Communication method, apparatus and system

Abstract

The present application provides a communication method, apparatus and system, applied to the technical field of communications. The communication method provided by the present application can ensure the continuity of sensing a sensing target. The communication method comprises: a first network element receives a first message from a source sensing network element, wherein the source sensing network element is used for acquiring sensing data of a sensing target for a sensing service, and the first message is used for triggering the first network element to determine a second network element, or the first message is used by the first network element to determine whether to determine the second network element; and when the first network element determines the second network element, the first network element sends a second message to the second network element, wherein the second message is used for requesting a target sensing network element to acquire the sensing data of the sensing target for the sensing service, the target sensing network element is different from the source sensing network element, and the second network element is associated with the target sensing network element, or the second network element is the target sensing network element.

Description

Communication method, apparatus and system

[0001] The present application claims priority from the Chinese patent application No. 202410981759.6 filed on July 19, 2024, and entitled "Communication method, apparatus and system", the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, in particular to a communication method, apparatus and system. BACKGROUND

[0003] Integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) is one of the important application scenarios in future communication networks. In ISAC, a sensing network element can sense a sensing target, so that the network can provide diversified capabilities such as high-precision positioning, environment reconstruction, imaging, or identification for the sensing target.

[0004] In ISAC, in some scenarios, the continuity of sensing a sensing target by a sensing network element may not be guaranteed. SUMMARY

[0005] Embodiments of the present application provide a communication method, apparatus and system, which can guarantee the continuity of sensing.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the embodiments of the present application adopt the following technical solutions:

[0007] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be executed by a first network element, or can also be executed by a module (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.) applied to the first network element. Hereinafter, the first network element is taken as an example to execute the communication method, which includes: the first network element receives a first message from a source sensing network element, the source sensing network element is used to obtain sensing data of a sensing target for a sensing service. The first message is used to trigger the first network element to determine a second network element, or the first message is used for the first network element to determine whether to determine the second network element. In the case that the first network element determines the second network element, the first network element sends a second message to the second network element; the second message requests a target sensing network element to obtain the sensing data of the sensing target for the sensing service. The target sensing network element is different from the source sensing network element, the second network element is associated with the target sensing network element, or the second network element is the target sensing network element.

[0008] Based on the communication method provided in the embodiments of the present application, the first network element can determine the second network element based on the first message from the source perception network element, and acquire the perception data of the perception target by the target perception network element different from the source perception network element by sending the second message to the second network element, so as to realize the management of the perception continuity, and when the source perception network element can no longer acquire the accurate and continuous perception data, the new perception network element (i.e. the target perception network element) is enabled to acquire the perception data, so as to guarantee the continuity of the perception of the perception target.

[0009] With reference to the first aspect, in a possible design, the first message is used for the first network element to determine whether to determine the second network element, and includes: the first network element determining, according to the perception data included in the first message, whether the perception target satisfies a first condition. In a case where the perception target satisfies the first condition, the first network element determines to determine the second network element.

[0010] Based on the present solution, the first network element can itself determine whether to determine the second network element according to whether the perception target satisfies a specific condition. In other words, the first network element can itself trigger the perception continuity guarantee to determine the second network element.

[0011] With reference to the first aspect, in a possible design, the first condition includes at least one of the following: the perception target is predicted to leave the perception coverage range of the source perception network element; the perception target is predicted to leave the perception coverage range of the source perception network element, and the perception target is predicted to be not in the perception coverage range of another perception network element managed by the first network element after leaving the perception coverage range of the source perception network element; the perception target is predicted to leave the perception coverage range of the source perception network element, and the perception target is predicted to be in the perception coverage range of another perception network element managed by the first network element after leaving the perception coverage range of the source perception network element; the distance between the first network element or the source perception network element and the perception target is greater than or equal to a first threshold; or the distance between the perception target and the boundary of the first region is less than a second threshold.

[0012] The present solution provides a plurality of first conditions. If the perception target satisfies the first condition, it indicates that the source perception network element can no longer acquire the continuous perception data of the perception target, and the perception continuity cannot be guaranteed. Therefore, the first network element can determine the second network element in a case where the perception target satisfies the first condition, so as to enable the target perception network element to acquire the perception data and guarantee the perception continuity.

[0013] With reference to the first aspect, in a possible design, the distance between the first network element or the source perception network element and the perception target is greater than or equal to the first threshold, including: the distance between the first network element or the source perception network element and the perception target is greater than or equal to the first threshold for a time length reaching a first time length.

[0014] The scheme provides a further first condition, which can avoid unnecessary overhead caused by the first network element triggering the perception continuity guarantee in the case that the source perception network element can also obtain the perception data of the perception target when the first network element or the source perception network element is far away from the perception target only for a short time.

[0015] In combination with the first aspect, in a possible design, the distance between the first network element or the source perception network element and the perception target is greater than or equal to the first threshold, including: the distance between the first network element and the perception target is greater than or equal to the first threshold, and the moving direction of the perception target is away from the first network element; or the distance between the source perception network element and the perception target is greater than or equal to the first threshold, and the moving direction of the perception target is away from the source perception network element.

[0016] The scheme provides a further first condition, which can avoid unnecessary overhead caused by the first network element triggering the perception continuity guarantee in the case that the source perception network element can also obtain the perception data of the perception target when the perception target is approaching the first network element or the source perception network element.

[0017] In combination with the first aspect, in a possible design, the distance between the perception target and the boundary of the first region is less than or equal to the second threshold, including: the distance between the perception target and the boundary of the first region is less than or equal to the second threshold for a time length reaching a second time length.

[0018] The scheme provides a further first condition, which can guarantee that the first network element triggers the perception continuity guarantee when the perception target has been approaching the boundary of the first region for a time length, and can avoid unnecessary overhead caused by the first network element triggering the perception continuity guarantee when the perception target only approaches the boundary of the first region for a short time.

[0019] In combination with the first aspect, in a possible design, the distance between the perception target and the boundary of the first region is less than or equal to the second threshold, including: the distance between the perception target and the boundary of the first region is less than or equal to the second threshold, and the moving direction of the perception target is away from the first network element or the source perception network element.

[0020] The scheme provides a further first condition, which can guarantee that the first network element triggers the perception continuity guarantee when the perception target has approached the boundary of the first region and is also away from the first network element or the source perception network element, and can avoid unnecessary overhead caused by the first network element triggering the perception continuity guarantee in the case that the source perception network element can also obtain the perception data of the perception target when the perception target is approaching the first network element or the source perception network element.

[0021] With reference to the first aspect, in a possible design of the first message, the first message includes at least one of the following: information of the sensing service, information of the sensing target, or location information of the source sensing network element.

[0022] Based on this scheme, the source sensing network element can provide the first network element with various sensing-related information, to assist the first network element in managing sensing continuity.

[0023] With reference to the first aspect, in a possible design of the second message, the second message includes at least one of the following: information of the sensing service, information of the sensing target, or location information of the source sensing network element.

[0024] Based on this scheme, the first network element can provide the second network element with various sensing-related information, to assist the target sensing network element to successfully sense the sensing target.

[0025] With reference to the first aspect, in a possible design of the second message, the second message includes first time information, where the first time information indicates a time at which the target sensing network element starts to acquire sensing data of the sensing target.

[0026] Based on this scheme, the first network element can indicate to the second network element the time at which the target sensing network element starts to acquire sensing data of the sensing target.

[0027] With reference to the first aspect, in a possible design of the method, the method further includes: receiving, by the first network element, a third message from the second network element, where the third message indicates that the target sensing network element successfully starts to acquire sensing data of the sensing target, or the third message indicates that the target sensing network element fails to acquire sensing data of the sensing target.

[0028] Based on this scheme, the second network element can indicate to the first network element whether the sensing of the sensing target by the target sensing network element is successful, to facilitate the first network element to make a corresponding decision.

[0029] With reference to the first aspect, in a possible design of the third message, in a case where the third message indicates that the target sensing network element fails to acquire sensing data of the sensing target, the third message further includes information indicating a reason for the failure of the target sensing network element to acquire sensing data of the sensing target.

[0030] Based on this scheme, the second network element can further indicate to the first network element the reason for the failure of the target sensing network element to acquire sensing data of the sensing target, so that the first network element can learn the reason for the failure, which is helpful for the first network element to make a decision subsequently.

[0031] With reference to the first aspect, in a possible design of the first aspect, the target awareness network element obtains the reason for the failure of obtaining the awareness data of the awareness target, including at least one of the following: the third network element corresponding to the first network element and the target awareness network element is different, the third network element corresponding to the target awareness network element refuses the target awareness network element to obtain the awareness data of the awareness target for the awareness service, the target awareness network element cannot meet the quality requirement of the awareness service, or the awareness resource of the target awareness network element is insufficient.

[0032] The present solution provides a variety of reasons for the failure of the target awareness network element to perform awareness on the awareness target.

[0033] With reference to the first aspect, in a possible design of the first aspect, in a case where the third message indicates that the target awareness network element successfully starts to obtain the awareness data of the awareness target, the third message further includes second time information, where the second time information indicates a time at which the target awareness network element starts to obtain the awareness data of the awareness target.

[0034] Based on the present solution, the first network element can learn the time at which the target awareness network element starts to obtain the awareness data of the awareness target based on the indication of the second network element.

[0035] With reference to the first aspect, in a possible design of the first aspect, the method further includes: sending, by the first network element, a fourth message to the source awareness network element, where the fourth message indicates that the source awareness network element stops obtaining the awareness data of the awareness target.

[0036] Based on the present solution, the first network element can instruct the source awareness network element to stop obtaining the awareness data of the awareness target, thereby reducing unnecessary overhead.

[0037] With reference to the first aspect, in a possible design of the first aspect, the method further includes: selecting, by the first network element, the second network element from one or more candidate network elements; and wherein the one or more candidate network elements are indicated to the first network element by other network elements, or are preconfigured by the first network element.

[0038] The present solution provides an implementation manner of determining the second network element by the first network element.

[0039] With reference to the first aspect, in a possible design of the first aspect, the selecting, by the first network element, of the second network element from the one or more candidate network elements includes: selecting, as the second network element, a candidate network element corresponding to a moving direction of the awareness target from the one or more candidate network elements.

[0040] Based on the implementation manner of determining the second network element provided by the present solution, the first network element can determine the second network element to which the awareness target is approaching, which helps to improve awareness performance such as awareness success rate and awareness accuracy.

[0041] With the first aspect above, in a possible design, the second network element is associated with a target awareness network element, including: the target awareness network element is an awareness network element managed by the second network element; or the second network element is associated with the first network element, and an awareness network element managed by the first network element includes the target awareness network element.

[0042] The solution provides various association relationships between the second network element and the target awareness network element.

[0043] With the first aspect above, in a possible design, the second network element is the target awareness network element, including: the second network element is the target awareness network element among awareness network elements managed by the first network element.

[0044] After the first network element triggers the awareness continuity guarantee, the awareness continuity management can still be performed by the first network element, and other awareness network elements different from the source awareness network element among the awareness network elements managed by the first network element perform awareness on the awareness target.

[0045] The second aspect provides a communication apparatus for implementing the method implemented by the first network element in the first aspect above.

[0046] The communication apparatus includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the above method, which can be implemented by hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions.

[0047] With the first aspect above, in a possible design, the communication apparatus includes a processing module and a transceiver module; the transceiver module is configured to receive a first message from a source awareness network element, where the source awareness network element is configured to acquire awareness data of an awareness target for an awareness service; the processing module is configured to determine a second network element according to the first message, or the processing module is configured to determine whether to determine the second network element according to the first message; and the transceiver module is further configured to send a second message to the second network element, where the second message requests a target awareness network element to acquire the awareness data of the awareness target for the awareness service, the target awareness network element is different from the source awareness network element, the second network element is associated with the target awareness network element, or the second network element is the target awareness network element.

[0048] With the second aspect above, in a possible design, the processing module determines whether to determine the second network element according to the first message, including: determining whether the awareness target satisfies a first condition according to awareness data included in the first message; and determining the second network element in a case where the awareness target satisfies the first condition.

[0049] With reference to the above-mentioned second aspect, in a possible design of the second aspect, the first condition comprises at least one of the following: the perception target is predicted to leave the perception coverage of the source perception network element; the perception target is predicted to leave the perception coverage of the source perception network element and is predicted not to be in the perception coverage of another perception network element managed by the communication device after the perception target leaves the perception coverage of the source perception network element; the perception target is predicted to leave the perception coverage of the source perception network element and is predicted to be in the perception coverage of another perception network element managed by the communication device after the perception target leaves the perception coverage of the source perception network element; a distance between the communication device or the source perception network element and the perception target is greater than or equal to a first threshold; or a distance between the perception target and a boundary of the first area is less than a second threshold.

[0050] With reference to the above-mentioned second aspect, in a possible design of the second aspect, the distance between the communication device or the source perception network element and the perception target being greater than or equal to the first threshold comprises: the distance between the communication device or the source perception network element and the perception target being greater than or equal to the first threshold for a time length reaching a first time length.

[0051] With reference to the above-mentioned second aspect, in a possible design of the second aspect, the distance between the communication device or the source perception network element and the perception target being greater than or equal to the first threshold comprises: the distance between the communication device and the perception target being greater than or equal to the first threshold, and a moving direction of the perception target being away from the communication device; or the distance between the source perception network element and the perception target being greater than or equal to the first threshold, and the moving direction of the perception target being away from the source perception network element.

[0052] With reference to the above-mentioned second aspect, in a possible design of the second aspect, the distance between the perception target and the boundary of the first area being less than or equal to the second threshold comprises: the distance between the perception target and the boundary of the first area being less than or equal to the second threshold for a time length reaching a second time length.

[0053] With reference to the above-mentioned second aspect, in a possible design of the second aspect, the distance between the perception target and the boundary of the first area being less than or equal to the second threshold comprises: the distance between the perception target and the boundary of the first area being less than or equal to the second threshold, and a moving direction of the perception target being away from the communication device or the source perception network element.

[0054] With reference to the above-mentioned second aspect, in a possible design of the second aspect, the first message comprises at least one of the following: information of the perception service, information of the perception target, or location information of the source perception network element.

[0055] With reference to the above-mentioned second aspect, in a possible design of the second aspect, the second message comprises at least one of the following: information of the perception service, information of the perception target, or location information of the source perception network element.

[0056] With reference to the second aspect above, in a possible design of the second aspect, the second message includes first time information, where the first time information indicates a time at which the target perception network element starts to acquire the perception data of the perception target.

[0057] With reference to the second aspect above, in a possible design of the second aspect, the transceiver is further configured to receive a third message from the second network element, where the third message indicates that the target perception network element successfully starts to acquire the perception data of the perception target; or the third message indicates that the target perception network element fails to acquire the perception data of the perception target.

[0058] With reference to the second aspect above, in a possible design of the second aspect, in a case where the third message indicates that the target perception network element fails to acquire the perception data of the perception target, the third message further includes information indicating a reason why the target perception network element fails to acquire the perception data of the perception target.

[0059] With reference to the second aspect above, in a possible design of the second aspect, the reason why the target perception network element fails to acquire the perception data of the perception target includes at least one of the following: a third network element corresponding to the communication apparatus and the target perception network element is different, the third network element corresponding to the target perception network element refuses the target perception network element to acquire the perception data of the perception target for the perception service, the target perception network element cannot meet a quality requirement of the perception service, or a perception resource of the target perception network element is insufficient.

[0060] With reference to the second aspect above, in a possible design of the second aspect, in a case where the third message indicates that the target perception network element successfully starts to acquire the perception data of the perception target, the third message further includes second time information, where the second time information indicates a time at which the target perception network element starts to acquire the perception data of the perception target.

[0061] With reference to the second aspect above, in a possible design of the second aspect, the transceiver is further configured to send, to the source perception network element, a fourth message, where the fourth message indicates that the source perception network element stops acquiring the perception data of the perception target.

[0062] With reference to the second aspect above, in a possible design of the second aspect, the processing module is further configured to select the second network element from one or more candidate network elements, where the one or more candidate network elements are indicated to the first network element by other network elements, or are pre-configured by the first network element.

[0063] With reference to the second aspect above, in a possible design of the second aspect, the processing module selects the second network element from the one or more candidate network elements includes: selecting, as the second network element, a candidate network element corresponding to a moving direction of the perception target from the one or more candidate network elements.

[0064] With the second aspect above, in a possible design, the second network element is associated with the target awareness network element, including: the target awareness network element is an awareness network element managed by the second network element; or the second network element is associated with the communication apparatus, and the awareness network element managed by the communication apparatus includes the target awareness network element.

[0065] With the second aspect above, in a possible design, the second network element is the target awareness network element, including: the second network element is the target awareness network element among the awareness network elements managed by the communication apparatus.

[0066] The third aspect provides a communication apparatus, including: a processor, configured to execute instructions stored in a memory, and when the processor executes the instructions, the communication apparatus performs the method in any of the aspects above. The communication apparatus can be the first network element in the first aspect above, or in any of the possible designs of the first aspect, or a module (for example, a chip) applied to the first network element.

[0067] In a possible design, the communication apparatus further includes the memory configured to store computer instructions. Optionally, the processor and the memory are integrated together, or the processor and the memory are separately arranged.

[0068] In a possible design, the memory is coupled with the processor and is outside the communication apparatus.

[0069] The fourth aspect provides a communication apparatus, including: a processor and an interface circuit configured to communicate with a module outside the communication apparatus; and the processor is configured to perform the method in any of the aspects above by a logic circuit, or by running computer programs or instructions. The communication apparatus can be the first network element in the first aspect above, or in any of the possible designs of the first aspect, or a module (for example, a chip) applied to the first network element.

[0070] Alternatively, the interface circuit can be a code / data read-write interface circuit, configured to receive computer execution instructions (computer execution instructions are stored in a memory, which can be directly read from the memory, or can pass through other devices) and transmit to the processor, so that the processor runs the computer execution instructions to perform the method in any of the aspects above.

[0071] In a possible design, the communication apparatus further includes the memory configured to store computer programs or instructions. Optionally, the processor and the memory are integrated together, or the processor and the memory are separately arranged.

[0072] In a possible design, the memory is coupled with the processor and is outside the communication apparatus.

[0073] In some possible designs, the communication apparatus can be a chip or a chip system.

[0074] In a fifth aspect, the present application provides a computer readable storage medium, which stores instructions. When the instructions are run on a computer, the computer can execute the method performed by the first network element in the first aspect or any possible design of the first aspect.

[0075] In a sixth aspect, the present application provides a computer program product containing instructions. When the instructions are run on a computer, the computer can execute the method performed by the first network element in the first aspect or any possible design of the first aspect.

[0076] In a seventh aspect, a communication apparatus (for example, the communication apparatus can be a chip or a chip system) is provided. The communication apparatus includes a processor, which is configured to implement the functions involved in any of the aspects. In a possible design, the communication apparatus further includes a memory, which is configured to store necessary program instructions and data. When the communication apparatus is a chip system, the communication apparatus can be composed of a chip or can include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0077] In an eighth aspect, a communication system is provided. The communication system includes a first network element and a second network element. The first network element is configured to implement the method in the first aspect or any possible design of the first aspect, and the second network element is configured to receive the second message from the first network element.

[0078] In a possible design, the communication system further includes a source-aware network element, which is configured to send the first message to the first network element.

[0079] The technical effects brought by any of the designs of the second aspect to the eighth aspect can be referred to the technical effects brought by the different designs of the first aspect, which will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0080] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of relative movement between a target and an awareness network element according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0081] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0082] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a protocol stack of a RAN node in an NR system according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0083] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of cooperation between multiple RAN nodes and a terminal in an ORAN system according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0084] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a flow of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0085] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of flow one according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0086] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a second flow provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0087] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a third flow provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0088] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a fourth flow provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0089] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a fifth flow provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0090] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a sixth flow provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0091] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a seventh flow provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0092] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of an eighth flow provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0093] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of a ninth flow provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0094] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a communication apparatus provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0095] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of a structure of another communication apparatus provided by an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0096] To facilitate understanding of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, first, an introduction of the related technologies of the present application is given as follows.

[0097] 1. ISAC:

[0098] ISAC refers to the integration of communication and sensing functions, and on the basis of a wireless network, achieves state interaction and information acquisition between a person or object and network infrastructure, and is a network system that integrates communication and sensing.

[0099] In an ISAC system, the radio signals transmitted and / or received by a network element in an environment can be used to determine the characteristics of a target (or referred to as a sensing target, such as an object, an animal, a person), which include the distance, direction, speed, motion, behavior, etc. of the target. On the one hand, ISAC can provide a wide range of new services based on the characteristic information of the sensed target, such as high-precision positioning, gesture capture and activity recognition, animal body detection and tracking, imaging or environment reconstruction, etc. On the other hand, the services provided by ISAC based on sensing help to improve the communication performance, for example, more accurate beamforming, faster beam failure recovery, and less overhead when tracking channel state information (CSI).

[0100] In embodiments of the present application, a network element can be a device, such as an access network device or a terminal device; or a network element can also be a module, unit or processor; or a network element can also be a chip or chip system. A network element can also be a logical function, logical module, logical node or software for implementing a corresponding function.

[0101] In embodiments of the present application, a network element with a sensing capability (or sensing function) that can sense a target can be referred to as a sensing network element. The sensing capability can include one or more of the following: the ability to transmit and / or receive radio signals in an environment to obtain sensing data of a target, the ability to process the sensing data to obtain characteristic information of the target (such as information about the distance, speed, angle, direction, motion or behavior of the target), or the ability to provide services (such as high-precision positioning, identification, imaging or environment reconstruction services) based on the characteristic information of the sensed target. In addition, in some scenarios, a network element that can receive sensing data from other network elements and transmit the sensing data to other network elements can also be referred to as a sensing network element.

[0102] In embodiments of the present application, “obtaining sensing data” can also be replaced by “collecting sensing data”, “determining sensing data” or “obtaining sensing data” and the like. In addition, in some scenarios, the sensing data obtained by a network element can be obtained from other network elements, i.e., the network element receives sensing data from other network elements.

[0103] In an ISAC system, a single sensing network element can sense a target. Alternatively, multiple sensing network elements can perform cooperative sensing to further expand the sensing distance, improve the success rate of sensing the target, and improve the sensing accuracy.

[0104] In an ISAC system, some sensing services require accurate and continuous sensing data input to ensure the performance of subsequent services (such as intelligent driving model training). However, in some cases, the continuity of sensing by a sensing network element cannot be guaranteed, resulting in a failure to guarantee the performance of subsequent services of the sensing service. For example, the movement of a sensing target or the movement of a sensing network element (such as a terminal as a sensing network element) causes relative movement between the sensing network element and the target. At this time, the sensing data obtained by the sensing network element by sensing the target can no longer accurately reflect the characteristics of the target, or the sensing network element can not be able to obtain the sensing data of the target (e.g., the target moves out of the sensing coverage of the sensing network element). For example, as shown in FIG. 1, as the sensing target moves, the sensing target moves out of the sensing coverage of the sensing network element A, and the sensing network element A can no longer obtain the sensing data of the sensing target.

[0105] Based on the above problems, embodiments of the present application provide a communication method that can guarantee the continuity of sensing a target.

[0106] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present application.

[0107] The communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application can be applied to any communication system, which can be a third generation partnership project (3GPP) communication system, for example, a long term evolution (LTE) system, and can also be a fifth generation (5G) mobile communication system, an LTE and 5G hybrid networking system, a new radio (NR) system, a vehicle to everything (V2X) system, a device-to-device (D2D) communication system, a machine to machine (M2M) communication system, an internet of things (IoT), a narrow band-internet of things (NB-IoT) system, an enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) system, an ultra-reliable and low-latency communication (URLLC) system, an enhanced machine-type communication (eMTC) system, a vehicle wireless short-range communication system, and various types of future communication systems, and can also be a non-terrestrial network (NTN) system (such as a satellite communication system), a non-3GPP communication system, and the like, without limitation. In addition, the term "system" can be replaced by "network".

[0108] It should be noted that the network architecture and service scenarios described in the embodiments of the present application are for more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application. It can be known by those skilled in the art that, with the evolution of network architecture and the appearance of new service scenarios, the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0109] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a possible, non-restricting communication system provided by embodiments of the present application. As shown in FIG. 2, the communication system includes a radio access network (RAN) 100 and a core network (CN) 200. The RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (e.g., 110a and 110b in FIG. 2, collectively referred to as 110) and at least one terminal (e.g., 120a-120j in FIG. 2, collectively referred to as 120). Other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices (not shown in FIG. 2), etc., can also be included in the RAN. The terminal 120 is connected to the RAN node 110 in a wireless manner. The RAN node 110 is connected to the core network 200 in a wireless or wired manner. The core network device in the core network 200 and the RAN node 110 in the RAN 100 can be different physical devices respectively, or can be the same physical device integrated with the logical functions of the core network and the radio access network.

[0110] Optionally, the communication system 10 can further include an Internet 300. The Internet 300 can be connected to the core network 200 or the RAN 100.

[0111] The RAN 100 can be a 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) related cellular system, such as a 4G, 5G mobile communication system, an NTN (non-terrestrial network) system, or a future-oriented evolution system. The RAN 100 can also be an open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system, and can also be a communication system that combines two or more of the above systems.

[0112] The terminal can also be referred to as a terminal device, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. The terminal can be widely applied to various scenarios. For example, D2D, V2X communication, machine-type communication (MTC), internet of things (IOT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, automatic driving, remote medical treatment, smart power grid, smart furniture, smart office, smart wear, smart transportation, smart city, etc. The terminal can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, wearable device, vehicle, unmanned aerial vehicle, helicopter, airplane, ship, robot, mechanical arm, smart home device, etc. Embodiments of the present application do not limit the device form of the terminal.

[0113] The RAN node 110 can also be referred to as an access network device, network device, RAN entity, or access node, etc., and constitutes part of the communication system. The plurality of RAN nodes 110 in the communication system 10 can be nodes of the same type or nodes of different types. In some scenarios, the roles of the RAN node 110 and the terminal 120 are relative. For example, in FIG. 2, the network element 120i can be a helicopter or unmanned aerial vehicle, which can be configured as a mobile base station. For those terminals 120j that access the RAN 100 through the network element 120i, the network element 120i is a base station; but for the base station 110a, the network element 120i is a terminal. The RAN node 110 and the terminal 120 are sometimes both referred to as communication apparatuses. For example, the network elements 110a and 110b in FIG. 2 can be understood as communication apparatuses with base station functions, and the network elements 120a-120j can be understood as communication apparatuses with terminal functions.

[0114] In a possible scenario, a RAN node can help a terminal to implement wireless access, and implement functions of a base station. For example, the RAN node can be a Node B (also referred to as a base station), an evolved Node B (eNodeB) in an LTE system, a next generation Node B (gNB) in a 5G system, an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next generation base station in a future mobile communication system, a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system, and the like. The RAN node can be a macro base station (such as 110a in FIG. 2), a micro base station or an indoor station (such as 110b in FIG. 2), a relay node or a donor node, or a wireless controller in a CRAN scenario. Optionally, the RAN node can also be a server, a wearable device, a vehicle or a vehicle-mounted device, and the like. For example, an access network device in a vehicle to everything (V2X) technology can be a road side unit (RSU). All or part of the functions of the RAN node in this application can also be implemented by software functions running on hardware, or by virtualized functions instantiated on a platform (such as a cloud platform). The RAN node in this application can also be a logical node, a logical module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the RAN node.

[0115] In another possible scenario, a terminal is assisted by multiple RAN nodes to implement wireless access, and different RAN nodes implement part of the functions of a base station respectively. For example, the RAN node can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), a radio unit (RU), and the like. The CU and the DU can be separately arranged, or can be included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). The RU can be included in a radio frequency device or a radio frequency unit, such as a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna processing unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH).

[0116] In the NR system, the CU node and the DU node split the protocol layers of the gNB, part of the protocol layer functions are placed in the CU for centralized control, and the rest or all of the protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU, which is controlled by the CU. As an implementation manner, as shown in (1) of FIG. 3, the CU is deployed with the radio resource control (RRC) layer, the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, and the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer in the protocol stack; and the DU is deployed with the radio link control (RLC) layer, the media access control (MAC) layer, and the physical layer (PHY) in the protocol stack. Thus, the CU has the processing capability of RRC, PDCP, and SDAP. The DU has the processing capability of RLC, MAC, and PHY. The CU can communicate with the DU through the F1 interface.

[0117] As another implementation manner, as shown in (2) of FIG. 3, the CU-CP is deployed with the RRC layer and the control plane (PDCP-C) of the PDCP layer in the protocol stack, and the CU-UP is deployed with the SDAP layer and the user plane (PDCP-U) of the PDCP layer. The DU is deployed with the RLC layer, the MAC layer, and the PHY layer. The CU-CP and the CU-UP can communicate through the EI interface, the CU-CP and the DU can communicate through the F1-C interface, and the CU-UP and the DU can communicate through the F1-U interface.

[0118] In different systems, the CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), the DU, or the RU can also have different names, but those skilled in the art can understand their meanings. For example, in the ORAN system, the CU can also be referred to as O-CU (open CU), the DU can also be referred to as O-DU, the CU-CP can also be referred to as O-CU-CP, the CU-UP can also be referred to as O-CU-UP, and the RU can also be referred to as O-RU. For the convenience of description, the CU, the CU-CP, the CU-UP, the DU, and the RU are taken as examples for description in this application. Any one of the CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), the DU, and the RU in this application can be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module.

[0119] FIG. 4 is a possible, non-limiting schematic diagram of cooperation of multiple RAN nodes with a terminal in the ORAN system. As shown in FIG. 4, the CU can communicate with the DU, the DU can communicate with the RU, and the RU can communicate with the terminal.

[0120] Optionally, as shown in FIG. 4, a CU can include a CU-CP and a CU-UP.

[0121] Optionally, as shown in FIG. 4, in an ORAN system, a CU, a DU, and an RU can jointly constitute an access network device.

[0122] In an ORAN system, the protocol layer functions that can be implemented by a RAN node are as follows:

[0123] CU: to implement the RRC layer, the PDCP layer, and the SDAP layer and other control functions in the 3GPP standard.

[0124] CU-CP: similar to the CU-CP in the NR system, to implement the functions of the RRC layer, and the control plane functions of the PDCP layer.

[0125] CU-UP: similar to the CU-UP in the NR system, to implement the functions of the SDAP layer, and the user plane functions of the PDCP layer.

[0126] DU: based on low-layer function splitting, to implement the high-layer (close to the MAC layer) functions of the RLC layer, the MAC layer, and the physical layer in the 3GPP standard. The high-layer functions of the physical layer include one or more of the following: forward error correction (FEC) encoding / decoding, scrambling / descrambling, or modulation / demodulation.

[0127] RU: based on low-layer function splitting, to implement the low-layer (close to the radio frequency) functions of the PHY and the radio frequency functions in the 3GPP standard. The low-layer functions of the physical layer include one or more of the following: fast Fourier transform (FFT) transform / inverse fast Fourier transform (iFFT) transform, digital beamforming, or extraction and filtering of the physical random access channel (PRACH). The RU is similar to the transmission reception point (TRP) or the remote radio head (RRH) in the 3GPP, but it includes the low-layer functions of the PHY, such as FFT / iFFT or extraction of the PRACH.

[0128] It can be understood that in FIGS. 3 and 4, the number of CUs, DUs, or RUs is exemplary, and the number of CUs, DUs, or RUs is not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0129] It can be understood that the splitting of the protocol layer function implemented by the RAN node in the above NR system or ORAN system is only an example and does not limit the RAN node.

[0130] The core network device refers to a device in the core network that provides service support for the terminal. Currently, some examples of the core network device are: an access and mobility management function (AMF) entity, a session management function (SMF) entity, a user plane function (UPF) entity, and the like, which are not listed one by one here.

[0131] Optionally, in the communication system shown in FIG. 2, the RAN node and / or the terminal can have a sensing capability.

[0132] For example, the RAN node and / or the terminal can send and / or receive a radio signal in the environment to obtain sensing data for a sensing target. For another example, the RAN node and / or the terminal can determine a characteristic of the sensing target based on the sensing data. For another example, the RAN node and / or the terminal can provide a service based on the characteristic information of the sensing target. For another example, the RAN node and / or the terminal can also transmit the obtained sensing data to other network elements.

[0133] In one possible scenario, the RAN node can have a sensing capability while implementing the function or part of the function of the base station. For example, the Node B, the CU, the DU, or the RU in various communication systems can have a sensing capability.

[0134] In another possible scenario, the RAN node with a sensing capability can also not have the function or part of the function of the base station. For example, the access network device with a sensing capability can be referred to as a Node C (or can also be referred to as a Node X, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application), and the Node C can have the function of the base station to help the terminal to implement wireless access, or can not have the function of the base station and does not have to help the terminal to implement wireless access. For another example, the RAN node with a sensing capability can be a sensing unit / serving unit (SU). The SU can communicate with at least one of the CU, the DU, or the RU (which can directly communicate through an interface or can communicate through forwarding of an intermediate unit).

[0135] Optionally, the RAN node with a sensing capability and / or the terminal can cooperate to sense the target.

[0136] For example, a terminal or a RU can collect the perception data of a target, and transmit the collected perception data to a unit (e.g., a CU / SU) capable of processing the perception data to obtain the characteristic information of the target. Alternatively, the transmission of the perception data can be implemented by forwarding the data by an intermediate unit (e.g., a DU and / or a CU).

[0137] For another example, a Node B or a terminal can collect the perception data of a target, and send the collected perception data to a Node C.

[0138] For another example, a RAN node and / or a terminal can also transmit the obtained perception data to a core network element, which can provide a service according to the perception data.

[0139] The communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application will be described below in combination with the communication system shown in FIG. 2.

[0140] It should be noted that the names of the various network elements, the names of the messages between the various network elements, or the names of the parameters in the messages in the following embodiments of the present application are only examples, and other names can also be used in the specific implementation, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0141] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 5, the method includes the following steps.

[0142] S501, a source perception network element sends a first message to a first network element, and correspondingly, the first network element receives the first message from the source perception network element.

[0143] The source perception network element is configured to obtain the perception data of a perception target for a perception service. The source perception network element can be a perception network element in one or more perception network elements that currently (i.e., at the time when S501 occurs) obtain the perception data of the perception target for the perception service.

[0144] The number of the source perception network elements can be one or more.

[0145] The perception service is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. For example, the perception service can be a high-precision positioning service, an environment reconstruction service, an imaging service, or a recognition service.

[0146] Optionally, the source perception network element can be a RAN node or a terminal. For example, the source perception network element can be a CU, a DU, a RU, a terminal, or an access network device.

[0147] In the embodiments of the present application, the perception data can be used to determine the characteristic information of the perception target, such as the distance, speed, angle, direction, motion or behavior of the perception target, and the like. The embodiments of the present application do not make specific limitations on the perception data. For example, the perception data can be information of in-phase / quadrature (I / Q) signals. For another example, the perception data can be range-angle-velocity (RAV) spectrum information of the perception target.

[0148] In a possible implementation, the perception data obtained by the source perception network element can be obtained by the source perception network element itself based on the transmitted and / or received radio signals. For example, the source perception network element transmits radio signals in the environment, and the transmitted radio signals and the echo signals reflected by the perception target are used as the perception data of the perception target. For another example, the source perception network element processes the echo signals reflected by the perception target to obtain RAV spectrum information of the perception target, and the obtained RAV spectrum information is used as the perception data.

[0149] In another possible implementation, the perception data obtained by the source perception network element can be obtained from other perception network elements. For example, it is assumed that the source perception network element is a DU, and the RUs and / or UEs collect the perception data, and then send the perception data to the associated DU.

[0150] Optionally, in the embodiments of the present application, the source perception network element obtains the perception data for the perception service, which can also be understood as that the source perception network element obtains the perception data that meets the requirements of the perception service. For example, if the perception service has corresponding quality of service (QoS) and / or service level agreement (SLA) parameters, the source perception network element obtains the perception data for the perception service, which can be understood as that the source perception network element obtains the perception data that meets the corresponding QoS and / or SLA parameters of the perception service.

[0151] In a possible implementation, the source sensing network element can learn the sensing service, determine the QoS and / or SLA parameter corresponding to the sensing service, and further acquire the sensing data satisfying the QoS and / or SLA parameter. For example, the source sensing network element predefines the QoS and / or SLA parameter corresponding to the identification information of different sensing services, the first network element indicates the identification information of the sensing service to the source sensing network element, and the source sensing network element determines the corresponding QoS and / or SLA parameter based on the identification information of the sensing service, and acquires the sensing data satisfying the QoS and / or SLA parameter. In another possible implementation, the first network element can indicate the QoS and / or SLA parameter corresponding to the sensing service to the source sensing network element, and the source sensing network element can directly acquire the sensing data satisfying the QoS and / or SLA parameter based on the indication of the first network element.

[0152] The embodiments of the present application do not make specific limitations on the QoS and / or SLA parameter corresponding to the sensing service. For example, the QoS and / or SLA parameter corresponding to the sensing service can include at least one of the following parameters: coverage, accuracy, resolution, detection probability (or false alarm probability), service delay, or refresh rate.

[0153] In the embodiments of the present application, the first network element can manage the continuity of sensing. It can also be understood that the first network element can determine whether to acquire the sensing data of the sensing target for the sensing service by a new sensing network element.

[0154] Optionally, the first network element can be a RAN node. For example, the first network element can be a SU, a CU, a DU, or an access network device.

[0155] Optionally, the first network element can be associated with the source sensing network element. Based on the fact that the first network element can manage the continuity of sensing, the association between the first network element and the source sensing network element can also be understood as that the source sensing network element is any one of the one or more sensing network elements managed by the first network element.

[0156] For example, assuming that the first network element is a CU, the source sensing network element can be a DU, a RU, or a terminal in communication with the CU. For another example, assuming that the first network element is a SU, the source sensing network element can be a CU, a DU, a RU, or a terminal in communication with the SU. For another example, assuming that the first network element is an access network device, the source sensing network element can be an access network device or a terminal in communication with the access network device.

[0157] After S501, S502a can be included, in which the first network element determines (or decides) whether to determine the second network element according to the first message.

[0158] Alternatively, after S501, S502b can be included: the first network element directly determines the second network element based on the trigger of the first message. In other words, the first message can trigger the first network element to determine the second network element.

[0159] The following describes S502a and S502b respectively.

[0160] In S502a, after receiving the first message, the first network element can decide, according to the first message, whether to obtain the sensing data of the sensing target by a new sensing network element for the sensing service, that is, whether to obtain the sensing data of the sensing target by a sensing network element different from the source sensing network element for the sensing service.

[0161] In which, the first network element decides to obtain the sensing data of the sensing target by a new sensing network element for the sensing service, which can also be understood as that the first network element performs sensing continuity guarantee (or the first network element triggers the flow of sensing continuity guarantee). Similarly, the first network element decides not to obtain the sensing data of the sensing target by a new sensing network element for the sensing service, that is, the first network element decides to still obtain the sensing data of the sensing target by the source sensing network element for the sensing service, which can also be understood as that the first network element determines not to perform sensing continuity guarantee.

[0162] For the first network element to decide whether to perform sensing continuity guarantee according to the first message, in one possible implementation, the first message can include the sensing data of the sensing target obtained by the source sensing network element for the sensing service. After receiving the first message, the first network element decides whether to perform sensing continuity guarantee according to the sensing data therein.

[0163] Optionally, the first network element can decide to perform sensing continuity guarantee in a case where the sensing target satisfies a first condition according to the sensing data. In a case where the sensing target does not satisfy the first condition, the first network element decides not to perform sensing continuity guarantee.

[0164] In which, the first condition can be pre-configured by the first network element, or can be indicated to the first network element by other network elements (for example, the third network element in the following), and the embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific implementation of the first network element obtaining the first condition.

[0165] In which, if the sensing target satisfies the first condition, it can represent that the source sensing network element can no longer be able to obtain continuous sensing data of the sensing target. Exemplarily, the first condition can include at least one of the following conditions 1-5.

[0166] Condition 1, it is predicted (which can also be understood as estimated or determined) that the sensing target will leave the sensing coverage range of the source sensing network element.

[0167] The first network element can perform calculation (which can also be understood as analysis, reasoning, etc.) according to the sensing data to predict whether the sensing target will leave the sensing coverage of the source sensing network element. For example, the first network element can perform calculation according to the sensing data, such as information of the I / Q signal provided by the source sensing network element, to obtain the distance between the sensing target and the source sensing network element, and further combine the sensing coverage of the source sensing network element to predict whether the sensing target will leave the sensing coverage of the source sensing network element. For another example, the first network element can perform calculation according to the sensing data, such as information of the I / Q signal provided by the source sensing network element or RAV spectrum information, to obtain the position information of the sensing target, and further combine the sensing coverage of the source sensing network element to predict whether the sensing target will leave the sensing coverage of the source sensing network element.

[0168] Optionally, the first network element can also perform calculation according to the sensing data to determine the moving direction of the sensing target, and combine the moving direction of the sensing target to predict whether the sensing target will leave the sensing coverage of the source sensing network element. For example, if it is determined that the position of the sensing target is close to the edge of the sensing coverage of the source sensing network element, and it is determined that the moving direction of the sensing target is away from the source sensing network element, the first network element can predict that the sensing target will leave the sensing coverage of the source sensing network element. If it is determined that the moving direction of the sensing target is towards the source sensing network element, the first network element can predict that the sensing target will not leave the sensing coverage of the source sensing network element.

[0169] Optionally, for predicting whether the sensing target will leave the sensing coverage of the source sensing network element, if the first network element performs calculation according to the sensing data to predict that the sensing target will leave the sensing coverage of the source sensing network element after a certain time length (which can be pre-defined by a protocol, or can be pre-configured by the first network element, or can be configured by another network element for the first network element, and embodiments of the present application do not limit the implementation of the first network element to obtain the time length), it can be predicted that the target will leave the sensing coverage of the source sensing network element. If it is predicted that the sensing target will still be in the sensing coverage of the source sensing network element after a certain time length, it can be predicted that the target will not leave the sensing coverage of the source sensing network element.

[0170] The sensing coverage of the source sensing network element can be the range in which the source sensing network element can obtain sensing data of the target. For example, the sensing coverage of the source sensing network element can be the signal coverage of the source sensing network element. Alternatively, the sensing coverage of the source sensing network element can be the range in which the source sensing network element can obtain sensing data satisfying a certain index (such as a certain QoS and / or SLA parameter) for the target. Alternatively, the sensing coverage of the source sensing network element can be the range in which the quality / intensity of the signal (such as the signal reflected by the target) used to determine the sensing data can reach a certain threshold.

[0171] Optionally, the first network element can pre-configure the sensing coverage of the source sensing network element. Alternatively, the source sensing network element can send information indicating its sensing coverage to the first network element. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific implementation of the first network element obtaining the sensing coverage of the source sensing network element.

[0172] Condition 2: It is predicted that the sensing target will leave the sensing coverage of the source sensing network element, and after the sensing target leaves the sensing coverage of the source sensing network element, it will not be in the sensing coverage of other sensing network elements managed by the first network element.

[0173] Condition 3: It is predicted that the sensing target will leave the sensing coverage of the source sensing network element, and after the sensing target leaves the sensing coverage of the source sensing network element, it will be in the sensing coverage of other sensing network elements managed by the first network element.

[0174] How the first network element predicts whether the sensing target will leave the sensing coverage of the source sensing network element, and whether the sensing target will be in the coverage of other sensing network elements managed by the first network element after leaving the sensing coverage of the source sensing network element, can be referred to the above description of the first network element determining whether Condition 1 is met, which will not be repeated here.

[0175] Condition 4: The distance between the first network element or the source sensing network element and the sensing target is greater than or equal to the first threshold (or can be greater than the first threshold).

[0176] Optionally, the first network element can calculate the distance between the source sensing network element and the sensing target according to the sensing data, and further determine the size relationship between the distance between the source sensing network element and the sensing target and the first threshold. Alternatively, the first network element can calculate the position information of the sensing target according to the sensing data, and further determine the distance between the first network element or the source sensing network element and the sensing target in combination with the position of the source sensing network element or the first network element. The first network element can pre-configure the position of the source sensing network element. Alternatively, the source sensing network element can send information indicating its position to the first network element. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific implementation of the first network element obtaining the position of the source sensing network element.

[0177] Optionally, Condition 4 can further require that the distance between the first network element or the source sensing network element and the sensing target be greater than or equal to the first threshold for a time period reaching a first time period.

[0178] The first time period and / or the first threshold can be pre-defined by a protocol, or can be pre-configured by the first network element, or can be indicated by other network elements (for example, the third network element in the following) to the first network element. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific implementation of the first network element obtaining the first time period and / or the first threshold.

[0179] Optionally, condition 4 can further require that the moving direction of the perception target is away from the first network element or the source perception network element. In this case, condition 4 can be that the distance between the first network element and the perception target is greater than or equal to the first threshold, and the moving direction of the perception target is away from the first network element. Alternatively, condition 4 can be that the distance between the source perception network element and the perception target is greater than or equal to the first threshold, and the moving direction of the perception target is away from the source perception network element.

[0180] Condition 5: the distance between the perception target and the boundary of the first area is less than a second threshold (alternatively, can be less than or equal to the second threshold).

[0181] Optionally, the first network element can determine the position information of the perception target according to the perception data, and further determine the distance between the perception target and the boundary of the first area in combination with the first area.

[0182] Optionally, the first network element can determine the minimum distance between the perception target and the boundary of the first area, and determine whether the minimum distance is less than the second threshold. Alternatively, the first network element can determine the distance between the perception target and the boundary of the closest first area, and determine whether the distance is less than the second threshold.

[0183] Optionally, the first network element can determine the perpendicular distance between the perception target and the boundary of the first area, and determine whether the perpendicular distance is less than the second threshold.

[0184] The embodiments of the present application do not limit how to set the first area. For example, a certain geographical area (for example, a circular, rectangular area, etc., which can also be an irregular area, centered on the source perception network element or the first network element) in which the source perception network element or the first network element is located can be set as the first area.

[0185] Optionally, condition 5 can further require that the distance between the perception target and the boundary of the first area is less than the second threshold for a second time length.

[0186] The second time length and / or the second threshold can be pre-defined by a protocol, or can be pre-configured by the first network element, or can be indicated to the first network element by another network element (for example, the third network element in the following), and the embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific implementation of the first network element obtaining the second time length and / or the second threshold.

[0187] Optionally, condition 5 can further require that the moving direction of the perception target is away from the first network element or the source perception network element. In this case, condition 5 can be that the distance between the perception target and the boundary of the first area is less than the second threshold, and the moving direction of the perception target is away from the first network element or the source perception network element.

[0188] In S502b, the first message sent by the source sensing network element to the first network element can request the first network element to guarantee sensing continuity (it can also be understood that the first message requests the first network element to obtain sensing data from the new sensing network element). After receiving the first message, the first network element directly performs sensing continuity guarantee according to the first message, that is, the first message can trigger the first network element to perform sensing continuity guarantee. Alternatively, S502b can also be understood as that the source sensing network element sends the first message to the first network element after triggering sensing continuity guarantee, to instruct the first network element to perform sensing continuity guarantee.

[0189] In a possible implementation, the source sensing network element can send the first message to the first network element in a case where it is determined according to the sensing data that the sensing target meets the first condition. The specific implementation of the source sensing network element determining whether the sensing target meets the first condition according to the sensing data can refer to the foregoing description of the first network element determining whether the sensing target meets the first condition in S502a.

[0190] The first condition and / or the parameters (for example, the first threshold, the second threshold, the first time length, or the second time length) related to the first condition can be predefined by a protocol, or can be preconfigured by the source sensing network element, or can be indicated by another network element (for example, the third network element in the following) to the source sensing network element. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific implementation of the source sensing network element obtaining the first condition and / or the parameters related to the first condition.

[0191] Optionally, the first message can include information assisting the first network element in performing sensing continuity guarantee. For example, the first message can include at least one of the following information: information of the sensing service, information of the sensing target, or location information of the source sensing network element.

[0192] The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific information included in the first message. For example, if the first message includes information of the sensing service, the information of the sensing service can include at least one of the following information: QoS / SLA parameters corresponding to the sensing service, or identification information of the sensing service. If the first message includes information of the sensing target, the information of the sensing target can include at least one of the following: RAV spectrum information of the sensing target, point cloud information of the sensing target, or location information of the sensing target.

[0193] In S502a or S502b, if the first network element decides to perform sensing continuity guarantee according to the first message, the first network element will also determine the second network element. It can be understood that the process of the sensing continuity guarantee triggered by the first network element includes determining the second network element. Alternatively, S502a can also be understood as that the first network element determines whether to determine the second network element according to the first message. S502b can also be understood as that the first message triggers the first network element to determine the second network element.

[0194] Further, the first network element can request, from the second network element, the new sensing network element to obtain the sensing data of the sensing target for the sensing service. In other words, after S502a or S502b, the communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application comprises:

[0195] S503, the first network element sends a second message to the second network element in the case of determining the second network element. Wherein, the second message requests the target sensing network element to obtain the sensing data of the sensing target for the sensing service. The target sensing network element is a sensing network element different from the source sensing network element, i.e. a new sensing network element.

[0196] Wherein, the number of target sensing network elements can be one or more.

[0197] Based on the communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application, the first network element can determine the second network element based on the first message from the source sensing network element, and obtain the sensing data of the sensing target by the target sensing network element different from the source sensing network element through sending the second message to the second network element, which realizes the management of sensing continuity, and can ensure the continuity of sensing the sensing target by letting the new sensing network element (i.e. the target sensing network element) obtain the sensing data when the source sensing network element can no longer obtain accurate and continuous sensing data.

[0198] Optionally, the second network element can be a RAN node or a terminal. For example, the second network element can be a SU, a CU, a DU, a RU, an access network device or a terminal.

[0199] Optionally, the target sensing network element can be a RAN node or a terminal. For example, the target sensing network element can be a CU, a DU, a RU, an access network device or a terminal.

[0200] The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific implementation of the first network element determining the second network element. In one possible implementation, the first network element can select one candidate network element from the information of one or more candidate network elements as the second network element. For example, the first network element can select the candidate network element corresponding to the moving direction of the sensing target (which can be understood as the candidate network element in the direction of the moving direction of the sensing target) as the second network element.

[0201] Wherein, the information of one or more candidate network elements can be indicated by other network elements (for example, which can be the third network element below) to the first network element. Alternatively, the first network element can pre-configure the information of one or more candidate network elements. For example, the first network element can pre-configure the information of one or more network elements nearby, and the one or more network elements are the candidate network elements.

[0202] Optionally, the other network element can indicate the information of the candidate network element supporting the awareness service to the first network element based on the awareness service. For example, the other network element can indicate the candidate network element from which the awareness data corresponding to the QoS / SLA parameter of the awareness service can be acquired to the first network element according to the QoS / SLA parameter of the awareness service.

[0203] The embodiments of the present application do not limit the information of the candidate network element. For example, the information of the candidate network element can be the identification information of the candidate network element or the identification information of the cell corresponding to the candidate network element. In addition, if the candidate network element is one of the multiple RAN nodes assisting the terminal to implement wireless access, such as a CU, a DU or an RU, the identification information of the candidate network element can also be the identification information of the access network device corresponding to the multiple RAN nodes.

[0204] Optionally, the other network element can not only send the information of the candidate network element to the first network element, but also send the information of the awareness service to the first network element, such as the QoS / SLA parameter corresponding to the awareness service, and / or the identification information of the awareness service and the like.

[0205] In S503, the relationship between the second network element and the target awareness network element can have the following two possible cases:

[0206] The first possible case: the second network element can be associated with the target awareness network element. Wherein, the association can also be understood as being able to communicate with each other or being able to interact.

[0207] For example, assuming that the second network element is a CU, the target awareness network element can be a DU, an RU or a terminal in communication with the CU. For another example, assuming that the second network element is a DU, the target awareness network element can be an RU or a terminal in communication with the DU. Assuming that the second network element is a SU, the target awareness network element can be a CU, a DU, an RU or a terminal in communication with the SU. Assuming that the second network element is an access network device, the target awareness network element can be at least one access network device or a terminal in communication with the access network device.

[0208] In the first case, in one possible implementation, the second network element can have the function of managing the awareness continuity. Optionally, the implementation can occur in the following scenario: after the first network element triggers the awareness continuity guarantee in S502a or S502b, it decides to replace the network element for managing the awareness continuity for the awareness target, that is, the first network element decides to determine a new network element for managing the awareness continuity, and the determined new network element is the second network element. It can be understood that based on the second network element can manage the awareness continuity, the target awareness network element can be at least one of the awareness network elements managed by the second network element.

[0209] For example, assuming the first network element is a CU, the second network element can be another CU different from the first network element. For another example, assuming the first network element is a SU, the second network element can be another SU different from the first network element. For yet another example, assuming the first network element is an access network device, the second network element can be another access network device different from the first network element.

[0210] In the first case, in another possible implementation, the second network element can not have the function of managing the awareness continuity. Alternatively, this implementation can occur in the following scenario: after the first network element triggers the awareness continuity guarantee in S502a or S502b, it is determined not to replace the awareness service for the awareness target, and the network element that manages the awareness continuity is still managed by the first network element. Further, in this implementation, the second network element determined by the first network element can be associated with the first network element, so that the first network element can communicate with the target awareness network element through the second network element. It can be understood that, since the awareness continuity is still managed by the first network element, the target awareness network element can be at least one of the awareness network elements managed by the first network element.

[0211] For example, assuming the first network element is a CU, the second network element can be any DU in communication with the CU, and the target awareness network element can be at least one RU and / or terminal in communication with the DU. For another example, assuming the first network element is a SU, the second network element can be any CU or DU in communication with the SU, and the target awareness network element can be at least one RU and / or terminal in communication with the DU.

[0212] Alternatively, in the first possible case, after receiving the second message, the second network element can select one or more awareness network elements from the associated awareness network elements as the target awareness network element. Alternatively, the second network element can determine all the associated awareness network elements as the target awareness network element.

[0213] Alternatively, in the first possible case, if the awareness continuity is still managed by the first network element, the first network element can select one or more awareness network elements different from the source awareness network element from the managed awareness network elements as the target awareness network element. Alternatively, the second message can include information of the target awareness network element selected by the first network element.

[0214] The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific implementation of the first network element or the second network element selecting the target awareness network element. For example, the first network element or the second network element can select an awareness network element with sufficient awareness resources to perceive the awareness target as the target awareness network element. For another example, the first network element or the second network element can select an awareness network element near the awareness target as the target awareness network element.

[0215] The second possible case: the second network element can be the target awareness network element. In this case, S503 is: the first network element sends the second message to the target awareness network element.

[0216] Optionally, the second possible case can occur in the following scenario: in S502a or S502b, the first network element triggers the awareness continuity guarantee, and decides not to replace the network element for managing the awareness service for the awareness target, the network element for managing the awareness continuity is still managed by the first network element. Further, the first network element can determine a target awareness network element (i.e., the second network element) from the managed awareness network elements, and send a second message to the second network element. That is, the second network element is the target awareness network element in the awareness network elements managed by the first network element.

[0217] For example, assuming that the first network element is an access network device, the second network element can be at least one access network device or terminal device in communication with the access network device.

[0218] Optionally, before S503, the first network element can determine whether the awareness target satisfies a first condition according to the awareness data, to decide whether to perform the awareness continuity guarantee. The second network element determined by the first network element can be related to the first condition satisfied by the awareness target. For example, if the first network element determines that the awareness target satisfies the above condition 3, the first network element can decide to still manage the awareness continuity by the first network element. The first network element can determine a certain network element as the second network element from the associated network elements. For another example, if the first network element determines that the awareness target satisfies the above condition 2, the first network element can decide to manage the awareness continuity by a new network element, i.e., the second network element. The second network element can select a certain network element with the function of managing the awareness continuity as the second network element.

[0219] Optionally, in S503, the second message can include information for assisting the second network element to select the target awareness network element, and / or information for assisting the target awareness network element to obtain the awareness data. For example, the second message can include at least one of the following information: information of the awareness service, information of the awareness target, information of the source awareness network element, and first time information. The first time information indicates a time for the target awareness network element to start obtaining the awareness data of the awareness target, and / or a duration for the target awareness network element to be able to obtain the awareness data of the awareness target. The information of the awareness service, the information of the awareness target, and the information of the source awareness network element can refer to the above description of the information that the first message can include.

[0220] Optionally, after S503, the communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application can include the following steps:

[0221] S504, the second network element sends a request message to a third network element. The request message can request the third network element to judge whether the second network element can manage the awareness continuity for the awareness service of the awareness target. Or, the request message can request the third network element to judge whether the target awareness network element can obtain the awareness data of the awareness service for the awareness service.

[0222] Optionally, the second network element can perform S504 in a case that the second network element has a function of management awareness continuity, for example, the second network element is a CU, a SU or an access network device.

[0223] The third network element can be a network element in the core network with sensing capability. For example, the third network element can be a sensing function (SF) network element. For another example, the third network element can be an AMF network element or a UPF network element integrated with sensing function. Alternatively, the third network element can be a third-party server outside the core network.

[0224] In the embodiments of the present application, the third network element can provide services associated with sensing services based on the sensing data.

[0225] The embodiments of the present application do not make specific limitations on how the third network element judges whether the second network element can manage the sensing continuity or how the target sensing network element can obtain the sensing data. For example, the third network element can make the judgment based on the sensing services supported by the second network element, the availability of the sensing resources of the target sensing network element and other factors.

[0226] Optionally, in S504, the request message sent by the second network element can include information for assisting the third network element to make corresponding judgment. For example, the request message can include at least one of the following information: information of the sensing service, information of the sensing target or information of the source sensing network element. The specific information that can be included in the information of the sensing service, the information of the sensing target or the information of the source sensing network element can refer to the introduction of the first message or the second message above, and will not be expanded here.

[0227] Optionally, the second network element can perform S504 in a case that the second message received includes the information of the third network element.

[0228] Optionally, in S504, the request message sent by the second network element can include the information of the third network element.

[0229] Optionally, after S504, the communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application can include the following steps:

[0230] S505, the third network element sends a response message to the second network element, and correspondingly, the second network element receives the response message from the third network element.

[0231] The response message can be a completion / success message, indicating that the third network element judges that the second network element can manage the sensing continuity, or indicating that the target sensing network element can obtain the sensing data.

[0232] Alternatively, the response message can be a failure / rejection message, indicating that the third network element judges that the second network element cannot perform the awareness continuity management, or indicating that the target awareness network element cannot obtain the awareness data.

[0233] Alternatively, in the case that the response message is a failure / rejection message, the second network element can send indication information to the first network element, which can indicate that the second network element cannot perform the awareness continuity management, or can indicate that the target awareness network element fails to obtain the awareness data, or can indicate that the target awareness network element refuses to obtain the awareness data.

[0234] Optionally, after S503, the communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application can include the following steps:

[0235] S506, the second network element performs awareness resource negotiation to determine the required resources for the target awareness network element to perform awareness on the awareness target for the awareness service, i.e., to determine the resources for awareness.

[0236] In S506, the awareness resource negotiation performed by the second network element can be successful or failed. For example, if the resources available for awareness at the target awareness network element are insufficient to perform awareness on the awareness target for the awareness service, the resources for awareness cannot be determined, and the awareness resource negotiation performed by the second network element fails.

[0237] Optionally, the second network element can perform awareness resource negotiation with the target awareness network element. For example, assuming that the first network element is a CU and the second network element is another CU, the second network element can perform awareness resource negotiation with the target DU to determine the resources for awareness by the target RU or target terminal. For another example, assuming that the first network element is a SU and the second network element is another SU, the second network element can perform awareness resource negotiation with the target CU or target DU to determine the resources for awareness by the target RU or target terminal. For another example, assuming that the first network element is an access network device and the second network element is another access network device, the second network element can perform awareness resource negotiation with the target access network device or target terminal to determine the resources for awareness by the target access network device or target terminal.

[0238] Alternatively, the second network element can also perform the sensing resource negotiation with the first network element. For example, assuming that the first network element is a CU and the second network element is a DU associated with the CU, the second network element can perform the sensing resource negotiation with the first network element to determine the resource for the target RU or the target terminal to perform sensing. For another example, assuming that the first network element is a SU and the second network element is a CU or a DU associated with the SU, the second network element can perform the sensing resource negotiation with the first network element to determine the resource for the target RU or the target terminal to perform sensing. For yet another example, assuming that the first network element is an access network device and the second network element is a target access network device or a target terminal (i.e., the second network element is a target sensing network element), the second network element can perform the sensing resource negotiation with the first network element to determine the resource for the target access network device or the target terminal (i.e., the second network element) to perform sensing.

[0239] Optionally, S506 can be executed in the case that the response message sent by the third network element to the second network element in S505 is a completion / success message.

[0240] Optionally, after S503, the communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application can include the following steps:

[0241] S507, the first network element or the second network element sends indication information to the target sensing network element, the indication information indicating that the target sensing network element starts to acquire the sensing data of the sensing target for the sensing service. The target sensing network element can start to acquire the sensing data based on the indication information.

[0242] Optionally, if the second message includes the first time information, the indication information can include the first time information. The target sensing network element can start to acquire the sensing data at the time indicated by the first time information.

[0243] Optionally, S507 can be executed in the case that the sensing resource negotiation performed by the second network element in S506 is successful.

[0244] Optionally, after S503, the communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application can include the following steps:

[0245] S508, the second network element sends a third message to the first network element, and correspondingly, the first network element receives the third message. The third message can indicate that the target sensing network element successfully starts to acquire the sensing data of the sensing target. Alternatively, the third message can indicate that the target sensing network element fails to acquire the sensing data of the sensing target.

[0246] Optionally, in S508, the third message can be a response message to the second message.

[0247] Optionally, before S508, the second network element can determine by itself whether the target sensing network element can acquire the sensing data of the sensing target. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the implementation of the second network element to determine whether the target sensing network element can acquire the sensing data of the sensing target. For example, the second network element can determine whether the target sensing network element can acquire the sensing data of the sensing target based on the sensing resource negotiation result. For details, refer to S506.

[0248] Alternatively, the second network element can send a request message to the third network element to request the third network element to determine whether the target sensing network element can acquire the sensing data of the sensing target. For details, refer to S504.

[0249] Optionally, in the case that the third message indicates that the target sensing network element successfully starts to acquire the sensing data of the sensing target, the third message can include second time information. The second time information indicates the time at which the target sensing network element starts to acquire the sensing data of the sensing target. The time indicated by the second time information can be the actual time at which the target sensing network element starts to acquire the sensing data of the sensing target, or can be a start time expected by the second network element.

[0250] If the second message includes the first time information, the time indicated by the first time information can be different from the time indicated by the second time information, or can be the same.

[0251] Optionally, in the case that the third message indicates that the target sensing network element fails to acquire the sensing data of the sensing target, the third message can further include information indicating the reason why the target sensing network element fails to acquire the sensing data of the sensing target. For example, the reason why the target sensing network element fails to acquire the sensing data of the sensing target can include at least one of the following:

[0252] The third network element corresponding to the first network element is different from the third network element corresponding to the target sensing network element, the third network element corresponding to the target sensing network element refuses the target sensing network element to acquire the sensing data of the sensing target for the sensing service, the target sensing network element cannot meet the quality requirement of the sensing service (for example, the target sensing network element cannot meet the QoS parameter and / or SLA parameter corresponding to the sensing service), or the sensing resource of the target sensing network element is insufficient (for example, at least one of the sensing time domain resource, the sensing frequency domain resource, the sensing space domain resource, the sensing code domain resource, and the sensing power domain resource of the target sensing network element is insufficient).

[0253] Optionally, the third message can further indicate that the target sensing network element refuses to acquire the sensing data of the sensing target. In this case, the third message can indicate that the target sensing network element successfully starts to acquire the sensing data of the sensing target, or can indicate that the target sensing network element fails to acquire the sensing data of the sensing target, or can indicate that the target sensing network element refuses to acquire the sensing data of the sensing target.

[0254] Optionally, in the case that the third message indicates that the target awareness network element refuses to acquire the awareness data of the awareness target, the third message can further comprise information indicating a reason why the target awareness network element refuses to acquire the awareness data of the awareness target.

[0255] The reason why the target awareness network element refuses to acquire the awareness data of the awareness target can be different from the reason why the target awareness network element fails to acquire the awareness data of the awareness target. For example, the reason why the target awareness network element refuses to acquire the awareness data of the awareness target can include at least one of the following: the third network element corresponding to the first network element and the target awareness network element is different, the third network element corresponding to the target awareness network element refuses the target awareness network element to acquire the awareness data of the awareness target for the awareness service, the target awareness network element cannot meet the quality requirement of the awareness service (for example, the target awareness network element cannot meet the QoS parameter and / or SLA parameter corresponding to the awareness service). The reason why the target awareness network element fails to acquire the awareness data of the awareness target can be that the awareness resource of the target awareness network element is insufficient (for example, at least one of the awareness time domain resource, the awareness frequency domain resource, the awareness space domain resource, the awareness code domain resource, and the awareness power domain resource of the target awareness network element is insufficient), and the like.

[0256] Optionally, in the case that the third message indicates that the target awareness network element fails to acquire the awareness data of the awareness target or refuses to acquire the awareness data of the awareness target, the first network element can trigger the awareness continuity guarantee again to determine the second network element again.

[0257] Optionally, after S503, the communication method provided by the embodiment of the application can comprise the following steps:

[0258] S509, the first network element sends a fourth message to the source awareness network element, and correspondingly, the source awareness network element receives the fourth message. The fourth message indicates that the source awareness network element stops acquiring the awareness data of the awareness target for the awareness service.

[0259] Optionally, based on the fact that the subsequent source awareness network element can acquire the awareness data of the awareness target for the awareness service again, the fourth message can also be understood as indicating that the source awareness network element suspends (or suspends) the acquisition of the awareness data of the awareness target.

[0260] The source awareness network element can stop or suspend the acquisition of the awareness data of the awareness target for the awareness service under the indication of the fourth message.

[0261] Optionally, S509 can be executed in the case that the third message in S508 indicates that the target awareness network element successfully starts to acquire the awareness data of the awareness target.

[0262] Optionally, S509 can be performed at the same time or after the time indicated by the first time information or the second time information.

[0263] Optionally, the fourth message can comprise third time information, the third time information being used to indicate a start time and / or a duration of time during which the source sensing network element stops or suspends the sensing data acquisition for the sensing target.

[0264] Optionally, after S503, the communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application can comprise the following steps:

[0265] S510, the target sensing network element acquires the sensing data of the sensing target for the sensing service.

[0266] Optionally, in the case where the second network element is associated with the target sensing network element, after S510, the following steps can be included:

[0267] S511, the target sensing network element sends the sensing data to the second network element.

[0268] Optionally, in the case where the second network element is the target sensing network element, after S510, the following steps can be included:

[0269] S512, the target sensing network element sends the sensing data to the first network element.

[0270] Optionally, in the case where the communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application comprises S511, if the target sensing network element is a sensing network element managed by the second network element, after S511, the following steps can be included:

[0271] S513, the second network element sends the sensing data to the third network element.

[0272] Optionally, in the case where the communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application comprises S511, if the second network element is associated with the first network element and the sensing network elements managed by the first network element include the target sensing network element, after S511, the following steps can be included:

[0273] S514, the second network element sends the sensing data to the first network element.

[0274] Optionally, in the case where the communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application comprises S512 or S514, after S512 or S514, the following steps can be included:

[0275] S515, the first network element sends the sensing data to the third network element.

[0276] The embodiments of the present application do not limit the timing sequence between S504-S515 after S503.

[0277] The various schemes in the above method embodiments can be combined and applied independently. Based on the above embodiments, several possible and exemplary processes of the embodiments of the present application are introduced as follows.

[0278] Assuming that in the above method embodiments, the first network element is a CU (hereinafter referred to as a source CU), the second network element is another CU (hereinafter referred to as a target CU), the source awareness network element is a DU / RU / terminal (hereinafter referred to as a source DU / RU / terminal), and the target awareness network element is a DU / RU / terminal (hereinafter referred to as a target DU / RU / terminal), as shown in FIG. 6, one possible and non-limiting process (hereinafter referred to as process one) of the embodiments of the present application can include the following steps:

[0279] S601. The third network element sends information of candidate CUs to the source CU, for example, identification information of the candidate CUs, and identification information of cells or base stations corresponding to the candidate CUs.

[0280] The candidate CUs can be CUs supporting awareness services.

[0281] S601 can refer to the above description of S503.

[0282] S602. The source DU / RU / terminal sends a first message to the source CU to trigger awareness continuity assurance.

[0283] In S602, the source CU can trigger awareness continuity assurance based on awareness data in the first message. Alternatively, the source DU / RU / terminal sends a first message to the source CU to directly trigger the source CU to perform awareness continuity assurance.

[0284] S602 can refer to the above description of S502a and S502b.

[0285] S603. The source CU determines a target CU.

[0286] The source CU can select one CU as the target CU from the candidate CUs.

[0287] S603 can refer to the above description of S503.

[0288] S604. The source CU sends a second message to the target CU to request a new awareness network element to obtain awareness data of an awareness target for an awareness service.

[0289] S604 can refer to the above description of S503.

[0290] S605 (optional step). The target CU and the target DU perform awareness resource negotiation.

[0291] S605 can refer to the above description of S506.

[0292] S606 (optional step), the target CU sends the awareness service start indication information to the target RU / terminal, the indication information indicating that the target RU / terminal starts to acquire the awareness data of the awareness target for the awareness service.

[0293] S606 can refer to the description of S507 above.

[0294] S607, the target CU sends a third message to the source CU. The third message is a response message of the second message, which can be a success message or a failure message.

[0295] In the case that the third message is a success message, subsequent steps are continued to be executed. In the case that the third message is a failure message, subsequent steps are stopped to be executed.

[0296] Optionally, in the case that the third message is a failure message, the source CU can re-determine another target CU.

[0297] S607 can refer to the description of S508 above.

[0298] S608 (optional step) : the source CU sends awareness service stop indication information (i.e. fourth message) to the source RU / DU / terminal, indicating the source RU / DU / terminal to stop acquiring the awareness data of the awareness target.

[0299] S608 can refer to the description of S509 above.

[0300] S609, the target RU / terminal collects the awareness data and sends the awareness data to the target CU through the target DU.

[0301] S610, the target CU sends the awareness data to the third network element.

[0302] Suppose in the above method embodiment, the first network element is a CU (hereinafter referred to as a source CU), the second network element is another CU (hereinafter referred to as a target CU), the source awareness network element is a DU / RU / terminal (hereinafter referred to as a source DU / RU / terminal), and the target awareness network element is a DU / RU / terminal (hereinafter referred to as a target DU / RU / terminal), as shown in FIG. 7, another possible, non-limiting flow (hereinafter referred to as flow two) of the embodiments of the present application can include the following steps:

[0303] S701, the source DU / RU / terminal sends a first message to the source CU, triggering awareness continuity assurance.

[0304] In S701, the source CU can trigger awareness continuity assurance based on the awareness data in the first message. Alternatively, the source DU / RU / terminal sends a first message to the source CU, directly triggering the source CU to perform awareness continuity assurance.

[0305] S701 can refer to the description of S502a and S502b above.

[0306] S702, the source CU determines the target CU.

[0307] S702 can refer to the description of S503 above.

[0308] S703, the source CU sends a second message to the target CU, requesting the new sensing network element to obtain the sensing data of the sensing target for the sensing service.

[0309] S703 can refer to the description of S503 above.

[0310] S704 (optional step), the target CU sends a sensing service request message to the third network element, requesting the third network element to determine whether the target CU can perform sensing continuity management for the sensing service.

[0311] S704 can refer to the description of S504 above.

[0312] S705 (optional step), the third network element sends a response message (which can be referred to as a sensing service request response message) to the target CU. The response message can be a success or failure message.

[0313] In the case of a success message, continue to execute the subsequent steps. In the case of a failure message, stop executing the subsequent steps.

[0314] S705 can refer to the description of S505 above.

[0315] S706 (optional step), the target CU and the target DU perform sensing resource negotiation.

[0316] S606 can refer to the description of S506 above.

[0317] S707 (optional step), the target CU sends sensing service start indication information to the target RU / terminal through the target DU, indicating the target RU / terminal to start obtaining the sensing data of the sensing target for the sensing service.

[0318] S707 can refer to the description of S507 above.

[0319] S708, the target CU sends a third message to the source CU. The third message is a response message of the second message, which can be a success message or a failure message.

[0320] In a case that the third message is a success message, subsequent steps are continued to be executed. In a case that the third message is a failure message, subsequent steps are stopped to be executed.

[0321] Optionally, in a case that the third message is a failure message, the source CU can re-determine another target CU.

[0322] S709 (optional step): The source CU sends, to the source RU / DU / terminal, awareness service stop indication information (i.e., a fourth message) to instruct the source RU / DU / terminal to stop acquiring awareness data of the awareness target.

[0323] S709 can refer to the description of S509 above.

[0324] S710: The target RU / terminal collects awareness data and sends the awareness data to the target CU through the target DU.

[0325] S711: The target CU sends the awareness data to the third network element.

[0326] Suppose that in the above method embodiment, the first network element is a CU (hereinafter referred to as a source CU), the second network element is a DU associated with the first network element (hereinafter referred to as a target DU), the source awareness network element is a DU / RU / terminal (hereinafter referred to as a source DU / RU / terminal), and the target awareness network element is a RU / terminal (hereinafter referred to as a target RU / terminal), as shown in FIG. 8, one possible, non-limiting flow (hereinafter referred to as flow three) of an embodiment of the present application can include the following steps:

[0327] S801 (optional step): The third network element sends, to the source CU, information of a candidate CU, for example, identification information of the candidate CU and identification information of a cell or base station corresponding to the candidate CU.

[0328] The candidate CU can be a CU supporting an awareness service.

[0329] S801 can refer to the description of S503 above.

[0330] S802: The source DU / RU / terminal sends, to the source CU, a first message to trigger awareness continuity assurance.

[0331] In S802, the source CU can trigger awareness continuity assurance based on awareness data in the first message. Alternatively, the source DU / RU / terminal sends, to the source CU, the first message to directly trigger the source CU to perform awareness continuity assurance.

[0332] S802 can refer to the description of S502a and S502b above.

[0333] S803, the source CU determines that it still manages the perception continuity of the perception service, and determines the target DU.

[0334] S803 can refer to the description of S503 above.

[0335] S804, the source CU sends a second message to the target DU, requesting a new perception network element to obtain the perception data of the perception target for the perception service.

[0336] S804 can refer to the description of S503 above.

[0337] S805 (optional step), the source CU and the target DU perform perception resource negotiation.

[0338] S805 can refer to the description of S506 above.

[0339] S806 (optional step), the source CU sends perception service start indication information to the target RU / terminal through the target DU, which indicates the target RU / terminal to start obtaining the perception data of the perception target for the perception service.

[0340] S806 can refer to the description of S507 above.

[0341] S807, the target DU sends a third message to the source CU. The third message is a response message of the second message, which can be a success message or a failure message.

[0342] In the case of a success message, the subsequent steps are continued. In the case of a failure message, the subsequent steps are stopped.

[0343] Optionally, in the case of a failure message, the source CU can re-determine another target DU.

[0344] S807 can refer to the description of S508 above.

[0345] S808 (optional step): the source CU sends perception service stop indication information (i.e. a fourth message) to the source RU / DU / terminal, indicating the source RU / DU / terminal to stop obtaining the perception data of the perception target.

[0346] S808 can refer to the description of S509 above.

[0347] S809, the target RU / terminal collects the perception data and sends the perception data to the source CU through the target DU.

[0348] S810, the source CU sends the perception data to the third network element.

[0349] Assuming that in the above method embodiments, the first network element is a SU (hereinafter referred to as a source SU), the second network element is another SU (hereinafter referred to as a target CU), the source-aware network element is a CU / DU / RU / terminal (hereinafter referred to as a source DU / RU / terminal), and the target-aware network element is a CU / DU / RU / terminal (hereinafter referred to as a target CU / DU / RU / terminal), as shown in FIG. 9, one possible, non-limiting flow (hereinafter referred to as flow four) of the embodiments of the present application can include the following steps:

[0350] S901. The third network element sends information of the candidate SU to the source SU, for example, identification information of the candidate SU, and identification information of the cell or base station corresponding to the candidate SU.

[0351] The candidate SU can be a SU that supports the awareness service.

[0352] S901 can refer to the above description of S503.

[0353] S902. The source CU / DU / RU / terminal sends a first message to the source SU to trigger awareness continuity assurance.

[0354] In S902, the source SU can trigger awareness continuity assurance based on the awareness data in the first message. Alternatively, the source CU / DU / RU / terminal sends a first message to the source SU to directly trigger the source SU to perform awareness continuity assurance.

[0355] S902 can refer to the above description of S502a and S502b.

[0356] S903. The source SU determines the target SU.

[0357] The source SU can select one SU from the candidate SUs as the target SU.

[0358] S903 can refer to the above description of S503.

[0359] S904. The source SU sends a second message to the target SU to request the new awareness network element to obtain awareness data of the awareness target for the awareness service.

[0360] S904 can refer to the above description of S503.

[0361] S905 (optional step). The target SU and the target CU / DU perform awareness resource negotiation.

[0362] S905 can refer to the above description of S506.

[0363] S906 (optional step), the target SU sends awareness service start indication information to the target RU / terminal through the target CU / DU, and the indication information indicates that the target RU / terminal starts to acquire the awareness data of the awareness target for the awareness service.

[0364] S906 can refer to the description of S507.

[0365] S907, the target SU sends a third message to the source SU. The third message is a response message of the second message, which can be a success message or a failure message.

[0366] In the case that the third message is a success message, subsequent steps are continued to be executed. In the case that the third message is a failure message, subsequent steps are stopped to be executed.

[0367] Optionally, in the case that the third message is a failure message, the source SU can re-determine another target SU.

[0368] S907 can refer to the description of S508.

[0369] S908 (optional step) : the source SU sends awareness service stop indication information (i.e. a fourth message) to the source CU / RU / DU / terminal, indicating the source CU / RU / DU / terminal to stop acquiring the awareness data of the awareness target.

[0370] S908 can refer to the description of S509.

[0371] S909, the target RU / terminal collects the awareness data and sends the awareness data to the target SU through the target CU / DU.

[0372] S910, the target SU sends the awareness data to the third network element.

[0373] Suppose in the above method embodiment, the first network element is a SU (hereinafter referred to as a source SU), the second network element is another SU (hereinafter referred to as a target SU), the source awareness network element is a CU / DU / RU / terminal (hereinafter referred to as a source CU / DU / RU / terminal), and the target awareness network element is a CU / DU / RU / terminal (hereinafter referred to as a target CU / DU / RU / terminal), as shown in FIG. 10, another possible, non-limiting flow (hereinafter referred to as flow five) of the embodiments of the present application can include the following steps:

[0374] S1001, the source CU / DU / RU / terminal sends a first message to the source SU to trigger awareness continuity guarantee.

[0375] In S1001, the source SU can trigger the awareness continuity guarantee based on the awareness data in the first message. Alternatively, the source CU / DU / RU / terminal sends the first message to the source SU, directly triggering the source SU to perform the awareness continuity guarantee.

[0376] S1001 can refer to the description of S502a and S502b above.

[0377] S1002, the source SU determines the target SU.

[0378] S1002 can refer to the description of S503 above.

[0379] S1003, the source SU sends a second message to the target SU, requesting the new awareness network element to obtain the awareness data of the awareness target for the awareness service.

[0380] S1003 can refer to the description of S503 above.

[0381] S1004 (optional step), the target SU sends an awareness service request message to the third network element, which requests the third network element to judge whether the target SU can perform awareness continuity management for the awareness service.

[0382] S1004 can refer to the description of S504 above.

[0383] S1005 (optional step), the third network element sends a response message (which can be called an awareness service request response message) to the target SU. The response message can be a success or failure message.

[0384] In the case of a success message, continue to execute the subsequent steps. In the case of a failure message, stop executing the subsequent steps.

[0385] S1005 can refer to the description of S505 above.

[0386] S1006 (optional step), the target SU and the target CU / DU perform awareness resource negotiation.

[0387] S1006 can refer to the description of S506 above.

[0388] S1007 (optional step), the target SU sends awareness service start indication information to the target RU / terminal through the target CU / DU, which indicates the target RU / terminal to start obtaining the awareness data of the awareness target for the awareness service.

[0389] S1007 can refer to the description of S507 above.

[0390] S1008, the target SU sends a third message to the source SU. The third message is a response message of the second message, which can be a success message or a failure message.

[0391] In the case that the third message is a success message, subsequent steps are continued to be executed. In the case that the third message is a failure message, subsequent steps are stopped to be executed.

[0392] Optionally, in the case that the third message is a failure message, the source SU can re-determine another target SU.

[0393] S1009 (optional step): the source SU sends awareness service stop indication information (i.e., a fourth message) to the source CU / RU / DU / terminal, instructing the source CU / RU / DU / terminal to stop obtaining awareness data of the awareness target.

[0394] S1009 can refer to the description of S509 above.

[0395] S1010, the target RU / terminal collects awareness data and sends the awareness data to the target SU through the target CU / DU.

[0396] S1011, the target SU sends the awareness data to the third network element.

[0397] Assuming that in the above method embodiment, the first network element is a SU (hereinafter referred to as a source SU), the second network element is a CU / DU associated with the first network element (hereinafter referred to as a target CU / DU), the source awareness network element is a CU / DU / RU / terminal (hereinafter referred to as a source CU / DU / RU / terminal), and the target awareness network element is a RU / terminal (hereinafter referred to as a target RU / terminal), as shown in FIG. 11, one possible, non-limiting flow (hereinafter referred to as flow six) of the embodiments of the present application can include the following steps:

[0398] S1101 (optional step), the third network element sends information of a candidate SU to the source SU, for example, identification information of the candidate SU and identification information of a cell or base station corresponding to the candidate SU.

[0399] The candidate SU can be a SU supporting awareness services.

[0400] S1101 can refer to the description of S503 above.

[0401] S1102, the source CU / DU / RU / terminal sends a first message to the source SU, triggering awareness continuity assurance.

[0402] In S1102, the source SU can trigger awareness continuity assurance based on awareness data in the first message. Alternatively, the source CU / DU / RU / terminal sends the first message to the source SU, directly triggering the source SU to perform awareness continuity assurance.

[0403] S1102 can refer to the description of S502a and S502b above.

[0404] S1103, the source SU determines to continue to manage the sensing continuity of the sensing service by itself, and determines the target CU / DU.

[0405] S1103 can refer to the description of S503 above.

[0406] S1104, the source SU sends a second message to the target CU / DU, requesting the new sensing network element to obtain the sensing data of the sensing target for the sensing service.

[0407] S1104 can refer to the description of S503 above.

[0408] S1105 (optional step), the source SU and the target CU / DU perform sensing resource negotiation.

[0409] S1105 can refer to the description of S506 above.

[0410] S1106 (optional step), the source SU sends sensing service start indication information to the target RU / terminal, the indication information indicating the target RU / terminal to start obtaining the sensing data of the sensing target for the sensing service.

[0411] In the embodiment of the application, the SU and the terminal can communicate (or information interaction) through the transfer of at least one unit of the CU, DU or RU. The SU and the RU can directly communicate through the interface, or can communicate through the transfer of the CU and / or DU.

[0412] S1106 can refer to the description of S507 above.

[0413] S1107, the target CU / DU sends a third message to the source SU. The third message is a response message of the second message, which can be a success message or a failure message.

[0414] In the case of the third message being a success message, the subsequent steps are continued to be executed. In the case of the third message being a failure message, the subsequent steps are stopped to be executed.

[0415] Optionally, in the case of the third message being a failure message, the source SU can re-determine another target CU / DU.

[0416] S1107 can refer to the description of S508 above.

[0417] S1108 (optional step): The source SU sends awareness service stop indication information (i.e., a fourth message) to the source CU / RU / DU / terminal, instructing the source CU / RU / DU / terminal to stop obtaining awareness data of the awareness target.

[0418] S1108 can refer to the description of S509 above.

[0419] S1109: The target RU / terminal collects awareness data and sends the awareness data to the source SU through the target CU / DU.

[0420] S1110: The source SU sends the awareness data to the third network element.

[0421] Suppose in the above method embodiment, the first network element is an access network device (hereinafter referred to as a source NodeC), the second network element is another access network device (hereinafter referred to as a target NodeC), the source awareness network element is an access network device / terminal (hereinafter referred to as a source NodeB / terminal), and the target awareness network element is an access network device / terminal (hereinafter referred to as a target NodeB / terminal). As shown in FIG. 12, one possible, non-limiting flow (hereinafter referred to as flow seven) of an embodiment of the present application can include the following steps:

[0422] S1201: The third network element sends information of a candidate NodeC to the source NodeC, for example, identification information of the candidate NodeC and identification information of a cell corresponding to the candidate NodeC.

[0423] The candidate NodeC can be a NodeC that supports awareness services.

[0424] S1201 can refer to the description of S503 above.

[0425] S1202: The source NodeB / terminal sends a first message to the source NodeC, triggering awareness continuity assurance.

[0426] In S1202, the source NodeC can trigger awareness continuity assurance based on awareness data in the first message. Alternatively, the source NodeB / terminal sends the first message to the source NodeC, directly triggering the source NodeC to perform awareness continuity assurance.

[0427] S1202 can refer to the description of S502a and S502b above.

[0428] S1203: The source NodeC determines a target NodeC.

[0429] The source NodeC can select one NodeC from the candidate NodeC as the target NodeC.

[0430] S1203 can refer to the description of S503 above.

[0431] S1204, the source Node C sends a second message to the target Node C, requesting the new sensing network element to obtain the sensing data of the sensing target for the sensing service.

[0432] S1204 can refer to the description of S503 above.

[0433] S1205 (optional step), the target Node C and the target Node B / terminal perform sensing resource negotiation.

[0434] S1205 can refer to the description of S506 above.

[0435] S1206 (optional step), the target Node C sends sensing service start indication information to the target Node B / terminal, which indicates the target Node B / terminal to start obtaining the sensing data of the sensing target for the sensing service.

[0436] S1206 can refer to the description of S507 above.

[0437] S1207, the target Node C sends a third message to the source Node C. The third message is a response message of the second message, which can be a success message or a failure message.

[0438] In the case of the third message being a success message, the subsequent steps are continued to be executed. In the case of the third message being a failure message, the subsequent steps are stopped to be executed.

[0439] Optionally, in the case of the third message being a failure message, the source Node C can re-determine another target Node C.

[0440] S1207 can refer to the description of S508 above.

[0441] S1208 (optional step), the source Node C sends sensing service stop indication information (i.e. a fourth message) to the source Node B / terminal, indicating the source Node B / terminal to stop obtaining the sensing data of the sensing target.

[0442] S1208 can refer to the description of S509 above.

[0443] S1209, the target Node B / terminal collects the sensing data and sends the sensing data to the target Node C.

[0444] S1210, the target Node C sends the sensing data to the third network element.

[0445] Assuming that in the above method embodiments, the first network element is an access network device (hereinafter referred to as a source NodeC), the second network element is another access network device (hereinafter referred to as a target NodeC), the source-aware network element is an access network device / terminal (hereinafter referred to as a source NodeB / terminal), and the target-aware network element is an access network device / terminal (hereinafter referred to as a target NodeB / terminal), another possible, non-limiting flow (hereinafter referred to as flow eight) of the embodiments of the present application can include the following steps, as shown in FIG. 13:

[0446] S1301, the source NodeB / terminal sends a first message to the source NodeC, triggering awareness continuity assurance.

[0447] In S1301, the source NodeC can trigger awareness continuity assurance based on the awareness data in the first message. Alternatively, the source NodeB / terminal sends a first message to the source NodeC, directly triggering the source NodeC to perform awareness continuity assurance.

[0448] S1301 can refer to the above description of S502a and S502b.

[0449] S1302, the source NodeC determines the target NodeC.

[0450] S1302 can refer to the above description of S503.

[0451] S1303, the source NodeC sends a second message to the target NodeC, requesting a new awareness network element to obtain awareness data of an awareness target for an awareness service.

[0452] S1303 can refer to the above description of S503.

[0453] S1304 (optional step), the target NodeC sends an awareness service request message to a third network element, which requests the third network element to determine whether the target NodeC can perform awareness continuity management for the awareness service.

[0454] S1304 can refer to the above description of S504.

[0455] S1305 (optional step), the third network element sends a response message (which can be referred to as an awareness service request response message) to the awareness service request message to the target NodeC. The response message can be a success or failure message.

[0456] In the case where the response message is a success message, the subsequent steps are continued to be executed. In the case where the response message is a failure message, the subsequent steps are stopped from being executed.

[0457] S1305 can refer to the above description of S505.

[0458] S1306 (optional step), the target Node C and the target Node B / terminal perform sensing resource negotiation.

[0459] S1306 can refer to the description of S506.

[0460] S1307 (optional step), the target Node C sends sensing service start indication information to the target Node B / terminal, and the indication information indicates the target Node B / terminal to start acquiring sensing data of the sensing target for the sensing service.

[0461] S1307 can refer to the description of S507.

[0462] S1308, the target Node C sends a third message to the source Node C. The third message is a response message of the second message, and can be a success message or a failure message.

[0463] If the third message is a success message, subsequent steps are continued to be executed. If the third message is a failure message, subsequent steps are stopped to be executed.

[0464] Optionally, if the third message is a failure message, the source Node C can re-determine another target Node C.

[0465] S1309 (optional step), the source Node C sends sensing service stop indication information (i.e., a fourth message) to the source Node B / terminal, indicating the source Node B / terminal to stop acquiring sensing data of the sensing target.

[0466] S1309 can refer to the description of S509.

[0467] S1310, the target Node B / terminal collects sensing data and sends the sensing data to the target Node C.

[0468] S1311, the target Node C sends the sensing data to a third network element.

[0469] Suppose in the above method embodiment, the first network element is an access network device (hereinafter referred to as a source Node C), the second network element is a target sensing network element, the second network element is an access network device / terminal (hereinafter referred to as a target Node B / terminal), and the source sensing network element is an access network device / terminal (hereinafter referred to as a source Node C / terminal). As shown in FIG. 14, one possible, non-limiting flow (hereinafter referred to as flow nine) of an embodiment of the present application can include the following steps:

[0470] S1401 (optional step), the third network element sends information of the candidate Node C to the source Node C, for example, identification information of the candidate Node C, and identification information of a cell corresponding to the candidate Node C.

[0471] The candidate Node C can be a Node C supporting the perception service.

[0472] S1401 can refer to the description of S503.

[0473] S1402, the source Node B / terminal sends a first message to the source Node C, triggering the perception continuity guarantee.

[0474] In S1402, the source Node C can trigger the perception continuity guarantee based on the perception data in the first message. Alternatively, the source Node B / terminal sends the first message to the source Node C, directly triggering the source Node C to perform the perception continuity guarantee.

[0475] S1402 can refer to the description of S502a and S502b.

[0476] S1403, the source Node C determines that it still manages the perception continuity of the perception service, and determines a target Node B / terminal.

[0477] S1403 can refer to the description of S503.

[0478] S1404, the source Node C sends a second message to the target Node B / terminal, requesting the target Node B / terminal to obtain the perception data of the perception target for the perception service.

[0479] S1404 can refer to the description of S503.

[0480] S1405 (optional step), the source Node C and the target Node B / terminal perform perception resource negotiation.

[0481] S1405 can refer to the description of S506.

[0482] S1406 (optional step), the source Node C sends perception service start indication information to the target Node B / terminal, the indication information indicating the target Node B / terminal to start obtaining the perception data of the perception target for the perception service.

[0483] S1406 can refer to the description of S507.

[0484] S1407, the target NodeB / terminal sends a third message to the source NodeC. The third message is a response message of the second message, which can be a success message or a failure message.

[0485] In the case that the third message is a success message, subsequent steps are continued to be executed. In the case that the third message is a failure message, subsequent steps are stopped to be executed.

[0486] Optionally, in the case that the third message is a failure message, the source NodeC can re-determine other target NodeB / terminal.

[0487] S1407 can refer to the description of S508.

[0488] S1408 (optional step): the source NodeC sends awareness service stop indication information (i.e., a fourth message) to the source NodeB / terminal, instructing the source NodeB / terminal to stop obtaining awareness data of the awareness target.

[0489] S1408 can refer to the description of S509.

[0490] S1409, the target NodeB / terminal collects awareness data and sends the awareness data to the source NodeC.

[0491] S1410, the source NodeC sends the awareness data to the third network element.

[0492] It can be understood that in the above method embodiments, the SU can be replaced by the O-SU, the CU can be replaced by the O-CU, the DU can be replaced by the O-DU, and the RU can be replaced by the O-RU.

[0493] In the description of the present application, unless otherwise specified, " / " represents a "or" relationship between the objects associated in front and back, for example, A / B can represent A or B; "and / or" in the present application is only a description of the association between the associated objects, which means that there can be three relationships, for example, A and / or B, which can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist together, B exists alone, where A, B can be singular or plural. And in the description of the present application, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" means two or more than two. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions means any combination of the items, including any combination of single item or multiple items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c, can represent: a, b, c, a-b, a-c, b-c, or a-b-c, where a, b, c can be single or multiple. In addition, in order to clearly describe the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, in the embodiments of the present application, "first", "second" and the like are used to distinguish the same items or similar items with basically the same function and effect. The skilled in the art can understand that "first", "second" and the like do not limit the quantity and execution order, and "first", "second" and the like do not necessarily mean different. At the same time, in the embodiments of the present application, "exemplary" or "for example" means to present relevant concepts in a specific way for understanding.

[0494] In the embodiments of the present application, "indication" can include direct indication and indirect indication, and can also include explicit indication and implicit indication. The information indicated by a certain information is called to be indicated information, and in the specific implementation process, there are many ways to indicate the to-be-indicated information, for example, but not limited to, the to-be-indicated information can be directly indicated, such as the to-be-indicated information itself or the index of the to-be-indicated information. The to-be-indicated information can also be indirectly indicated by indicating other information, where the other information and the to-be-indicated information have an association relationship. The to-be-indicated information can also be indicated only by a part, and the other part of the to-be-indicated information is known or agreed in advance. For example, the indication of a specific information can also be realized by means of the arrangement order of each information agreed in advance (for example, the protocol stipulates), thereby reducing the indication overhead to a certain extent. At the same time, the common part of each information can be identified and uniformly indicated, so as to reduce the indication overhead caused by separately indicating the same information.

[0495] In addition, the specific indication manner can also be various existing indication manners, for example but not limited to the indication manners described above and various combinations thereof. The specific details of various indication manners can refer to the prior art, and will not be described herein. As can be known from the above, for example, when multiple information of the same type needs to be indicated, the indication manners of different information can be different. In the specific implementation process, the required indication manner can be selected according to the specific needs, and the selected indication manner is not limited by the embodiments of the application. In this way, the indication manners involved in the embodiments of the application should be understood as covering various methods that can enable the indicating party to know the information to be indicated.

[0496] It should be understood that the information to be indicated can be sent as a whole, or can be sent separately into multiple sub-information, and the sending period and / or sending occasion of the sub-information can be the same or different. The specific sending method is not limited by the embodiments of the application. The sending period and / or sending occasion of the sub-information can be predefined, for example, predefined according to a protocol, or configured by the sending end device by sending configuration information to the receiving end device.

[0497] In the embodiments of the application, “predefined”, “predefinition”, “preconfigured” or “preconfiguration” can be implemented by pre-saving corresponding codes, tables or other methods that can be used to indicate related information in the device, for example, can be burned in the device when the device is manufactured, and the specific implementation manner is not limited by the embodiments of the application. Wherein, “saving” can mean saving in one or more memories. The one or more memories can be separately set, or can be integrated in the encoder or decoder, processor or communication device. The one or more memories can also be partially separately set and partially integrated in the decoder, processor or communication device. The type of memory can be any form of storage medium, and the embodiments of the application do not limit this.

[0498] The “protocol” involved in the embodiments of the application can refer to a protocol family in the communication field, a standard protocol similar to the protocol family frame structure, or a related protocol applied to a future communication system, and the embodiments of the application do not specifically limit this.

[0499] In the embodiments of the application, “when”, “in the case of”, “if” and the like all refer to the device making corresponding processing under certain objective conditions, and are not limited by time, and do not require the device to have a judgment action when implemented, nor does it mean that there are other limitations.

[0500] In the embodiments of the present application, "sending information to (for example, the first network element) can be understood as that the destination of the information is the first network element. It can include directly or indirectly sending information to the first network element. "Receiving information from (for example, the first network element) can be understood as that the source of the information is the first network element, and it can include directly or indirectly receiving information from the first network element. The information can be processed between the source and the destination of the information, for example, format change, etc., but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar expressions in the present application can be understood similarly, and will not be described here.

[0501] The above mainly introduces the scheme provided by the embodiments of the present application from the perspective of interaction between the network elements. Correspondingly, the embodiments of the present application also provide a communication device for implementing the above various methods. The communication device can be each network element in the above method embodiments, such as the first network element, the second network element, etc., or a device containing the network element in the above method embodiments, or a component that can be used for the network element in the above method embodiments.

[0502] It can be understood that, in order to implement the above functions, the communication device contains the hardware structure and / or software module for executing each function. Those skilled in the art should easily realize that, in combination with the units and algorithm steps of the examples described in the embodiments disclosed in the present application, the present application can be implemented in the form of hardware or the combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a certain function is implemented in hardware or computer software driven hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional technicians can use different methods for each specific application to implement the described functions, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of the present application.

[0503] The embodiments of the present application can divide the function modules of the communication device according to the above method embodiments, for example, each function module can be divided according to each function, or two or more functions can be integrated in one processing module. The above integrated module can be realized in the form of hardware or software function module. It should be noted that the division of the modules in the embodiments of the present application is illustrative, and is only a logical function division. When actually implemented, there can be another division manner.

[0504] FIG. 15 shows a structural schematic diagram of a communication device 1500. The communication device 1500 includes a transceiver module 1501 and a processing module 1502. The processing module 1502, which can also be referred to as a processing unit 1502, is used to implement processing functions. The transceiver module 1501, which can also be referred to as a transceiver unit 1501, is used to implement receiving and sending functions. Optionally, the communication device 1500 can also include a storage module 1503.

[0505] In a possible design, the transceiver module 1501 is configured to receive a first message from a source awareness network element. The source awareness network element is configured to obtain awareness data of an awareness target for an awareness service. The processing module 1502 is configured to determine a second network element according to the first message, or the processing module 1502 is configured to determine whether to determine the second network element according to the first message. The transceiver module 1501 is further configured to send a second message to the second network element, where the second message requests a target awareness network element to obtain awareness data of the awareness target for the awareness service. The target awareness network element is different from the source awareness network element, the second network element is associated with the target awareness network element, or the second network element is the target awareness network element.

[0506] All related content of each step in the method embodiments described above can be referred to the function description of the corresponding functional module, which will not be repeated here.

[0507] Optionally, in the communication apparatus shown in FIG. 15, the names of the modules can also be different from those shown in FIG. 15. For example, the transceiver module can also be referred to as a communication module or a communication unit.

[0508] When each unit in FIG. 15 is implemented in the form of a software functional module and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on such an understanding, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure essentially, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or a part of the technical solutions can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for causing a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) or a processor to perform all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of the present disclosure. The storage medium storing the computer software product includes: a U disk, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk, and other various media that can store program codes.

[0509] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the communication apparatus 1500 is presented in the form of dividing each functional module in an integrated manner. The "module" here can refer to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a circuit, a processor and a memory that execute one or more software or firmware programs, an integrated logic circuit, and / or other devices that can provide the above functions.

[0510] In one simple embodiment, the skilled in the art can conceive that the communication device 1500 can take the form of a communication device 1600 shown in Fig. 16.

[0511] As shown in Fig. 16, the communication device 1600 comprises one or more processors 1601, a communication line 1602, and at least one communication interface 1604 (only exemplary in Fig. 16 to include the communication interface 1604 and one processor 1601 for illustration), and optionally a memory 1603.

[0512] The processor 1601 can be a general central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, an ASIC, or one or more integrated circuits used to control the execution of programs of the present application.

[0513] The communication line 1602 can comprise a path for connecting different components.

[0514] The communication interface 1604 can be a transceiver module for communicating with other devices or communication networks, such as Ethernet, RAN, terminal, wireless local area networks (WLAN), etc. For example, the transceiver module can be a transceiver, a transceiver-like device, or some other device capable of communicating with a modem, a network, a device, etc. Alternatively, the communication interface 1604 can be a transceiver circuit or input / output interface within the processor 1601 to enable signal input and output of the processor.

[0515] The memory 1603 can be a device with storage function. For example, it can be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device that can store static information and instructions, a random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage device that can store information and instructions, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disk storage, a magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and capable of being accessed by a computer, but not limited to. The memory can exist independently and be connected to the processor through the communication line 1602. The memory can also be integrated with the processor.

[0516] The memory 1603 is configured to store computer-executable instructions for implementing the solutions of the present application, and the processor 1601 is configured to execute the computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 1603. The processor 1601 is configured to execute the computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 1603, so as to implement the communication method provided in the embodiments of the present application.

[0517] Alternatively, in the embodiments of the present application, the processor 1601 can execute the functions related to processing in the communication method provided in the embodiments of the present application, and the communication interface 1604 is responsible for communication with other devices or communication networks, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0518] Optionally, the computer-executable instructions in the embodiments of the present application can also be referred to as application program codes, which are not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0519] In a specific implementation, as an embodiment, the processor 1601 can include one or more CPUs, such as CPU0 and CPU1 in FIG. 16.

[0520] In a specific implementation, as an embodiment, the communication device 1600 can include multiple processors, such as the processor 1601 and the processor 1607 in FIG. 16. Each of the processors can be a single-core processor or a multi-core processor. The processor herein can include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: CPU, microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP), microcontroller unit (MCU), or artificial intelligence processor, and various computing devices running software, each of which can include one or more cores for executing software instructions to perform calculations or processing.

[0521] In a specific implementation, as an embodiment, the communication device 1600 can further include an output device 1605 and an input device 1606. The output device 1605 communicates with the processor 1601 and can display information in various ways. For example, the output device 1605 can be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display device, a cathode ray tube (CRT) display device, or a projector, etc. The input device 1606 communicates with the processor 1601 and can receive user input in various ways. For example, the input device 1606 can be a mouse, a keyboard, a touch screen device, or a sensing device, etc.

[0522] The communication device 1600 described above can also be referred to as a communication apparatus, which can be a general-purpose device or a special-purpose device. For example, the communication device 1600 can be the first network element described above or a device having a similar structure as shown in FIG. 16. Embodiments of the present application do not limit the type of the communication device 1600.

[0523] In addition, the constituent structure shown in FIG. 16 does not constitute a limitation on the communication device, and the communication device 1600 can include more or fewer components than those shown in FIG. 16, or combine certain components, or have a different arrangement of components.

[0524] Alternatively, the functions / implementation procedures of the transceiver module 1501 and the processing module 1502 in FIG. 15 can be implemented by the processor 1601 in the communication device 1600 shown in FIG. 16 invoking computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 1603. Alternatively, the functions / implementation procedures of the processing module 1502 in FIG. 15 can be implemented by the processor 1601 in the communication device 1600 shown in FIG. 16 invoking computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 1603, and the functions / implementation procedures of the transceiver module 1501 in FIG. 15 can be implemented by the communication interface 1604 in the communication device 1600 shown in FIG. 16.

[0525] It should be understood that one or more of the above modules or units can be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination of both. When any of the above modules or units is implemented in software, the software exists in the form of computer program instructions and is stored in a memory, and a processor can be used to execute the program instructions and implement the above method procedures. The processor can be built in a SoC or an ASIC, or be a separate semiconductor chip. The processor further includes a core for executing software instructions to perform operations or processing, and can further include necessary hardware accelerators, such as an FPGA, a programmable logic device (PLD), or a logic circuit implementing a special logic operation.

[0526] When any of the above modules or units is implemented in hardware, the hardware can be any one or any combination of a CPU, a microprocessor, a DSP chip, an MCU, an artificial intelligence processor, an ASIC, a SoC, an FPGA, a PLD, a special-purpose digital circuit, a hardware accelerator, or a non-integrated discrete device, which can run necessary software or be independent of software to execute the above method procedures.

[0527] Optionally, the embodiment of the present application further provides a communication apparatus (for example, the communication apparatus can be a chip or a chip system), which comprises a processor, and is used for implementing the method in any of the method embodiments. In a possible design, the communication apparatus further comprises a memory. The memory is used for storing necessary program instructions and data, and the processor can invoke the program code stored in the memory to instruct the communication apparatus to execute the method in any of the method embodiments. Of course, the memory can also not be in the communication apparatus. When the communication apparatus is a chip system, the communication apparatus can be composed of a chip, or can comprise a chip and other discrete devices, and the embodiment of the present application does not make a specific limitation in this regard.

[0528] Optionally, the embodiment of the present application further provides a computer readable storage medium, which stores a computer program or instructions, and when the computer program or instructions run on the communication apparatus, the communication apparatus can execute the method in any of the method embodiments or any implementation manner thereof.

[0529] Optionally, the embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program product, which stores a computer program or instructions, and when the computer program or instructions run on the communication apparatus, the communication apparatus can execute the method in any of the method embodiments or any implementation manner thereof.

[0530] Optionally, the embodiment of the present application further provides a communication system, which comprises the first network element in the method embodiment and the second network element in the method embodiment. In a possible design, the communication system further comprises the source-aware network element in the method embodiment. In a possible design, the communication system further comprises the target-aware network element in the method embodiment. In a possible design, the communication system further comprises the third network element in the method embodiment.

[0531] In the above embodiments, all or part of the embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented by software, all or part of the embodiments can be implemented in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions according to the embodiments of the present application are generated. The computer can be a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable devices. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer readable storage medium, or transmitted from one computer readable storage medium to another computer readable storage medium, for example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website site, computer, server or data center to another website site, computer, server or data center through wired (such as coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (such as infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) mode. The computer readable storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or data storage device including one or more servers, data centers, etc. integrated with the medium. The available medium can be magnetic medium (such as floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), optical medium (such as DVD), or semiconductor medium (such as solid state drive (SSD)) and the like.

[0532] Although the present application is described herein in conjunction with various embodiments, it is understood that other variations of the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed application, from an inspection of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. The word "comprising" does not exclude other components or steps not listed in the claims, "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality, and a single processor or other unit can fulfill the functions of several means recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to an advantage.

[0533] Although the present application is described herein in conjunction with various embodiments, it is understood that other variations of the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed application, from an inspection of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. The word "comprising" does not exclude other components or steps not listed in the claims, "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality, and a single processor or other unit can fulfill the functions of several means recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to an advantage. Although the present application is described herein in conjunction with various embodiments, it is understood that other variations of the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed application, from an inspection of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. The word "comprising" does not exclude other components or steps not listed in the claims, "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality, and a single processor or other unit can fulfill the functions of several means recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to an advantage.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method is applied to a first network element, and the method comprises: receiving a first message from a source awareness network element, the source awareness network element being configured to obtain awareness data of an awareness target for an awareness service; the first message being configured to trigger the first network element to determine a second network element, or the first message being configured to enable the first network element to determine whether to determine the second network element; in a case where the first network element determines the second network element, sending a second message to the second network element; the second message being configured to request a target awareness network element to obtain the awareness data of the awareness target for the awareness service, the target awareness network element being different from the source awareness network element, the second network element being associated with the target awareness network element, or the second network element being the target awareness network element.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first message is configured to enable the first network element to determine whether to determine the second network element, and the first message comprises: determining whether the awareness target meets a first condition according to awareness data comprised in the first message; in a case where the awareness target meets the first condition, determining the second network element.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, The first condition comprises at least one of the following: it is predicted that the awareness target will leave an awareness coverage range of the source awareness network element; it is predicted that the awareness target will leave the awareness coverage range of the source awareness network element, and it is predicted that the awareness target will not be in an awareness coverage range of another awareness network element managed by the first network element after leaving the awareness coverage range of the source awareness network element; it is predicted that the awareness target will leave the awareness coverage range of the source awareness network element, and it is predicted that the awareness target will be in an awareness coverage range of another awareness network element managed by the first network element after leaving the awareness coverage range of the source awareness network element; a distance between the first network element or the source awareness network element and the awareness target is greater than or equal to a first threshold value; or a distance between the awareness target and a boundary of a first region is less than a second threshold value.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, The distance between the first network element or the source awareness network element and the awareness target is greater than or equal to the first threshold value, and the distance between the awareness target and the boundary of the first region is less than or equal to the second threshold value, and the distance between the first network element or the source awareness network element and the awareness target being greater than or equal to the first threshold value comprises: a duration in which the distance between the first network element or the source awareness network element and the awareness target is greater than or equal to the first threshold value reaches a first duration.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The distance between the first network element or the source awareness network element and the awareness target being greater than or equal to the first threshold value comprises: a distance between the first network element and the awareness target is greater than or equal to the first threshold value, and a moving direction of the awareness target is away from the first network element; or a distance between the source awareness network element and the awareness target is greater than or equal to the first threshold value, and a moving direction of the awareness target is away from the source awareness network element.

6. The method according to any one of claims 3-5, characterized in that, The distance between the awareness target and the boundary of the first region being less than or equal to the second threshold value comprises: a duration in which the distance between the awareness target and the boundary of the first region is less than or equal to the second threshold value reaches a second duration.

7. The method according to any one of claims 3-6, characterized in that, The distance between the awareness target and the boundary of the first region being less than or equal to the second threshold value comprises: the distance between the awareness target and the boundary of the first region is less than or equal to the second threshold value, and a moving direction of the awareness target is away from the first network element or the source awareness network element.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first message comprises at least one of the following: information of the sensing service, information of the sensing target, or location information of the source sensing network element.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The second message comprises at least one of the following: information of the sensing service, information of the sensing target, or location information of the source sensing network element.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The second message comprises first time information, which indicates a time at which the target sensing network element starts to acquire sensing data of the sensing target.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The method further comprises: receiving a third message from the second network element, the third message indicating that the target sensing network element successfully starts to acquire sensing data of the sensing target; or, the third message indicating that the target sensing network element fails to acquire sensing data of the sensing target.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, In a case where the third message indicates that the target sensing network element fails to acquire sensing data of the sensing target, the third message further comprises information indicating a reason why the target sensing network element fails to acquire sensing data of the sensing target.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein, The reason why the target sensing network element fails to acquire sensing data of the sensing target comprises at least one of the following: the first network element and the target sensing network element correspond to different third network elements respectively, a third network element corresponding to the target sensing network element refuses the target sensing network element to acquire sensing data of the sensing target for the sensing service, the target sensing network element cannot meet a quality requirement of the sensing service, or sensing resources of the target sensing network element are insufficient.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11-13, characterized in that, In a case where the third message indicates that the target sensing network element successfully starts to acquire sensing data of the sensing target, the third message further comprises second time information, which indicates a time at which the target sensing network element starts to acquire sensing data of the sensing target.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that, The method further comprises: sending a fourth message to the source sensing network element, the fourth message indicating that the source sensing network element stops acquiring sensing data of the sensing target.

16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that, The method further comprises: selecting the second network element from one or more candidate network elements, wherein the one or more candidate network elements are indicated by other network elements to the first network element or are pre-configured by the first network element.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein, Selecting the second network element from the one or more candidate network elements comprises selecting a candidate network element corresponding to a moving direction of the sensing target from the one or more candidate network elements as the second network element.

18. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that, The second network element is associated with the target sensing network element, comprising that the target sensing network element is a sensing network element managed by the second network element. Alternatively, the second network element is associated with the first network element, and sensing network elements managed by the first network element comprise the target sensing network element.

19. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that, The second network element is the target sensing network element, comprising: The second network element is a target sensing network element among sensing network elements managed by the first network element.

20. A communications device, characterized by The communication apparatus comprises modules or units for implementing the method of any one of claims 1-19.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein, The communication apparatus is a chip or a chip system.

22. A communications device, characterized by The communication device comprises a processor and an interface circuit for communicating with devices other than the communication device, the processor being configured to execute instructions stored in a memory; the instructions, when executed by the processor, causing the communication device to perform the method of any one of claims 1-19.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein, The communication device is a chip or a chip system.

24. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, A computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the method of any one of claims 1-19 to be performed.

25. A computer program product, characterised in that, The computer program product comprises instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the method of any one of claims 1-19 to be performed.

26. A communication system, characterized by The communication system comprises a first network element and a second network element; The first network element is configured to implement the method of any one of claims 1-19, and the second network element is configured to receive the second message from the first network element.

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