Sensing and communication method and sensing and communication apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides a sensing and communication method and a sensing and communication apparatus, capable of performing negotiation among multiple network devices to track and sense a target object. The method comprises: sending first information to at least one network device unit, the first information being used for requesting to receive an echo signal on a first physical resource for sensing device switching; receiving second information from all or some of network device units among the at least one network device unit, the second information being used for indicating acceptance of receiving the echo signal on the first physical resource for sensing device switching; and sending third information to a first radio unit, the third information being used for indicating transmission of a first sensing signal on the first physical resource.

Description

Sensing communication method and sensing communication apparatus

[0001] The present application claims priority from the Chinese patent application No. 202411011204.5 filed on July 25, 2024, and entitled "Sensing communication method and sensing communication apparatus", the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

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

[0003] With the evolution of wireless communication technology and the development of hardware manufacturing technology, network devices not only have the function of communicating with users, but also have the function of sensing the surrounding environment. In implementing the function of sensing the surrounding environment, the network device can send a sensing signal, receive a backwave signal of the sensing signal, and process the backwave signal, so as to sense the surrounding environment, for example, to sense whether a target object (for example, a person, an animal, a vehicle, etc.) appears in the surrounding environment.

[0004] When the target object leaves the sensing coverage range of the current network device, if the target object is to be continuously sensed, the target object is continuously sensed by another network device. Therefore, there is an urgent need to provide a method that can negotiate between multiple network devices to track and sense the target object. SUMMARY

[0005] The present application provides a sensing communication method and a sensing communication apparatus, which can negotiate between multiple network devices to track and sense the target object, thereby realizing the continuity and reliability of sensing.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present application provides a sensing communication method, which can be executed by any network device unit or a module or unit (such as a chip or a circuit) in the network device unit, and the method comprises: sending first information to at least one network device unit, the first information being used to request to receive a backwave signal on a first physical resource for sensing device switching; receiving second information from all or part of the at least one network device unit, the second information being used to indicate to accept to receive the backwave signal on the first physical resource for sensing device switching; and sending third information to a first radio unit, the third information being used to indicate to send a first sensing signal on the first physical resource.

[0007] It should be understood that the network device unit executing the above method is different from any network device in the at least one network device unit, and the network device unit executing the above method is referred to as a second network device unit herein.

[0008] In the perception communication method, the second network device unit requests at least one network device unit to receive the echo signal on the first physical resource, all or part of the network device units in the at least one network device unit indicate to the second network device unit to accept to receive the echo signal on the first physical resource, the second network device unit instructs the first wireless unit managed by the second network device unit to send the first perception signal on the first physical resource, so that the second wireless unit managed by all or part of the network device units in the at least one network device unit receives the echo signal on the first physical resource. Therefore, the multiple network device units can negotiate to track and perceive the target object, so as to realize the continuity and reliability of perception.

[0009] With reference to the first aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: receiving fifth information from the all or part of the network device units, the fifth information being used to indicate a reception situation of a first echo signal corresponding to the first perception signal; and sending, according to the fifth information, sixth information to a first network device unit in the all or part of the network device units, the sixth information being used to indicate that the target perception device is the first network device unit.

[0010] In the perception communication method, the second network device unit determines the first network device unit as the target perception device according to the reception situation of the first echo signal, and can determine the first network device unit that is more suitable for target object perception, so as to switch from the second network device unit to the first network device unit, track and perceive the target object, and further realize the continuity and reliability of perception.

[0011] With reference to the first aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the fifth information includes one or more of the following: echo intensity of the first echo signal; probability information of successful perception of the target object based on the first echo signal; information based on the first echo signal and used to indicate that the target object is not detected; information used to indicate that perception is being performed; information used to request to increase transmission power of the perception signal; or information used to request to change a physical resource on which the perception signal is transmitted.

[0012] With reference to the first aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: sending, according to the fifth information, seventh information to a third network device unit in the all or part of the network device units, the seventh information being used to indicate that the target perception device is not the third network device unit.

[0013] In the perception communication method of the present application, while the second network device unit determines the first network device unit as the target perception device according to the reception of the first echo signal, the seventh information can be sent to a third network device unit which is not the target perception device, so that the third network device unit can release the wireless resource of the wireless unit managed by the third network device unit according to the seventh information, and thus the wireless resource can be saved.

[0014] In combination with the first aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the first information includes information used for indicating one or more of the following: time domain resource, frequency domain resource, space domain resource, code domain resource, repetition number of the perception signal, cycle of the perception signal, or time synchronization information.

[0015] In combination with the first aspect, in a possible implementation manner, before the first information is sent to the at least one network device unit, the method further includes: sending eighth information to the at least one network device unit, the eighth information being used for requesting reception of the echo signal on a second physical resource for perception device switching; and receiving ninth information from all or part of the at least one network device unit, the ninth information being used for indicating rejection of reception of the echo signal on the second physical resource for perception device switching.

[0016] In the perception communication method of the present application, if all or part of the at least one network device unit rejects reception of the echo signal on the second physical resource, the second network device unit can reselect the physical resource and send the first information to the at least one network device, so as to re-adjust the physical resource for sending the perception signal and receiving the echo signal, and increase the probability of obtaining the target perception device.

[0017] In combination with the first aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the ninth information further carries information used for indicating the first physical resource.

[0018] In combination with the first aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the ninth information further carries one or more of the following: information used for indicating that the perception function is not supported; information used for indicating that the perception function is not turned on; or information used for indicating that the second physical resource is unavailable.

[0019] In combination with the first aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: sending tenth information to the first wireless unit, the tenth information being used for indicating to stop sending the first perception signal.

[0020] In the perception communication method, after the second network device unit determines the first network device unit as the target perception device according to the reception of the first echo signal, the first network device unit can track and perceive the target object, realizing the continuity and reliability of perception. At this time, the first wireless unit managed by the second network device unit can not continue to serve as a perception wireless unit. Therefore, the second network device unit sends the tenth information to the first wireless unit to instruct to stop sending the first perception signal, and the first wireless unit can release the wireless resource, thereby saving the wireless resource.

[0021] In combination with the first aspect, in a possible implementation, if the fifth information from the first network device unit involves multiple first echo signals, the first network device unit includes multiple second wireless units, and the method further includes: selecting a wireless unit as a target wireless unit from the multiple second wireless units according to the multiple first echo signals; and sending indication information to the first network device unit to indicate the target wireless unit.

[0022] In the perception communication method, if the number of the second wireless units managed by the first network device unit is multiple, the target wireless unit needs to be continuously determined, and the target wireless unit is used to send the perception signal and receive the echo signal to track and perceive the target object, realizing the continuity and reliability of perception.

[0023] In combination with the first aspect, in a possible implementation, the method further includes: if the target perception device is not determined according to the fifth information, sending the thirteenth information to the first wireless unit, the thirteenth information being used to instruct to increase the transmission power of the first perception signal.

[0024] In the perception communication method, if the second network device unit does not determine the target perception device according to the fifth information, the transmission power of the first perception signal can be increased to increase the probability of obtaining the target perception device.

[0025] In combination with the first aspect, in a possible implementation, the method further includes: if the target perception device is not determined according to the fifth information, replacing the first physical resource with a third physical resource to continue to communicate with at least one network device.

[0026] In the perception communication method, if the second network device unit does not determine the target perception device according to the fifth information, the physical resource for sending the perception signal and receiving the echo signal is re-adjusted to increase the probability of obtaining the target perception device.

[0027] In a second aspect, the present application provides a method for sensing communication, which can be executed by any of the network device units or modules or units (e.g. chips or circuits) in the network device units, the method comprising: receiving first information from a second network device unit, the first information being used for requesting to receive echo signals on a first physical resource for sensing device switching; sending second information to the second network device unit according to the first information, the second information being used for indicating to accept to receive echo signals on the first physical resource for sensing device switching; sending fourth information to a second wireless unit, the fourth information being used for indicating to receive echo signals on the first physical resource.

[0028] With reference to the second aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the method further comprises: receiving a first echo signal corresponding to the first sensing signal from the second wireless unit; and sending fifth information to the second network device unit according to the first echo signal, the fifth information being used for indicating a reception condition of the first echo signal.

[0029] With reference to the second aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the fifth information comprises one or more of the following: echo strength of the first echo signal; probability information of successful sensing of a target object based on the first echo signal; information based on the first echo signal and used for indicating that the target object is not detected; information used for indicating that sensing is being performed; information used for requesting to increase transmission power of the sensing signal; or information used for requesting to change the physical resource for transmitting the sensing signal.

[0030] With reference to the second aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the method further comprises: receiving sixth information from the second network device unit, the sixth information being used for indicating to perform sensing as a target sensing device.

[0031] With reference to the second aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the number of the second wireless units is a plurality, and the number of the first echo signals is a plurality, the method further comprises: selecting one wireless unit as a target wireless unit from the plurality of the second wireless units according to the plurality of the first echo signals; sending eleventh information to the target wireless unit, the eleventh information being used for indicating to transmit the sensing signal and receive the echo signal; and sending twelfth information to the remaining wireless units of the plurality of the second wireless units except the target wireless unit, the twelfth information being used for indicating to stop transmitting the sensing signal and stop receiving the echo signal.

[0032] With reference to the second aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the number of the second wireless units is multiple, and the number of the first echo signals is multiple, and the method further includes: receiving indication information from the second network device unit, the indication information being used for indicating a target wireless unit, wherein the second network device unit selects one wireless unit as the target wireless unit from the multiple second wireless units according to the multiple first echo signals, and indicates the target wireless unit to the first network device unit.

[0033] With reference to the second aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the number of the second wireless units is multiple, and the method further includes: sending a second sensing signal to each of the multiple second wireless units, receiving multiple second echo signals of the second sensing signal from the multiple second wireless units, and selecting one wireless unit as a target wireless unit from the multiple second wireless units according to the multiple second echo signals.

[0034] With reference to the second aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: receiving seventh information from the second network device unit, the seventh information being used for indicating not to be a target sensing device. It should be understood that after receiving the seventh information, the managed wireless unit can be instructed to stop sending a sensing signal and stop receiving an echo signal.

[0035] With reference to the second aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the first information includes information used for indicating one or more of the following: a time domain resource, a frequency domain resource, a space domain resource, a code domain resource, a repetition number of a sensing signal, a period of a sensing signal, or time synchronization information.

[0036] With reference to the second aspect, in a possible implementation manner, before the receiving the first information from the second network device unit, the method further includes: receiving eighth information from the second network device unit, the eighth information being used for requesting to receive an echo signal on a second physical resource for sensing device switching; and sending ninth information to the second network device unit, the ninth information being used for indicating to refuse to receive an echo signal on the second physical resource for sensing device switching.

[0037] With reference to the second aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the ninth information further carries information used for indicating the first physical resource.

[0038] With reference to the second aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the ninth information further carries one or more of the following: information used for indicating that a sensing function is not supported; information used for indicating that a sensing function is not turned on; or information used for indicating that the second physical resource is unavailable.

[0039] In a third aspect, the present application provides a sensing communication method, which can be executed by a network device with a sensing information processing function or a module or unit (such as a chip or circuit) in the network device, and the method comprises the following steps: sending first information to a first network device unit, wherein the first information is used to indicate that a first sensing signal is sent on a first physical resource; sending second information to at least one second network device unit, wherein the second information is used to indicate that a back echo signal is received on the first physical resource; and receiving third information from all or part of the network device units in the at least one second network device unit, wherein the third information is used to indicate a first back echo signal corresponding to the first sensing signal.

[0040] In the sensing communication method of the present application, the network device with the sensing information processing function can instruct the first network device unit, so that the wireless unit managed by the first network device unit sends a sensing signal, and instruct the at least one second network device unit, so that the wireless unit managed by all or part of the network device units in the at least one second network device unit receives a back echo signal, to track and sense a target object, thereby realizing the continuity and reliability of sensing.

[0041] In combination with the third aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the method further comprises: according to the third information, sending fifth information to a third network device unit in the all or part of the network device units, wherein the fifth information is used to indicate that the target sensing device is the third network device unit.

[0042] In combination with the third aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the method further comprises: according to the third information, sending seventh information to a fourth network device unit in the all or part of the network device units, wherein the seventh information is used to indicate that the target sensing device is not the fourth network device unit.

[0043] In combination with the third aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the first information comprises information used to indicate one or more of the following: a time domain resource, a frequency domain resource, a space domain resource, a code domain resource, a repetition number of the sensing signal, a period of the sensing signal, or time synchronization information.

[0044] In combination with the third aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the third network device unit comprises a plurality of wireless units, the third information carries information used to indicate a plurality of the first back echo signals corresponding to the plurality of wireless units, and the fifth information further carries information used to indicate a target wireless unit in the plurality of wireless units.

[0045] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides a sensing communication method, which can be executed by any network device unit or a module or unit (e.g., a chip or a circuit) in the network device unit, and the method comprises: receiving second information from a network device with a sensing information processing function, the second information being used to indicate that a back echo signal is received on a first physical resource; sending fourth information to a wireless unit, the fourth information being used to indicate that a back echo signal is received on the first physical resource; receiving a first back echo signal corresponding to a first sensing signal from the wireless unit; and sending third information to the network device with the sensing information processing function, the third information being used to indicate the first back echo signal.

[0046] In a possible implementation manner of the fourth aspect, the method further comprises: receiving fifth information from the network device, the fifth information being used to indicate that sensing is performed. Optionally, the third network device unit comprises a plurality of wireless units, the third information carries information used to indicate a plurality of first back echo signals corresponding to the plurality of wireless units, and the fifth information further carries information used to indicate a target wireless unit in the plurality of wireless units. Optionally, if the fifth information does not carry information used to indicate a target wireless unit in the plurality of wireless units, the third network device unit can also determine the target wireless unit, as described in the implementation manners of the third aspect.

[0047] In a possible implementation manner of the fourth aspect, the method further comprises: receiving seventh information from the network device, the seventh information being used to indicate that sensing is not performed.

[0048] In a possible implementation manner of the fourth aspect, the second information comprises information used to indicate one or more of the following: a time domain resource, a frequency domain resource, a space domain resource, a code domain resource, a number of repetitions of a sensing signal, a period of a sensing signal, or time synchronization information.

[0049] In a fifth aspect, the present application provides a sensing communication apparatus for executing the method in any possible implementation manner of any aspect described above. Specifically, the sensing communication apparatus comprises units / modules for executing the method in any possible implementation manner of any aspect described above.

[0050] In a sixth aspect, the present application provides another sensing communication apparatus, which comprises a processor coupled with a memory and configured to execute instructions in the memory to implement the method in any possible implementation manner of any aspect described above. In an implementation manner of the present application, the sensing communication apparatus further comprises the memory. In an implementation manner of the present application, the sensing communication apparatus further comprises a communication interface, and the processor is coupled with the communication interface.

[0051] In an implementation, the sensing communication device is a network device unit or a network device. When the sensing communication device is a network device unit or a network device, the communication interface can be a transceiver, or an input / output interface.

[0052] In another implementation, the sensing communication device is a chip configured in a network device unit or a network device. When the sensing communication device is a chip configured in a network device unit or a network device, the communication interface can be an input / output interface.

[0053] In another implementation, the sensing communication device is a circuit configured in a network device unit or a network device. When the sensing communication device is a circuit configured in a network device unit or a network device, the communication interface can be a transceiver.

[0054] In a seventh aspect, the present application provides a processor, comprising an input circuit, an output circuit and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to receive a signal through the input circuit and transmit a signal through the output circuit, so that the processor performs the method in any possible implementation manner of any one of the preceding aspects.

[0055] In the implementation, the processor can be a chip, the input circuit can be an input pin, the output circuit can be an output pin, and the processing circuit can be a transistor, a gate circuit, a flip-flop, various logic circuits, etc. The input signal received by the input circuit can be received and input by a receiver, for example, but not limited to. The output signal output by the output circuit can be output to and transmitted by a transmitter, for example, but not limited to. The input circuit and the output circuit can be the same circuit, which is used as the input circuit and the output circuit at different times, respectively. The present application does not limit the specific implementation of the processor and various circuits.

[0056] In an eighth aspect, the present application provides a processing device, comprising a processor and a memory. The processor is configured to read instructions stored in the memory, and can receive a signal through a receiver and transmit a signal through a transmitter to perform the method in any possible implementation manner of any one of the preceding aspects.

[0057] In an implementation, the processor is one or more, and the memory is one or more.

[0058] In an implementation, the memory can be integrated with the processor, or the memory and the processor can be separately arranged.

[0059] In a practical implementation process, the memory can be a non-transitory memory, for example, a read only memory (ROM), which can be integrated on the same chip as the processor, or separately arranged on different chips. The type of the memory and the arrangement manner of the memory and the processor are not limited in the present application.

[0060] It should be understood that the relevant data interaction process, for example, sending information, can be the process of outputting information from the processor, and receiving information can be the process of receiving information by the processor. Specifically, the data output by the processor can be output to the transmitter, and the input data received by the processor can come from the receiver. Wherein, the transmitter and the receiver can be collectively referred to as a transceiver.

[0061] The processing device in the eighth aspect described above can be a chip, and the processor can be implemented by hardware or software. When implemented by hardware, the processor can be a logic circuit, an integrated circuit, etc. When implemented by software, the processor can be a general-purpose processor, which is implemented by reading software codes stored in a memory. The memory can be integrated in the processor or exist independently of the processor.

[0062] In a ninth aspect, the present application provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program (also referred to as code or instruction), which, when executed, causes a computer to execute the method in any possible implementation manner of any one of the aspects described above.

[0063] In a tenth aspect, the present application provides a computer readable storage medium, which stores a computer program (also referred to as code or instruction), which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to execute the method in any possible implementation manner of any one of the aspects described above.

[0064] In an eleventh aspect, the present application provides a perception communication system, which includes the first wireless unit, the second network device unit, the at least one network device unit and the second wireless unit in any possible implementation manner of the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0065] In a twelfth aspect, the present application provides another perception communication system, which includes the first network device unit, the network device with perception information processing function, the at least one second network device unit and the wireless unit in any possible implementation manner of the third aspect or the fourth aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0066] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0067] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a centralized unit-distributed unit architecture according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0068] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a centralized unit-distributed unit- wireless unit architecture according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0069] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a sensing scenario of a communication system according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0070] FIG. 5 is an exemplary flow chart of a sensing communication method according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0071] FIG. 6 is a schematic flow chart of a sensing communication method according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0072] FIG. 7 is an exemplary flow chart of another sensing communication method according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0073] FIG. 8 is an exemplary block diagram of a sensing communication apparatus according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0074] FIG. 9 is an exemplary block diagram of another sensing communication apparatus according to embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0075] The technical solutions in the present application will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0076] In order to clearly describe the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, in the embodiments of the present application, the same items or similar items with basically the same function and role are distinguished by using "first", "second", etc. The skilled in the art can understand that "first", "second", etc. do not limit the quantity and execution order, and "first", "second", etc. also do not necessarily mean different.

[0077] It should be noted that in the present application, the words "exemplarily" or "for example" are used to represent as an example, illustration or explanation. Any embodiment or design scheme described as "exemplarily" or "for example" in the present application should not be interpreted as more preferred or more advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. Rather, the words "exemplarily" or "for example" are intended to present the relevant concept in a specific manner.

[0078] In addition, "at least one" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more. "And / or" describes the association relationship of the associated objects, which means that there can be three relationships, for example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist together, and B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally represents that the associated objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions means any combination of these items, including any combination of single or multiple items. For example, at least one of a, b and c can represent: a, or b, or c, or a and b, or a and c, or b and c, or a, b and c, where a, b and c can be single or multiple.

[0079] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems. The communication system can be a third generation partnership project (3rd generation partnership project, 3GPP) related cellular system, for example: global system for mobile communications (global system for mobile communications, GSM) system, long term evolution (long term evolution, LTE) system, LTE frequency division duplex (frequency division duplex, FDD) system, LTE time division duplex (time division duplex, TDD) system, worldwide interoperability for microwave access (worldwide interoperability for microwave access, WiMAX) system, 5th generation (5th generation, 5G) or new radio (new radio, NR) communication system, next generation wireless communication system, etc. The communication system can also be an open access network (open RAN, O-RAN or ORAN), cloud radio access network (cloud radio access network, CRAN), or virtualized radio access network (virtualized RAN, vRAN), etc.

[0080] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can also be applied to the communication system of the fusion of the above two or more systems.

[0081] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can also be applied to a universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), a code division multiple access (CDMA) system, a wireless local area network (WLAN), and the like.

[0082] In order to facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present application, first, a communication system applicable to the embodiments of the present application is introduced in combination with FIG. 1.

[0083] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an architecture of a communication system provided by the embodiments of the present application. As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 100 can include a network device 110, a network device 120, a network device 130, terminal devices (including a mobile phone 140 and a vehicle 150), and a target object 160. Among them, the network device 110, the network device 120, and the network device 130 not only communicate with terminal devices within a coverage range, but also can sense the target object 160 within the coverage range.

[0084] In a sensing scenario, the network device 110, the network device 120, or the network device 130 sends a sensing signal, the sensing signal encounters the target object 160 in the propagation process, the target object 160 reflects or scatters the sensing signal to generate a backwave signal, the network device 110, the network device 120, or the network device 130 receives the backwave signal and processes the backwave signal, and the existence and movement of the target object 160 can be sensed. It should be understood that if a terminal device turns off the communication function or the power is exhausted, it is also applicable to the sensing scenario, at this time, the terminal device does not receive the sensing signal, but reflects or scatters the sensing signal to generate a backwave signal.

[0085] In a communication scenario, the network device 110 can be a master network device such as a macro base station (macro eNB or macro e-NodeB), and the network device 120 and the network device 130 can be slave network devices such as small base stations (small eNB or small e-NodeB). The network device 110, the network device 120, and the network device 130 can provide a plurality of service cells for terminal devices by using a master-slave structure. If there are multiple cells providing services for terminal devices, the terminal devices can work in a carrier aggregation (CA) or dual connectivity (DC) or coordinated multipoint transmission manner. At least one cell in the multiple cells can provide at least two numerologies for the terminal devices to simultaneously provide wireless resources for the terminal devices.

[0086] It should be understood that the network device 110, the network device 120 and the network device 130 can work in the perception scenario and the communication scenario at the same time. For example, the terminal device such as the mobile phone 140 and the vehicle 150 and the target object 160 can be located in the coverage of the cell managed by the network device 110, the cell managed by the network device 120 and the cell managed by the network device 130 at the same time. The network device 110, the network device 120 and the network device 130 can communicate with the terminal device and perceive the target object 160 at the same time. The embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0087] It should be understood that FIG. 1 is only a schematic diagram, and the communication system 100 can further include other devices and / or target objects. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the number of network devices, terminal devices and target objects included in the communication system 100.

[0088] The terminal device of the embodiments of the present application can be referred to as a user equipment (UE), a terminal, an access terminal, a user unit, a user station, a mobile station, a mobile station (MS), a mobile terminal (MT), a remote station, a remote terminal, a mobile device, a user terminal, a user agent or a user apparatus, which refers to a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to a user. For example, a handheld device with wireless connection function, a vehicle-mounted device, etc. At present, some examples of the terminal are: a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a notebook computer, a palm computer, a mobile internet device (MID), a wearable device, a virtual reality (VR) device, an augmented reality (AR) device, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal in smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in smart city, a wireless terminal in smart home, etc. Hereinafter, the terminal device is described as UE.

[0089] The target object of the embodiments of the present application can be referred to as a perceived object, which does not have a wireless communication function, does not actively send or receive a wireless signal, does not participate in various communication services of a communication system, and can reflect or scatter a wireless signal. Some examples of the target object are: a human, an animal, a tree, and the like in a natural environment or a man-made environment, an industrial facility, a road, a mobile phone or a vehicle without a wireless communication function or with a closed wireless communication function, a drone with a closed wireless communication function, and the like, which are not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0090] The network device of the embodiments of the present application can include an access network device, which is a radio access network (RAN) node (or device) for accessing a terminal device to a wireless network. The access network device includes but is not limited to: a base station (BS), a radio network controller (RNC), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a home base station (for example, a home evolutional Node B, or a home Node B, HNB), a baseband unit (BBU), a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) access point (AP), a wireless relay node, a wireless backhaul node, a transmission and reception point (TRP; or, a transmission point, TP). The base station is a device deployed in a wireless access network and can provide a wireless communication function, which can also be referred to as a base station device, for example, an evolutional Node B (eNB or e-NodeB) in an LTE system, a Node B (NB), a base station (gNodeB or gNB) in a 5G system, a base station in a next-generation wireless communication system, and the like. The base station can include a BBU and a remote radio unit (RRU). The BBU and the RRU can be placed in different places, for example: RRU pullout, placed in a high traffic area, and the BBU placed in a central machine room. The BBU and the RRU can also be placed in the same machine room. The BBU and the RRU can also be different components under one rack. The base station can be in the following forms: a macro base station, a micro base station (also referred to as a small station), a pico base station, a relay station, an access point, a balloon station, and the like.

[0091] In some deployments of the access network device, the access network device can include a central unit (CU) and / or a distributed unit (DU). Where the access network device includes a CU and a DU, for example, protocol layers of an eNB in an LTE system are split, with some of the functions of the protocol layers being centrally controlled at the CU and the rest or all of the functions of the protocol layers being distributed in the DU and centrally controlled by the CU. In some deployments of the access network device, the CU can also be divided into a CU-control plane (CP) and a CU-user plane (UP), etc. In yet some deployments of the access network device, the access network device can also be an open radio access network (ORAN) architecture, etc. The specific deployment manner of the access network device is not limited in the present application.

[0092] The deployment manner of the access network device is briefly introduced below.

[0093] Manner 1: CU-DU split architecture

[0094] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the CU-DU architecture provided by an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 2, the access network device is logically divided into one CU and two DUs, and the CU and the DUs are separated. Each DU is connected with the CU through an F1 logical interface. The related operations of the radio link control (RLC) layer, the media access control (MAC) layer, and the physical layer (PHY) are handled by the DU, and the related operations of the radio resource control (RRC) layer, the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, and the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer are handled by the CU.

[0095] Manner 2: CU-DU-RU split architecture

[0096] In some split architectures, the access network device can be further divided into a CU, a DU, and a radio unit (RU), which is also referred to as an RRU. As shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the CU-DU-RU architecture provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0097] In the CU-DU separation architecture, the related operations of the PHY layer are handled by the DU; and in the CU-DU-RU separation architecture, part or all of the related operations of the PHY layer are handled by the RU.

[0098] In the CU-DU-RU separation architecture, the interface between the DU and the RU can be referred to as front-haul, the interface between the CU and the DU can be referred to as middle-haul, and the interface between the CU and the core network can be referred to as back-haul.

[0099] Option 3: CU and DU are combined and the whole is separated from the RU

[0100] In some separation architectures, the CU and the DU can not adopt a separate structure, and the CU and the DU are combined and the whole is separated from the RU to form a separation architecture.

[0101] It should be understood that the access network device of the embodiments of the present application does not limit whether the CU and the DU are deployed according to a separation architecture or a combined architecture, i.e., whether the CU and the DU are separated. For ease of understanding, CU&DU in the subsequent text can be understood as the CU and the DU, which can be deployed according to a separation architecture or a combined architecture.

[0102] In different systems, the CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU or RU can also have different names, but those skilled in the art can understand their meanings. For example, in 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 ease of description, the CU, DU and RU are described in the present application. Any one of the CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU and RU in the present application can be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module.

[0103] The network device of the embodiments of the present application can also include a core network device (not shown in FIG. 1). The main function of the core network device is to provide user connection, manage users, and complete the bearing of services, and provide an interface to external networks as a bearing network. For example, the core network of the 5G NR system can include an access and mobility management function (AMF) entity, a user plane function (UPF) entity, a session management function (SMF) entity and the like.

[0104] In the above FIG. 1, the CU&DU and the RU of the network device 110, the network device 120, or the network device 130 are separated, and the following describes the sensing scenario 400 of the communication system provided by the embodiments of the present application in combination with FIG. 4. In the sensing scenario 400, the CU&DU of the network device 110 is referred to as CU&DU A, the RU of the network device 110 is referred to as RU 1, the CU&DU of the network device 120 is referred to as CU&DU B, the RU of the network device 120 is referred to as RU 2 and RU 3, the CU&DU of the network device 130 is referred to as CU&DU C, and the RU of the network device 130 is referred to as RU 4.

[0105] If the UE is in the above scenario, when the UE moves from the coverage of the RU 1 to the coverage of the RU 3, the UE can measure the reference signals of the serving cells of the CU&DU B and the CU&DU C, and send the measurement results to the CU&DU A. The CU&DU A determines the target serving cell according to the measurement results, and further determines the target CU&DU corresponding to the target serving cell, for example, determines the CU&DU B as the target CU&DU, sends a handover request to the CU&DU B, and completes the handover process.

[0106] If the target object 160 is in the above scenario, when the target object 160 moves from the coverage of the RU 1 to the coverage of the RU 3, the target CU&DU also needs to be determined, but the target object 160 does not actively send the measurement results of the reference signals of the serving cells of the CU&DU B and the CU&DU C to the CU&DU A, so that the CU&DU A and the CU&DU B or the CU&DU C cannot realize handover, thereby affecting the continuity and reliability of the sensing of the target object 160.

[0107] In order to solve the above problems, the embodiments of the present application provide two sensing communication methods that can negotiate between multiple CU&DUs to track and sense the target object. The above CU&DU is also referred to as a network device unit or a baseband unit, and the RU is also referred to as a radio frequency unit.

[0108] In the first perception communication method provided in the embodiments of the present application, the current network device unit determines at least one network device unit capable of receiving the echo signal of the perception signal by interacting with the at least one network device unit, and instructs the wireless unit managed by the current network device unit to send the perception signal. Correspondingly, the at least one network device unit also instructs the wireless unit managed by the at least one network device unit to receive the echo signal of the perception signal. Thus, one network device unit can be determined from the at least one network device unit to continue to perceive the target object, and the continuity and reliability of perception are achieved. The current network device unit can also be referred to as a source network device unit, the at least one network device unit capable of receiving the echo signal of the perception signal can be referred to as a candidate network device unit, and the one network device unit determined from the at least one network device unit can be referred to as a target network device unit.

[0109] In the second perception communication method provided in the embodiments of the present application, the network device with the perception information processing function (which can be an existing network device such as an existing base station or core network device, or a newly added network device such as a newly added base station or core network device, and is different from the network device of the current network device unit and the network device of the candidate network device unit) instructs the current network device unit to make the wireless unit managed by the current network device unit send the perception signal, and instructs the candidate network device unit to make the wireless unit managed by the candidate network device unit receive the echo signal of the perception signal. Thus, one network device unit can be determined from the candidate network device unit to continue to perceive the target object, and the continuity and reliability of perception are achieved.

[0110] The second perception communication method is different from the first perception communication method in that the second perception communication method uses the network device with the perception information processing function (i.e., a device different from the network device unit performing the perception task) to complete the information processing of the current network device unit.

[0111] Next, the first perception communication method provided in the embodiments of the present application will be described in detail in combination with FIG. 5 and FIG. 6.

[0112] FIG. 5 shows an exemplary flowchart of a perception communication method 500 provided in the embodiments of the present application. The perception communication method 500 can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG. 1, and can also be applied to other communication systems, which are not limited in the embodiments of the present application. The method 500 includes the following steps:

[0113] S510, the second network device unit sends first information to at least one network device unit, and correspondingly, the at least one network device unit receives the first information, the first information being used to request to receive the echo signal on the first physical resource for perception device switching.

[0114] In the embodiments of this application, "sending information to a network device unit" or a similar description can be understood as the destination of the information being a network device unit, and may include sending information directly or indirectly to a network device unit. "Receiving information from a network device unit" or a similar description can be understood as the source of the information being a network device unit, and may include receiving information directly or indirectly from a network device unit. Information may undergo necessary processing between the source and destination of information transmission, but the destination can understand valid information from the source. Similar expressions in this application can be understood in a similar way, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0115] For example, the second network device unit may be the aforementioned CU&DU A, and at least one network device unit may be the aforementioned CU&DU B and / or CU&DU C.

[0116] For example, the first information may include information indicating one or more of the following: time-domain resources, frequency-domain resources, spatial-domain resources, code-domain resources, the number of repetitions of the sensed signal, the period of the sensed signal, or time synchronization information. The time-domain resources may include a system frame number (SFN), a slot, a sub-slot, or a symbol, etc. The frequency-domain resources may include bandwidth, subcarrier spacing, etc. The spatial-domain resources may include beam direction information, etc. The code-domain resources may include a code sequence used to generate the sensed signal, etc. The number of repetitions of the sensed signal may indicate how many times the sensed signal will be transmitted, and may include a specific value. The period of the sensed signal may indicate the time interval for transmitting the sensed signal, etc., and the time interval may include a slot, a sub-slot, or a symbol, etc. The time synchronization information, used to synchronize two network device units, may include time information corresponding to the air interface system frame number (SFN) / slot / symbol ID, and the time information may be Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).

[0117] In one possible implementation, the first information includes both time-domain resources and spatial resources within the first physical resources. At least one network device unit can determine the first physical resources based on the first information and predefined frequency-domain resources. It should be understood that either the time-domain resources or the spatial resources can be predefined.

[0118] In another possible implementation, the first information includes time-domain resources, frequency-domain resources, and spatial-domain resources of the first physical resources. At least one network device unit can determine the first physical resources based on the first information.

[0119] In another possible implementation, the first information includes time-domain resources, frequency-domain resources, and spatial-domain resources of the first physical resource, as well as the number of repetitions of the sensing signal and the period of the sensing signal. At least one network device unit can determine the first physical resource based on the first information and learn the number of times the sensing signal is transmitted on the first physical resource and the time interval between transmissions, etc.

[0120] In another possible implementation, the first information includes time-domain resources, frequency-domain resources, and spatial-domain resources of the first physical resources, as well as time synchronization information. At least one network device unit can determine the first physical resources based on the first information, simultaneously acquire the time synchronization information, and complete time synchronization between at least one network device unit and a second network device unit based on the time synchronization information.

[0121] In another possible implementation, the aforementioned first information includes time-domain resources, frequency-domain resources, and spatial-domain resources in the first physical resources, as well as the number of repetitions of the sensing signal, the period of the sensing signal, and time synchronization information.

[0122] It should be understood that the above is merely an example to illustrate the content included in the first piece of information, and those skilled in the art can make changes according to the actual network environment and application scenario.

[0123] For example, the first information may directly carry one or more of the following: time-domain resources, frequency-domain resources, spatial-domain resources, code-domain resources, the number of repetitions of the sensed signal, the period of the sensed signal, or time synchronization information. It may also carry index information for one or more of the above. It should be understood that the correspondence between the index information and the above one or more may be predefined. The second network device unit and at least one network device unit may also predefine one or more of the above. The first information may carry indication information, such as 1. When the indication information is 1, it indicates the use of the predefined one or more of the above.

[0124] For example, the first information may be called a sensing handover (HO) request, or may have other names, which are not limited in this application embodiment.

[0125] It should be understood that the first physical resource refers to the physical resource for the first wireless unit, managed by the second network device unit, to transmit sensing signals, and also the physical resource for the second wireless unit, managed by at least one network device unit, to receive echo signals of the sensing signals. There may be a time delay between the physical resource for the first wireless unit to transmit sensing signals and the physical resource for the second wireless unit to actually receive echo signals, but this delay is negligible, or at least one network device unit can correct it itself based on network characteristics; this application embodiment does not limit this. Therefore, in this application, the physical resource for the first wireless unit to transmit sensing signals is equivalent to the physical resource for the second wireless unit to receive echo signals.

[0126] S520, at least one network device unit sends second information to a second network device unit, and correspondingly, the second network device unit receives the second information, which is used to indicate acceptance of receiving echo signals on the first physical resource for sensing device switching.

[0127] It should be understood that after a second network device unit sends first information to at least one network device unit, only some of the network device units may receive the first information and then send second information. In this description, "at least one network device unit sending second information to a second network device unit" includes the scenario where all or some of the at least one network device unit sends second information to the second network device unit. Similar descriptions in the following text can be understood as all or some of the network device units sending or receiving the information.

[0128] For example, the second information may include acknowledgment information, such as ACK.

[0129] For example, the second information may be called a sensing HO request ACK, or it may have other names, which are not limited in this application embodiment.

[0130] S530, the second network device unit sends third information to the first wireless unit, and correspondingly, the first wireless unit receives the third information, which is used to instruct the transmission of the first sensing signal on the first physical resource.

[0131] For example, the third information is similar to the first information and can be understood by reference.

[0132] It should be understood that if the first information contains time synchronization information, the third information may not include time synchronization information, and other time synchronization methods may be used between network device units and wireless units.

[0133] S540, at least one network device unit sends a fourth message to the second wireless unit, and correspondingly, the second wireless unit receives the fourth message, which is used to indicate that an echo signal is received on the first physical resource.

[0134] Specifically, after receiving the first information, at least one network device unit can determine the first physical resource and then send the fourth information to the second wireless unit to instruct the second wireless unit to receive the echo signal on the first physical resource.

[0135] For example, the fourth piece of information is similar to the third piece of information and can be understood by reference.

[0136] In the sensing communication method of this application embodiment, a second network device unit requests at least one network device unit to receive an echo signal on a first physical resource. At least one network device unit instructs the second network device unit to accept receiving the echo signal on the first physical resource. The second network device unit instructs the first wireless unit it manages to send a first sensing signal on the first physical resource, so that the second wireless unit managed by at least one network device unit can receive the echo signal on the first physical resource. Thus, multiple network device units can negotiate to track and sense the target object, thereby achieving continuity and reliability of sensing.

[0137] For example, a network device unit that receives echo signals on a first physical resource can be used to switch from a second network device unit to continue sensing the target object. Alternatively, based on the reception of the echo signals, the second network device unit can determine the target sensing device from at least one network device unit, switch from the second network device unit to the target sensing device, and continue sensing the target object.

[0138] As an optional embodiment, as shown in FIG5, the sensing communication method 500 further includes: S550, after receiving the third information, the first wireless unit sends a first sensing signal on the first physical resource according to the third information. The first sensing signal is reflected or scattered by the target object during propagation to generate a first echo signal. Correspondingly, S560, the second wireless unit receives the first echo signal; S570, the second wireless unit sends the first echo signal to at least one network device unit. Correspondingly, at least one network device unit receives the first echo signal; S580, at least one network device unit sends a fifth information to the second network device unit according to the first echo signal. Correspondingly, the second network device unit receives the fifth information, which is used to indicate the reception status of the first echo signal; S590, the second network device unit sends a sixth information to the first network device unit among the at least one network device unit according to the fifth information. Correspondingly, the first network device unit receives the sixth information, which is used to indicate that the target sensing device is the first network device unit.

[0139] As an optional embodiment, the fifth information includes one or more of the following: the echo intensity of the first echo signal; probability information of successful detection of the target object obtained based on the first echo signal; information obtained based on the first echo signal to indicate that no target object was detected; information to indicate that detection is in progress; information to request an increase in the transmission power of the sensing signal; or information to request a change in the physical resources for transmitting the sensing signal.

[0140] For example, each of the at least one network device unit can calculate the signal strength of the first echo signal to obtain the echo strength, and carry the echo strength in the fifth information. If the second network device unit determines that the echo strength is greater than a threshold, the network device unit can be considered as a target sensing device; or each of the at least one network device unit can obtain the probability information of successful target object sensing based on the signal strength, signal-to-noise ratio, and other information of the first echo signal, and carry the probability information in the fifth information. If the second network device unit determines that the probability is greater than a threshold, the network device unit can be considered as a target sensing device; or each of the at least one network device unit can obtain the information of undetected target object based on the signal strength, signal-to-noise ratio, and other information of the first echo signal, and carry the information in the fifth information. The second network device unit can consider that the network device unit cannot be a target sensing device; or at least one network device Each network device unit in the unit can obtain the information of the sensing process based on the signal strength, signal-to-noise ratio, and other information of the first echo signal, and carry this information in the fifth information. The second network device unit can continue to wait to receive the fifth information again or notify the network device unit to continue sending the fifth information. If there are other network device units that can be used as target sensing devices, it can also be considered that the network device unit cannot be used as a target sensing device. Alternatively, if each network device unit in at least one of the network device units does not receive the first echo signal or the first echo signal is unclear, the fifth information carries information for requesting an increase in the transmission power of the sensing signal or information for requesting a change in the physical resources for transmitting the sensing signal. The second network device unit can instruct the first wireless unit to increase the transmission power of the first sensing signal or change the physical resources for transmitting the sensing signal. If there are other network device units that can be used as target sensing devices, it can also be considered that the network device unit cannot be used as a target sensing device.

[0141] It should be understood that the above are merely examples illustrating the content of the fifth piece of information and the method of determining the target sensing device. Those skilled in the art can make changes according to the actual network environment and application scenario.

[0142] For example, the fifth message may be called a HO notification message, or may have other names, which are not limited in this application embodiment.

[0143] In the sensing communication method of this application embodiment, the second network device unit determines the first network device unit as the target sensing device based on the reception of the first echo signal. The first network device unit that is more suitable for sensing the target object can be determined so that the user can switch from the second network device unit to the first network device unit. This allows for tracking and sensing of the target object, further realizing the continuity and reliability of sensing.

[0144] As an optional embodiment, the sensing communication method 500 further includes: a second network device unit sending seventh information to a third network device unit among at least one network device unit according to the fifth information; correspondingly, the third network device unit receives the seventh information, which is used to indicate that the target sensing device is not the third network device unit. The process for determining the third network device unit can refer to the process for determining the first network device unit in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0145] In the sensing communication method of this application embodiment, while the second network device unit determines that the first network device unit is the target sensing device based on the reception of the first echo signal, it can send seventh information to other third network device units that are not the target sensing devices, so that the third network device unit can release the wireless resources of the wireless unit based on the seventh information, thereby saving wireless resources.

[0146] As an optional embodiment, the sensing communication method 500 further includes: sending tenth information to a first wireless unit, the tenth information being used to indicate that the transmission of the first sensing signal should be stopped.

[0147] In the sensing communication method of this application embodiment, after the second network device unit determines that the first network device unit is the target sensing device based on the reception of the first echo signal, the first network device unit can track and sense the target object to achieve the continuity and reliability of sensing. At this time, the first wireless unit managed by the second network device unit does not need to continue to act as a sensing wireless unit. Therefore, the second network device unit sends tenth information to the first wireless unit to indicate that the first sensing signal should be stopped. The first wireless unit can release wireless resources, thus saving wireless resources.

[0148] As an optional embodiment, the number of second wireless units is multiple, the number of first echo signals is multiple, and the sensing communication method 500 further includes: selecting one wireless unit as a target wireless unit from the multiple second wireless units according to the multiple first echo signals; sending eleventh information to the target wireless unit, the eleventh information being used to instruct the transmission of sensing signals and the reception of echo signals; and sending twelfth information to the remaining wireless units among the multiple second wireless units other than the target wireless unit, the twelfth information being used to instruct the cessation of transmission of sensing signals and the cessation of reception of echo signals.

[0149] For example, if the first network device unit is determined to be the target sensing device, it is further necessary to determine the target wireless unit from among the plurality of second wireless units. The first network device unit can select one wireless unit as the target wireless unit from among the plurality of second wireless units based on the plurality of first echo signals. For example, the second wireless unit whose transmitted first echo signal has the largest echo intensity can be selected as the target wireless unit. Alternatively, the first network device unit can also retransmit the second sensing signal to the plurality of second wireless units respectively, receive the plurality of second echo signals from the plurality of second wireless units, and select one wireless unit as the target wireless unit from among the plurality of second wireless units based on the plurality of second echo signals.

[0150] It should be understood that the process of determining the target wireless unit described above can also be implemented by the second network device unit. The second network device unit can select one wireless unit from multiple second wireless units as the target wireless unit based on the multiple first echo signals fed back by the first network device unit, and indicate the target wireless unit to the first network device unit.

[0151] In the sensing communication method of this application embodiment, if the number of second wireless units managed by the target sensing device is multiple, it is necessary to continue to confirm the target wireless unit, and use the target wireless unit to send sensing signals and receive echo signals to continue to sense the target object, so as to achieve the continuity and reliability of sensing; at the same time, it is also possible to instruct the remaining wireless units other than the target wireless unit to stop sending sensing signals and stop receiving echo signals in order to release wireless resources.

[0152] As an optional embodiment, prior to S510, the sensing communication method 500 further includes: a second network device unit sending an eighth message to at least one network unit, wherein at least one network unit receives the eighth message, the eighth message being used to request the reception of an echo signal on a second physical resource for sensing device switching; and at least one network unit sending a ninth message to the second network device unit, wherein the second network device unit receives the ninth message, the ninth message being used to indicate refusal to receive an echo signal on the second physical resource for sensing device switching.

[0153] For example, the eighth piece of information can be called a perception switching request, which can be understood by referring to the first piece of information. The second physical resource and the first physical resource contain the same type of information, but the content is different.

[0154] The ninth message can be called sensing HO preparation failure, or it can have other names, which are not limited to the embodiments of this application.

[0155] For example, the ninth information also carries one or more of the following: information indicating that the sensing function is not supported; information indicating that the sensing function is not enabled; or information indicating that the second physical resource is unavailable.

[0156] For example, the ninth information also carries information for indicating the first physical resource, for suggesting the use of the first physical resource for sensing handover.

[0157] For example, the second network device unit sends an eighth message to at least one network device to request the reception of an echo signal on a second physical resource. If at least one network device (partially or entirely) refuses to receive the echo signal on the second physical resource, it sends a ninth message to the second network device unit. The second network device unit can obtain the reason for the refusal from the ninth message, such as the network device unit not supporting the sensing task or not having started the sensing task; or the second physical resource being unavailable, such as the time slot of the second physical resource conflicting with the time slot used for communication services. The second network device unit can also obtain a set of recommended physical resources from the ninth message, select a first physical resource from the set of recommended physical resources, and return to S510 to send the first message to at least one network device. It should be understood that if the ninth message does not carry a set of physical resources, the second network device unit, after receiving the ninth message, can determine the first physical resource on its own or select the first physical resource from a predefined set of physical resources, and return to S510 to send the first message to at least one network device.

[0158] In the sensing communication method of this application embodiment, if at least one network device refuses to receive echo signals on the second physical resource, the second network device unit can reselect the physical resource and continue to send the first information to at least one network device, readjust the physical resources for sending sensing signals and receiving echo signals, and increase the probability of obtaining the target sensing device.

[0159] As an optional embodiment, the sensing communication method 500 further includes: if the second network device unit fails to identify the target sensing device based on the fifth information, the second network device unit sends a thirteenth information to the first wireless unit, the thirteenth information being used to instruct the first wireless unit to increase the transmission power of the first sensing signal, and returns to step S550 to continue transmitting the first sensing signal.

[0160] In the sensing communication method of this application embodiment, if the target sensing device is not identified, the transmission power of the first sensing signal can be increased to increase the probability of obtaining the target sensing device.

[0161] As an optional embodiment, the sensing communication method 500 further includes: if the second network device unit fails to determine the target sensing device based on the fifth information, the second network device unit replaces the first physical resource with the third physical resource and returns to step S510 to continue communicating with at least one network device.

[0162] In the sensing communication method of this application embodiment, if the second network device unit fails to determine the target sensing device based on the fifth information, it readjusts the physical resources for sending sensing signals and receiving echo signals to increase the probability of obtaining the target sensing device.

[0163] Figure 6 shows a schematic flowchart of the perceptual communication method 600 in the scenario shown in Figure 4.

[0164] When CU&DU A detects that a target object is about to leave the coverage area of ​​RU1 based on the echo signal of RU1, CU&DU A identifies CU&DU B and CU&DU C, and interacts with CU&DU B and CU&DU C to identify the target CU&DU and the target RU. Specifically, as shown in Figure 6, this sensing communication method 600 can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in Figure 1, and can also be applied to other communication systems, but the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto. The method 600 includes the following steps:

[0165] S610, CU&DU A sends a first perception switching request (equivalent to the first information or eighth information mentioned above) to CU&DU B and CU&DU C. Correspondingly, CU&DU B receives the first perception switching request and CU&DU C receives the first perception switching request.

[0166] S620, CU&DU B sends a sensing handover preparation failure message to CU&DU A (equivalent to the ninth information mentioned above), and correspondingly, CU&DU A receives the sensing handover preparation failure message.

[0167] S630, CU&DU A sends a second perception switching request (equivalent to the first information mentioned above) to CU&DU B and CU&DU C. Correspondingly, CU&DU B receives the second perception switching request and CU&DU C receives the second perception switching request.

[0168] S640, CU&DU B sends a handover request confirmation to CU&DU A (equivalent to the second information mentioned above), and CU&DU C sends a handover request confirmation to CU&DU A. Correspondingly, CU&DU A receives the handover request confirmation from CU&DU B and the handover request confirmation from CU&DU C.

[0169] CU&DU B sends a handover request confirmation to CU&DU A, indicating that RU 2 and RU 3 will receive the sensing echo signal on the designated physical resource; CU&DU C sends a handover request confirmation to CU&DU A, indicating that RU 4 will receive the sensing echo signal on the designated physical resource. The designated physical resource is equivalent to the first physical resource mentioned above.

[0170] S650, CU&DU A sends first control information (equivalent to the third information mentioned above) to RU 1. Correspondingly, RU 1 receives the first control information and sends a first sensing signal according to the first control information.

[0171] S660, CU&DU B sends second control information to RU 2 and RU 3. Correspondingly, RU 2 and RU 3 receive the second control information (equivalent to the fourth information mentioned above) and receive the first echo signal according to the second control information. CU&DU C sends second control information to RU 4. Correspondingly, RU 4 receives the second control information and receives the first echo signal according to the second control information.

[0172] S670, RU 2 sends the first echo signal to CU&DU B, RU 3 sends the first echo signal to CU&DU B, and CU&DU B receives the first echo signal accordingly; RU 4 sends the first echo signal to CU&DU C, and CU&DU C receives the first echo signal accordingly.

[0173] S680, CU&DU B sends the first echo reception information (relative to the fifth information) to CU&DU A, and CU&DU C sends the second echo reception information (relative to the fifth information) to CU&DU A. Correspondingly, CU&DU A receives the first echo reception information and the second echo reception information.

[0174] S690, CU&DU A determines the target CU&DU based on the first echo reception information and the second echo reception information. For example, CU&DU B is the target CU&DU, while CU&DU C is not the target CU&DU.

[0175] S6100, CU&DU A sends third control information (relative to the sixth information mentioned above) to CU&DU B, and correspondingly, CU&DU B receives the third control information.

[0176] S6110, CU&DU A sends the fourth control information (relative to the seventh information mentioned above) to CU&DU C, and CU&DU C receives the fourth control information accordingly; S6150, after receiving the fourth control information, CU&DU C sends the eighth control information to RU 4, instructing RU 4 to stop receiving echo signals, and RU 4 receives the eighth control information and stops receiving echo signals accordingly.

[0177] S6120, CU&DU A sends the fifth control information (relative to the tenth information mentioned above) to RU 1. Correspondingly, RU 1 receives the fifth control information and stops sending sensing signals.

[0178] S6130, through the aforementioned steps, CU&DU B has been identified as the target network device unit; CU&DU B can also identify the target radio unit, such as RU 3 or RU 2 as the target RU for this handover.

[0179] S6140, when the selected target RU is RU2, CU&DU B sends a sixth control message to RU2, instructing RU2 to continue transmitting and receiving sensing signals. RU2 receives the sixth control message and continues transmitting and receiving sensing signals. CU&DU B sends a seventh control message to RU3, instructing RU3 to stop transmitting and receiving sensing signals. RU3 receives the seventh control message and stops transmitting and receiving sensing signals.

[0180] The second sensing communication method provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to Figure 7.

[0181] Figure 7 shows an exemplary flowchart of another sensing communication method 700 provided in this application embodiment. This sensing communication method 700 can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in Figure 1, and can also be applied to other communication systems; this application embodiment does not limit its application to this. In the second sensing communication method, a network device with sensing information processing capabilities is introduced, which can be called a sensing unit (SU) or a serving unit (SU). This application does not specifically limit the name of the network device with sensing information processing capabilities. This network device with sensing information processing capabilities can handle sensing-related functions, such as selecting physical resources for sensing signals, determining whether a target object appears based on the echo signal of the sensing signal, and identifying the target sensing device, etc. The network device with sensing information processing capabilities can be an existing network device, such as an existing base station or core network device with added sensing-related functions, or it can be a newly added network device, such as a newly added base station or core network device to implement sensing-related functions. It should be understood that the network device unit in method 700 below does not have the ability to process echo signals, or has only a partial ability to process echo signals, such as only being able to obtain the echo intensity of the echo signal. This application embodiment does not limit this. Method 700 includes the following steps:

[0182] S710, a network device with sensing information processing capabilities sends first information to a first network device unit. Correspondingly, the first network device unit receives the first information, which instructs the first sensing signal to be transmitted on the first physical resource. The first network device unit instructs the managed radio units to transmit the first sensing signal on the first physical resource according to the first information. The first network device unit is the network device unit currently providing sensing services to the target object.

[0183] S720, a network device with sensing information processing function sends second information to at least one second network device unit, and correspondingly, at least one second network device unit receives the second information, which is used to indicate that an echo signal is received on the first physical resource.

[0184] For example, the first network device unit can be the CU&DU A described above, and at least one second network device unit can be the CU&DU B and / or CU&DU C described above, as can be understood with reference to the foregoing embodiments.

[0185] The first physical resource can be referred to in the aforementioned embodiments.

[0186] For example, the first or second information includes information for indicating one or more of the following: time domain resources, frequency domain resources, spatial domain resources, code domain resources, the number of repetitions of the sensed signal, the period of the sensed signal, or time synchronization information.

[0187] According to the foregoing embodiments, there may be a time delay between the physical resources for sending sensing signals and the physical resources for receiving echo signals, but this time delay can be ignored or corrected according to network characteristics. Therefore, the first information and the second information can be similar, and can also be understood with reference to the first information, the third information and the fourth information in the foregoing embodiments.

[0188] S730, at least one second network device unit sends a fourth message to the wireless unit, and correspondingly, the wireless unit receives the fourth message, which is used to indicate that an echo signal is received on the first physical resource.

[0189] Similarly, the fourth information can be understood with reference to the fourth information in the foregoing embodiments.

[0190] S740, the wireless unit sends a first echo signal corresponding to the first sensing signal to at least one second network device unit, and correspondingly, at least one second network device unit receives the first echo signal.

[0191] Specifically, after receiving the fourth information, the wireless unit receives the first echo signal on the first physical resource and sends the first echo signal to the corresponding second network device unit.

[0192] S750, at least one second network device unit sends third information to a network device with sensing information processing function, and correspondingly, the network device with sensing information processing function receives the third information, which is used to indicate the first echo signal.

[0193] For example, at least one second network device unit may send the first echo signal to the network device for sensing, or may perform simple processing on the first echo signal, such as obtaining the echo intensity, and then send the first echo signal and the echo intensity to the network device for sensing, or may send the echo intensity to the network device for sensing separately, depending on the performance of the at least one second network device unit.

[0194] In the sensing communication method of this application embodiment, a network device with sensing information processing function can instruct a first network device unit to send a sensing signal to a wireless unit managed by the first network device unit, and simultaneously instruct at least one second network device unit to receive an echo signal to track and sense the target object, thereby achieving continuity and reliability of sensing.

[0195] For example, a second network device unit that receives echo signals on the first physical resource can be used to switch from the first network device unit to the second network device unit to continue sensing the target object. Alternatively, based on the reception of the echo signals, a target sensing device can be determined from at least one second network device unit, and the user can switch from the first network device unit to the target sensing device to continue sensing the target object. It should be understood that in the embodiments of this application, the first network device unit is the source network device unit, and the selected second network device unit is the target network device unit.

[0196] As an optional embodiment, the sensing communication method 700 further includes: S760, a network device with sensing information processing function sends fifth information to a third network device unit among at least one second network device unit according to the third information, and correspondingly, the third network device unit receives the fifth information, which is used to indicate that the target sensing device is the third network device unit; S770, the third network device unit sends sixth information to a wireless unit, and correspondingly, the wireless unit receives the sixth information, which is used to indicate the transmission of a sensing signal and the reception of an echo signal.

[0197] Specifically, after receiving the third information, if the third information is a first echo signal, the network device with sensing information processing capability processes the first echo signal to obtain one or more of the following: the echo intensity of the first echo signal; probability information of successful sensing of the target object obtained based on the first echo signal; information indicating that no target object has been detected obtained based on the first echo signal; information indicating that sensing is in progress obtained based on the first echo signal; information on increasing the transmission power of the sensing signal obtained based on the first echo signal, such as the required transmission power; or information on changing the physical resources for transmitting the sensing signal obtained based on the first echo signal. Then, the network device with sensing information processing capability sends the fifth information to the third network device unit according to the processed information. The third network device unit controls the wireless unit to transmit the sensing signal and receive the echo signal to continue sensing the target object according to the fifth information. This process can be understood with reference to the foregoing embodiments. If the third information is the echo intensity, the network device can directly send the fifth information to the third network device unit according to the echo intensity.

[0198] In the sensing communication method of this application embodiment, the network device with sensing information processing function determines the third network device unit as the target sensing device based on the reception of the first echo signal. This can determine the network device unit that is more suitable for sensing the target object as the target sensing device, thereby further realizing the continuity and reliability of sensing.

[0199] If the third network device unit includes multiple wireless units, the third information carries information for indicating multiple first echo signals corresponding to the multiple wireless units, and the fourth information also carries information for indicating a target wireless unit among the multiple wireless units. In this case, after determining the target sensing device, if the target sensing device controls multiple wireless units, the network device with sensing information processing capabilities can also determine the target wireless unit based on the multiple first echo signals corresponding to the multiple wireless units and indicate it to the target sensing device, for example, by sending the identification information of the target wireless unit to the target sensing device. It should be understood that if the network device with sensing information processing capabilities cannot determine the target wireless unit, the third network device unit can still determine the target wireless unit. The process of determining the target wireless unit can be understood with reference to the foregoing embodiments.

[0200] As an optional embodiment, the sensing communication method 700 further includes: a network device with sensing information processing function sending seventh information to a fourth network device unit among at least one second network device unit according to third information, wherein the fourth network device unit receives the seventh information, which is used to indicate that the target sensing device is not the fourth network device unit; the fourth network device unit sending eighth information to a wireless unit, which receives the eighth information, which is used to indicate to stop sending sensing signals and stop receiving echo signals.

[0201] In the sensing communication method of this application embodiment, a network device with sensing information processing function determines a third network device unit as a target sensing device based on the reception of the first echo signal, and sends seventh information to other network device units that are not target sensing devices. These network device units release wireless resources based on the seventh information, thus saving wireless resources.

[0202] It should be understood that when the first network device unit senses a target object, the managed wireless unit sends a first sensing signal and receives a first echo signal, and then sends the first echo signal back to the first network device unit. Correspondingly, the first network device unit receives the first echo signal and sends it back to a network device with sensing information processing capabilities. If the network device with sensing information processing capabilities receives the first echo signal and determines, based on the first echo signal, that sensing device switching is required (e.g., the target object is moving towards the edge of the coverage area), the network device with sensing information processing capabilities sends first information to the first network device unit and second information to at least one second network device unit to perform sensing device switching.

[0203] The foregoing has detailed examples of the methods provided in this application. Based on these examples, it is understood that network device units and network devices, in order to achieve the aforementioned functions, include corresponding hardware structures and / or software modules for performing each function. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that, based on the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application. The sensing communication device of an embodiment of this application is described below with reference to Figures 8 to 9.

[0204] Figure 8 is a schematic block diagram of a sensing communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. The sensing communication device 800 may include a transceiver unit 810 and a processing unit 820.

[0205] In one implementation of this application, the sensing communication device 800 can be used to execute the steps or processes of the second network device unit in the sensing communication method 500 described above.

[0206] The transceiver unit 810 is configured to: send first information to at least one network device unit, the first information being used to request the reception of an echo signal on a first physical resource for sensing device switching; receive second information from all or some of the at least one network device unit, the second information being used to indicate acceptance of receiving an echo signal on the first physical resource for sensing device switching; and send third information to a first wireless unit, the third information being used to indicate the transmission of a first sensing signal on the first physical resource.

[0207] Optionally, the transceiver unit 810 is further configured to: receive fifth information from all or some of the network device units, the fifth information being used to indicate the reception status of the first echo signal corresponding to the first sensing signal; and, according to the fifth information, send sixth information to the first network device unit among all or some of the network device units, the sixth information being used to indicate that the target sensing device is the first network device unit.

[0208] Optionally, the transceiver unit 810 is further configured to: send seventh information to the third network device unit among all or part of the network device units according to the fifth information, wherein the seventh information is used to indicate that the target sensing device is not the third network device unit.

[0209] Optionally, the transceiver unit 810 is further configured to: send an eighth message to the at least one network device unit before sending the first message to the at least one network device unit, the eighth message being used to request the reception of an echo signal on the second physical resource for sensing device handover; and receive a ninth message from all or some of the at least one network device unit, the ninth message being used to indicate rejection of receiving an echo signal on the second physical resource for sensing device handover.

[0210] Optionally, the transceiver unit 810 is further configured to: send tenth information to the first wireless unit, the tenth information being used to indicate to stop sending the first sensing signal.

[0211] In another implementation of the embodiments of this application, the sensing communication device 800 can be used to execute the steps or processes of any one of the network device units in the above-described sensing communication method 500.

[0212] The transceiver unit 810 is configured to: receive first information from a second network device unit, the first information being used to request the reception of an echo signal on a first physical resource for sensing device switching; send second information to the second network device unit based on the first information, the second information being used to indicate acceptance of receiving an echo signal on the first physical resource for sensing device switching; and send fourth information to a second wireless unit, the fourth information being used to indicate receiving an echo signal on the first physical resource.

[0213] Optionally, the transceiver unit 810 is further configured to: receive a first echo signal corresponding to a first sensing signal from the second wireless unit; and send fifth information to the second network device unit based on the first echo signal, the fifth information being used to indicate the reception status of the first echo signal.

[0214] Optionally, the transceiver unit 810 is further configured to: receive sixth information from the second network device unit, the sixth information being used to instruct the target sensing device to perform sensing.

[0215] Optionally, the number of second wireless units is multiple, the number of first echo signals is multiple, and the processing unit 820 is further configured to: select one wireless unit from the multiple second wireless units as a target wireless unit based on the multiple first echo signals; the transceiver unit 810 is further configured to: send eleventh information to the target wireless unit, the eleventh information being used to instruct the transmission of sensing signals and the reception of echo signals; and send twelfth information to the remaining wireless units among the multiple second wireless units other than the target wireless unit, the twelfth information being used to instruct the cessation of transmission of sensing signals and the cessation of reception of echo signals.

[0216] Optionally, the transceiver unit 810 is further configured to: receive seventh information from the second network device unit, the seventh information being used to indicate not to act as a target sensing device.

[0217] Optionally, the transceiver unit 810 is further configured to: receive an eighth message from the second network device unit before receiving the first message from the second network device unit, the eighth message being used to request the reception of an echo signal on the second physical resource for sensing device switching; and send a ninth message to the second network device unit, the ninth message being used to indicate that the reception of an echo signal on the second physical resource for sensing device switching is refused.

[0218] In another implementation of this application, the sensing communication device 800 can be used to execute the steps or processes of the network device with sensing information processing function in the above-described sensing communication method 700.

[0219] The transceiver unit 810 is configured to: send first information to a first network device unit, the first information being used to instruct the transmission of a first sensing signal on a first physical resource; send second information to at least one second network device unit, the second information being used to instruct the reception of an echo signal on the first physical resource; and receive third information from all or some of the at least one second network device unit, the third information being used to instruct the transmission of a first echo signal corresponding to the first sensing signal.

[0220] Optionally, the transceiver unit 810 is further configured to: send fifth information to a third network device unit among all or part of the network device units according to the third information, wherein the fifth information is used to indicate that the target sensing device is the third network device unit.

[0221] In another implementation of the embodiments of this application, the sensing communication device 800 can be used to execute the steps or processes of at least one of the second network device units in the sensing communication method 700 described above.

[0222] The transceiver unit 810 is configured to: receive second information from a network device, the second information indicating that an echo signal is received on a first physical resource, wherein the network device is a device with sensing information processing capabilities; send fourth information to a wireless unit, the fourth information indicating that an echo signal is received on the first physical resource; receive a first echo signal corresponding to a first sensing signal from the wireless unit; and send third information to the network device, the third information indicating the first echo signal.

[0223] Optionally, the transceiver unit 810 is further configured to: receive fifth information from the network device, the fifth information being used to instruct sensing to be performed.

[0224] The sensing communication device 800 of each of the above schemes has the function of implementing the corresponding steps performed by the network device unit or network device in the above methods; the function can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions; for example, the transceiver unit is replaced by a transmitter and a receiver, and other units, such as the determination unit, can be replaced by a processor, which respectively executes the transceiver operations and related processing operations in each method embodiment.

[0225] It should be understood that the sensing communication device 800 here is embodied in the form of a functional unit. The term "unit" here may refer to application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), electronic circuits, processors (e.g., shared processors, proprietary processors, or group processors) and memories for executing one or more software or firmware programs, combined logic circuits, and / or other suitable components that support the described functions.

[0226] In embodiments of this application, the sensing communication device in FIG8 can also be a chip or a chip system, such as a system on chip (SoC). Correspondingly, the transceiver unit can be the transceiver circuit of the chip, which is not limited here.

[0227] Figure 9 illustrates a sensing communication device 900 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 900 includes a processor 910 and a transceiver 920. In one implementation of this application, the sensing communication device 900 may further include a memory 930. The processor 910, transceiver 920, and memory 930 communicate with each other via internal interconnection paths. The memory 930 stores instructions, and the processor 910 executes the instructions stored in the memory 930 to control the transceiver 920 to transmit and / or receive signals.

[0228] In one possible implementation, the sensing communication device 900 can be used to execute the steps or processes of the second network device unit in the sensing communication method 500 described above. In another possible implementation, the sensing communication device 900 can be used to execute the steps or processes of any one of the at least one network device unit in the sensing communication method 500 described above. In yet another possible implementation, the sensing communication device 900 can be used to execute the steps or processes of the network device with sensing information processing function in the sensing communication method 700 described above. In still another possible implementation, the sensing communication device 900 can be used to execute the steps or processes of any one of the at least one second network device unit in the sensing communication method 700 described above.

[0229] It should be understood that the sensing communication device 900 can specifically be a network device unit or network device in the above embodiments, and can be used to execute the various steps and / or processes corresponding to the network device unit or network device in the above method embodiments. In one implementation of this application embodiment, the memory 930 may include a read-only memory and a random access memory, and provides instructions and data to the processor. A portion of the memory may also include non-volatile random access memory. For example, the memory may also store device type information. The processor 910 can be used to execute instructions stored in the memory, and when the processor 910 executes instructions stored in the memory, the processor 910 is used to execute the various steps and / or processes of the above method embodiments corresponding to the network device unit or network device.

[0230] In implementation, each step of the above method can be completed by integrated logic circuits in the processor's hardware or by instructions in software. The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly manifested as execution by a hardware processor, or as a combination of hardware and software modules within the processor. The software modules can reside in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. The storage medium is located in memory, and the processor reads information from the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above method. To avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are omitted here.

[0231] It should be noted that the processor in the embodiments of this application can be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. During implementation, each step of the above method embodiments can be completed by the integrated logic circuits in the processor's hardware or by instructions in software form. The processor can be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. It can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly embodied in the execution of a hardware decoding processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules can be located in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. The storage medium is located in memory, and the processor reads information from the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above method.

[0232] It is understood that the memory in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. The volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory used in the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0233] This application also provides a sensing communication system, which includes the first wireless unit, the second network device unit, at least one network device unit, and the second wireless unit in the aforementioned method 500.

[0234] This application also provides another sensing communication system, which includes the first network device unit in the aforementioned method 700, a network device with sensing information processing function, at least one second network device unit, and a wireless unit.

[0235] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, which, when executed by a computer, implements the method corresponding to the network device unit or the network device in any of the above method embodiments.

[0236] This application also provides a computer program product, which, when executed by a computer, implements the network device unit or the method corresponding to the network device in any of the above method embodiments.

[0237] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. A computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the flow or function according to the embodiments of this application is generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media can be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., high-density digital video discs (DVDs)), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks (SSDs)).

[0238] In the above-described device embodiments, the network devices and terminal devices in the method embodiments completely correspond to each other. Corresponding modules or units execute corresponding steps. For example, the transmitting module (transmitter) executes the transmitting steps in the method embodiment, and the receiving module (receiver) executes the receiving steps in the method embodiment. Other steps besides transmitting and receiving can be executed by the processing module (processor). The specific functions of each module can be found in the corresponding method embodiments. The transmitting module and receiving module can form a transceiver module or transceiver unit, and the transmitter and receiver can form a transceiver to jointly implement the transmitting and receiving functions. There can be one or more processors.

[0239] It should be understood that the phrase "an embodiment" or "one embodiment" throughout the specification means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic related to the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of this application. Therefore, "in one embodiment" or "in one embodiment" appearing throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, these specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the sequence number of the above-described processes does not imply a sequential order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0240] As used in this specification, the terms "component," "module," "system," etc., are used to refer to computer-related entities, hardware, firmware, combinations of hardware and software, software, or software in execution. For example, a component can be, but is not limited to, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable file, an execution thread, a program, and / or a computer. As illustrated, applications running on computing devices and computing devices can both be components. One or more components may reside in a process and / or an execution thread, and components may be located on a single computer and / or distributed among two or more computers. Furthermore, these components can be executed from various computer-readable media on which various data structures are stored. Components can communicate, for example, via local and / or remote processes based on signals having one or more data packets (e.g., data from two components interacting with another component between a local system, a distributed system, and / or a network, such as the Internet interacting with other systems via signals).

[0241] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the various illustrative logical blocks and steps described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementations should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0242] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0243] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0244] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0245] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0246] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. A computer program product includes one or more computer instructions (programs). When the computer program instructions (programs) are loaded and executed on a computer, they generate, in whole or in part, the flow or function according to the embodiments of this application. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., DVD), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., a solid-state disk (SSD)).

Claims

1. A method of cognitive communication, the method comprising: comprising: sending first information to at least one network device unit, the first information being used for requesting to receive echo signals on a first physical resource for sensing device switching; receiving second information from all or part of the at least one network device unit, the second information being used for indicating to accept to receive echo signals on the first physical resource for sensing device switching; sending third information to a first wireless unit, the third information being used for indicating to send a first sensing signal on the first physical resource.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving fifth information from the all or part of the network device units, the fifth information being used for indicating a reception situation of a first echo signal corresponding to the first sensing signal; sending sixth information to a first network device unit of the all or part of the network device units according to the fifth information, the sixth information being used for indicating that a target sensing device is the first network device unit.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, The fifth information comprises one or more of: an echo strength of the first echo signal; probability information of a target object being successfully sensed based on the first echo signal; information based on the first echo signal for indicating that the target object is not detected; information for indicating that sensing is being performed; information for requesting to increase a transmission power of a sensing signal; or information for requesting to change a physical resource for transmitting a sensing signal. The method further comprises:

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, sending seventh information to a third network device unit of the all or part of the network device units according to the fifth information, the seventh information being used for indicating that a target sensing device is not the third network device unit. The first information comprises information for indicating one or more of:

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, a time domain resource, a frequency domain resource, a spatial domain resource, a code domain resource, a number of repetitions of a sensing signal, a period of a sensing signal, or time synchronization information. Before the sending first information to at least one network device unit, the method further comprises:

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, sending eighth information to the at least one network device unit, the eighth information being used for requesting to receive echo signals on a second physical resource for sensing device switching; receiving ninth information from all or part of the at least one network device unit, the ninth information being used for indicating to reject to receive echo signals on the second physical resource for sensing device switching. The ninth information further carries information for indicating the first physical resource.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, The ninth information further carries one or more of:

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, information for indicating that a sensing function is not supported; information for indicating that a sensing function is not turned on; or information for indicating that the second physical resource is not available. The method further comprises:

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, sending tenth information to the first wireless unit, the tenth information being used for indicating to stop sending the first sensing signal. comprising:

10. A method of cognitive communication, the method comprising: receiving first information from a second network device unit, the first information being used for requesting to receive echo signals on a first physical resource for sensing device switching; ​ According to the first information, second information is sent to the second network device unit, and the second information is used to indicate that echo signals received on the first physical resource are accepted for sensing device switching; Fourth information is sent to the second wireless unit, and the fourth information is used to indicate that echo signals received on the first physical resource are accepted.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, The method further comprises: Receiving a first echo signal corresponding to a first sensing signal from the second wireless unit; According to the first echo signal, fifth information is sent to the second network device unit, and the fifth information is used to indicate the reception of the first echo signal.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, The fifth information comprises one or more of: The echo strength of the first echo signal; The probability information of successfully sensing the target object based on the first echo signal; Information based on the first echo signal for indicating that the target object is not detected; Information for indicating that sensing is being performed; Information for requesting to increase the transmission power of the sensing signal; Or Information for requesting to change the physical resource for transmitting the sensing signal.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The method further comprises: Receiving sixth information from the second network device unit, and the sixth information is used to indicate that sensing is performed as a target sensing device.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein, The number of the second wireless units is multiple, and the number of the first echo signals is multiple, and the method further comprises: According to the multiple first echo signals, a wireless unit is selected from the multiple second wireless units as a target wireless unit; Eleventh information is sent to the target wireless unit, and the eleventh information is used to indicate that the sensing signal is transmitted and the echo signal is received; Twelfth information is sent to the remaining wireless units of the multiple second wireless units except the target wireless unit, and the twelfth information is used to indicate that the sensing signal is stopped transmitting and the echo signal is stopped receiving.

15. The method of claim 11 or 12, wherein, The method further comprises: Receiving seventh information from the second network device unit, and the seventh information is used to indicate that it is not a target sensing device.

16. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that, The first information comprises information for indicating one or more of: Time domain resource, frequency domain resource, space domain resource, code domain resource, number of repetitions of the sensing signal, period of the sensing signal, or time synchronization information.

17. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 16, characterized in that, Before the first information is received from the second network device unit, the method further comprises: Eighth information is received from the second network device unit, and the eighth information is used to request to receive echo signals on a second physical resource for sensing device switching; Ninth information is sent to the second network device unit, and the ninth information is used to indicate that the reception of echo signals on the second physical resource for sensing device switching is refused.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein, The ninth information also carries information for indicating the first physical resource.

19. The method of claim 17 or 18, wherein, The ninth information also carries one or more of: Information for indicating that the sensing function is not supported; Information for indicating that the sensing function is not turned on; or Information for indicating that the second physical resource is not available.

20. A method of cognitive communication, the method comprising: Comprises: First information is sent to the first network device unit, and the first information is used to indicate that a first sensing signal is transmitted on a first physical resource; sending second information to at least one second network device unit, the second information being used to indicate to receive echo signals on the first physical resource; receiving third information from all or part of the network device units in the at least one second network device unit, the third information being used to indicate the first echo signals corresponding to the first sensing signals.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein, The method further comprises: sending fifth information to a third network device unit from all or part of the network device units according to the third information, the fifth information being used to indicate that the target sensing device is the third network device unit.

22. The method of claim 20 or 21, wherein, The first information comprises information used to indicate one or more of: time domain resource, frequency domain resource, space domain resource, code domain resource, repetition number of sensing signals, period of sensing signals, or time synchronization information.

23. The method of any one of claims 20-22, wherein, The third network device unit comprises a plurality of wireless units, the third information carries information used to indicate a plurality of the first echo signals corresponding to the plurality of wireless units, and the fifth information further carries information used to indicate a target wireless unit from the plurality of wireless units.

24. A method of cognitive communication, the method comprising: Comprising: receiving second information from a network device, the second information being used to indicate to receive echo signals on a first physical resource, the network device being a device with sensing information processing function; sending fourth information to a wireless unit, the fourth information being used to indicate to receive echo signals on the first physical resource; receiving a first echo signal corresponding to a first sensing signal from the wireless unit; sending third information to the network device, the third information being used to indicate the first echo signal.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving fifth information from the network device, the fifth information being used to indicate to perform sensing.

26. The method of claim 24 or 25, wherein, The second information comprises information used to indicate one or more of: time domain resource, frequency domain resource, space domain resource, code domain resource, repetition number of sensing signals, period of sensing signals, or time synchronization information.

27. A perception communication device, comprising: Comprising: a module for performing the method of any one of claims 1 to 9, or a module for performing the method of any one of claims 10 to 19, or a module for performing the method of any one of claims 20 to 23, or a module for performing the method of any one of claims 24 to 26.

28. A perception communication device, comprising: comprising a processor and a memory, the processor and the memory being coupled, the processor being used to control the sensing communication apparatus to implement the method of any one of claims 1 to 9, or the method of any one of claims 10 to 19, or the method of any one of claims 20 to 23, or the method of any one of claims 24 to 26.

29. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions, when the computer program or instructions are executed by the sensing communication apparatus, the method of any one of claims 1 to 9, or the method of any one of claims 10 to 19, or the method of any one of claims 20 to 23, or the method of any one of claims 24 to 26 is implemented.

30. A computer program product, characterised in that, The computer program product comprises instructions which, when executed by a computer, implement the method of any one of claims 1 to 9, or the method of any one of claims 10 to 19, or the method of any one of claims 20 to 23, or the method of any one of claims 24 to 26.

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