Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

A communication method and apparatus, which are used for implementing the transmission of a sensing signal between different access network devices. The communication method comprises: a first access network device receiving a first sensing signal from a second access network device by means of a sensing signal communication module; or the first access network device receiving a second sensing signal from the second access network device by means of the sensing signal communication module, and sending a third sensing signal to the second access network device by means of the sensing signal communication module.

Description

A communication method and apparatus

[0001] Cross-reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to the Chinese Patent Application No. 202410868609.4, filed on June 28, 2024, and entitled “A communication method and apparatus”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present application relates to the field of mobile communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and apparatus. BACKGROUND

[0004] Both wireless communication and wireless sensing are based on electromagnetic wave theory. At the sending end, electromagnetic wave signals are modulated so that the electromagnetic waves carry source information, and the electromagnetic wave signals are affected by the wireless environment during propagation, i.e., the electromagnetic wave signals are modulated by the environment and therefore also carry environmental information. The receiving end can not only obtain the carried source information, but also extract sensing information reflecting the characteristics of the propagation environment through analysis of the electromagnetic wave signals, which makes it possible to integrate sensing and communication (ISAC).

[0005] Communication systems are developing towards higher frequency bands, larger bandwidths, and more densely distributed large-scale antenna arrays, so that a single system can integrate sensing and communication capabilities, enabling systems to improve performance with each other. Sensing can be used as a basic feature of a communication system to observe and sample the physical and biological worlds, thereby opening up a “new channel” for the fusion of the physical and biological worlds with the digital world.

[0006] There can be a large amount of sensing service data in a communication system, and network collaboration for sensing integration is an important technical direction for communication sensing integration. Network collaboration for sensing integration refers to intelligent collaboration among multiple nodes to build a global, all-weather, high-performance sensing and communication algorithm network, providing multi-dimensional sensing and connectivity capabilities for systems, helping to connect everything intelligently, supporting new scenarios and new services such as digital twins and environment reconstruction, and promoting the upgrade of vertical applications. In a wireless access network, how to realize the transmission and reception of sensing signals and coordinated sensing between base stations without affecting existing communication functions is a technical problem that needs to be solved. SUMMARY

[0007] The present application provides a communication method and apparatus for realizing the transmission and reception of sensing signals and coordinated sensing between base stations without affecting existing communication functions.

[0008] In a first aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which can be applied to a first access network device, or a component (such as a processor, a chip, a chip system, a circuit, a functional module, or the like) in the first access network device, or a software module. The method can include: receiving, by the first access network device through a sensing signal communication module, a first sensing signal from a second access network device; or receiving, by the first access network device through the sensing signal communication module, a second sensing signal from the second access network device, and sending, by the first access network device through the sensing signal communication module, a third sensing signal to the second access network device.

[0009] In this way, the first access network device can implement the receiving function of the first sensing signal through the sensing signal communication module, or the first access network device can implement the receiving of the second sensing signal and / or the sending of the third sensing signal through the sensing signal communication module. The sensing signal communication module and the communication module for implementing other data receiving functions in the first access network device can be independently arranged, so that the transmission of the sensing signal and the coordinated sensing between the base stations can be implemented without affecting the existing communication functions.

[0010] In a possible design, the first access network device can further send, through the sensing signal communication module, a sensing measurement result to the second access network device, where the sensing measurement result is determined according to the first sensing signal or the second sensing signal.

[0011] In this way, the first access network device can implement the sending of the sensing measurement result through the sensing signal communication module, and further implement the transmission of the sensing data between the first access network device and other access network devices through the sensing signal communication module, thereby saving the communication resources of the first access network device.

[0012] In a possible design, the sensing measurement result is carried in a medium access control control element (MAC CE).

[0013] In this way, the sensing measurement result is carried in the MAC CE, and the transmission of the sensing measurement result is implemented through the communication resources of the MAC layer, without occupying the communication resources (such as RRC signaling) of the protocol layer, thereby saving the communication resources of the protocol layer, simplifying the design of the sensing signal communication module, and saving the cost of the transmission of the sensing data.

[0014] In a possible design, the first access network device can further send, to the second access network device, a message 3 (msg3), where the msg3 is carried in the MAC CE; and the msg3 is a message in a process in which the first access network device randomly accesses the second access network device.

[0015] In this way, the msg3 can be transmitted through the MAC CE, and communication resources of a protocol layer are saved.

[0016] In a possible design, the first access network device can further receive a first sensing capability information request from the second access network device; and the first access network device can further send, to the second access network device, a first sensing capability information response, the first sensing capability information response including at least one of the following: the first access network device includes a sensing signal communication module, a communication mode of the sensing signal communication module, and a frequency band supported by the sensing signal communication module; wherein the communication mode is used to indicate that the sensing signal communication module only supports receiving a sensing signal, or the sensing signal communication module supports receiving and sending a sensing signal.

[0017] In this way, the first access network device can feed back its sensing capability to the second access network device, so that the second access network device can make an accurate judgment on the sensing capability of the cooperating access network device, and improve the precision of sensing service data.

[0018] In a possible design, the first access network device can further send, to the second access network device, a second sensing capability information request; and the first access network device can further receive a second sensing capability information response from the second access network device, the second sensing capability information response including that the second access network device does not include a sensing signal communication module.

[0019] In this way, the first access network device can receive the sensing capability from the second access network device, so as to accurately judge whether the second access network device can serve as a cooperating access network device, and improve the precision of sensing service data.

[0020] In a possible design, the first access network device can further receive a first measurement request from the second access network device, the first measurement request including a frequency point of a first to-be-measured cell and a physical cell identifier (PCI) of the first to-be-measured cell; and the first access network device can further send, to the second access network device, a first measurement report, the first measurement report including a first measurement result of the first to-be-measured cell, the first measurement result being obtained by the first access network device by measuring the first to-be-measured cell according to the frequency point of the first to-be-measured cell and the PCI of the first to-be-measured cell.

[0021] In this way, the first access network device can perform cell measurement on the to-be-measured cell specified by the second access network device, and feed back a measurement report to the second access network device.

[0022] In a possible design, the first access network device can further send, to the second access network device, a second measurement request, where the second measurement request includes a frequency point of a second to-be-measured cell and a PCI of the second to-be-measured cell; and the first access network device can further receive, from the second access network device, a second measurement report, where the second measurement report includes a second measurement result of the second to-be-measured cell, and the second measurement result is obtained by the second access network device performing measurement on the second to-be-measured cell according to the frequency point of the second to-be-measured cell and the PCI of the second to-be-measured cell.

[0023] In this way, the first access network device can specify a to-be-measured cell to the second access network device, so that the second access network device can perform cell measurement on the to-be-measured cell and feed back a measurement report.

[0024] In a possible design, the first access network device can further receive, from the second access network device, the first sensing signal through the sensing signal communication module, where the process can include: the first access network device receives, from the second access network device, first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate a first resource location for transmitting the first sensing signal; and the first access network device receives, from the second access network device, the first sensing signal at the first resource location through the sensing signal communication module.

[0025] In this way, the second access network device can indicate the first resource location of the first sensing signal to the first access network device through the first indication information, so that the first access network device can receive the first sensing signal at the first resource location, improving the sensing service data accuracy.

[0026] In a possible design, the first access network device can receive, from the second access network device, the first indication information, where the process can include: the first access network device receives, from the second access network device, the first indication information based on the sensing signal communication module through a Uu interface between the sensing signal communication module and the second access network device.

[0027] Optionally, the first indication information can be carried in downlink control information (DCI).

[0028] In this way, the first access network device and the second access network device can transmit the first indication information through the Uu interface.

[0029] In a possible design, the first access network device can further receive, from the second access network device, second indication information, where the second indication information is used to indicate that the first access network device receives the first indication information through the Uu interface.

[0030] In this way, the first access network device learns, through the second indication information, that the transmission manner of the first indication information is transmission through the Uu interface, and the transmission accuracy of the first indication information is improved.

[0031] In a possible design, before receiving the second indication information from the second access network device, the first access network device can further send a first interface information request to the second access network device; the first interface information request is used to request the second access network device to send the second indication information.

[0032] In this way, the first access network device can send the first interface information request to the second access network device, so as to trigger the second access network device to send the second indication information to the first access network device.

[0033] In a possible design, the process that the first access network device receives the second sensing signal from the second access network device through the sensing signal communication module and sends the third sensing signal to the second access network device through the sensing signal communication module can include: the first access network device receives third indication information and fourth indication information from the second access network device, the third indication information is used to indicate a second resource location of the second sensing signal, and the fourth indication information is used to indicate a third resource location of the third sensing signal; the first access network device receives the second sensing signal from the second access network device at the second resource location through the sensing signal communication module, and sends the third sensing signal to the second access network device at the third resource location through the sensing signal communication module.

[0034] In this way, the second access network device can indicate, to the first access network device, the second resource location of the second sensing signal and the third resource location corresponding to the third sensing signal through the third indication information and the fourth indication information, so that the first access network device can receive the second sensing signal at the corresponding resource location and send the third sensing signal at the corresponding resource location, and the sensing service data accuracy is improved.

[0035] In a possible design, the process that the first access network device receives the third indication information and the fourth indication information from the second access network device includes: the first access network device receives the third indication information and the fourth indication information from the second access network device based on the sensing signal communication module through a Uu interface between the sensing signal communication module and the second access network device.

[0036] Optionally, the third indication information and the fourth indication information can be carried in DCI.

[0037] In this way, the first access network device and the second access network device can transmit the third indication information and the fourth indication information through the Uu interface.

[0038] In a possible design, the first access network device can further receive fifth indication information from the second access network device, where the fifth indication information is used to indicate that the first access network device receives the third indication information and the fourth indication information over the Uu interface.

[0039] In this way, the first access network device learns from the fifth indication information that the transmission manner of the third indication information and the fourth indication information is transmission over the Uu interface, and the accuracy of transmission of the second indication information and the third indication information is improved.

[0040] In a possible design, before the first access network device receives the fifth indication information from the second access network device, the first access network device can further send a second interface information request to the second access network device, where the second interface information request is used to request the second access network device to send the fifth indication information.

[0041] In this way, the first access network device can send the second interface information request to the second access network device, so as to trigger the second access network device to send the fifth indication information to the first access network device.

[0042] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be applied to a second access network device, or a component (such as a processor, a chip, a chip system, a circuit, a functional module, or other components) in the second access network device, or a software module. The method can include: sending, by the second access network device, a first sensing signal to a sensing signal communication module of a first access network device; or sending, by the second access network device, a second sensing signal to the sensing signal communication module of the first access network device, and receiving a third sensing signal from the sensing signal communication module.

[0043] In a possible design, the second access network device can further receive a sensing measurement result from the sensing signal communication module, where the sensing measurement result is determined by the first access network device based on the first sensing signal or the second sensing signal.

[0044] In a possible design, the sensing measurement result is carried in a MAC CE.

[0045] In a possible design, the second access network device can further receive a msg3 from the sensing signal communication module, where the msg3 is carried in a MAC CE, and the msg3 is a message in a random access process of the first access network device to the second access network device.

[0046] In a possible design, the second access network device can further send, to the first access network device, a first sensing capability information request; and the second access network device can further receive, from the first access network device, a first sensing capability information response, where the first sensing capability information response includes at least one of the following: the first access network device includes a sensing signal communication module, a communication mode of the sensing signal communication module, and a frequency band supported by the sensing signal communication module; and the communication mode is used to indicate that the sensing signal communication module only supports receiving sensing signals or that the sensing signal communication module supports receiving and sending sensing signals.

[0047] In a possible design, the second access network device can further receive, from the first access network device, a second sensing capability information request; and the second access network device can further send, to the first access network device, a second sensing capability information response, where the second sensing capability information response includes that the second access network device does not include a sensing signal communication module.

[0048] In a possible design, the second access network device can further send, to the first access network device, a first measurement request, where the first measurement request includes a frequency point of a first to-be-measured cell and a PCI of the first to-be-measured cell; and the second access network device can further receive, from the first access network device, a first measurement report, where the first measurement report includes a first measurement result of the first to-be-measured cell, and the first measurement result is obtained by the first access network device according to the frequency point of the first to-be-measured cell and the PCI of the first to-be-measured cell.

[0049] In a possible design, the second access network device can further receive, from the first access network device, a second measurement request, where the second measurement request includes a frequency point of a second to-be-measured cell and a PCI of the second to-be-measured cell; and the second access network device can further send, to the first access network device, a second measurement report, where the second measurement report includes a second measurement result of the second to-be-measured cell, and the second measurement result is obtained by the second access network device according to the frequency point of the second to-be-measured cell and the PCI of the second to-be-measured cell.

[0050] In a possible design, the process in which the second access network device sends a first sensing signal to a sensing signal communication module of the first access network device includes the following steps: the second access network device sends, to the first access network device, first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate a first resource location for transmitting the first sensing signal; and the second access network device sends, to the sensing signal communication module, the first sensing signal at the first resource location.

[0051] In a possible design, the process in which the second access network device sends the first indication information to the first access network device includes: the second access network device sending the first indication information to the sensing signal communication module through a Uu interface between the sensing signal communication module in the first access network device and the second access network device.

[0052] Optionally, the first indication information can be carried in DCI.

[0053] In a possible design, the second access network device can further send second indication information to the first access network device, where the second indication information is used to instruct the first access network device to receive the first indication information through the Uu interface.

[0054] In a possible design, before the second access network device sends the second indication information to the first access network device, the second access network device can further receive a first interface information request from the first access network device, where the first interface information request is used to request the second access network device to send the second indication information.

[0055] In a possible design, the process in which the second access network device sends the second sensing signal to the sensing signal communication module and receives the third sensing signal from the first access network device includes: the second access network device sending third indication information and fourth indication information to the first access network device, where the third indication information is used to instruct a second resource location at which the second sensing signal is received, and the fourth indication information is used to instruct a third resource location at which the third sensing signal is sent; and the second access network device sending the second sensing signal to the sensing signal communication module at the second resource location and receiving the third sensing signal from the first access network device at the third resource location.

[0056] In a possible design, the process in which the second access network device sends the third indication information and the fourth indication information to the first access network device includes: the second access network device sending the third indication information and the fourth indication information to the first access network device through a Uu interface between the sensing signal communication module and the second access network device.

[0057] Optionally, the third indication information and the fourth indication information can be carried in DCI.

[0058] In a possible design, the second access network device can further send fifth indication information to the first access network device, where the fifth indication information is used to instruct the first access network device to receive the third indication information and the fourth indication information through the Uu interface.

[0059] In a possible design, before the second access network device sends the fifth indication information to the first access network device, the second access network device can further receive a second interface information request from the first access network device, where the second interface information request is used to request the second access network device to send the fifth indication information.

[0060] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication apparatus. The apparatus can implement the method in any possible implementation manner of the first aspect to the second aspect. The apparatus has the functions of the first access network device or the second access network device. The apparatus is, for example, an access network device, or a functional module in an access network device, etc.

[0061] In an alternative implementation manner, the apparatus can include a module or unit or means for performing each of the method operations / operations / steps / actions of any possible implementation manner of the first aspect to the second aspect, which can be hardware circuitry, software, or a combination of hardware circuitry and software. In an alternative implementation manner, the apparatus includes a processing module (sometimes referred to as a processing unit) and a communication module (sometimes referred to as a transceiver module, a communication unit, etc.). The communication module can implement a sending function and a receiving function. When the communication module implements the sending function, it can be referred to as a sending unit (sometimes referred to as a sending module). When the communication module implements the receiving function, it can be referred to as a receiving unit (sometimes referred to as a receiving module). The sending unit and the receiving unit can be the same functional module, which is referred to as the communication module, and the functional module can implement the sending function and the receiving function. Alternatively, the sending unit and the receiving unit can be different functional modules, and the communication module is a collective term for these functional modules.

[0062] For example, when the apparatus is used to execute the method described in any of the first aspect to the second aspect, the apparatus can include a processing module and a communication module.

[0063] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a communication apparatus, including a sensing signal communication module, the sensing signal communication module being configured to execute computer programs or instructions to implement the method in any possible implementation manner of any of the first aspect. The apparatus has the functions of the first access network device. The apparatus is, for example, a functional module in an access network device, etc.

[0064] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a communication apparatus, including a processor configured to execute computer programs (or computer executable instructions) stored in a memory, when the computer programs (or computer executable instructions) are executed, causing the apparatus to perform the method in any possible implementation manner of any of the first aspect to the second aspect.

[0065] In a possible implementation, the processor and the memory are integrated together.

[0066] In another possible implementation, the memory is located outside the communication apparatus.

[0067] The communication device also includes a communication interface for the communication device to communicate with other devices, such as transmitting or receiving data and / or signals. Exemplarily, the communication interface can be a transceiver, a circuit, a bus, a module, or other types of communication interfaces.

[0068] In a sixth aspect, a computer readable storage medium is provided, which is configured to store a computer program or instructions, which, when executed by a computer, cause the method according to any possible implementation of the first aspect to the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof to be performed.

[0069] In a seventh aspect, a computer program product is provided, which includes instructions, which, when executed on a computer, cause the method according to any possible implementation of the first aspect to the second aspect to be performed.

[0070] In an eighth aspect, the embodiments of the present application also provide a communication device, which is configured to perform the method according to any possible implementation of the first aspect to the second aspect.

[0071] In a ninth aspect, a chip system is provided, which includes a logic circuit (or it can be understood that the chip system includes a processor, which can include a logic circuit, etc.), and can also include an input / output interface. The input / output interface can be configured to input a message, and can also be configured to output a message. The input / output interface can be the same interface, i.e., the same interface can implement both the sending function and the receiving function; or the input / output interface includes an input interface and an output interface, the input interface is configured to implement the receiving function, i.e., is configured to receive a message; and the output interface is configured to implement the sending function, i.e., is configured to send a message. The logic circuit can be configured to perform operations other than the transceiving function in the method according to any possible implementation of the first aspect to the second aspect; and the logic circuit can also be configured to transmit a message to the input / output interface, or receive a message from the input / output interface from other communication devices. The chip system can be configured to implement the method according to any possible implementation of the first aspect to the second aspect. The chip system can be composed of a chip, or can include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0072] Optionally, the chip system can also include a memory, which can be configured to store instructions, and the logic circuit can invoke the instructions stored in the memory to implement corresponding functions.

[0073] In a tenth aspect, a communication system is provided, which can include a first access network device and a second access network device. The first access network device can be configured to implement the method according to the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof, and the second access network device can be configured to implement the method according to the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0074] The technical effects brought by the second aspect to the tenth aspect can refer to the description of the beneficial effects of the corresponding solutions in the first aspect, which will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0075] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a sensing scenario according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0076] FIG. 2 is a networking architecture according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0077] FIG. 3a is an example diagram of a sensing architecture according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0078] FIG. 3b is an example diagram of another sensing architecture according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0079] FIG. 4a is a schematic diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0080] FIG. 4b is a schematic diagram of another communication system according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0081] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0082] FIG. 6a is an example diagram of a random access procedure according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0083] FIG. 6b is an example diagram of another random access procedure according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0084] FIG. 7 is an example diagram of a communication according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0085] FIG. 8a is an example diagram of another communication according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0086] FIG. 8b is an example diagram of another communication according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0087] FIG. 9a is an example diagram of another communication according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0088] FIG. 9b is an example diagram of another communication according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0089] FIG. 9c is an example diagram of another communication according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0090] FIG. 9d is an example diagram of another communication according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0091] FIG. 9e is an example diagram of another communication according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0092] FIG. 10 is a structural diagram of a communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0093] FIG. 11 is a structural schematic diagram of another communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0094] The technical solution of the present application relates to the field of wireless sensing. To facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art, some terms related to the present application will be explained first.

[0095] 1. Wireless sensing (or sensing)

[0096] Wireless sensing is sensing using wireless signals. Sensing is a process of collecting, processing, and generating sensing results from collected data. For example, the distance, shape, and type of surrounding obstacles are determined by collecting data, and for example, the breathing rate and heartbeat of a monitored object are determined by collecting data. Among them, the collected data can be data collected by a sensor or data collected by a wireless signal.

[0097] Wireless sensing and wireless communication are both based on electromagnetic wave theory. At the sending end, the electromagnetic wave signal is modulated so that the electromagnetic wave signal carries source information, and the electromagnetic wave signal is affected by the wireless environment during transmission, i.e. the electromagnetic wave signal is affected by the environment and therefore can also carry environmental information. The receiving end analyzes the electromagnetic wave signal to not only obtain the carried source information, but also extract sensing information reflecting the characteristics of the propagation environment. That is, electromagnetic wave signals have inherent dual capabilities of communication and sensing, which makes it possible to integrate sensing and communication (ISAC). Communication and sensing integration can also be referred to as joint communication and sensing (JCAS). Communication and sensing integration can also be referred to as sensing and communication integration. ISAC has a series of advantages compared to a system where sensing and communication are separated, such as cost savings, reduced device size, reduced power consumption, improved frequency efficiency, reduced mutual interference between communication and sensing, etc.

[0098] 2. Sensing scenario

[0099] The sensing scenario can be divided into an access network device-based sensing scenario, an access network device and terminal device-based sensing scenario, and a terminal device-based sensing scenario. In some examples, the sensing scenario can include, but is not limited to: self-transmission and self-reception of a base station, base station A transmitting a sensing signal and base station B receiving a reflected signal, a base station transmitting a sensing signal and a terminal receiving a reflected signal, a terminal transmitting a sensing signal and a base station receiving a reflected signal, terminal A transmitting a sensing signal and terminal B receiving a reflected signal, and self-transmission and self-reception of a terminal. For example, the sensing scenario can be seen in the sensing scenarios shown in (1) to (6) of FIG. 1.

[0100] The perception scenario shown in (1) of FIG. 1 is an access network device-based perception scenario, in which an access network device serves as a transmitting (TX) and receiving (RX) end of a perception signal. For example, a perception signal 1 transmitted by the access network device reaches a target object (e.g., a person), the perception signal 1 is reflected by the target object, and the access network device can receive a perception signal 2, which can then be processed to obtain a perception result.

[0101] The perception scenario shown in (2) of FIG. 1 is also an access network device-based perception scenario, in which one access network device serves as a TX of a perception signal and another access network device serves as an RX of the perception signal. For example, a perception signal 1 transmitted by the TX access network device reaches a target object, the perception signal 1 is reflected by the target object, and the RX access network device can receive a perception signal 2, which can then be processed by the RX access network device to obtain a perception result.

[0102] The perception scenario shown in (3) of FIG. 1 is an access network device and terminal device-based perception scenario, in which an access network device serves as a TX of a perception signal and a terminal device serves as an RX of the perception signal. For example, a perception signal 1 transmitted by the access network device reaches a target object, the perception signal 1 is reflected by the target object, and the terminal device can receive a perception signal 2, which can then be processed by the terminal device to obtain a perception result.

[0103] The perception scenario shown in (4) of FIG. 1 is also an access network device and terminal device-based perception scenario, in which a terminal device serves as a TX of a perception signal and an access network device serves as an RX of the perception signal. For example, a perception signal 1 transmitted by the terminal device reaches a target object, the perception signal 1 is reflected by the target object, and the access network device can receive a perception signal 2, which can then be processed by the access network device to obtain a perception result.

[0104] The perception scenario shown in (5) of FIG. 1 is a terminal device-based perception scenario, in which a terminal device serves as a TX and RX of a perception signal. For example, a perception signal 1 transmitted by the terminal device reaches a target object, the perception signal 1 is reflected by the target object, and the terminal device can receive a perception signal 2, which can then be processed to obtain a perception result.

[0105] The sensing scenario shown in (6) of FIG. 1 is also a terminal device-based sensing scenario, one terminal device as a sending end of a sensing signal, and another terminal device as a receiving end of the sensing signal. For example, the sensing signal 1 sent by the terminal device as TX reaches the target object, the sensing signal 1 is reflected by the target object, and the terminal device as RX can receive the sensing signal 2, and then the terminal device as RX can process the sensing signal 2 to obtain a sensing result.

[0106] The above-mentioned sensing signal 2 can be understood as a reflected signal of the above-mentioned sensing signal 1, and the sensing signal 2 carries more information than the sensing signal 1, for example, the sensing signal 2 can carry source information and environmental information.

[0107] The access network device in the above perception scenario is a device that provides access for terminal devices. The access network device can also be referred to as a network device, an access node (AN), a radio access network (RAN) node, and the like. The access network device can be a base station (BS), an evolved Node B (eNB) in a long term evolution (LTE) system or a long term evolution-advanced (LTE-A), which can be referred to as eNB or e-NodeB for short), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next generation NodeB (gNB) in a 5th generation (5G) mobile communication system, a next generation NodeB in a 6th generation (6G) mobile communication system, a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system, and the like. The access network device can also be an access network device in an open RAN (ORAN) system, and the like. Optionally, the access network device can also be a module or unit that completes part of the functions of a base station, for example, the access network device can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU), and the like. The CU here completes the functions of the radio resource control protocol and the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) of the base station, and can also complete the function of the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP); the DU completes the functions of the radio link control layer and the medium access control (MAC) layer of the base station, and can also complete part of the physical layer or the entire physical layer. In different systems, the CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU or RU can also have different names, but those skilled in the art can understand their meanings. For example, in an ORAN system, the CU can also be referred to as an O-CU, the DU can also be referred to as an open (O)-DU, the CU-CP can also be referred to as an O-CU-CP, the CU-UP can also be referred to as an O-CU-UP, and the RU can also be referred to as an O-RU.

[0108] Optionally, the CU and the DU can be placed in different places; for example, the DU is placed in a high traffic area, and the CU is placed in a central machine room. Of course, the CU and the DU can also be placed in the same machine room. In addition, the CU and the DU can also be different components under one rack.

[0109] Exemplarily, the access network device can be a macro base station, or a micro base station (also referred to as a small station) or an indoor station, or a relay node or a donor node, etc. The access network device can also be a radio network controller (RNC), a Node B (NB), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a home base station (for example, a home evolved NodeB, or a home Node B, HNB), a base band unit (BBU) or a remote radio unit (RRU), or a wireless fidelity (Wifi) access point (AP), or a base band pool (BBU pool) and an RRU in a cloud radio access network (CRAN), etc.

[0110] In the technical solutions described below, the access network device can also be a functional module, a chip or a chip system. Optionally, the functional module, the chip or the chip system can be arranged in the access network device. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific technology and the specific device form adopted by the access network device.

[0111] The terminal device in the above perception scenario can be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a notebook computer, a palm computer, a mobile internet device (MID), a wearable device, a virtual reality (VR) device, an augmented reality (AR) device, an extended reality (XR) device, a mixed reality (MR) device, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self-driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in a smart city, or a wireless terminal in a smart home, etc.

[0112] The terminal device can also be a device-to-device (D2D) terminal device, a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication terminal device, a smart vehicle, a telematics box (TBOX), a machine-to-machine / machine-type communications (M2M / MTC) terminal device, or an internet of things (IoT) terminal device. For example, the terminal device can be a vehicle, a ship, or an aircraft, or a terminal-type road unit, or a communication module or chip built in a vehicle or a road unit. For example, the terminal device can be a vehicle-mounted module. The terminal device can also be a road side unit (RSU).

[0113] In the technical solutions described below, the terminal device can also be a functional module, a chip, or a chip system. Alternatively, the functional module, the chip, or the chip system can be arranged in the terminal device. Embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific technology and specific device form adopted by the terminal device.

[0114] The communication mode of the existing 5G network is developed on the basis of traditional voice services, and is a point-to-point single connection communication mode between terminals or between terminals and access network devices, providing an on-demand high-speed pipe service. The high-speed pipe service between the access network device and the core network depends on each control plane network element and data plane network element. FIG. 2 is a networking architecture provided by an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 2, assuming that the terminal is a user equipment (UE) and the access network device is a RAN, the networking architecture further includes an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element, a user plane function (UPF) network element and a data network (DN) network element.

[0115] In the networking architecture shown in FIG. 2, N1 is a reference point between the UE and the AMF network element, and the N1 interface is used for signaling between the UE and the interactive control plane, such as non-access-stratum (NAS) signaling; N2 is a reference point between the RAN and the AMF network element, and the N2 interface is used for signaling between the RAN and the AMF network element, such as N2 initial UE message; N3 is a reference point between the RAN and the UPF network element, and the N3 interface is used for data between the RAN and the UPF to interact with the user plane.

[0116] With the diversified development of data transmission (such as perception data transmission and artificial intelligence (AI) data transmission), the mode of signaling or data transmission is also constantly updated and changed. Taking the implementation of perception services as an example, the following are example diagrams of two possible perception architectures provided by embodiments of the present application, but do not constitute a limitation on the present application.

[0117] As shown in FIG. 3a, the access network device 1 and the access network device 2 can transmit the sensing data through network elements in the core network. The core network network elements in the sensing architecture include: an AMF network element, a session management function (SMF) network element, a network exposure function (NEF) network element, a policy control function (PCF) network element, a charging function (CHF) network element, a unified data management (UDM) network element, a NWDAF network element, a UPF network element, a sensing service control function (SSCF), a sensing service subscriber management (SSSM) network element, a network repository function (NRF) network element, an analytics data repository function (ADRF) network element, a sensing data process function (SDPF) network element, and a DN network element. In the sensing architecture, the access network device and each core network network element can realize signaling interaction through an interface, and the interface includes: an N2 interface, an N3 interface, an Ns-C interface, and an Ns-D interface.

[0118] It should be understood that the devices included in the sensing architecture shown in FIG. 3a are only examples, and other devices can be included in the sensing architecture, or some of the devices shown in FIG. 3a can not be included, which is not limited in the present application.

[0119] Based on the sensing architecture shown in FIG. 3a, a new network function, a data communication proxy (DCP) network element, can be introduced. As shown in FIG. 3b, the access network device can be directly connected to the DCP network element. The DCP network element can realize transmission of sensing data / AI data / IOT data through an efficient data transmission mechanism. It should be understood that DCP is only an example of a name, and DCP can be replaced by other names. Devices with the same function as DCP can be regarded as DCP, which is not limited in the present application. The DCP can be deployed as an independent network element in the 3GPP network, or can be combined with the network element or device in the 3GPP network, which is not limited in the present application. Optionally, the DCP network element can be deployed in the access network or in the core network, which is not limited in the present application.

[0120] In the perception architecture shown in FIG. 3b, the access network device 1 and the access network device 2 can transmit the perception data through the DCP network element in the core network. The core network network elements in the perception structure include: the AMF network element, the NEF network element, the PCF network element, the CHF network element, the service communication proxy (SCP) network element, etc. can subscribe to data from the DCP as a data consumer, or send data to the DCP as a data producer. In the perception structure, the access network device and each core network network element can realize signaling interaction through an interface, including: an N2 interface and an Ns interface.

[0121] It should be understood that the devices included in the perception architecture shown in FIG. 3b are only examples, and other devices can be included in the perception architecture, or some of the devices shown in FIG. 3b can not be included, which is not limited in the present application.

[0122] The functions of some network elements in FIGS. 3a and 3b are briefly introduced below.

[0123] The SSCF network element can be used to implement the control plane function of the perception service, for example, the SSCF is used to receive the perception capability information of the perception entity, and to orchestrate the perception service based on the perception capability information of the perception entity (including the selection of the perception signal receiving / transmitting entity). The SSCF can be connected to the SBI bus through a service-based interface (SBI) to communicate with other core network network elements.

[0124] The SDPF network element can be used to implement the data plane function of the perception service, for example, the SDPF is used to process the perception data of the perception service to obtain the perception result of the perception service. The SDPF can be mounted to the SBI bus through the SBI to communicate with other core network network elements, or can communicate through a separate interface, for example, communicate with other SDPF through a separate interface, or communicate with the SSCF through a separate interface.

[0125] The data storage function (DSF) network element can store perception data.

[0126] The SSSM network element can be used for the registration of the perception user, the subscription and unsubscription of the perception service, or the authentication and authorization, etc.

[0127] In some sensing scenarios (for example, the sensing scenario shown in (2) in FIG. 1), the sensing data (including but not limited to sensing signals and sensing measurement results) need to be transmitted between two access network devices, so that the transmission of the sensing data will occupy the communication resources required for the transmission of the original data (other than the sensing data) in the access network device, that is, the transmission of the sensing data will affect the existing communication function. In order to be able to realize the transmission of the sensing signal and the coordinated sensing between the base stations without affecting the existing communication function, the embodiment of the present application provides a communication method.

[0128] The communication method can be implemented in the networking architecture shown in FIGS. 2 to 3b. The communication method can also be applied to 5G systems, future evolved communication systems (such as 6G systems), satellite communication and short-range wireless communication systems. Among them, the wireless communication systems mentioned in the embodiments of the present application include but are not limited to: narrow band internet of things (NB-IoT), global system for mobile communications (GSM), enhanced data rate for GSM evolution (EDGE), wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), code division multiple access 2000 (CDMA2000), time division-synchronous code division multiple access (TD-SCDMA), long term evolution (LTE), and three application scenarios of 5G / 6G systems: enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) and massive machine-type communications (mMTC), long range (LoRa) system or vehicle-to-everything (V2X) system.

[0129] In some examples, the communication system is as shown in FIG. 4a. The wireless communication system is generally composed of cells, each of which contains a base station that provides communication services to a plurality of terminal devices (e.g., mobile stations (MSs)).

[0130] Based on the foregoing description, the communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application is described in detail below. In the following embodiments, the operations performed by a certain device (or network element) can also be performed by a processor of the certain device (or network element), or a chip or chip system, or a functional module, etc. The present application only takes the certain device (or network element) as an example for description, but does not limit the present application.

[0131] The embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and device. Since the principles of the method and device for solving problems are similar, the implementation of the device and the method can be mutually referred to, and the repeated parts will not be described again.

[0132] In the description of the present application, unless otherwise specified, " / " represents the meaning of or, for example, A / B can represent A or B; "and / or" in the present application only describes the association relationship of the associated objects, which means that there can be three relationships, for example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B exist together, and B alone. In addition, in the description of the present application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more" means two or more. In the description of the present application, "first", "second", etc. are only used for distinguishing purposes, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance, nor can it be understood as indicating or implying order.

[0133] The method is introduced below in combination with the flow shown in FIG. 5. The communication method can be implemented by a first access network device and a second access network device; wherein the first access network device comprises a sensing signal communication module. According to the needs, the first access network device can be replaced by a base station, a chip or a sending unit in the base station, or other communication devices, or a sending unit, or other execution subjects, and in addition, the second access network device can be replaced by a base station, a chip or a sending unit in the base station, or other communication devices, or a sending unit, or other execution subjects.

[0134] In a possible design, the foregoing sensing signal communication module has the function of a terminal device. For example, the foregoing sensing signal communication module can be a sensing terminal (ST).

[0135] In some examples, as shown in FIG. 4b, the communication system includes RAN1 and RAN2. Wherein, RAN1 and RAN2 each include a CU and a DU, and RAN1 further includes an ST; RAN1 can implement the interaction of the Uu interface with RAN2 through the ST. Optionally, the second access network device can also deploy a module with the function of a terminal device, and the deployment manner can refer to the sensing signal communication module in the first access network device, which is not limited in the present application. For example, the second access network device can also deploy an ST.

[0136] In the design of deploying ST in the access network device, the ST in the access network device can support the following mode A or mode B.

[0137] Mode A, also referred to as ST-A: for the access network device deploying ST, supporting downlink signal reception, supporting downlink synchronization, supporting physical (PHY) layer reception in the terminal protocol stack, but not supporting random access through the ST.

[0138] Mode B, also referred to as ST-B: for the access network device deploying ST, supporting uplink and downlink signal transmission and reception, supporting uplink and downlink synchronization, supporting the transceiving of the PHY layer and the medium access control (MAC) layer in the terminal protocol stack, and supporting random access through the ST.

[0139] In some examples, the process of random access through the ST does not need to pass through the core network.

[0140] In some examples, the ST can implement uplink synchronization through a specified frequency point and a physical cell identifier (PCI), without the need for a search operation.

[0141] As shown in FIG. 5, the communication method can include the following S501, or include the following S502 and S503:

[0142] S501: The second access network device sends a first sensing signal to the sensing signal communication module of the first access network device. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the first sensing signal from the second access network device through the sensing signal communication module.

[0143] In a possible design, the foregoing S501 can be specifically implemented through the following SA1 and SA2:

[0144] SA1: The second access network device sends first indication information to the first access network device, and the first indication information is used to indicate a first resource position for transmitting the first sensing signal. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the first indication information from the second access network device.

[0145] It should be noted that the resource location in the embodiments of the present application can be embodied by time domain, frequency domain, space domain, etc., which is not limited in the present application.

[0146] In some examples, the process that the first access network device receives the first indication information can be implemented through a Uu interface; and the first indication information can be carried in a DCI. For example, the second access network device sends the first indication information to the sensing signal communication module through the Uu interface between the sensing signal communication module and the second access network device; and correspondingly, the first access network device receives the first indication information from the second access network device based on the sensing signal communication module receiving the first indication information from the second access network device through the Uu interface between the sensing signal communication module and the second access network device.

[0147] In other examples, the process that the first access network device receives the first indication information can be implemented through an Xn interface.

[0148] Optionally, the first indication information can also be used to instruct the first access network device to start the cooperation preparation, and the first indication information can include the frequency point of the to-be-measured cell and the PCI of the to-be-measured cell. Correspondingly, the first access network device can perform uplink and downlink synchronization with the second access network device through the sensing signal communication module. Further, the first access network device can send information indicating that the cooperation preparation is completed to the second access network device.

[0149] Before performing the SA1, the second access network device can also send second indication information to the first access network device, the second indication information being used to instruct the first access network device to receive the first indication information through the Uu interface, or the second indication information being used to instruct the first access network device to receive the first indication information through the Xn interface. Correspondingly, the first access network device can also receive the second indication information from the second access network device.

[0150] Before the second access network device sends the second indication information, the first access network device can also send a first interface information request to the second access network device, the first interface information request being used to request the second access network device to send the second indication information. Correspondingly, the second access network device receives the first interface information request from the first access network device.

[0151] SA2: The second access network device sends the first sensing signal to the sensing signal communication module at the first resource location. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the first sensing signal from the second access network device at the first resource location through the sensing signal communication module.

[0152] By using the communication method shown in S501, the first access network device can realize the receiving function of the first sensing signal through the sensing signal communication module, and the sensing signal communication module is independent of the communication module of the first access network device for realizing other data receiving functions, that is, the transmission and reception of sensing data will not affect the existing communication functions.

[0153] S502: The second access network sends a second sensing signal to the sensing signal communication module of the first access network device. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the second sensing signal from the second access network device through the sensing signal communication module.

[0154] S503: The first access network device sends a third sensing signal to the second access network device through the sensing signal communication module. Correspondingly, the second access network device receives the third sensing signal from the sensing signal communication module.

[0155] It should be noted that the execution of the foregoing S502 and S503 is not limited in sequence.

[0156] In a possible design, the foregoing S502 and S503 can be implemented through the following steps SB1 to SB3.

[0157] SB1: The second access network device can further send third indication information and fourth indication information to the first access network device, the third indication information being used to indicate a second resource location for receiving the second sensing signal, and the fourth indication information being used to indicate a third resource location for sending the third sensing signal. Correspondingly, the first access network device can receive the third indication information and the fourth indication information from the second access network device.

[0158] In some examples, the process that the first access network device receives the third indication information and the fourth indication information can be implemented through a Uu interface; the third indication information and the fourth indication information can be respectively carried in DCI. For example, the second access network device sends the third indication information and the fourth indication information to the first access network device through the Uu interface between the sensing signal communication module in the first access network device and the second access network device; correspondingly, the first access network device receives the third indication information and the fourth indication information from the second access network device based on the sensing signal communication module through the Uu interface between the sensing signal communication module and the second access network device.

[0159] In some other examples, the process that the first access network device receives the third indication information and the fourth indication information can be implemented through an Xn interface.

[0160] In addition, the third indication information can be further used to instruct the first access network device to start cooperation preparation, and the third indication information can include a frequency point of a cell to be measured and a PCI of the cell to be measured; or the fourth indication information can be further used to instruct the first access network device to start cooperation preparation, and the fourth indication information includes a frequency point of a cell to be measured and a PCI of the cell to be measured. Correspondingly, the first access network device can perform uplink and downlink synchronization with the second access network device through the sensing signal communication module. Further, the first access network device can send information indicating completion of cooperation preparation to the second access network device.

[0161] Before performing the SB1, the second access network device can further send fifth indication information to the first access network device, the fifth indication information being used for indicating the first access network device to receive the third indication information and the fourth indication information through the Uu interface, or the fifth indication information being used for indicating the first access network device to receive the third indication information and the fourth indication information through the Xn interface. Correspondingly, the first access network device can further receive the fifth indication information from the second access network device.

[0162] Before the second access network device sends the fifth indication information, the first access network device can further send a second interface information request to the second access network device, the second interface information request being used for requesting the second access network device to send the fifth indication information. Correspondingly, the second access network device receives the second interface information request from the first access network device.

[0163] SB2: The second access network device can send a second sensing signal to the sensing signal communication module at a second resource location. Correspondingly, the first access network device can receive the second sensing signal from the second access network device at the second resource location through the sensing signal communication module.

[0164] SB3: The second access network device receives a third sensing signal from the first access network device at a third resource location. Correspondingly, the first access network device sends the third sensing signal to the second access network device at the third resource location through the sensing signal communication module.

[0165] By using the communication method shown in the foregoing S502 and S503, the first access network device can realize the reception of the second sensing signal and / or the sending of the third sensing signal through the sensing signal communication module, and the sensing signal communication module is independent of the communication module of the first access network device for realizing other data transceiving functions, that is, the sensing data transceiving does not affect the existing communication functions.

[0166] It should be noted that the embodiments of the present application support multiple configuration modes of sensing signals, including but not limited to: dynamic configuration, periodic configuration, and semi-persistent configuration. For different configuration modes, the communication method and design in the embodiments of the present application can be combined to form new embodiments.

[0167] In order to achieve further effects, the communication method can further include S504 or S505.

[0168] S504: The first access network device can further send the sensing measurement result to the second access network device through the sensing signal communication module, and the sensing measurement result is determined according to the first sensing signal in S501 or the second sensing signal in S502. Correspondingly, the second access network device can receive the sensing measurement result from the sensing signal communication module. Optionally, the sensing measurement result is carried in a MAC CE.

[0169] The sensing measurement result can include, but is not limited to, measurement results of multiple measurement quantities, including, but not limited to, angle, time delay, Doppler, phase, amplitude, etc.

[0170] In some examples, the second access network device can cooperate with multiple first access network devices to implement transmission of sensing data, and the steps in S501 to S504 can be cyclically executed between multiple groups of access network devices. For example, when the configuration mode of the sensing signal is dynamic configuration, the resource position of the sensing signal needs to be continuously updated. Based on this, the second access network device can obtain sensing measurement results from multiple first access network devices respectively. Further, the second access network device can perform fusion analysis on the multiple sensing measurement results to obtain the final sensing measurement result. The fusion analysis method can refer to a conventional method, which is not limited in the present application.

[0171] With such a design, the first access network device can implement sending of the sensing measurement result through the sensing signal communication module, which is independent of the communication module of the first access network device for implementing other data transceiving functions, that is, does not need to occupy the communication resource of the first access network device for implementing other data transceiving functions, and thus can implement transceiving of the sensing signal and coordinated sensing between base stations without affecting the existing communication functions.

[0172] S505: The second access network device can determine the sensing measurement result according to the third sensing signal in S503.

[0173] In some examples, the second access network device can cooperate with multiple first access network devices to implement transmission of sensing data, and the steps in S501 to S503 and S505 can be cyclically executed between multiple groups of access network devices. Based on this, the second access network device can obtain third sensing signals from multiple first access network devices respectively, and determine multiple sensing measurement results according to the multiple third sensing signals. Further, the second access network device can perform fusion analysis on the multiple sensing measurement results to obtain the final sensing measurement result. The fusion analysis method can refer to a conventional method, which is not limited in the present application.

[0174] Based on the communication method shown in the foregoing Figure 5, when the sensing signal communication module has the function of a terminal device, the first access network device can access the second access network device through the sensing signal communication module.

[0175] In some examples, as shown in Figure 6a, the process of random access includes the following steps 1 to 4:

[0176] Step 1: The first access network device can send a message 1 (msg1) to the second access network device through the sensing signal communication module. Correspondingly, the second access network device receives the msg1 from the first access network device. The msg1 can be a preamble msg1.

[0177] Step 2: The second access network device can send a message 2 (msg2) to the first access network device. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the msg2 from the second access network device through the sensing signal communication module. The msg2 can be a random access response (RAR) msg2.

[0178] Step 3: The first access network device can send a message 3 (msg3) to the second access network device through the sensing signal communication module. Correspondingly, the second access network device receives the msg3 from the sensing signal communication module.

[0179] Step 4: The second access network device can send a message 4 (msg4) to the first access network device. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the msg4 from the second access network device through the sensing signal communication module.

[0180] Optionally, the msg4 can be a UE contention identity msg4.

[0181] Further, the first access network device compares whether the signal elements in the msg3 reported by itself and the received msg4 are consistent; if consistent, the random access is successful; otherwise, the random access fails.

[0182] In other examples, as shown in Figure 6b, the process of random access includes the following steps a to f:

[0183] Step a: The second access network device generates a public-private key pair (public key and private key).

[0184] Step b: The second access network device sends the foregoing public key to the first access network device. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the public key from the second access network device.

[0185] Step c: the first access network device can send msg1 to the second access network device through the sensing signal communication module. Correspondingly, the second access network device receives msg1 from the first access network device.

[0186] Step d: the second access network device sends msg2 to the first access network device. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives msg2 from the second access network device through the sensing signal communication module.

[0187] Step e: the first access network device can send msg3 encrypted by a public key to the second access network device through the sensing signal communication module. Correspondingly, the second access network device receives msg3 encrypted by the public key from the first access network device.

[0188] Optionally, after receiving the encrypted msg3, the second access network device can decrypt the encrypted msg3 through a private key.

[0189] Step f: the second access network device sends msg4 encrypted by a private key to the first access network device. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives msg4 encrypted by the private key from the second access network device through the sensing signal communication module.

[0190] Optionally, after receiving the encrypted msg4, the first access network device can decrypt the encrypted msg4 through a public key.

[0191] Further, the first access network device compares whether the information elements in msg3 reported by itself and msg4 received are consistent; if yes, the random access is successful; otherwise, the random access fails.

[0192] It should be understood that the aforementioned two examples can be cross-referenced without logical conflicts, which is not limited in the present application.

[0193] In the aforementioned two possible examples, msg3 in step 3 and step e can be carried in MAC CE. For example, when the sensing signal communication module is ST and the supported mode of ST is ST-B, msg3 is carried in MAC CE. Optionally, msg3 can also carry the supported mode (for example, ST-B) of ST and the identification of ST.

[0194] Based on the foregoing communication method shown in FIG. 5, it is assumed that the second access network device is a master station, and needs to obtain sensing data; the first access network device is a slave station, and the slave station includes a sensing signal communication module, and the slave station can cooperate with the master station to obtain the sensing data. The master station can be deployed with a sensing function communication module, or can not be deployed with a sensing function communication module, which is not limited in the present application. In some examples, one master station can correspond to multiple slave stations; the slave station can be a neighboring station of the master station, for example, the first access network device is a neighboring station of the second access network device.

[0195] Based on the foregoing assumption, the embodiments of the present application further provide the following possible designs.

[0196] In one possible design, before the foregoing S501, S502 or S503, the flow shown in FIG. 7 can also be performed. For example, the flow can include at least one of any combination of the following:

[0197] The following steps SC1 and SC2 are performed;

[0198] The following steps SC3 and SC4 are performed;

[0199] The following steps SC5 and SC6 are performed.

[0200] Each of the steps SC1 to SC6 is introduced as follows:

[0201] SC1: The master station can send a sensing capability information request to multiple neighboring stations. For example, the second access network device sends a first sensing capability information request to the first access network device; correspondingly, the first access network device can also receive the first sensing capability information request from the second access network device.

[0202] SC2: Multiple neighboring stations can respectively send a sensing capability information response to the master station. For example, the first access network device can send a first sensing capability information response to the second access network device; correspondingly, the second access network device can receive the first sensing capability information response from the first access network device.

[0203] The first sensing capability information response includes at least one of the following: the first access network device includes a sensing signal communication module, a communication mode of the sensing signal communication module, a frequency band supported by the sensing signal communication module, and a data type supported by the sensing signal communication module for processing. The foregoing communication mode is used to indicate that the sensing signal communication module only supports receiving sensing signals, or the sensing signal communication module supports receiving and transmitting sensing signals. The foregoing supported data type for processing includes at least one of the following: raw channel information (identified by L1), spectrum information (identified by L2), point cloud information (identified by L3), and target result information (identified by L4). Optionally, the master station can store the sensing capability information responses respectively corresponding to the multiple neighboring stations.

[0204] SC3: The master station can further send a location information request to multiple neighboring stations. For example, the second access network device sends a first location information request to the first access network device; correspondingly, the first access network device can further receive the first location information request from the second access network device.

[0205] SC4: Multiple neighboring stations can respectively send a location information response to the master station. For example, the first access network device can send a first location information response to the second access network device; correspondingly, the second access network device can receive the first location information response from the first access network device. Optionally, the master station can store the location information responses respectively corresponding to the multiple neighboring stations.

[0206] In some examples, the aforementioned SC1 and SC3 can be combined for execution, i.e., multiple requests are indicated by one request message; correspondingly, SC2 and SC4 can also be combined for execution, i.e., multiple responses are indicated by one response message.

[0207] SC5: The master station can further calculate delay information between the master station and multiple neighboring stations according to the sending / receiving time of the messages in SC1 and SC2, respectively. For example, the second access network device can calculate a first delay between the first access network device and the second access network device according to the sending / receiving time respectively corresponding to the aforementioned first sensing capability information request and first sensing capability information response.

[0208] SC6: The master station can further calculate delay information between the master station and multiple neighboring stations according to the sending / receiving time of the messages in SC3 and SC4, respectively. For example, the second access network device can calculate a second delay between the first access network device and the second access network device according to the sending / receiving time respectively corresponding to the aforementioned first location information request and first location information response.

[0209] In some examples, the aforementioned SC5 and SC6 can be executed alternatively.

[0210] In another example, after SC5 and SC6 are executed, the master station can further calculate final delay information according to the delay information respectively obtained by SC5 and SC6; wherein the calculation manner is not limited by the present application. For example, the second access network device can calculate the average of the first delay and the second delay, and the final delay information is the average. For another example, the second access network device can calculate the final delay information according to a preset weighting ratio, the first delay and the second delay.

[0211] Optionally, based on the aforementioned SC5 and / or SC6, the master station can store the delay information respectively corresponding to the multiple neighboring stations.

[0212] With the foregoing designs of SC1-SC6, the second access network device can acquire sensing capability through SC1 and SC2, can acquire location information through SC3 and SC4, and can acquire latency information through SC5 and SC6, so that transmission of sensing data (sensing signal or sensing measurement result) between different access network devices can be implemented.

[0213] In a possible design, before the foregoing S501, S502, or S503, the flow shown in FIG. 8a can be further performed, and can include the following SD1-SD4.

[0214] SD1: The master station can further send a measurement request to the plurality of neighboring stations, where the measurement request includes the frequency point of the to-be-measured cell and the PCI of the to-be-measured cell. For example, the second access network device can further send a first measurement request to the first access network device; correspondingly, the first access network device can further receive the first measurement request from the second access network device; where the first measurement request includes the frequency point of the first to-be-measured cell and the PCI of the first to-be-measured cell.

[0215] The master station can filter candidate neighboring stations (including the first access network device) from the plurality of neighboring stations according to the sensing capability information responses acquired through SC2, and perform SD1 only for the neighboring stations that meet the filtering condition. In some examples, the filtering condition can be that the neighboring station includes a sensing signal communication module. In some examples, the foregoing plurality of neighboring stations can further perform downlink synchronization with the master station through the sensing signal communication module.

[0216] Further, the foregoing plurality of neighboring stations can measure a primary synchronization signal (PSS) based on the frequency point of the to-be-measured cell and the PCI of the to-be-measured cell, to obtain a measurement report. For example, the first access network device can measure a PSS corresponding to the first to-be-measured cell according to the frequency point of the first to-be-measured cell and the PCI of the first to-be-measured cell, to obtain a first measurement report.

[0217] Optionally, the foregoing first measurement report can include at least one of the following: reference signal receiving power (RSRP) of the first to-be-measured cell, reference signal receiving quality (RSRQ) of the first to-be-measured cell, and signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR) of the first to-be-measured cell.

[0218] SD2: The plurality of neighboring stations can respectively send measurement reports to the master station. For example, the first access network device can further send a first measurement report to the second access network device; correspondingly, the second access network device can receive the first measurement report from the first access network device; wherein the first measurement report comprises a first measurement result of the first to-be-measured cell, and the first measurement result is obtained by the first access network device according to a frequency point of the first to-be-measured cell and a PCI of the first to-be-measured cell.

[0219] Optionally, the plurality of neighboring stations respectively sending measurement reports to the master station can be implemented through an Xn interface.

[0220] SD3: The master station can select at least one slave station from the plurality of neighboring stations, so that the slave station can cooperate with the master station to obtain sensing data. For example, the second access network device can select at least one slave station from the plurality of neighboring stations, and the at least one slave station comprises the first access network device.

[0221] In some examples, the master station can select at least one slave station from the alternative neighboring stations. For example, the master station can select the at least one slave station according to one or more of the following: the measurement report corresponding to each of the plurality of neighboring stations obtained in SD2, the sensing capability information response corresponding to each of the plurality of neighboring stations obtained in SC2, the location information response corresponding to each of the plurality of neighboring stations obtained in SC4, and the time delay information calculated in SC5 and / or SC6. The application does not limit the manner in which the master station selects the at least one slave station.

[0222] SD4 (optional): The master station can select a cooperation mode between the master station and the at least one slave station. The following exemplary describes four cooperation modes between the master station and the slave station.

[0223] Mode one (master station sends and multiple neighboring stations receive): The master station sends one sensing signal, and the multiple slave stations receive the sensing signal at the same location at the same time;

[0224] Mode two (master station receives and multiple neighboring stations send): The multiple neighboring stations send sensing signals at different locations, and the master station receives the multiple sensing signals;

[0225] Mode three (master station receives and one neighboring station sends): The neighboring station sends one sensing signal, and the master station receives the sensing signal;

[0226] Mode four (master station sends and one neighboring station receives): The master station sends one sensing signal, and one neighboring station receives the sensing signal.

[0227] With the foregoing designs of SD1 to SD4, the second access network device can acquire the measurement report of at least one neighboring station (including the first access network device) through SD1 and SD2; the second access network device can further select at least one secondary station (including the first access network device) from the multiple neighboring stations of the second access network device through SD3, so as to acquire the sensing data in cooperation with the second access network device; and the second access network device can further determine the cooperation mode between the second access network device and the at least one neighboring station (including the first access network device) through SD4.

[0228] Based on the foregoing communication method shown in FIG. 5, it is assumed that the first access network device is a primary station, the primary station includes a sensing signal communication module, and the primary station can receive a sensing signal; and the second access network device is a secondary station, and the secondary station can acquire sensing data in cooperation with the primary station. Wherein, the secondary station can not be deployed with a communication module with sensing function, or can be deployed with a communication module with sensing function, which is not limited in the present application. In some examples, one primary station can correspond to multiple secondary stations; and the secondary station can be a neighboring station of the primary station, for example, the second access network device is a neighboring station of the first access network device.

[0229] Based on the foregoing assumption, the present application embodiment further provides the following possible designs.

[0230] In a possible design, before the foregoing S501, S502 or S503, the flow shown in FIG. 7 can also be performed. For example, the flow can include at least one of any combination in the following:

[0231] The following steps SE1 and SE2 are performed;

[0232] The following steps SE3 and SE4 are performed;

[0233] The following steps SE5 and SE6 are performed.

[0234] Each step in SE1 to SE6 is introduced as follows:

[0235] SE1: The primary station can send a sensing capability information request to multiple neighboring stations. For example, the first access network device can further send a second sensing capability information request to the second access network device; and correspondingly, the second access network device receives the second sensing capability information request from the first access network device.

[0236] SE2: Multiple neighboring stations send a sensing capability information response to the primary station. For example, the second access network device sends a second sensing capability information response to the first access network device; and correspondingly, the first access network device can receive the second sensing capability information response from the second access network device. Wherein, the second sensing capability information response includes that the second access network device does not include a sensing signal communication module. Optionally, the primary station can store the sensing capability information response corresponding to each of the multiple neighboring stations.

[0237] SE3: The master station can further send a location information request to multiple neighboring stations. For example, the first access network device sends a second location information request to the second access network device; correspondingly, the second access network device can further receive the second location information request from the first access network device.

[0238] SE4: Multiple neighboring stations can respectively send a location information response to the master station. For example, the second access network device can send a second location information response to the first access network device; correspondingly, the first access network device can receive the second location information response from the second access network device. Optionally, the master station can store the location information responses respectively corresponding to the multiple neighboring stations.

[0239] In some examples, the aforementioned SE1 and SE3 can be combined to perform, i.e., multiple requests are indicated by one request message; correspondingly, SE2 and SE4 can also be combined to perform, i.e., multiple responses are indicated by one response message.

[0240] SE5: The master station can further calculate delay information between the master station and multiple neighboring stations according to the sending / receiving time of the messages in SE1 and SE2, respectively. For example, the first access network device can calculate a third delay between the first access network device and the second access network device according to the sending / receiving time respectively corresponding to the aforementioned second sensing capability information request and second sensing capability information response.

[0241] SE6: The master station can further calculate delay information between the master station and multiple neighboring stations according to the sending / receiving time of the messages in SE3 and SE4, respectively. For example, the first access network device can calculate a fourth delay between the first access network device and the second access network device according to the sending / receiving time respectively corresponding to the aforementioned second location information request and second location information response.

[0242] In some examples, the aforementioned SE5 and SE6 can be selectively performed.

[0243] In another example, after performing SE5 and SE6, the master station can further calculate final delay information according to the delay information respectively obtained by SE5 and SE6; wherein the calculation manner is not limited by the present application. For example, the first access network device can calculate the average of the third delay and the fourth delay, and the final delay information is the average. For another example, the first access network device can calculate the final delay information according to a preset weighting ratio, the third delay and the fourth delay.

[0244] Optionally, based on the aforementioned SE5 and / or SE6, the master station can store the delay information respectively corresponding to the multiple neighboring stations.

[0245] With the designs of the preceding SE1 to SE6, the first access network device can acquire the sensing capability through the SE1 and the SE2, can acquire the location information through the SE3 and the SE4, and can acquire the latency information through the SE5 and the SE6, so that the transmission of the sensing data (sensing signal or sensing measurement result) between different access network devices can be implemented.

[0246] In a possible design, before the foregoing S501, S502, or S503, the flow shown in FIG. 8b can also be performed, which can include the following SF1 to SF4.

[0247] SF1: The master station can further send a measurement request to the plurality of neighboring stations. For example, the first access network device can further send a second measurement request to the second access network device; correspondingly, the second access network device can receive the second measurement request from the first access network device.

[0248] The master station can filter the candidate neighboring stations (including the second access network device) from the plurality of neighboring stations according to the sensing capability information responses acquired by the SE2, and perform SF1 only for the neighboring stations that meet the filtering condition. In some examples, the filtering condition can be that the neighboring station does not include a sensing signal communication module.

[0249] SF2: The plurality of neighboring stations can respectively send a measurement response to the master station, and the measurement response includes the frequency point of the to-be-measured cell and the PCI of the to-be-measured cell. For example, the second access network device can send a first measurement response to the first access network device; correspondingly, the first access network device receives the first measurement response from the second access network device; and the first measurement response includes the frequency point of the second to-be-measured cell and the PCI of the second to-be-measured cell.

[0250] Further, the master station can perform measurement on the cell corresponding to the neighboring station based on the measurement response from the foregoing plurality of neighboring stations, to obtain a measurement report. For example, the first access network device performs measurement on the PSS corresponding to the second to-be-measured cell according to the frequency point of the second to-be-measured cell and the PCI of the second to-be-measured cell, to obtain a second measurement report.

[0251] The foregoing second measurement report can include at least one of the following: the RSRP of the second to-be-measured cell, the RSRQ of the second to-be-measured cell, and the SINR of the second to-be-measured cell.

[0252] SF3: The master station can select at least one slave station from the plurality of neighboring stations, so that the slave station can cooperate with the master station to acquire the sensing data. For example, the first access network device can select at least one slave station from the plurality of neighboring stations, and the at least one slave station includes the second access network device.

[0253] In some examples, the master station can select at least one slave station from the alternative neighboring stations. For example, the master station can select at least one slave station according to one or more of the following: the measurement report corresponding to each of the plurality of neighboring stations obtained in SF2, the sensing capability information response corresponding to each of the plurality of neighboring stations obtained in SE2, the location information response corresponding to each of the plurality of neighboring stations obtained in SE4, and the delay information calculated in SE5 and / or SE6. The application does not limit the manner in which the master station selects at least one slave station.

[0254] SF4 (optional): The master station can select a cooperation mode between the master station and at least one slave station. The cooperation mode between the master station and the slave station can refer to the description in SD4.

[0255] With the foregoing SF1 to SF4, the first access network device can obtain the measurement report of at least one neighboring station (including the second access network device) through SF1 and SF2; the first access network device can also select at least one slave station (including the second access network device) from the plurality of neighboring stations of the first access network device through SD3, so as to cooperate the first access network device to obtain sensing data; and the first access network device can also determine the cooperation mode between the first access network device and at least one neighboring station (including the second access network device) through SD4.

[0256] Based on the foregoing embodiments, the communication method provided by the application is exemplarily illustrated by the examples shown in FIGS. 9a to 9e.

[0257] Embodiment One:

[0258] As shown in FIG. 9a, in this embodiment, RAN1 is a master station, RAN2 to RANx are slave stations, STs are deployed in RAN2 to RANx and support mode A; the cooperation mode between the master station and at least one slave station adopted in this embodiment is mode one, i.e., master station sends and multiple neighboring stations receive. In this embodiment, the communication method includes the following S9a-1 to S9a-7.

[0259] S9a-1: The master station sends a cooperation sensing preparation message to the neighboring stations through the Xn interface, the cooperation sensing preparation message is used to indicate that the neighboring stations will be the receiving end of the sensing signal subsequently, and to instruct the neighboring stations to start cooperation preparation; the cooperation preparation message includes the PCI and frequency point corresponding to the cell to be received sensing signal, and the cooperation preparation message also includes the time-frequency position of the sensing signal notified through the Xn interface. For example, RAN1 sends cooperation sensing preparation message 1 to RAN2, and RAN1 sends cooperation sensing preparation message 2 to RANx.

[0260] S9a-2: The neighbor station synchronizes with the master station through the ST in the downlink, and returns a cooperation preparation success message indicating that the neighbor station has completed the cooperation preparation. For example, RAN2 sends a cooperation preparation success message 1 to RAN1, and RANx sends a cooperation preparation success message 2 to RAN1.

[0261] S9a-3: The master station sends a sensing signal measurement request to the neighbor station through the Xn interface, which carries the time-frequency location (such as time domain, frequency domain, space domain, period, etc.) of the sensing signal. For example, RAN1 sends a sensing signal measurement request 1 to RAN2, and RAN1 sends a sensing signal measurement request 2 to RANx.

[0262] S9a-4: The master station sends a sensing signal to the neighbor station at the aforementioned time-frequency location through the Uu interface. For example, RAN1 sends a sensing signal 1 to RAN2, and RAN1 sends a sensing signal 2 to RANx.

[0263] S9a-5: The neighbor station measures the sensing signal. For example, RAN1 measures the sensing signal 1, and RAN2 measures the sensing signal 2.

[0264] S9a-6: The neighbor station returns the sensing measurement result to the master station through the Xn interface. For example, RAN2 sends a sensing measurement result 1 to RAN1, and RANx sends a sensing measurement result 2 to RAN1.

[0265] S9a-7: The master station fuses and analyzes the collected one or more sensing measurement results to obtain the final sensing result.

[0266] In some examples, S9a-3 to S9a-6 can be executed in a loop, so that the neighbor station can return the latest sensing measurement result to the master station at different times. In addition, the loop execution of S9a-3 to S9a-6 can also enable multiple neighbor stations to interact with the master station multiple times respectively, to meet the coordination of the sensing signal transmission and reception between the base stations and the sensing in the cooperation mode of mode one.

[0267] Embodiment two:

[0268] As shown in FIG. 9b, in this embodiment, RAN1 is the master station, RAN2 to RANx are the slave stations, STs are deployed in RAN2 to RANx and support mode B; the cooperation mode between the master station and at least one slave station in this embodiment is mode one, that is, the master station transmits and the neighbor station receives. In this embodiment, the communication method includes the following S9b-1 to S9b-7.

[0269] S9b-1: The master station sends a cooperative sensing preparation message to the neighboring station through the Xn interface, which is used to indicate that the neighboring station will be the receiving end of the sensing signal and start the cooperative preparation. The cooperative preparation message includes the PCI and frequency point corresponding to the cell to be received sensing signal, and the time-frequency position of the sensing signal is notified through the Uu interface. For example, RAN1 sends cooperative sensing preparation message 3 to RAN2, and RAN1 sends cooperative sensing preparation message 4 to RANx.

[0270] S9b-2: The neighboring station synchronizes with the master station through the ST, and the neighboring station accesses the master station through the ST (supporting mode B) and returns a cooperative preparation success message, which is used to indicate that the neighboring station has completed the cooperative preparation. For example, RAN2 sends cooperative preparation success message 3 to RAN1, and RANx sends cooperative preparation success message 4 to RAN1.

[0271] S9b-3: The master station sends a DCI to the neighboring station through the Uu interface, which carries the time-frequency position (time domain, frequency domain, spatial domain, period, etc.) of the sensing signal. For example, RAN1 sends DCI 1 to RAN2, and RAN1 sends DCI 2 to RANx.

[0272] S9b-4: The master station sends the sensing signal to the neighboring station at the aforementioned time-frequency position through the Uu interface. For example, RAN1 sends sensing signal 3 to RAN2, and RAN1 sends sensing signal 4 to RANx.

[0273] S9b-5: The neighboring station measures the sensing signal. For example, RAN1 measures sensing signal 3, and RAN2 measures sensing signal 4.

[0274] S9b-6: The neighboring station returns the sensing measurement result to the master station through the Uu interface, which is carried in the MAC CE. For example, RAN2 sends sensing measurement result 3 to RAN1, and RANx sends sensing measurement result 4 to RAN1.

[0275] S9b-7: The master station fuses and analyzes one or more sensing measurement results collected to obtain the final sensing result.

[0276] In some examples, S9b-3 to S9b-6 can be executed in a loop to enable the neighboring station to return the latest sensing measurement result to the master station at different times. In addition, the loop execution of S9b-3 to S9b-6 can also enable multiple neighboring stations to interact with the master station multiple times respectively, to meet the cooperative mode for mode one sensing signal transmission and coordination between base stations.

[0277] Embodiment three:

[0278] As shown in FIG. 9c, in this embodiment, RAN1 is a master station, RAN2 to RANx are slave stations, STs are deployed in RAN2 to RANx and the STs support mode B; the cooperation mode between the master station and at least one slave station in this embodiment is mode two, i.e., the master station receives from the neighboring stations. In this embodiment, the communication method includes the following S9c-1 to S9c-6.

[0279] S9c-1: The master station sends a cooperation sensing preparation message to the neighboring station through the Xn interface, the cooperation sensing preparation message is used to indicate that the neighboring station will be the sending end of the sensing signal later and instruct the neighboring station to start cooperation preparation; the cooperation preparation message includes the PCI and frequency point corresponding to the cell of the sensing signal to be sent, and the cooperation preparation message further includes the time-frequency position of the sensing signal notified through the Xn interface. For example, RAN1 sends a cooperation sensing preparation message 5 to RAN2 and a cooperation sensing preparation message 6 to RANx.

[0280] S9c-2: The neighboring station synchronizes with the master station through the ST, the neighboring station randomly accesses the master station through the ST (supporting mode B) and returns a cooperation preparation success message, the cooperation preparation success message is used to indicate that the neighboring station has completed the cooperation preparation. For example, RAN2 sends a cooperation preparation success message 5 to RAN1 and RANx sends a cooperation preparation success message 6 to RAN1.

[0281] S9c-3: The master station sends a sensing signal measurement request to the neighboring station through the Xn interface, the sensing signal measurement request carries the time-frequency position (such as time domain, frequency domain, space domain, period, etc.) of the sensing signal. For example, RAN1 sends a sensing signal measurement request 3 to RAN2 and a sensing signal measurement request 4 to RANx.

[0282] S9c-4: The ST deployed in the neighboring station sends the sensing signal through the Uu interface at the aforementioned time-frequency position; correspondingly, the master station receives the sensing signal from the neighboring station at the aforementioned time-frequency position. For example, RAN1 receives a sensing signal 5 from RAN2 and a sensing signal 6 from RANx.

[0283] S9c-5: The master station measures one or more sensing signals from the neighboring station to obtain one or more sensing measurement results.

[0284] S9c-6: The master station fuses and analyzes the collected one or more sensing measurement results to obtain the final sensing result.

[0285] In some examples, S9c-3 to S9c-5 can be cyclically executed, so that the master station can receive the latest sensing signals sent by the neighboring stations at different times, and obtain the latest sensing measurement results based on the latest sensing signals obtained each time, to achieve timely and accurate acquisition of the sensing measurement results. In addition, the cyclic execution of S9c-3 to S9c-5 can also enable the master station to receive the latest sensing signals from multiple neighboring stations respectively, and obtain the latest sensing measurement results, to meet the coordination mode between the master station and the at least one slave station in mode two.

[0286] Embodiment Four

[0287] As shown in FIG. 9d, in this embodiment, RAN1 is a master station, and RAN2 to RANx are slave stations, STs are deployed in RAN2 to RANx, and the STs support mode B; the coordination mode between the master station and the at least one slave station in this embodiment is mode two, that is, the master station receives from multiple neighboring stations. In this embodiment, the communication method includes the following S9d-1 to S9d-6.

[0288] S9d-1: The master station sends a cooperative sensing preparation message to the neighboring stations through the Xn interface, the cooperative sensing preparation message being used to indicate that the neighboring stations will subsequently act as the sending end of the sensing signal, and to instruct the neighboring stations to start the cooperative preparation; the cooperative preparation message includes the PCI and the frequency point corresponding to the cell of the sensing signal to be sent, and the cooperative preparation message further includes the time-frequency position of the sensing signal notified through the Uu interface. For example, RAN1 sends a cooperative sensing preparation message 7 to RAN2, and RAN1 sends a cooperative sensing preparation message 8 to RANx.

[0289] S9d-2: The neighboring stations synchronize with the master station through the ST, the neighboring stations randomly access the master station through the ST (supporting mode B), and return a cooperative preparation success message, the cooperative preparation success message being used to indicate that the neighboring stations have completed the cooperative preparation. For example, RAN2 sends a cooperative preparation success message 7 to RAN1, and RANx sends a cooperative preparation success message 8 to RAN1.

[0290] S9d-3: The master station sends a DCI to the neighboring stations through the Uu interface, the DCI carrying the time-frequency position (time domain, frequency domain, space domain, period, etc.) of the sensing signal to be sent. For example, RAN1 sends a DCI 3 to RAN2, and RAN1 sends a DCI 4 to RANx.

[0291] S9d-4: The ST deployed by the neighboring station sends the sensing signal at the aforementioned time-frequency position through the Uu interface; correspondingly, the master station receives the sensing signal from the neighboring station at the aforementioned time-frequency position. For example, RAN1 receives a sensing signal 7 from RAN2, and RAN1 receives a sensing signal 8 from RANx.

[0292] S9d-5: The master station measures one or more sensing signals from the neighboring stations, and obtains one or more sensing measurement results.

[0293] S9d-6: The master station performs fusion analysis on the collected one or more sensing measurement results, and obtains a final sensing result.

[0294] In some examples, S9d-3 to S9d-5 can be executed in a loop, so that the master station can receive the latest sensing signals sent by the neighboring stations at different times, and obtain the latest sensing measurement results based on the latest sensing signals obtained each time, to achieve timely and accurate obtaining of the sensing measurement results. In addition, the loop execution of S9d-3 to S9d-5 can also enable the master station to receive the latest sensing signals from multiple neighboring stations respectively, and obtain the latest sensing measurement results, to meet the coordinated mode for mode two when the transmission and reception of the sensing signals and the coordinated sensing between the base stations.

[0295] Embodiment Five

[0296] As shown in FIG. 9e, in this embodiment, RAN1 is a master station, RAN2 to RANx are neighboring stations of the master station, and ST is deployed in RAN1; the coordinated mode between the master station and at least one slave station in this embodiment is mode three, i.e., the master station receives from one neighboring station. In this embodiment, the communication method includes the following S9e-1 to S9e-7.

[0297] S9e-1: The master station sends a measurement request to the neighboring stations. For example, RAN1 sends measurement request 1 to RAN2, and RANx1 sends measurement request 2 to RANx.

[0298] S9e-2: The neighboring stations send a measurement response to the master station, and the measurement response includes the frequency points and PCIs of the cells to be measured. For example, RAN2 sends measurement response 1 to RAN1, and RANx sends measurement response 2 to RAN1.

[0299] S9e-3: The master station can achieve downlink synchronization with the neighboring stations through the ST, measure the PSS signals according to the aforementioned frequency points and PCIs, and select one of the neighboring stations as a slave station, i.e., as a transmission end of the sensing signal. For example, RAN1 can select RANx as a slave station.

[0300] Optionally, the basis for selecting one of the neighboring stations as a slave station can include selecting one of the neighboring stations that does not have ST deployed therein as a slave station. For example, assuming that ST is not deployed in RANx, RAN1 can select RANx as a slave station.

[0301] In some examples, when the ST deployed in the master station supports mode B, the master station can randomly access the aforementioned selected slave station through the ST. For example, RAN1 can randomly access RANx.

[0302] S9e-4: The master station sends a cooperative sensing preparation to the neighboring station, the cooperative sensing preparation message is used to indicate that the neighboring station will be the sending end of the sensing signal subsequently, and indicates the neighboring station to start the cooperative preparation; the cooperative preparation message includes the PCI and the frequency point corresponding to the cell of the to-be-sent sensing signal. For example, RAN1 sends a cooperative sensing preparation message 9 to RANx.

[0303] S9e-5: The neighboring station returns a cooperative preparation success message to the master station, the cooperative preparation success message is used to indicate that the neighboring station has completed the cooperative preparation. For example, RANx sends a cooperative preparation success message 9 to RAN1.

[0304] S9e-6: The neighboring station sends the sensing signal to the master station through the Uu interface. For example, RAN1 receives a sensing signal 9 from RANx.

[0305] S9e-7: The master station measures the sensing signal from the neighboring station to obtain the final sensing result.

[0306] Based on the same technical concept, the embodiment of the application provides a communication device, which comprises a module or unit or means corresponding to the method steps in the above method embodiments, and the functions or units or means can be realized by software or hardware, or by executing corresponding software by hardware.

[0307] For example, referring to FIG. 10, the communication device 1000 can comprise a processing module 1001 and a communication module 1002.

[0308] Optionally, the communication module 1002 can comprise a sending module and / or a receiving module. The sending module is used to perform the sending operation in the above method embodiments. The receiving module is used to perform the receiving operation in the above method embodiments. It should be noted that the communication device 1000 can only comprise the sending module and does not comprise the receiving module. Alternatively, the communication device 1000 can only comprise the receiving module and does not comprise the sending module. Specifically, whether the sending action and the receiving action are included in the above scheme executed by the communication device 1000 can be determined.

[0309] The processing module 1001 is used for data processing. The communication module 1002 can realize corresponding communication functions.

[0310] Optionally, the communication device 1000 can further comprise a storage module, which can be used to store instructions and / or data. The processing module 1001 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage module, so that the communication device 1000 realizes the above method embodiments.

[0311] For example, the communication apparatus 1000 can be a first access network device or a component configured in the first access network device. When the communication apparatus 1000 is configured to implement the first access network device shown in FIG. 5, the communication apparatus 1000 further includes a sensing signal communication module. The communication module 1002 is configured to receive, by the sensing signal communication module, the first sensing signal from the second access network device; or the communication module 1002 is further configured to receive, by the sensing signal communication module, the second sensing signal from the second access network device, and transmit, by the sensing signal communication module, the third sensing signal to the second access network device.

[0312] In a possible design, the communication module 1002 is further configured to transmit, by the sensing signal communication module, the sensing measurement result to the second access network device, where the sensing measurement result is determined according to the first sensing signal or the second sensing signal.

[0313] In a possible design, the sensing measurement result is carried in a MAC CE.

[0314] In a possible design, the communication module 1002 is further configured to transmit, to the second access network device, a msg3, where the msg3 is carried in a MAC CE; and the msg3 is a message in a process in which the communication apparatus 1000 randomly accesses the second access network device.

[0315] In a possible design, the communication module 1002 is further configured to receive a first sensing capability information request from the second access network device; and the communication module 1002 is further configured to transmit, to the second access network device, a first sensing capability information response, where the first sensing capability information response includes at least one of the following: the communication apparatus 1000 includes the sensing signal communication module, a communication mode of the sensing signal communication module, and a frequency band supported by the sensing signal communication module; and the communication mode is used to indicate that the sensing signal communication module only supports receiving the sensing signal, or the sensing signal communication module supports receiving and transmitting the sensing signal.

[0316] In a possible design, the communication module 1002 is further configured to transmit, to the second access network device, a second sensing capability information request; and the communication module 1002 is further configured to receive a second sensing capability information response from the second access network device, where the second sensing capability information response includes that the second access network device does not include the sensing signal communication module.

[0317] In a possible design, the communication module 1002 is further configured to receive a first measurement request from the second access network device, where the first measurement request comprises a frequency point of a first to-be-measured cell and a PCI of the first to-be-measured cell; and the communication module 1002 is further configured to send, to the second access network device, a first measurement report, where the first measurement report comprises a first measurement result of the first to-be-measured cell, and the first measurement result is obtained by the communication apparatus 1000 by measuring the first to-be-measured cell according to the frequency point of the first to-be-measured cell and the PCI of the first to-be-measured cell.

[0318] In a possible design, the communication module 1002 is further configured to send, to the second access network device, a second measurement request, where the second measurement request comprises a frequency point of a second to-be-measured cell and a PCI of the second to-be-measured cell; and the communication module 1002 is further configured to receive a second measurement report from the second access network device, where the second measurement report comprises a second measurement result of the second to-be-measured cell, and the second measurement result is obtained by the second access network device by measuring the second to-be-measured cell according to the frequency point of the second to-be-measured cell and the PCI of the second to-be-measured cell.

[0319] In a possible design, the communication module 1002 is specifically configured to receive first indication information from the second access network device, where the first indication information is used to indicate a first resource location for transmitting a first sensing signal; and the sensing signal communication module is configured to receive, at the first resource location, the first sensing signal from the second access network device.

[0320] In a possible design, the communication module 1002 is specifically configured to receive the first indication information from the second access network device based on that the sensing signal communication module receives the first indication information from the second access network device through a Uu interface between the sensing signal communication module and the second access network device.

[0321] Optionally, the first indication information can be carried in a DCI.

[0322] In a possible design, the communication module 1002 is further configured to receive second indication information from the second access network device, where the second indication information is used to indicate that the communication apparatus 1000 receives the first indication information through the Uu interface.

[0323] In a possible design, the communication module 1002 is further configured to send, to the second access network device, a first interface information request, where the first interface information request is used to request the second access network device to send the second indication information.

[0324] In a possible design, the communication module 1002 is specifically configured to: receive third indication information and fourth indication information from the second access network device, the third indication information being used to indicate a second resource position at which the second sensing signal is received, and the fourth indication information being used to indicate a third resource position at which the third sensing signal is sent; receive, by the sensing signal communication module, the second sensing signal from the second access network device at the second resource position, and send, by the sensing signal communication module, the third sensing signal to the second access network device at the third resource position.

[0325] In a possible design, the communication module 1002 is specifically configured to: receive the third indication information and the fourth indication information from the second access network device based on that the sensing signal communication module receives the third indication information and the fourth indication information from the second access network device through a Uu interface between the sensing signal communication module and the second access network device.

[0326] Optionally, the third indication information and the fourth indication information can be carried in DCI.

[0327] In a possible design, the communication module 1002 is further configured to: receive fifth indication information from the second access network device, the fifth indication information being used to indicate that the communication apparatus 1000 receives the third indication information and the fourth indication information through the Uu interface.

[0328] In a possible design, the communication module 1002 is further configured to: send a second interface information request to the second access network device, the second interface information request being used to request the second access network device to send the fifth indication information.

[0329] For example, the communication apparatus 1000 can be a first access network device or a component configurable to a second access network device. When the communication apparatus 1000 is used to implement the second access network device shown in FIG. 5, the communication module 1002 is configured to: send a first sensing signal to a sensing signal communication module of a first access network device; or the communication module 1002 is further configured to: send a second sensing signal to the sensing signal communication module of the first access network device, and receive a third sensing signal from the sensing signal communication module.

[0330] In a possible design, the communication module 1002 is further configured to: receive a sensing measurement result from the sensing signal communication module, the sensing measurement result being determined by the first access network device based on the first sensing signal or the second sensing signal.

[0331] In a possible design, the sensing measurement result is carried in a MAC CE.

[0332] In a possible design, the communication module 1002 is further configured to receive a msg3 from the sensing signal communication module, where the msg3 is carried in a MAC CE, and the msg3 is a message in a process in which the first access network device randomly accesses the communication apparatus 1000.

[0333] In a possible design, the communication module 1002 is further configured to send a first sensing capability information request to the first access network device, and further configured to receive a first sensing capability information response from the first access network device, where the first sensing capability information response includes at least one of the following: the first access network device includes a sensing signal communication module, a communication mode of the sensing signal communication module, and a frequency band supported by the sensing signal communication module; and the communication mode is used to indicate that the sensing signal communication module only supports receiving sensing signals, or the sensing signal communication module supports receiving and sending sensing signals.

[0334] In a possible design, the communication module 1002 is further configured to receive a second sensing capability information request from the first access network device, and further configured to send a second sensing capability information response to the first access network device, where the second sensing capability information response includes that the communication apparatus 1000 does not include a sensing signal communication module.

[0335] In a possible design, the communication module 1002 is further configured to send a first measurement request to the first access network device, where the first measurement request includes a frequency point of a first to-be-measured cell and a PCI of the first to-be-measured cell, and further configured to receive a first measurement report from the first access network device, where the first measurement report includes a first measurement result of the first to-be-measured cell, and the first measurement result is obtained by the first access network device according to the frequency point of the first to-be-measured cell and the PCI of the first to-be-measured cell.

[0336] In a possible design, the communication module 1002 is further configured to receive a second measurement request from the first access network device, where the second measurement request includes a frequency point of a second to-be-measured cell and a PCI of the second to-be-measured cell, and further configured to send a second measurement report to the first access network device, where the second measurement report includes a second measurement result of the second to-be-measured cell, and the second measurement result is obtained by the communication apparatus 1000 according to the frequency point of the second to-be-measured cell and the PCI of the second to-be-measured cell.

[0337] In a possible design, the communication module 1002 is specifically configured to send first indication information to the first access network device, where the first indication information is used to indicate a first resource location for transmitting a first sensing signal, and further configured to send the first sensing signal to the sensing signal communication module at the first resource location.

[0338] In a possible design, the communication module 1002 is specifically configured to send the first indication information to the sensing signal communication module through a Uu interface between the sensing signal communication module and the communication apparatus 1000.

[0339] Optionally, the first indication information can be carried in DCI.

[0340] In a possible design, the communication module 1002 is further configured to send second indication information to the first access network device, where the second indication information is used to instruct the first access network device to receive the first indication information through the Uu interface.

[0341] In a possible design, the communication module 1002 is further configured to receive a first interface information request from the first access network device, where the first interface information request is used to request the communication apparatus 1000 to send the second indication information.

[0342] In a possible design, the communication module 1002 is specifically configured to send third indication information and fourth indication information to the first access network device, where the third indication information is used to instruct a second resource location at which the second sensing signal is received, and the fourth indication information is used to instruct a third resource location at which the third sensing signal is sent; and send the second sensing signal to the sensing signal communication module at the second resource location, and receive the third sensing signal from the first access network device at the third resource location.

[0343] In a possible design, the communication module 1002 is specifically configured to send the third indication information and the fourth indication information to the first access network device through a Uu interface between the sensing signal communication module and the communication apparatus 1000.

[0344] Optionally, the third indication information and the fourth indication information can be carried in DCI.

[0345] In a possible design, the communication module 1002 is further configured to send fifth indication information to the first access network device, where the fifth indication information is used to instruct the first access network device to receive the third indication information and the fourth indication information through the Uu interface.

[0346] In a possible design, the communication module 1002 is further configured to receive a second interface information request from the first access network device, where the second interface information request is used to request the communication apparatus 1000 to send the fifth indication information.

[0347] It should be understood that all related content of each step in the above method embodiments can be cited to the function description of the corresponding functional module, which will not be repeated here.

[0348] The processing module 1001 in the above embodiments can be implemented by at least one processor or processor-related circuit. The communication module 1002 can be implemented by a transceiver or transceiver-related circuit. The communication module 1002 can also be referred to as a communication module or a communication interface.

[0349] Another structural schematic diagram of the communication apparatus in the embodiments of the present application is shown below. As shown in FIG. 11, the embodiments of the present application further provide a communication apparatus 1100, which comprises:

[0350] at least one processor 1101, and a communication interface 1103 connected with the at least one processor 1101; the at least one processor 1101 executes instructions stored in the memory 1102, so that the apparatus performs the method steps in the above method embodiments through the communication interface 1103.

[0351] The memory 1102 can be located outside the communication apparatus 1100. Alternatively, the memory 1102 can also be located inside the communication apparatus 1100. Optionally, the communication apparatus 1100 comprises the memory 1102, the memory 1102 is connected with the at least one processor 1101, and the memory 1102 stores instructions executable by the at least one processor 1101. FIG. 11 shows that the memory 1102 is optional for the communication apparatus 1100 with a dashed line.

[0352] The processor 1101 and the memory 1102 can be coupled through an interface circuit or integrated together, which is not limited here.

[0353] The specific connection medium between the processor 1101, the memory 1102 and the communication interface 1103 is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. In FIG. 11, the processor 1101, the memory 1102 and the communication interface 1103 are connected through a bus 1104, and the bus is represented by a thick line in FIG. 11. The connection mode between other components is only schematically illustrated, and is not limited. The bus can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For convenience, only one thick line is used to represent the bus in FIG. 11, but it does not mean that there is only one bus or only one type of bus.

[0354] Taking the first access network device as an example, when the communication apparatus 1100 is the first access network device, the first access network device can comprise a processor, a memory and a transceiver. The memory can store computer program codes, and the transceiver comprises a transmitter and a receiver.

[0355] The processor is mainly used for processing communication protocols and communication data, controlling the first access network device, executing software programs and processing data of the software programs, etc. The memory is mainly used for storing software programs and data. The transmitter is used for sending signals to other communication devices or equipment, and the receiver is used for receiving signals from other communication devices or equipment.

[0356] When the communication device 1100 is a chip in the first access network device, the chip can include a processor, a memory and a transceiver. The transceiver can be an input / output circuit or a communication interface. The processor can be a processing module integrated on the chip or a microprocessor or an integrated circuit. The sending operation of the first access network device in the above method embodiments can be understood as the output of the chip, and the receiving operation of the first access network device in the above method embodiments can be understood as the input of the chip.

[0357] It should be understood that the processor mentioned in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented by hardware or software. When implemented by hardware, the processor can be a logic circuit, an integrated circuit, etc. When implemented by software, the processor can be a general-purpose processor, which is implemented by reading software codes stored in the memory.

[0358] For example, the processor can be a central processing unit (CPU), and can also be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSP), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gates or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or the processor can also be any conventional processor.

[0359] It should be appreciated that the memory mentioned in the embodiments of the present application can be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or can include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory can be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically EPROM (EEPROM) or a flash memory. The volatile memory can be a random access memory (RAM) used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, many forms of RAM can be used, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM) and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0360] It should be noted that when the processor is a general processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, discrete hardware component, the memory (storage module) can be integrated in the processor.

[0361] It should be noted that the memory described herein is intended to include, but not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0362] Based on the same technical concept, the embodiments of the present application also provide a computer readable storage medium, including programs or instructions, when the programs or instructions run on the computer, the method in the above method embodiment is executed.

[0363] Based on the same technical concept, the embodiments of the present application also provide a computer program product, including instructions, when it runs on the computer, the method in the above method embodiment is executed.

[0364] Based on the same technical concept, the embodiments of the present application further provide a communication system, which can comprise a first access network device and a second access network device. For example, the communication system can be used to implement the method flow in FIG. 5. Optionally, the communication system can further comprise other communication devices.

[0365] Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments of the present application can be provided as a method, a system, or a computer program product. Therefore, the present application can take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Moreover, the present application can take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including, but not limited to, disk storage, CD-ROMs, optical storage devices, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0366] The present application is described with reference to the flowcharts and / or block diagrams of the method, device (system), and computer program product according to the present application. It should be understood that each flow and / or block in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams, and a combination of flows and / or blocks in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, an embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus generate means for implementing the functions specified in one or more flows in the flowcharts and / or one or more blocks in the block diagrams.

[0367] These computer program instructions can also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to work in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce a manufactured product comprising instruction means, which implements the functions specified in one or more flows in the flowcharts and / or one or more blocks in the block diagrams.

[0368] These computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, so that a series of operation steps are performed on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process, so that the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified in one or more flows in the flowcharts and / or one or more blocks in the block diagrams.

[0369] In various embodiments of the present application, the terms and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referred to each other if there is no special description and logical conflict. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0370] It can be understood that various digital numbers involved in the embodiments of the present application are only distinguished for convenience of description, and are not used to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present application. The size of the serial number of the above processes does not mean the order of execution, and the execution order of the processes should be determined according to its function and inherent logic.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a first access network device, the first access network device including a sensing signal communication module, the method includes: The sensing signal communication module receives a first sensing signal from the second access network device; or... The sensing signal communication module receives a second sensing signal from the second access network device and sends a third sensing signal to the second access network device.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: The sensing measurement results are sent to the second access network device through the sensing signal communication module. The sensing measurement results are determined based on the first sensing signal or the second sensing signal.

3. The method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: The sensing and measurement results are carried in the Media Access Control Unit (MAC CE).

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send message 3msg3 to the second access network device. The msg3 is carried in the MAC CE. The msg3 is a message during the process of the first access network device randomly accessing the second access network device.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a first sensing capability information request from the second access network device; Send a first sensing capability information response to the second access network device, the first sensing capability information response including at least one of the following: the communication mode of the sensing signal communication module, the frequency band supported by the sensing signal communication module; wherein, the communication mode is used to indicate that the sensing signal communication module only supports receiving sensing signals, or the sensing signal communication module supports receiving and sending sensing signals.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a second sensing capability information request to the second access network device; The second sensing capability information response is received from the second access network device, wherein the second sensing capability information response includes: the second access network device does not include a sensing signal communication module.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a first measurement request from the second access network device, the first measurement request including the frequency point of the first cell to be measured and the physical cell identifier (PCI) of the first cell to be measured; A first measurement report is sent to the second access network device. The first measurement report includes a first measurement result of the first cell to be measured. The first measurement result is obtained by the first access network device measuring the first cell to be measured based on the frequency point and PCI of the first cell to be measured.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a second measurement request to the second access network device, the second measurement request including the frequency point of the second cell to be measured and the PCI of the second cell to be measured; The device receives a second measurement report from the second access network device. The second measurement report includes a second measurement result of the second cell to be measured. The second measurement result is obtained by the second access network device measuring the second cell to be measured based on the frequency point and PCI of the second cell to be measured.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The step of receiving the first sensing signal from the second access network device through the sensing signal communication module includes: Receive first indication information from the second access network device, the first indication information being used to indicate the first resource location for transmitting the first sensing signal; The sensing signal communication module receives the first sensing signal from the second access network device at the first resource location.

10. The method as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The receipt of the first indication information from the second access network device includes: Based on the sensing signal communication module, the first indication information from the second access network device is received through the Uu interface between the sensing signal communication module and the second access network device.

11. The method as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The first indication information is carried in the downlink control information (DCI).

12. The method as described in claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first access network device receives a second indication message from the second access network device, the second indication message being used to instruct the first access network device to receive the first indication message through the Uu interface.

13. The method as described in claim 12, characterized in that, Before receiving the second indication signal from the second access network device, the method further includes: Send a first interface information request to the second access network device; the first interface information request is used to request the second access network device to send the second indication information.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The step of receiving a second sensing signal from the second access network device through the sensing signal communication module, and sending a third sensing signal to the second access network device through the sensing signal communication module, includes: Receive third indication information and fourth indication information from the second access network device, wherein the third indication information is used to indicate the second resource location for receiving the second sensing signal, and the fourth indication information is used to indicate the third resource location for sending the third sensing signal; The sensing signal communication module receives the second sensing signal from the second access network device at the second resource location, and sends the third sensing signal to the second access network device at the third resource location through the sensing signal communication module.

15. The method as described in claim 14, characterized in that, The receiving of the third and fourth indication information from the second access network device includes: Based on the sensing signal communication module, the third indication information and the fourth indication information are received from the second access network device through the Uu interface between the sensing signal communication module and the second access network device.

16. The method as described in claim 15, characterized in that, The third and fourth indication information are carried in the DCI.

17. The method as described in claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first access network device receives a fifth indication message from the second access network device, the fifth indication message being used to instruct the first access network device to receive the third indication message and the fourth indication message through the Uu interface.

18. The method as described in claim 17, characterized in that, Before receiving the fifth indication information from the second access network device, the method further includes: Send a second interface information request to the second access network device; the second interface information request is used to request the second access network device to send the fifth indication information.

19. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a second access network device, the method includes: Send a first sensing signal to the sensing signal communication module of the first access network device; or... Send a second sensing signal to the sensing signal communication module of the first access network device, and receive a third sensing signal from the sensing signal communication module.

20. The method as described in claim 19, characterized in that, Also includes: The first access network device receives sensing measurement results from the sensing signal communication module, the sensing measurement results being determined by the first access network device based on the first sensing signal or the second sensing signal.

21. The method as described in claim 20, characterized in that, The sensing and measurement results are carried in the Media Access Control Unit (MAC CE).

22. The method according to any one of claims 19-21, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive message 3msg3 from the sensing signal communication module, the msg3 being carried in MAC CE; the msg3 is a message during the process of the first access network device randomly accessing the second access network device.

23. The method according to any one of claims 19-22, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a first sensing capability information request to the first access network device; The system receives a first sensing capability information response from a first access network device. The first sensing capability information response includes at least one of the following: the communication mode of the sensing signal communication module, and the frequency band supported by the sensing signal communication module; wherein the communication mode is used to indicate that the sensing signal communication module only supports receiving sensing signals, or that the sensing signal communication module supports both receiving and transmitting sensing signals.

24. The method according to any one of claims 19-23, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a second sensing capability information request from the first access network device; Send a second sensing capability information response to the first access network device, wherein the second sensing capability information response includes: the second access network device does not include a sensing signal communication module.

25. The method according to any one of claims 19-24, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a first measurement request to the first access network device. The first measurement request includes the frequency point of the first cell to be measured and the physical cell identifier (PCI) of the first cell to be measured. The system receives a first measurement report from the first access network device. The first measurement report includes a first measurement result of the first cell to be measured. The first measurement result is obtained by the first access network device measuring the first cell to be measured based on the frequency point and PCI of the first cell to be measured.

26. The method according to any one of claims 19-24, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a second measurement request from the first access network device, the second measurement request including the frequency point of the second cell to be measured and the PCI of the second cell to be measured; A second measurement report is sent to the first access network device. The second measurement report includes a first measurement result of the second cell to be measured. The second measurement result is obtained by the second access network device measuring the second cell to be measured based on the frequency point and PCI of the second cell to be measured.

27. The method according to any one of claims 19-26, characterized in that, Sending the first sensing signal to the sensing signal communication module of the first access network device includes: Send first indication information to the first access network device, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate the first resource location for transmitting the first sensing signal; The first sensing signal is sent to the sensing signal communication module at the first resource location.

28. The method as described in claim 27, characterized in that, Sending the first indication information to the first access network device includes: The first indication information is sent to the sensing signal communication module through the Uu interface between the sensing signal communication module and the second access network device.

29. The method as described in claim 28, characterized in that, The first indication information is carried in the downlink control information (DCI).

30. The method as described in claim 28 or 29, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a second indication message to the first access network device, the second indication message being used to instruct the first access network device to receive the first indication message through the Uu interface.

31. The method as described in claim 30, characterized in that, Before sending the second indication signal to the first access network device, the method further includes: Receive a first interface information request from the first access network device; the first interface information request is used to request the second access network device to send the second indication information.

32. The method according to any one of claims 19-26, characterized in that, The step of sending a second sensing signal to the sensing signal communication module and receiving a third sensing signal from the first access network device includes: Send a third indication message and a fourth indication message to the first access network device, wherein the third indication message is used to indicate the second resource location for receiving the second sensing signal, and the fourth indication message is used to indicate the third resource location for sending the third sensing signal; The second sensing signal is sent to the sensing signal communication module at the second resource location, and the third sensing signal is received from the first access network device at the third resource location.

33. The method as described in claim 32, characterized in that, Sending third and fourth indication information to the first access network device, including: The third indication information and the fourth indication information are sent to the first access network device through the Uu interface between the sensing signal communication module and the second access network device.

34. The method as described in claim 33, characterized in that, The third and fourth indication information are carried in the DCI.

35. The method as described in claim 33 or 34, characterized in that, The method further includes: A fifth indication message is sent to the first access network device, the fifth indication message being used to instruct the first access network device to receive the third indication message and the fourth indication message through the Uu interface.

36. The method as described in claim 35, characterized in that, Before sending the fifth indication information to the first access network device, the method further includes: Receive a second interface information request from the first access network device; the second interface information request is used to request the second access network device to send the fifth indication information.

37. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes units or modules for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1-18, or units or modules for performing the method as described in any one of claims 19-36.

38. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a processor for executing computer programs or instructions to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-18, or to implement the method as described in any one of claims 19-36.

39. The communication device as claimed in claim 38, characterized in that, It also includes a memory that stores computer programs or instructions.

40. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores a computer program or instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-18, or the method as described in any one of claims 19-36.

41. A computer program product, characterized in that, When the computer program product is executed by a computer, it causes the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-18, or to perform the method as described in any one of claims 19-36.

42. A chip system, characterized in that, Including logic circuits; The logic circuit is configured to execute a computer-executable program, such that a device having the chip system mounted thereon is configured to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-18, or to perform the method as described in any one of claims 19-36.

43. A communication system, characterized in that, Including the first access network equipment and the second access network equipment; Wherein, the first access network device is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-18; the second access network device is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 19-36.

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