, enabling the first access network device to recognize the first terminal. The identifier of the first terminal can be implemented in various ways, and the processing behavior of the second access network device will differ depending on the implementation method. An example is given below.

[0237] (1) The identifier of the first terminal is the first identifier.

[0238] As mentioned above, the first identifier identifies the first terminal in both the second access network device and the first access network device. Therefore, the second access network device can send the first identifier to the first access network device, so that the first access network device can directly determine the first terminal based on the first identifier.

[0239] The first identifier can be a temporary identifier (referred to as a terminal sensing identifier) ​​introduced in the future for sensing purposes. For example, the first identifier is a first terminal sensing identifier. Optionally, the first terminal sensing identifier is similar to a terminal context identifier; for example, the first identifier can be a UE sensing context ID. Alternatively, the first identifier can reuse an existing NGAP ID or FIAP ID; for example, the first identifier can be an F1AP ID or a first NGAP ID. Optionally, the first NGAP ID can be a RAN NGAP UE ID or a CU F1AP UE ID.

[0240] (2) The identifier of the first terminal is the second identifier.

[0241] For example, the second identifier is the AMF NGAP UE ID. Since the first access network device cannot recognize the second identifier, the second access network device can convert the second identifier into the first identifier and then send the first identifier to the first access network device. In this case, the second access network device needs to maintain the correspondence between the second identifier and the first identifier. It should be understood that there are multiple terminals, and the second access network device needs to maintain the relationship between the second identifier and the first identifier corresponding to each terminal (for example, referred to as the first correspondence). That is, the second access network device needs to maintain the first correspondence, which includes the correspondence between the second identifier of the first terminal and the first identifier of the first terminal.

[0242] Alternatively, the second access network device can send the second identifier to the first access network device. The first access network device determines the first identifier based on the first correspondence and the second identifier, and thus determines the first terminal based on the first identifier. In this case, the first access network device needs to maintain the first correspondence.

[0243] S903, First terminal receives sensing and measurement configuration.

[0244] For details regarding S903, please refer to the relevant content in S704 mentioned above; it will not be repeated here.

[0245] S904, The first access network device receives sensing data.

[0246] For details regarding S904, please refer to the relevant content in the aforementioned S705; it will not be repeated here.

[0247] In the aforementioned communication method 900, an SU is introduced on the RAN side, and the CU determines the first terminal that performs the first sensing service and notifies the first access network device, thereby enabling control of the sensing process on the RAN side.

[0248] The following describes the flow of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application using two typical sensing examples. In the following embodiments four and five, SU is the first access network device, CU is the first access network device, DU is the second access network device, AMF is the first core network element, and the first UE is the first terminal.

[0249] Example 4

[0250] Example 4 takes the scenario shown in (6) of Figure 1 as an example. In Example 1, the first UE is used to send a sensing signal, and the DU / access network device is used to receive the echo signal of the sensing signal. The DU / access network device processes the received echo signal to obtain sensing data.

[0251] Please refer to Figure 10, which is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in Embodiment 1 of this application. As shown in Figure 10, the method in Embodiment 4 includes the following steps.

[0252] S1001 and SU receive a first request message, which is used to request a first sensing service.

[0253] The SU can receive a first request message from the AMF, as shown in S1001a. For example, in response to a request from the initiator of the sensing service for a first sensing service, the AMF sends a first request message to the SU to request the first sensing service. Alternatively, the SU can receive a first request message from the CU, as shown in S1001b. For example, in response to a request from the initiator of the sensing service for a first sensing service, the AMF can request the first sensing service from the CU, and the CU, in response to the AMF's request, sends a first request message to the SU to request the first sensing service. For details, please refer to the relevant content in S701 above, which will not be repeated here. S1001a and S1001b can be considered as two implementations of S1001, and S1001 can be replaced by either S1001a or S1001b. Figure 10 uses S1001b as an example.

[0254] S1002 and SU respond to the first request message and determine the first UE that will perform the first sensing service.

[0255] The SU can determine the first UE according to any one of the following methods 1 to 3, and refer to the relevant content in the aforementioned embodiments 1 to 3, which will not be repeated here.

[0256] Method 1 is described in S1002a to S1002b. It can also be understood that S1002 includes S1002a to S1002b.

[0257] S1002a, AMF determines the first UE to perform the first sensing service.

[0258] S1002b: The AMF sends the identification information of the first UE to the SU. Correspondingly, the SU receives the identification information of the first UE from the AMF.

[0259] It should be understood that the identification information of the first UE is the aforementioned first identifier. Specifically, in S1002b, the AMF can directly send the identification information of the first UE to the SU, or it can send the identification information of the first UE to the SU through the CU. For the specific implementation of S1002a to S1002b, please refer to the relevant content in the aforementioned Embodiment Two, which will not be repeated here.

[0260] Method 2 is described in S1002c to S1002d. It can also be understood that S1002 includes S1002c to S1002d.

[0261] S1002c and CU send information about at least one terminal to SU.

[0262] S1002d and SU determine the first UE to perform the first sensing service based on information and sensing requirements of at least one terminal.

[0263] For the specific implementation of S1002c to S1002d, please refer to the relevant content in the aforementioned Embodiment 1, which will not be repeated here.

[0264] Method 3 is described in S1002e to S1002f. It can also be understood that S1002 includes S1002e to S1002f.

[0265] S1002e and CU determine the first UE that performs the first sensing service.

[0266] S1002f, CU sends the identification information of the first UE to SU. Correspondingly, SU receives the identification information of the first UE from CU.

[0267] It should be understood that the identification information of the first UE is the aforementioned first identifier. For the specific implementation of S802e to S802f, please refer to the relevant content in the aforementioned Embodiment 3, which will not be repeated here.

[0268] Figure 10 shows an example of S1002 implemented based on method 2.

[0269] S1003, First UE receives sensing measurement configuration.

[0270] This sensing and measurement configuration is used by the first terminal to perform sensing. The transmission path of the sensing and measurement configuration can be: DU—>CU—>SU—>First UE, as shown in S1003a. Alternatively, the transmission path of the sensing and measurement configuration can be: DU—>CU—>First UE, as shown in S1003b. Alternatively, the transmission path of the sensing and measurement configuration can be: DU—>SU—>First UE, as shown in S1003c. S1003 can be replaced by S1003a, S1003b, or S1003c; for details, please refer to the relevant content in Embodiments 1 to 3 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0271] S1004, SU receives sensing data.

[0272] The transmission path of the sensed data can be: DU → SU, as shown in S1004a. Alternatively, the transmission path of the sensed data can be: DU → CU → SU, as shown in S1004b. S1004 can be replaced by S1004a or S1004b, as detailed in the relevant content of Embodiments 1 to 3 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0273] Example 5

[0274] Example 5 takes the scenario shown in (2) of Figure 1 as an example. In Example 1, the first UE is used to send a sensing signal and to receive the echo signal of the sensing signal. The first UE processes the received echo signal to obtain sensing data.

[0275] Please refer to Figure 11, which is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in Embodiment 2 of this application. As shown in Figure 11, the method shown in Embodiment 5 includes the following steps.

[0276] S1101 and SU receive a first request message, which is used to request a first sensing service.

[0277] S1101 can be replaced by S1101a or S1101b. S1101a and S1101b can be regarded as two implementations of S1101. Figure 11 takes S1101b as an example. S1101a is the same as S1001a mentioned above, and S1101b is the same as S1001b mentioned above. They will not be described again here.

[0278] S1102, SU responds to the first request message and determines the first UE to perform the first sensing service.

[0279] S1102 may include (or be) S1102a to S1102b, or S1102 may include (or be) S1102c to S1102d, or S1102 may include (or be) S1102e to S1102f. Figure 11 uses S1102c to S1102d as an example. Among them, S1102a to S1102b are the same as S1002a to S1002b mentioned above, S1102c to S1102d are the same as S1002c to S1002d mentioned above, and S1102e to S1102f are the same as S1002e to S1002f mentioned above, which will not be repeated here.

[0280] S1103, First UE receives sensing measurement configuration.

[0281] S1103 can be replaced by S1103a, S1103b, or S1103c. Among them, S1103a is the same as S1003a mentioned above, S1103b is the same as S1003b mentioned above, and S1103c is the same as S1003c mentioned above, which will not be repeated here.

[0282] S1104. The first UE sends sensing data to the SU, and correspondingly, the SU receives the sensing data sent by the first UE.

[0283] In the embodiments provided above, the methods provided by the embodiments of this application are described using a first access network device, a second access network device, a third access network device, and a first terminal as examples. In this application, each embodiment can be implemented independently or in combination based on certain inherent connections; in each embodiment, different implementation methods can be implemented in combination or independently. To achieve the functions in the methods provided by the embodiments of this application above, each device may include hardware structures and / or software modules, implementing the above functions in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or hardware structures plus software modules. Whether a particular function is executed in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or hardware structures plus software modules depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0284] Based on the same inventive concept as the method embodiments, this application provides a communication device. The communication device used to implement the above method in the embodiments of this application is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The content above can be used in subsequent embodiments, and repeated content will not be repeated.

[0285] Figure 12 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 1200 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 1200 can implement the functions of the first access network device, second access network device, third access network device, or first terminal in the above embodiments. The communication device 1200 may include a processing module 1210 and a transceiver module 1220. Optionally, it may also include a storage module, which can be used to store instructions (code or program) and / or data. The storage module may be, for example, a memory. The processing module 1210 and the transceiver module 1220 may be coupled to the storage module. For example, the processing module 1210 can read instructions (code or program) and / or data from the storage module to implement a corresponding method. When the communication device 1200 is a terminal device, a network device, or a chip in a unit, the storage module may be a storage module within the chip, such as a register or cache. For example, the storage module can also be a storage module located outside the chip in a terminal device or network device, or within the SU, such as read-only memory (ROM) or other types of static storage devices that can store static information and instructions, random access memory (RAM), etc. The aforementioned units can be set independently, or partially or completely integrated.

[0286] Processing module 1210 may be a processor or controller, such as a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processing unit (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. It may implement or execute the various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the disclosure of this application. The processor may also be a combination that implements computing functions, such as a combination of one or more microprocessors, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, etc. Transceiver module 1220 is a transceiver, interface circuit, bus, pin, or other possible communication interface for receiving signals from other devices. For example, when the device is implemented as a chip, transceiver module 1220 is an interface circuit for the chip to receive signals from other chips or devices, or an interface circuit for the chip to send signals to other chips or devices.

[0287] In one implementation, the communication device 1200 can correspondingly implement the behavior and functions of the communication device 1200 in the above method embodiments. The communication device 1200 can be a unit, device, or node with sensing capabilities. For example, the communication device 1200 can be a SU or a base station, or a chip (system) within a SU or base station; or a software module of a SU or base station. Alternatively, the communication device 1200 can also be a chip or circuit, or part of a chip or chipset deployed on the RAN side for executing related method functions, or a software module within the communication device 1200 capable of implementing the above communication method; there are no limitations. For details, please refer to the relevant content of the foregoing method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0288] For example, transceiver module 1220 is used to receive a first request message, which requests a first sensing service. Processing module 1210 is used to determine a first terminal to perform the first sensing service in response to the first request message. Transceiver module 1220 is also used to send a first identifier of the first terminal to a second access network device. The first terminal is used to transmit sensing signals, and / or, the first terminal is used to receive echo signals of sensing signals.

[0289] As an optional implementation, the first identifier includes (or is) a first NGAP ID; or, the first identifier includes (or is) a FIAP ID; or, the first identifier includes (or is) a first terminal sensing identifier, which identifies the first terminal in the communication device 1200, the second access network device, or the access network device.

[0290] As an optional implementation, before the processing module 1210 determines the first terminal performing the first sensing service, the transceiver module 1220 is further configured to receive information from at least one terminal of the second access network device, wherein the first terminal belongs to at least one terminal, and the information of the first terminal includes one or more of the following: identification information, RRC status, capability information, information of the accessed cell, or beam information.

[0291] As an optional implementation, the transceiver module 1220 is specifically used to receive a first signaling sent by the third access network device, the first signaling including sensing data and a third identifier; or, to receive a first data packet sent by the third access network device through the first tunnel, the first data packet including sensing data and a third identifier. The third identifier identifies the first terminal in both the communication device 1200 and the third access network device, and the sensing data is obtained based on the echo signal of the sensing signal.

[0292] As an optional implementation, the transceiver module 1220 is specifically used to receive a second signaling sent by the second access network device, the second signaling including sensing data and a first identifier, or to receive a second data packet sent by the second access network device through the second tunnel, the second data packet including sensing data and a first identifier.

[0293] For example, transceiver module 1220 is used to receive a first request message, which requests a first sensing service. Processing module 1210 is used to respond to the first request message and determine a first terminal to perform the first sensing service; transceiver module 1220 is also used to send sensing measurement configuration to the first terminal or receive sensing data and the identifier of the first terminal. The first terminal is used to send sensing signals, and / or, the first terminal is used to receive echo signals of the sensing signals. The sensing data is obtained based on the echo signals of the sensing signals.

[0294] As an optional implementation, the transceiver module 1220 is used to receive the second identifier, and the processing module 1210 is used to determine the first terminal based on the second identifier, wherein the second identifier is used to indicate the first terminal.

[0295] As an optional implementation, the transceiver module 1220 is specifically used to: receive a second identifier from a first core network element or a second access network device, the second identifier identifying the first terminal in the communication device 1200 and the first core network element; or, receive a first identifier from a second access network device, the first identifier identifying the first terminal in the communication device 1200 and the second access network device.

[0296] As an optional implementation, the second identifier includes SUPI; or, the second identifier includes a second NGAP ID; or, the second identifier includes a second terminal sensing identifier, which identifies the first terminal in the communication device 1200, the second access network device, and the first core network element.

[0297] As an optional implementation, after the communication device 1200 receives the second identifier from the second access network device, the processing module 1210 is further configured to determine the first identifier based on the second identifier and the first correspondence relationship, wherein the first correspondence relationship includes the correspondence relationship between the second identifier and the first identifier, and the second identifier and the first identifier are different.

[0298] As an optional implementation, before determining the first terminal performing the first sensing service, the transceiver module 1220 is further configured to receive information from at least one terminal of the second access network device, wherein the first terminal belongs to the at least one terminal, and the information of the first terminal includes one or more of the following: identification information, RRC status, capability information, information of the accessed cell, or beam information.

[0299] As an optional implementation, the transceiver module 1220 is specifically used to: send a first SRB to the first terminal, the first SRB including a sensing measurement configuration.

[0300] As an optional implementation, the first terminal is used to receive the echo signal of the sensing signal, and the sensing measurement configuration is included in the first SCG configuration.

[0301] As an optional implementation, the transceiver module 1220 is further configured to: receive a first signaling sent by a third access network device, the first signaling including sensing data and a third identifier; or, receive a first data packet sent by the third access network device through a first tunnel, the first data packet including sensing data and a third identifier. The third identifier identifies the first terminal in both the communication device 1200 and the third access network device, and the sensing data is obtained based on the echo signal of the sensing signal.

[0302] As an optional implementation, the transceiver module 1220 is also used to: receive a second signaling sent by the second access network device, the second signaling including sensing data and a first identifier, or receive a second data packet sent by the second access network device through the second tunnel, the second data packet including sensing data and a first identifier.

[0303] In one implementation, the communication device 1200 can correspondingly implement the behavior and functions of the second access network device / CU in the above method embodiments. The communication device 1200 can be a CU or a base station, or it can be a chip (system) in the CU or base station; or it can be a software module of the CU or base station. Alternatively, the communication device 1200 can also be a chip or circuit, or a part of a chip or chipset in the access network device used to perform the relevant method functions, or it can be a software module in the second access network device capable of implementing the above communication method, without limitation. For details, please refer to the relevant content of the foregoing method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0304] For example, the transceiver module 1220 is used to receive a first identifier from a first terminal of a first access network device and send a sensing measurement configuration to the first terminal. The first terminal is used to perform a first sensing service. The processing module 1210 is used to determine the first terminal.

[0305] As an optional implementation, the transceiver module 1220 is also used to receive a first request message from the core network and send the first request message to the first access network device. The first request message is used to request the first sensing service.

[0306] As an optional implementation, the transceiver module 1220 is also used to send the first identifier of the first terminal to the first access network device.

[0307] As an optional implementation, the transceiver module 1220 is also used to send information of at least one terminal to the first access network device. The first terminal belongs to at least one terminal, and the information of the first terminal includes one or more of the following: identification information, RRC status, capability information, information of the accessed cell, or beam information.

[0308] When the communication device 1200 is a chip-based device or circuit, the transceiver module can be an input / output circuit and / or a communication interface; the processing module is an integrated processor, microprocessor, or integrated circuit.

[0309] Figure 13 is a schematic block diagram of the communication device 1300 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 1300 can be a first access network device, a second access network device, a third access network device, or a first terminal as described in the above embodiments. For example, the communication device 1300 can be a SU or SC node or base station in Figure 5; or a chip (system) in a SU or SC node or base station. As another example, the communication device 1300 can be a CU or base station in Figure 5. As yet another example, the communication device 1300 can be a terminal device in Figure 2 or a chip (system) in a terminal device. In this embodiment, the chip system can be composed of chips or can include chips and other discrete devices. Specific functions can be found in the descriptions of the above method embodiments.

[0310] The communication device 1300 includes one or more processors 1301, used to implement or support the communication device 1300 in implementing the functions of the first access network device, second access network device, third access network device, or first terminal in the methods provided in the embodiments of this application. For details, please refer to the detailed description in the method examples, which will not be repeated here. The processor 1301 can also be called a processing unit or processing module, and can implement certain control functions. The processor 1301 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, etc. For example, it includes: a baseband processor, a central processing unit, an application processor, a modem processor, a graphics processor, an image signal processor, a digital signal processor, a video codec processor, a controller, a memory, and / or a neural network processor, etc. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data. The central processing unit can be used to control the communication device 1300, execute software programs, and / or process data. Different processors can be independent devices or integrated into one or more processors, for example, integrated on one or more application-specific integrated circuits.

[0311] In one design, processor 1301 may include program 1303 (sometimes also referred to as code or instructions), which can be executed on processor 1301 to cause communication device 1300 to perform the methods described in the embodiments below. In yet another possible design, communication device 1300 includes circuitry (not shown in FIG13) for implementing the functions of the first access network device, second access network device, third access network device, or first terminal in the above embodiments.

[0312] In one design, the communication device 1300 may include one or more memories 1302 storing a program 1304 (sometimes referred to as code or instructions), which can be run on the processor 1301 to cause the communication device 1300 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments.

[0313] In one design, the processor 1301 and / or memory 1302 may include an artificial intelligence (AI) module 1307 and an AI module 1308, which are used to implement AI-related functions. The AI ​​modules can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of both. For example, the AI ​​module may include a RAN intelligent controller (RIC) module. For example, the AI ​​module may be a near real-time RIC or a non-real-time RIC.

[0314] In one possible design, the processor 1301 and / or memory 1302 may also store data. The processor and memory may be configured separately or integrated together.

[0315] In one possible design, the communication device 1300 may further include a transceiver 1305 and / or an antenna 1306. The processor 1301, sometimes referred to as a processing unit, controls the communication device 1300. The transceiver 1305, sometimes referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, or transceiver, is used to realize the transmission and reception functions of the communication device 1300 through the antenna 1306.

[0316] In one possible design, the communication device 1300 may further include one or more of the following components: a wireless communication module, an audio module, an external memory interface, internal memory, a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a power management module, an antenna, a speaker, a microphone, an input / output module, a sensor module, a motor, a camera, or a display screen, etc. It is understood that in some embodiments, the communication device 1300 may include more or fewer components, or some components may be integrated, or some components may be separated. These components may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0317] The communication device in the above embodiments can be a base station or an SC node, a circuit, a chip applied in a base station or SC node, or other combined devices or components having the aforementioned first access network device. Alternatively, the communication device in the above embodiments can be an access network device or access network apparatus, a circuit, a chip applied in an access network device, or other combined devices or components having the aforementioned access network device. When the communication device is a base station or an SC node, the transceiver module can be a transceiver, which may include an antenna and radio frequency circuits, etc., and the processing module can be a processor, such as a CPU. When the communication device is a chip system, the communication device can be an FPGA, a dedicated ASIC, a system-on-chip (SoC), a CPU, a network processor (NP), a DSP, a microcontroller unit (MCU), a programmable logic device (PLD), or other integrated chips. The processing module can be the processor of the chip system. The transceiver module or communication interface can be the input / output interface or interface circuit of the chip system. For example, the interface circuit can be a code / data read / write interface circuit. The interface circuit can be used to receive code instructions (the code instructions are stored in memory and can be read directly from memory or through other devices) and transmit them to the processor; the processor can then execute the code instructions to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. Alternatively, the interface circuit can also be a signal transmission interface circuit between a communication processor and a transceiver.

[0318] This application also provides a communication system, which includes at least one terminal device and an access network device, as well as SU or SC nodes deployed on the access network side. The SU or SC node is a first access network device for implementing the functions related to the above-described communication method, and the access network device is a second and / or third access network device for implementing the functions related to the above-described communication method. This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, including instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method executed by the first, second, or third access network device in the above-described communication method.

[0319] This application also provides a computer program product, including computer program code, which, when executed, causes a computer to perform the method executed by the first access network device, the second access network device, or the third access network device in the above-described communication method.

[0320] This application provides a chip system including a processor and potentially a memory, for implementing the functions of the first access network device, the second access network device, or the third access network device in the aforementioned communication method. The chip system can be composed of a chip or may include chips and other discrete components.

[0321] To achieve the functions of the communication devices shown in Figures 12 and 13, this application embodiment also provides a chip, including a processor, for supporting the communication device in implementing the functions involved in the first access network device, second access network device, or third access network device in the above method embodiments. In one possible design, the chip is connected to a memory or the chip includes a memory for storing necessary computer programs, instructions, and data for the communication device.

[0322] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the order of the above-mentioned processes does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0323] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the various illustrative logical blocks and steps described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementations should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0324] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0325] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0326] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0327] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the essential contributing part of the technical solution of this application, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, external hard drives, ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0328] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the scope of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method is applied to a first access network device, and the method comprises: receiving a first request message, the first request message being used for requesting a first sensing service; in response to the first request message, determining a first terminal for performing the first sensing service; the first terminal is used for sending a sensing signal, and / or the first terminal is used for receiving a back signal of the sensing signal; sending a first identifier of the first terminal to a second access network device.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first identifier comprises a first next generation application protocol identifier (NGAP ID); the first identifier comprises an F1AP ID; the first identifier comprises a first terminal sensing identifier, the first terminal sensing identifier identifying the first terminal at the first access network device, the second access network device, or a third access network device.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein, Before determining the first terminal for performing the first sensing service, the method further comprises: receiving information of at least one terminal from the second access network device, the first terminal belonging to the at least one terminal, the information of the first terminal comprising one or more of the following: identification information, a radio resource control (RRC) state, capability information, information of a cell accessed, or beam information.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The method further comprises: receiving first signaling sent by the third access network device, the first signaling comprising sensing data and a third identifier; or receiving a first data packet sent by the third access network device through a first tunnel, the first data packet comprising sensing data and a third identifier; wherein the third identifier identifies the first terminal at the first access network device and the third access network device, and the sensing data is obtained based on the back signal of the sensing signal.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The method further comprises: receiving second signaling sent by the second access network device, the second signaling comprising sensing data and the first identifier; or receiving a second data packet sent by the second access network device through a second tunnel, the second data packet comprising sensing data and the first identifier.

6. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method is applied to a first access network device, and the method comprises: receiving a first request message, the first request message being used for requesting a first sensing service; in response to the first request message, determining a first terminal for performing the first sensing service; the first terminal is used for sending a sensing signal, and / or the first terminal is used for receiving a back signal of the sensing signal; sending a sensing measurement configuration to the first terminal, or receiving sensing data and an identifier of the first terminal, the sensing data being obtained based on the back signal of the sensing signal.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, Determining the first terminal for performing the first sensing service comprises: receiving a second identifier, the second identifier being used for indicating the first terminal; determining the first terminal according to the second identifier.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, Receiving the second identifier comprises: receiving the second identifier from a first core network element or a second access network device, the second identifier identifying the first terminal at the first access network device and the first core network element; or receiving the second identifier from a first core network element or a second access network device, the second identifier identifying the first terminal at the first access network device and the first core network element. receiving a first identifier from a second access network device, the first identifier identifying the first terminal by the first access network device and the second access network device. 9.The method of claim 8, wherein the second identifier comprises: a subscriber permanent identifier (SUPI) ; or a second next generation application protocol (NGAP) identifier; or a second terminal awareness identifier, the second terminal awareness identifier identifying the first terminal by the first access network device, the second access network device, and the first core network element. the second identifier comprises a second next generation application protocol (NGAP) identifier; or the second identifier comprises a second terminal awareness identifier, the second terminal awareness identifier identifying the first terminal by the first access network device, the second access network device, and the first core network element. after receiving the second identifier from the second access network device, the method further comprises: determining the first identifier according to the second identifier and a first correspondence relationship, the first correspondence relationship comprising a correspondence relationship between the second identifier and the first identifier, the second identifier and the first identifier being different.

10. The method of claim 8 or 9, wherein, before determining the first terminal performing the first awareness service, the method further comprises: receiving information of at least one terminal from the second access network device, the first terminal belonging to the at least one terminal, the information of the first terminal comprising one or more of the following: identification information, a radio resource control (RRC) state, capability information, information of a cell accessed, or beam information.

11. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein, sending an awareness measurement configuration to the first terminal, the awareness measurement configuration comprising: sending a first signaling radio bearer (SRB) to the first terminal, the first SRB comprising the awareness measurement configuration.

12. The method of any one of claims 6-11, wherein, the first terminal is configured to receive an echo signal of an awareness signal, the awareness measurement configuration being included in a configuration of a first secondary cell group (SCG). the method further comprises:

13. The method of any one of claims 6-11, wherein, receiving first signaling sent by a third access network device, the first signaling comprising awareness data and a third identifier; or 14. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 13, wherein, receiving a first data packet sent by the third access network device through a first tunnel, the first data packet comprising awareness data and a third identifier; wherein the third identifier identifies the first terminal by the first access network device and the third access network device, and the awareness data is obtained based on an echo signal of the awareness signal. the method further comprises: receiving second signaling sent by the second access network device, the second signaling comprising awareness data and the first identifier; or 15. The method of any one of claims 6-13, wherein, receiving a second data packet sent by the second access network device through a second tunnel, the second data packet comprising awareness data and the first identifier. the method further comprises: receiving a first identifier of a first terminal from a first access network device, the first terminal being configured to perform a first awareness service; 16. A method of communication, comprising: sending an awareness measurement configuration to the first terminal. the method further comprises: receiving a first request message from a core network, the first request message being used to request the first awareness service; 17. The method of claim 16, wherein, sending the first request message to the first access network device. the method further comprises: sending the first identifier of the first terminal to the first access network device.

18. The method of claim 16 or 17, wherein, the method further comprises: ​ 19. The method of claim 16 or 17, wherein, ​ sending, to the first access network device, information of at least one terminal, the first terminal belonging to the at least one terminal, the information of the first terminal comprising one or more of the following: identification information, a radio resource control (RRC) state, capability information, information of a cell accessed, or beam information.

20. A communications device, characterized by Comprising: a transceiver module, configured to receive a first request message, the first request message being used to request a first sensing service; a processing module, configured to determine, in response to the first request message, a first terminal to perform the first sensing service; the first terminal being configured to send a sensing signal, and / or the first terminal being configured to receive an echo signal of the sensing signal; the transceiver module is further configured to send, to a second access network device, a first identifier of the first terminal. 21.The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the first identifier comprises a first next generation application protocol (NGAP) ID; the first identifier comprises an F1 application protocol (F1AP) ID; the first identifier comprises a first terminal sensing identifier, the first terminal sensing identifier being used to identify the first terminal by the first access network device, the second access network device, or a third access network device.

22. The apparatus of claim 20 or 21, wherein, Before determining the first terminal to perform the first sensing service, the transceiver module is further configured to: receive information of at least one terminal from the second access network device, the first terminal belonging to the at least one terminal, the information of the first terminal comprising one or more of the following: identification information, a radio resource control (RRC) state, capability information, information of a cell accessed, or beam information.

23. The apparatus of any one of claims 20-22, wherein, the transceiver module is further configured to: receive first signaling sent by the third access network device, the first signaling comprising sensing data and a third identifier; or receive, through a first tunnel, a first data packet sent by the third access network device, the first data packet comprising the sensing data and the third identifier; wherein the third identifier is used to identify the first terminal by the first access network device and the third access network device, and the sensing data is obtained based on an echo signal of the sensing signal.

24. The apparatus of any one of claims 20-22, wherein, the transceiver module is further configured to: receive second signaling sent by the second access network device, the second signaling comprising the sensing data and the first identifier; or receive, through a second tunnel, a second data packet sent by the second access network device, the second data packet comprising the sensing data and the first identifier.

25. A communications device, characterized by Comprising: a transceiver module, configured to receive a first request message, the first request message being used to request a first sensing service; a processing module, configured to determine, in response to the first request message, a first terminal to perform the first sensing service; the first terminal being configured to send a sensing signal, and / or the first terminal being configured to receive an echo signal of the sensing signal; the transceiver module is further configured to send, to the first terminal, a sensing measurement configuration, or receive sensing data and an identifier of the first terminal, the sensing data being obtained based on an echo signal of the sensing signal. 26.The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the transceiver module is specifically configured to receive a second identifier, the second identifier being used to indicate the first terminal; The processing module is specifically configured to determine the first terminal according to the second identifier.

27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein, The transceiver module is specifically configured to: receive the second identifier from the first core network element or the second access network device, the second identifier identifying the first terminal at the first access network device and the first core network element; or receive the first identifier from the second access network device, the first identifier identifying the first terminal at the first access network device and the second access network device.

28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein: the second identifier comprises a subscriber permanent identifier (SUPI); or the second identifier comprises a second next generation application protocol (NGAP) identifier; or the second identifier comprises a second terminal awareness identifier, the second terminal awareness identifier identifying the first terminal at the first access network device, the second access network device, and the first core network element. After receiving the second identifier from the second access network device, the processing module is specifically configured to:

29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein, determine the first identifier according to the second identifier and a first correspondence relationship, the first correspondence relationship comprising a correspondence relationship between the second identifier and the first identifier, the second identifier and the first identifier being different. Before determining the first terminal performing the first awareness service, the transceiver module is further configured to:

30. The apparatus of any one of claims 25-29, wherein, receive information of at least one terminal from the second access network device, the first terminal belonging to the at least one terminal, the information of the first terminal comprising one or more of the following: identification information, a radio resource control (RRC) state, capability information, information of a cell accessed, or beam information. The transceiver module is specifically configured to:

31. The apparatus of any one of claims 25-30, wherein, send a first signaling radio bearer (SRB) to the first terminal, the first SRB comprising the awareness measurement configuration. The first terminal is configured to receive an echo signal of an awareness signal, the awareness measurement configuration being contained in a configuration of a first secondary cell group (SCG).

32. The apparatus of any one of claims 25-30, wherein, The transceiver module is further configured to:

33. The apparatus of any one of claims 25-32, wherein, receive first signaling sent by a third access network device, the first signaling comprising awareness data and a third identifier; or receive a first data packet sent by the third access network device through a first tunnel, the first data packet comprising the awareness data and the third identifier. The third identifier identifies the first terminal at the first access network device and the third access network device, and the awareness data is obtained based on an echo signal of the awareness signal. The transceiver module is further configured to:

34. The apparatus of any one of claims 25-32, wherein, receive second signaling sent by the second access network device, the second signaling comprising the awareness data and the first identifier; or receive a second data packet sent by the second access network device through a second tunnel, the second data packet comprising the awareness data and the first identifier. The transceiver module is further configured to:

35. A communications device, characterized by receive a first request message from a core network, the first request message being used to request the first awareness service. The processing module is specifically configured to determine the first terminal. The transceiver module is further configured to:

36. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein, receive a first request message from a core network, the first request message being used to request the first awareness service. ​ sending the first request message to the first access network device.

37. The apparatus of claim 35 or 36, wherein, The transceiver module is further configured to: sending the first identifier of the first terminal to the first access network device.

38. The apparatus of claim 35 or 36, wherein, The transceiver module is further configured to: sending information of at least one terminal to the first access network device, the first terminal belonging to the at least one terminal, the information of the first terminal comprising one or more of the following: identification information, radio resource control (RRC) state, capability information, information of a cell accessed, or beam information.

39. A communications device, characterized by The communication device comprises at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory is configured to store a computer program, and the at least one processor is configured to execute the computer program stored in the memory, so that the communication device performs the method of any one of claims 1-5, or so that the communication device performs the method of any one of claims 6-15, or so that the communication device performs the method of any one of claims 16-19.

40. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer readable storage medium is configured to store a computer program, when the computer program runs on a computer, so that the computer performs the method of any one of claims 1-5, or so that the computer performs the method of any one of claims 6-15, or so that the computer performs the method of any one of claims 16-19.

41. A computer program product, characterised in that, The computer program product comprises a computer program, when the computer program runs on a computer, so that the computer performs the method of any one of claims 1-5, or so that the computer performs the method of any one of claims 6-15, or so that the computer performs the method of any one of claims 16-19.

42. A chip or chip system, characterized by The chip or chip system comprises: at least one processor and an interface, the at least one processor is configured to call and run instructions from the interface, when the at least one processor executes the instructions, the method of any one of claims 1-5 is realized, or the method of any one of claims 6-15 is realized, or the method of any one of claims 16-19 is realized.

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