Communication method, first network element, second network element, core network device, communication system and storage medium

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to the technical field of communications, and provides a communication method, a first network element, a second network element, a core network device, a communication system and a storage medium. The communication method is executed by the first network element, and comprises: receiving first configuration information sent by a second network element, wherein the first configuration information is used for indicating sensing-related information of the second network element. In the present disclosure, the first network element receives and stores the first configuration information sent by the second network element, so that the sensing-related information of the second network element can be stored in the first network element, allowing the first network element subsequently to access the sensing-related information whenever needed. The present method is suitable for various sensing scenarios and has strong applicability.

Description

Communication method, first network element, second network element, core network device, communication system and storage medium TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of communication, and particularly relates to a communication method, a first network element, a second network element, a core network device, a communication system and a storage medium. BACKGROUND

[0002] Non-terrestrial / Non-ground communication (Non-terrestrial Network, NTN) is an important technology introduced by a communication system, which provides wireless resources through satellites (or unmanned aerial vehicles) instead of ground base stations. In the NTN scenario, for example, in the non-synchronous satellite scenario, the terminal may need to continuously perform handover.

[0003] SUMMARY

[0004] Integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) involves using radio frequency (RF) signals for sensing and communication at the same time. This integration can improve spectrum efficiency, reduce latency, and enhance reliability in various applications. For example, a sensing entity senses a target object or environment to obtain sensing information; a processing device collects and processes the sensing information to generate a sensing result, and provides the sensing result to a service consumer.

[0005] SUMMARY

[0006] In view of the technical problem of how to store the sensing capability, the embodiments of the present disclosure propose a communication method, a first network element, a second network element, a core network device, a communication system and a storage medium.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, executed by a first network element, and the method comprises:

[0008] Receiving first configuration information sent by a second network element, the first configuration information being used to indicate sensing-related information of the second network element.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, executed by a second network element, and the method comprises:

[0010] Sending first configuration information to a first network element, the first configuration information being used to indicate sensing-related information of the second network element, and the first configuration information being used for storage by the first network element.

[0011] According to a third aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, executed by a first network element, and the method comprises:

[0012] receive a third request sent by the second network element, the third request being used for requesting the first network element to select the first awareness entity;

[0013] determine the first awareness entity according to stored second configuration information of the second network element, the second configuration information being determined by the first configuration information, and the first configuration information being received by the first network element from the second network element.

[0014] According to a fourth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, the method being performed by a second network element, and the method comprising:

[0015] send, to the first network element, a third request, the third request being used for requesting the first network element to select the first awareness entity, the first awareness entity being determined by the first network element according to stored second configuration information of the second network element, the second configuration information being determined by the first configuration information, and the first configuration information being sent by the second network element to the first network element.

[0016] According to a fifth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, the method comprising:

[0017] receive a fourth request sent by a first entity, the fourth request being used for requesting awareness data and / or awareness result;

[0018] determine a second awareness entity according to the first configuration information, the awareness data and / or the awareness result being determined by the second awareness entity;

[0019] send, to the first entity, a fourth response, the fourth response being used for indicating second awareness entity information.

[0020] According to a sixth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, the method comprising:

[0021] send, by a second network element, first configuration information of the second network element to a first network element, the first configuration information being used for indicating awareness related information of the second network element.

[0022] According to a seventh aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, the method comprising:

[0023] send, by a second network element, a third request to a first network element, the third request being used for requesting the first network element to select a first awareness entity, the first awareness entity being determined by the first network element according to stored second configuration information of the second network element, the second configuration information being determined by the first configuration information, and the first configuration information being sent by the second network element to the first network element;

[0024] determine, by the first network element, the first awareness entity according to stored second configuration information of the second network element;

[0025] send, by the first network element, a third response to the second network element, the third response being used for indicating first awareness entity information.

[0026] According to an eighth aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a first network element is provided, comprising:

[0027] a transceiver, configured to receive first configuration information sent by a second network element, the first configuration information being used to indicate perception-related information of the second network element.

[0028] According to a ninth aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a second network element is provided, comprising:

[0029] a transceiver, configured to send, to a first network element, first configuration information, the first configuration information being used to indicate perception-related information of the second network element, and the first configuration information being used for storage by the first network element.

[0030] According to a tenth aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a first network element is provided, comprising:

[0031] a transceiver, configured to receive a third request sent by a second network element, the third request being used to request the first network element to select a first perception entity;

[0032] a processing module, configured to determine the first perception entity according to second configuration information of the second network element that has been stored, the second configuration information being determined by the first configuration information, and the first configuration information being received by the transceiver from the second network element.

[0033] According to an eleventh aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a second network element is provided, comprising:

[0034] a transceiver, configured to send, to a first network element, a third request, the third request being used to request the first network element to select a first perception entity, the first perception entity being determined by the first network element according to second configuration information of the second network element that has been stored, the second configuration information being determined by first configuration information, and the first configuration information being sent by the transceiver from the second network element to the first network element.

[0035] According to a twelfth aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a core network device is provided, comprising:

[0036] a transceiver, configured to receive a fourth request sent by a first entity, the fourth request being used to request perception data and / or a perception result;

[0037] a processing module, configured to determine a second perception entity according to first configuration information, the perception data and / or the perception result being determined by the second perception entity;

[0038] the transceiver, configured to send, to the first entity, a fourth response, the fourth response being used to indicate second perception entity information.

[0039] According to a thirteenth aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a first network element is provided, comprising:

[0040] one or more processors;

[0041] The first network element is configured to perform the communication method of any one of the first aspect or the third aspect.

[0042] According to a fourteenth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a second network element is provided, comprising:

[0043] one or more processors;

[0044] The second network element is configured to perform the communication method of any one of the second aspect or the fourth aspect.

[0045] According to a fifteenth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a core network device is provided, comprising:

[0046] one or more processors;

[0047] The core network device is configured to perform the communication method of the fifth aspect.

[0048] According to a sixteenth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a core network device is provided, comprising:

[0049] a first network element; and

[0050] a second network element;

[0051] The second network element sends first configuration information of the second network element to the first network element, and the first configuration information is used to indicate awareness-related information of the second network element.

[0052] According to a seventeenth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a core network device is provided, comprising:

[0053] a first network element; and

[0054] a second network element;

[0055] The second network element sends a third request to the first network element, and the third request is used to request the first network element to select a first awareness entity, the first awareness entity is determined by the first network element according to stored second configuration information of the second network element, the second configuration information is determined by first configuration information, and the first configuration information is sent by the second network element to the first network element.

[0056] The first network element determines the first awareness entity according to the stored second configuration information of the second network element.

[0057] The first network element sends a third response to the second network element, and the third response is used to indicate the first awareness entity information.

[0058] According to an eighteenth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, comprising: a first entity and a core network device.

[0059] The core network device is configured to implement the communication method of any one of the first aspect or the second aspect or the third aspect or the fourth aspect.

[0060] According to a nineteenth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided, which stores instructions. When the instructions are run on a communication device, the communication device executes the communication method of any one of the first aspect or the second aspect or the third aspect or the fourth aspect.

[0061] The embodiments of the present disclosure can store the perception-related information of the second network element in the first network element by receiving and storing the first configuration information sent by the second network element, so that the first network element can access the perception-related information at any time when needed in the future, which is suitable for various perception scenarios and has strong applicability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0062] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the following describes the drawings required for the embodiments, and the following drawings are only some embodiments of the present disclosure, which do not specifically limit the protection scope of the present disclosure.

[0063] FIG. 1A is one exemplary schematic diagram of an architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0064] FIG. 1B is one exemplary schematic diagram of a perception data management process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0065] FIG. 1C is one exemplary schematic diagram of a perception system architecture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0066] FIG. 2A is one exemplary interaction schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0067] FIG. 2B is one exemplary interaction schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0068] FIG. 2C is one exemplary interaction schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0069] FIG. 3A is one exemplary flow schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0070] FIG. 3B is one exemplary flow schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0071] FIG. 3C is one exemplary flow schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0072] FIG. 3D is one exemplary flow schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0073] FIG. 3E is an exemplary flow diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0074] FIG. 3F is an exemplary flow diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0075] FIG. 4A is an exemplary flow diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0076] FIG. 4B is an exemplary flow diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0077] FIG. 4C is an exemplary flow diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0078] FIG. 4D is an exemplary flow diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0079] FIG. 4E is an exemplary flow diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0080] FIG. 5A is an exemplary interaction diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0081] FIG. 5B is an exemplary interaction diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0082] FIG. 5C is an exemplary interaction diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0083] FIG. 5D is an exemplary flow diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0084] FIG. 6A is an exemplary interaction diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0085] FIG. 6B is an exemplary interaction diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0086] FIG. 6C is an exemplary interaction diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0087] FIG. 6D is an exemplary interaction diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0088] FIG. 7A is a structural diagram of a first network element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0089] FIG. 7B is a structural diagram of a first network element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0090] FIG. 7C is a structural diagram of a second network element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0091] FIG. 7D is a structural schematic diagram of a second network element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0092] FIG. 7E is a structural schematic diagram of a core network device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0093] FIG. 8A is a structural schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0094] FIG. 8B is a structural schematic diagram of a chip according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0095] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, a first network element, a second network element, a core network device, a communication system and a storage medium.

[0096] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, performed by a first network element, the method comprising:

[0097] receiving first configuration information sent by a second network element, the first configuration information being used to indicate sensing-related information of the second network element.

[0098] In the above embodiments, by receiving and storing the first configuration information sent by the second network element, the sensing-related information of the second network element can be stored in the first network element, so that the first network element can access the sensing-related information at any time when needed, which is suitable for various sensing scenarios and has strong applicability.

[0099] In some embodiments in combination with the first aspect, in some embodiments, the receiving of the first configuration information sent by the second network element comprises:

[0100] receiving a first request sent by the second network element, the first request being used to request registration of the second network element, and the first request comprising the first configuration information; and / or,

[0101] receiving a second request sent by the second network element, the second request being used to request update of the second network element, and the second request comprising the first configuration information.

[0102] In the above embodiments, a sensing-related information registration and update scheme is provided, the sensing-related information of the second network element can be sent to the first network element in a registration process, the registration of the second network element is realized, the registration process is relatively simple and easy to operate, and then the storage of the configuration information of the second network element is realized, which is convenient for subsequent search or selection of the configuration information of the second network element or selection of available sensing entities; and the configuration information of the second network element can be sent to the first network element in an updated manner, which is convenient for timely updating of the sensing-related information.

[0103] In some embodiments in combination with the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first configuration information comprises at least one of the following:

[0104] The perception capability of the second network element, the location information of the second network element, the service area information of the second network element, the data processing capability of the second network element, and the perception entity information stored in the second network element.

[0105] In the above embodiment, the first configuration information includes at least one of the perception capability, the location information, the service area information, the data processing capability, and the perception entity information of the second network element, so that the first network element can comprehensively understand the capability and state of the second network element, and the specific information included in the first configuration information can be set according to actual needs in actual application, and the flexibility is relatively strong.

[0106] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the perception capability includes at least one of the following:

[0107] The control plane perception indication information, the user plane perception indication information, the data plane perception indication information, the supported perception method, the supported perception data type, the supported perception result type, and the supported perception result quality of service.

[0108] In the above embodiment, the perception capability of the second network element includes a plurality of information, so that the first network element can comprehensively understand or find and search the perception capability of the second network element.

[0109] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the location information includes at least one of the following:

[0110] The geographic location or the location deployment mode.

[0111] In the above embodiment, the geographic location and the location deployment mode describe the location of the second network element from two different angles, so that the location information of the second network element is more accurate, and the first network element can comprehensively understand the location of the second network element.

[0112] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the service area information includes at least one of the following:

[0113] The shape of the service area, the description information of the service area, the list of tracking area identifiers where the service area is located, the list of cells where the service area is located, and the longitude and latitude of the service area.

[0114] In the above embodiment, the service area information includes at least one information, and each information describes the service area of the second network element from a different angle, so that the service area information is more accurate, and the first network element can comprehensively understand the service area of the second network element.

[0115] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the data processing capability includes at least one of the following:

[0116] Supported sensing method, supported sensing data type, supported sensing result type, supported quality of service of sensing result, accuracy of sensing result, ability of aggregating different types of sensing data, processing capacity of data volume.

[0117] In the above embodiment, the data processing capacity includes at least one piece of information, each piece of information describes the data processing capacity of the second network element from different angles, so that the data processing capacity is more accurate, and the first network element can comprehensively understand the data processing capacity of the second network element.

[0118] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the sensing entity information includes at least one of the following:

[0119] Identification information of the sensing entity, location information of the sensing entity, sensing capability of the sensing entity.

[0120] In the above embodiment, the sensing entity information includes at least one piece of information, each piece of information describes the sensing entity from different angles, so that the first network element can comprehensively understand the sensing entity related to the second network element.

[0121] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the location information of the sensing entity includes at least one of the following:

[0122] Shape of the location, description information of the location, list of tracking area identifiers where the location is located, list of cells where the location is located, longitude and latitude of the location.

[0123] In the above embodiment, the location information of the sensing entity includes at least one piece of information, each piece of information respectively describes the location of the sensing entity from different angles, so that the location information is more accurate, and the first network element can comprehensively understand the location of the sensing entity.

[0124] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first request includes identification information of the second network element, and the identification information of the second network element has a corresponding relationship with the first configuration information.

[0125] In the above embodiment, the first request further includes the identification information of the second network element, so that the first network element can correspond the identification information of the second network element with the first configuration information, thereby improving the efficiency of finding the first configuration information of the second network element.

[0126] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0127] Marking the second network element as available.

[0128] In the above embodiment, by marking the second network element as available, the first network element can distinguish different states of the second network element, thereby improving the convenience.

[0129] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the method further comprises:

[0130] sending, to the second network element, a first response, the first response being used to indicate that the registration of the second network element has been accepted.

[0131] In the above embodiments, by sending the first response to the second network element, it is explicitly informed that the registration of the second network element has been accepted, thus establishing a confirmation mechanism to ensure that the second network element knows that it has been successfully registered, which helps to avoid repeated requests or operations due to unclear registration status.

[0132] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the method further comprises:

[0133] updating, according to the first configuration information in the second request, the second configuration information of the second network element stored in the first network element.

[0134] In the above embodiments, a configuration information updating scheme is provided, and the stored second configuration information can be updated according to the first configuration information in the second request, so that the configuration information stored in the first network element is always the latest.

[0135] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the method further comprises:

[0136] The second request is sent by the second network element when it determines that the first configuration information has changed compared with the second configuration information of the second network element stored in the first network element.

[0137] In the above embodiments, when the configuration information of the second network element changes, the second network element can send the changed configuration information or the first configuration information containing the changed configuration information to the first network element, so as to facilitate the first network element to update the stored configuration information (for example, the second configuration information) of the second network element in time.

[0138] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the method further comprises:

[0139] sending, to the second network element, a second response, the second response being used to indicate that the update of the second network element has been accepted.

[0140] In the above embodiments, by sending the second response to the second network element, it is explicitly informed that the update of the second network element has been accepted, thus establishing a confirmation mechanism to ensure that the second network element knows that it has been successfully updated, which helps to avoid repeated requests or operations due to unclear update status.

[0141] In the second aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, which is performed by a second network element, and the method comprises:

[0142] Send first configuration information to the first network element. The first configuration information is used to indicate the perception-related information of the second network element. The first configuration information is used for storage by the first network element.

[0143] In the above embodiments, by sending the first configuration information to the first network element, the first network element is able to store the first configuration information, thereby realizing the storage of the perception-related information of the second network element. This allows the first network element to access the perception-related information at any time when needed, making it suitable for various perception scenarios and highly applicable.

[0144] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, sending first configuration information to the first network element includes:

[0145] Send a first request to the first network element. The first request is used to request the registration of the second network element, and includes first configuration information; or...

[0146] A second request is sent to the first network element. The second request is used to request the update of the second network element. The second request includes the first configuration information.

[0147] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first configuration information includes at least one of the following:

[0148] The second network element's sensing capabilities, location information, service area information, data processing capabilities, and sensing entity information stored within it.

[0149] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the sensing capability includes at least one of the following:

[0150] Control plane perception indication information, user plane perception indication information, data plane perception indication information, supported perception methods, supported perception data types, supported perception result types, and supported perception result quality of service.

[0151] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the location information includes at least one of the following:

[0152] Geographic location or location deployment method.

[0153] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the service area information includes at least one of the following:

[0154] The service area includes its shape, description, a list of tracking area identifiers, a list of cells where the service area is located, and its longitude and latitude.

[0155] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the data processing capability includes at least one of the following:

[0156] Supported sensing methods, supported sensing data types, supported sensing result types, service quality of supported sensing results, accuracy of sensing results, ability to aggregate different types of sensing data, and data volume processing capabilities.

[0157] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the perceived entity information includes at least one of the following:

[0158] The identification information of the perceived entity, the location information of the perceived entity, and the perception ability of the perceived entity.

[0159] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the location information of the sensed entity includes at least one of the following:

[0160] The location's shape, location description, list of tracking area identifiers, list of cell locations, and latitude and longitude.

[0161] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first request includes the identification information of the second network element, and the identification information of the second network element corresponds to the first configuration information.

[0162] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0163] Receive the first response sent by the first network element. The first response is used to indicate that the registration of the second network element has been accepted.

[0164] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the second request is used to request the first network element to update the second configuration information of the second network element stored in the first network element according to the first configuration information.

[0165] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0166] Receive a second response sent by the first network element, the second response being used to indicate that the update from the second network element has been accepted.

[0167] In the above embodiments, a confirmation mechanism is established by receiving the second response sent by the first network element to ensure that the second network element knows that it has been successfully updated. This helps to avoid duplicate requests or operations caused by unclear update status.

[0168] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, sending a second request to the first network element includes:

[0169] When it is determined that the first configuration information has changed compared to the second configuration information of the second network element stored in the first network element, a second request is sent to the first network element.

[0170] In the above embodiment, if the perception entity information changes, it indicates that the perception related information of the second network element changes, at this time, the perception related information stored by the first network element needs to be updated in time, based on this, by sending the second request to the first network element, the first network element can update based on the second request, ensuring the timeliness of the update, by being able to dynamically respond to the change of the perception entity information, updating in time, enhancing the flexibility and adaptability.

[0171] In a third aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, executed by a first network element, the method comprising:

[0172] receiving a third request sent by a second network element, the third request being used to request the first network element to select a first perception entity;

[0173] determining the first perception entity according to stored second configuration information of the second network element, the second configuration information being determined by the first configuration information, the first configuration information being received by the first network element from the second network element.

[0174] In the above embodiment, a scheme for selecting a perception entity is provided, after receiving the third request sent by the second network element, since the second configuration information has been stored and the second configuration information is determined by the first configuration information sent by the second network element, the second configuration information is related to the second network element, so that the first perception entity can be determined according to the stored second configuration information of the second network element, so as to assist the first network element to select a more suitable first perception entity.

[0175] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the third request includes at least one of the following:

[0176] The selection perception entity indication information, the perception area description information or the perception object description information.

[0177] In the above embodiment, by carrying at least one of the selection perception entity indication information, the perception area description information or the perception object description information in the third request, more reference information is provided for the first network element to select the first perception entity, facilitating the selection of the first network element.

[0178] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the perception area description information includes at least one of the following:

[0179] The shape of the perception area, the description information of the perception area, the list of tracking area identifiers where the perception area is located, the list of cells where the perception area is located, or the longitude and latitude of the perception area.

[0180] In the above embodiment, the perception area description information includes at least one piece of information, each piece of information respectively describes the perception area from different angles, so that the perception area description information is more accurate, and the first network element can comprehensively understand the perception area.

[0181] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the perception object description information includes at least one of the following:

[0182] Position information of the perception object, identification information of the perception object, and perception capability of the perception object.

[0183] In the above embodiment, the perception object description information includes at least one piece of information, each piece of information respectively describes the perception object from different angles, so that the perception object description information is more accurate, and the first network element can comprehensively understand the perception object.

[0184] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the third request includes identification information of the second network element.

[0185] According to the stored second configuration information, the first perception entity is determined, including:

[0186] According to the identification information of the second network element, the first perception entity is determined from the stored second configuration information of the second network element.

[0187] In the above embodiment, by carrying the identification information of the second network element in the third request, the first network element can distinguish different second network elements, so as to directly determine the second configuration information of the second network element indicated by the identification information from the stored second configuration information, avoiding the case that the first perception entity is determined according to incorrect second configuration information, and enabling the second configuration information of the second network element to be found more quickly.

[0188] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0189] The third response is sent to the second network element, and the third response is used to indicate the first perception entity information.

[0190] In the above embodiment, by sending the third response, a confirmation mechanism is established, so that the second network element knows that its request has been successfully processed, the reliability and stability are enhanced, and the second network element can also obtain the first perception entity information from the third response without additional acquisition, and the convenience is improved.

[0191] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first perception entity information includes at least one of the following:

[0192] Identification information of the first perception entity, position information of the first perception entity, and perception capability of the first perception entity.

[0193] In the above embodiments, the first awareness entity information includes at least one piece of information, each piece of information respectively describes the first awareness entity from different angles, so that the second network element can comprehensively understand the first awareness entity.

[0194] In a fourth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, executed by a second network element, the method comprising:

[0195] sending a third request to the first network element, the third request being used to request the first network element to select a first awareness entity, the first awareness entity being determined by the first network element according to stored second configuration information of the second network element, the second configuration information being determined by first configuration information, the first configuration information being sent by the second network element to the first network element.

[0196] In the above embodiments, a scheme for selecting an awareness entity is provided, the first network element is triggered to select the first awareness entity by sending the third request to the first network element, and since the first network element has stored the second configuration information and the second configuration information is determined by the first configuration information sent by the second network element, the second configuration information is related to the second network element, so that the first awareness entity can be determined according to the stored second configuration information of the second network element, so as to assist the first network element to select a more suitable first awareness entity.

[0197] In combination with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the third request includes at least one of the following:

[0198] awareness entity selection indication information, awareness area description information, or awareness object description information.

[0199] In combination with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the awareness area description information includes at least one of the following:

[0200] a shape of the awareness area, description information of the awareness area, a list of tracking area identities where the awareness area is located, a list of cells where the awareness area is located, or longitude and latitude of the awareness area.

[0201] In combination with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the awareness object description information includes at least one of the following:

[0202] position information of the awareness object, identification information of the awareness object, and awareness capability of the awareness object.

[0203] In combination with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0204] receiving a third response sent by the first network element, the third response being used to indicate the first awareness entity information.

[0205] In some embodiments combined with the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the first perception entity information comprises at least one of the following:

[0206] identification information of the first perception entity, position information of the first perception entity, and perception capability of the first perception entity.

[0207] In some embodiments combined with the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0208] determining the second perception entity according to the first perception entity information.

[0209] In the above embodiments, the first perception entity information can be regarded as related information of available perception entities, and the second network element can further determine the second perception entity in combination with the first perception entity information, so as to determine a more suitable perception entity, so as to assist the second network element in selecting a more suitable second perception entity.

[0210] In a fifth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, and the method comprises:

[0211] receiving a fourth request sent by a first entity, the fourth request being used for requesting perception data and / or a perception result;

[0212] determining a second perception entity according to the first configuration information, the perception data and / or the perception result being determined by the second perception entity;

[0213] sending a fourth response to the first entity, the fourth response being used for indicating second perception entity information.

[0214] In the above embodiments, a scheme for selecting a perception entity is provided, after receiving the fourth request sent by the first entity, the second perception entity is determined according to the first configuration information, and the fourth response is sent to the first entity, so that the first entity can obtain the second perception entity information. In this way, the first entity can obtain the determined second perception entity information only by sending the fourth request when the perception data and / or the perception result is needed, and this scheme is relatively simple and efficient.

[0215] In a sixth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, and the method comprises:

[0216] sending, by a second network element, first configuration information of the second network element to a first network element, the first configuration information being used for indicating perception-related information of the second network element.

[0217] In the above embodiments, through the interaction between the first network element and the second network element, the storage of the perception-related information is realized, so that the perception-related information of the second network element can be stored in the first network element, so that the perception-related information can be accessed at any time by the first network element when needed in the future, which is suitable for various perception scenarios and has strong applicability.

[0218] In a seventh aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, which comprises the following steps.

[0219] The second network element sends a third request to the first network element, and the third request is used to request the first network element to select a first awareness entity, the first awareness entity being determined by the first network element according to stored second configuration information of the second network element, the second configuration information being determined by the first configuration information, and the first configuration information being sent by the second network element to the first network element.

[0220] The first network element determines the first awareness entity according to the stored second configuration information of the second network element.

[0221] The first network element sends a third response to the second network element, and the third response is used to indicate the first awareness entity information.

[0222] In the above embodiments, the selection of the awareness entity is realized through the interaction between the first network element and the second network element. Since the first network element has stored the second configuration information, and the second configuration information is determined by the first configuration information sent by the second network element, the second configuration information is related to the second network element, so that the first awareness entity can be determined according to the stored second configuration information of the second network element, so as to assist the first network element to select a more suitable first awareness entity.

[0223] In an eighth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a first network element, which comprises at least one of a transceiver module and a processing module; and the first network element is configured to perform the optional implementation manners of the first aspect and the third aspect.

[0224] In a ninth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a second network element, which comprises at least one of a transceiver module and a processing module; and the second network element is configured to perform the optional implementation manners of the second aspect and the fourth aspect.

[0225] In a tenth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a core network device, which comprises at least one of a transceiver module and a processing module; and the core network device is configured to perform the optional implementation manners of the fifth aspect.

[0226] In an eleventh aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a first network element, which comprises one or more processors; and the first network element is configured to perform the optional implementation manners of the first aspect and the third aspect.

[0227] In a twelfth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a second network element, which comprises one or more processors; and the second network element is configured to perform the optional implementation manners of the second aspect and the fourth aspect.

[0228] In a thirteenth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a core network device, including: one or more processors; and wherein the core network device is configured to perform the optional implementation of the fifth aspect.

[0229] In a fourteenth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a core network device, including: a first network element; and a second network element; wherein the second network element sends first configuration information of the second network element to the first network element, the first configuration information being used to indicate sensing-related information of the second network element; and the first network element stores the first configuration information.

[0230] In a fifteenth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a core network device, including: a first network element; and a second network element; wherein the second network element sends a third request to the first network element, the third request being used to request the first network element to select a first sensing entity, the first sensing entity being determined by the first network element according to stored second configuration information of the second network element, the second configuration information being determined by the first configuration information, the first configuration information being sent by the second network element to the first network element; the first network element determines the first sensing entity according to the stored second configuration information of the second network element; and the first network element sends a third response to the second network element, the third response being used to indicate the first sensing entity information.

[0231] In a sixteenth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication system, including: a first entity and a core network device; wherein the core network device is configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, and the fourth aspect.

[0232] In a seventeenth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a storage medium, the storage medium storing instructions, when the instructions are run on a communication device, causing the communication device to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, and the fourth aspect.

[0233] In an eighteenth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a program product, when the program product is executed by a communication device, causing the communication device to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, and the fourth aspect.

[0234] In a nineteenth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a computer program, when the computer program is run on a computer, causing the computer to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, and the fourth aspect.

[0235] In a twentieth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a chip or a chip system. The chip or the chip system includes processing circuitry configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, and the fourth aspect.

[0236] It can be understood that the first network element, the second network element, the core network device, the communication system, the storage medium, the program product, the computer program, the chip or the chip system are all used to execute the method proposed in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects achieved thereby can refer to the beneficial effects in the corresponding method, which will not be described here.

[0237] The embodiments of the present disclosure propose a communication method, a first network element, a second network element, a core network device, a communication system and a storage medium. In some embodiments, the terms of the communication method and the information processing method, the sensing capability processing method, and the like can be replaced with each other, the terms of the communication device and the information processing device, the sensing capability processing device, and the like can be replaced with each other, and the terms of the information processing system, the communication system, the sensing capability processing system, and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0238] The embodiments of the present disclosure are not exhaustive, but are only a part of the embodiments, and are not specific limitations on the protection scope of the present disclosure. In the case of no contradiction, each step in an embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be combined arbitrarily, for example, the scheme after removing some steps in an embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in an embodiment can be exchanged arbitrarily, in addition, the optional implementation manners in an embodiment can be combined arbitrarily; in addition, the embodiments can be combined arbitrarily, for example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be combined arbitrarily, and an embodiment can be combined with the optional implementation manners of other embodiments.

[0239] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the terms and / or descriptions between the embodiments are consistent if there is no special description and logical conflict, and can be referred to each other, and the technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form a new embodiment according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0240] The terms used in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments, and not as a limitation on the present disclosure.

[0241] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, the elements expressed in singular form, such as "one", "a", "the", "above", "the", "the aforementioned", "this", and the like, can represent "one and only one", or "one or more", "at least one", and the like. For example, in the case of using articles such as "a", "an", "the" in English, the noun after the article can be understood as singular expression, or as plural expression.

[0242] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0243] In some embodiments, the terms "at least one of," "one or more of," "a plurality of," "multiple," and the like can be used interchangeably.

[0244] In some embodiments, the recitations "at least one of A, B," "A and / or B," "in one case A, in another case B," "in response to a case A, in response to a case B," and the like can include the following technical solutions according to the case: in some embodiments A (A is executed regardless of B); in some embodiments B (B is executed regardless of A); in some embodiments, A and B are selectively executed (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, A and B (A and B are executed). When there are more branches such as A, B, C, and the like, the above is similar.

[0245] In some embodiments, the recitations "A or B" and the like can include the following technical solutions according to the case: in some embodiments A (A is executed regardless of B); in some embodiments B (B is executed regardless of A); in some embodiments, A and B are selectively executed (A and B are selectively executed). When there are more branches such as A, B, C, and the like, the above is similar.

[0246] The prefix words "first", "second", and the like in the embodiments of the present disclosure are merely used to distinguish different description objects, and do not constitute a limitation on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the description objects. The description of the description objects should refer to the description in the context of the claims or embodiments, and should not constitute an additional limitation because of the use of the prefix words. For example, the description objects are "fields", and the ordinal words before "fields" in "first field" and "second field" do not limit the position or order between "fields", and "first" and "second" do not limit whether the "fields" modified thereby are in the same message or not, nor limit the order of "first field" and "second field". For another example, the description objects are "levels", and the ordinal words before "levels" in "first level" and "second level" do not limit the priority between "levels". For another example, the quantity of the description objects is not limited by the ordinal words, and can be one or more. For example, "first device", wherein the quantity of "devices" can be one or more. In addition, the objects modified by different prefix words can be the same or different, for example, the description objects are "devices", and "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and the types thereof can be the same or different; for another example, the description objects are "information", and "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and the content thereof can be the same or different.

[0247] In some embodiments, "comprising", "including", "to indicate", "carrying", can be interpreted as directly carrying A, or indirectly indicating A.

[0248] In some embodiments, the terms "in response to", "in response to determining", "in the case of", "when", "when", "if", "if" and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0249] In some embodiments, the terms "greater than", "greater than or equal to", "not less than", "more than", "more than or equal to", "not less than", "higher than", "higher than or equal to", "not less than", "above" and the like can be replaced with each other, and the terms "less than", "less than or equal to", "not greater than", "less than", "less than or equal to", "not more than", "lower than", "lower than or equal to", "not higher than", "below" and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0250] In some embodiments, the apparatus and device can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and its name is not limited to the name recorded in the embodiments, and in some cases can also be understood as "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "node", "function", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "chip", "chip system", "entity", "subject" and the like.

[0251] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as an apparatus contained in the network, such as an access network device, a core network device, and the like.

[0252] In some embodiments, an “access network device (AN device)” can also be referred to as a “radio access network device (RAN device),” a “base station (BS),” a “radio base station,” a “fixed station,” and in some embodiments can also be understood as a “node,” an “access point,” a “transmission point (TP),” a “reception point (RP),” a “transmission / reception point (TRP),” a “panel,” an “antenna panel,” an “antenna array,” a “cell,” a “macro cell,” a “small cell,” a “femto cell,” a “pico cell,” a “sector,” a “cell group,” a “serving cell,” a “carrier,” a “component carrier,” a “bandwidth part (BWP),” and the like.

[0253] In some embodiments, a "terminal" or "terminal device" can be referred to as a "user equipment" (UE), a "user terminal," a "mobile station" (MS), a "mobile terminal" (MT), a subscriber station, a mobile unit, a subscriber unit, a wireless unit, a remote unit, a mobile device, a wireless device, a wireless communication device, a remote device, a mobile subscriber station, an access terminal, a mobile terminal, a wireless terminal, a remote terminal, a handset, a user agent, a mobile client, a client, and / or the like.

[0254] In some embodiments, data, information and / or the like can be obtained in compliance with laws and regulations of a country where the data, information and / or the like is obtained.

[0255] In some embodiments, data, information and / or the like can be obtained after consent of a user is obtained.

[0256] Further, each element, each row, or each column in a table of embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and a combination of any element, any row, or any column can be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0257] FIG. 1A is an exemplary schematic diagram of a communication system architecture, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1A, the communication system 100 includes a first entity 101, a network device 102.

[0258] In some embodiments, the first entity 101 can be any kind of communication device. A communication device is, for example, a terminal or a third party device.

[0259] In some embodiments, the terminal includes at least one of a mobile phone, a wearable device, an Internet of Things device, a communication-capable automobile, a smart automobile, a Pad, a computer with wireless transceiver function, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal device in industrial control, a wireless terminal device in self-driving, a wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal device in a smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in a smart city, a wireless terminal device in a smart home, and the like, but is not limited thereto.

[0260] In some embodiments, the third party device is, for example, an application function (AF), which refers to various services in an application layer, and can be an application within an operator or a third party AF.

[0261] In some embodiments, the network device 102 can include at least one of an access network device and a core network device.

[0262] In some embodiments, the access network device is, for example, a node or device that accesses a terminal to a wireless network, and can include at least one of an evolved NodeB (eNB) in a 5G communication system, a next generation eNB (ng-eNB), a next generation NodeB (gNB), a node B (NB), a home node B (HNB), a home evolved node B (HeNB), a wireless backhaul device, a radio network controller (RNC), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a base band unit (BBU), a mobile switching center, a base station in a 6G communication system, an Open RAN, a Cloud RAN, a base station in other communication systems, an access node in a Wi-Fi system, and the like, but is not limited thereto.

[0263] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of the present disclosure can be applicable to the Open RAN architecture, at this time, the interfaces between or within the access network devices involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure can become internal interfaces of the Open RAN, and the processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented through software or programs.

[0264] In some embodiments, the access network device can be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU), where the CU can also be referred to as a control unit. The CU-DU structure can split the protocol layers of the access network device, and some of the protocol layers are controlled by the CU, and the rest or all of the protocol layers are distributed in the DU and controlled by the CU, but not limited thereto.

[0265] In some embodiments, the core network device can be one device including the first network element, the second network element, etc., or can be multiple devices or device groups, each including all or part of the first network element, the second network element, etc. The network element can be virtual or physical. The core network includes at least one of an evolved packet core (EPC), a 5G core network (5GCN), and a next-generation core (NGC), for example.

[0266] In some embodiments, the first network element is a network repository function (NRF), and is also an access and mobility management function (AMF) and a unified data management (UDM), for example.

[0267] In some embodiments, the first network element is used to store the sensing capability of the sensing entity, and the name is not limited thereto.

[0268] In some embodiments, the second network element is a sensing function (SF), for example.

[0269] In some embodiments, the second network element is used to obtain the sensing capability of the sensing entity, and the name is not limited thereto.

[0270] It can be understood that the communication system described in the embodiments of the present disclosure is for more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed by the embodiments of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art can know that, with the evolution of system architecture and the appearance of new business scenarios, the technical solutions proposed by the embodiments of the present disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0271] The following embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG. 1A or part of the subject, but are not limited thereto. The subjects shown in FIG. 1A are illustrative, and the communication system can include all or part of the subjects in FIG. 1A, or other subjects other than FIG. 1A. The number and form of each subject is arbitrary, each subject can be real or virtual, the connection relationship between each subject is illustrative, each subject can not be connected or can be connected, the connection can be in any way, can be direct connection or indirect connection, can be wired connection or wireless connection.

[0272] Embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR), New radio access (NX), Future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM (registered trademark)), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.20, Ultra-WideBand (UWB), Bluetooth (Bluetooth (registered trademark)), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) network, Device-to-Device (D2D) system, Machine to Machine (M2M) system, Internet of Things (IoT) system, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), system using other communication methods, next-generation system expanded based thereon, and the like. In addition, a plurality of systems can be combined (for example, combination of LTE or LTE-A and 5G, and the like).

[0273] ISAC is particularly important in the context of mobile communication operators, UE vendors, vehicle vendors, and subscribed users, as it can significantly improve the overall user experience, increase network efficiency, and create new business opportunities.

[0274] There are different roles in the ISAC system:

[0275] Target object: an object or an environment that is perceived.

[0276] Transmitter: a device that transmits radio signals to the target object. Optionally, the transmitter can be a UE or a gNB.

[0277] Receiver: a device that detects perception data based on radio signals reflected back from the target object. Optionally, the receiver can be a UE or a gNB.

[0278] Processor: a device that collects perception data and processes it to generate perception results. Optionally, the processor can be a UE, a gNB, a core network entity, or a server for collecting perception data and processing it to generate perception results.

[0279] Consumer: an authorized device that requests or subscribes to perception data and consumes perception results generated by processing the perception data. Optionally, the consumer can be a UE, a server for providing perception and communication services, a core network entity, or an access network device.

[0280] Optionally, in the case of the target object being an object, the perception results of the target object include at least one of a shape, a size, a direction, a speed, a position, a relative distance between objects, or a relative motion between objects, but are not limited thereto. For example, the relative distance between objects is a relative distance between the target object and the receiver, a relative distance between the target object and another target object. For example, the relative motion between objects is relative motion information between the target object and the receiver. For example, the relative motion information includes at least one of a relative speed, a relative position, but is not limited thereto.

[0281] Optionally, in the case of the target object being an environment, the perception results of the target object include parameters for describing a space of the environment and / or parameters for describing a state of the environment, but are not limited thereto.

[0282] The target object is not within the scope of the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP). The 3GPP mainly focuses on technical specifications for communication networks and services, and does not include perception results of the target object. For example, perception results such as a shape, a size, a speed, etc. of the target object are not within the scope of the 3GPP, but are implemented and processed by specific applications and device manufacturers.

[0283] Optionally, the perception results can be final processing results, or can be semi-processed data rather than final processing results.

[0284] FIG. IB is an exemplary schematic diagram of a perception data management flow provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. IB, a receiver detects raw perception data using a radio frequency sensing (RF-sensing) technique, pre-processes the raw perception data locally, and sends the pre-processed perception data to a processor for further processing. The processor generates a perception result based on the received perception data, and provides the perception result to a consumer. Meanwhile, the perception result is also stored in a database for later use. Optionally, the storage operation includes at least one of raw perception data storage, pre-processed perception data storage, or perception result storage.

[0285] In certain application scenarios, due to privacy concerns, it is not allowed to provide the perception data or the perception result to the consumer without authorization, in other words, the perception data or the perception result can only be provided to the consumer under the authorization of a perception service provider who is trusted by the public. Optionally, the perception service provider is a government agency or a government-authorized application provider, such as an institution holding relevant licenses.

[0286] FIG. 1C is an exemplary schematic diagram of a sensing system architecture, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1C, the sensing system architecture includes a network slice selection function (NSSF), a network exposure function (NEF), a network repository function (NRF), a policy control function (PCF), a unified data management (UDM), a network slice specific authentication and authorization function (NSSAAF), an authentication server function (AUSF), an access and mobility management function (AMF), a session management function (SMF), a user plane function (UPF), a service communication proxy (SCP), a network slice admission control function (NSACF), an application function (AF), a sensing data management function (SDMF), a sensing function (SF), but not limited thereto. Each network function interacts through a corresponding interface.

[0287] The SF includes a sensing function-control plane (SF-C), a sensing function-user plane (SF-U), and a sensing function-data plane (SF-D).

[0288] The SF-C can send and receive sensing messages through the control plane, and collect and process sensing data.

[0289] The SF-U can send and receive sensing messages through a user plane, and collect and process sensing data.

[0290] The SF-D can send and receive sensing messages through a data plane, and collect and process sensing data.

[0291] Optionally, the sensing message is a message for a sensing service.

[0292] Optionally, the SF-C, the SF-U, and the SF-D can be deployed on different network elements respectively, or at least two of the SF-C, the SF-U, and the SF-D can also be deployed on the same network element.

[0293] Optionally, at least one of the SF-C, the SF-U, and the SF-D can be deployed on the same network element as the SF, or the SF-C, the SF-U, and the SF-D are deployed on different network elements as the SF.

[0294] The sensing data management function (SDMF) can store sensing data, and determine a single or multiple transmitters and receivers for a sensing request.

[0295] Optionally, the SDMF can be deployed on the same network element as the SF, or the SDMF can also be deployed on different network elements as the SF respectively.

[0296] Optionally, the SDMF can be deployed on the same network element as at least one of the SF-C, the SF-U, and the SF-D, or the SDMF can be deployed on different network elements as the SF-C, the SF-U, and the SF-D.

[0297] Among them, the AF can be a service consumer, a processor; the SDMF can be used for data storage; the UE can be a service consumer, a transmitter, a receiver, a processor; the (R)AN can be a service consumer, a transmitter, a receiver, a processor; the SF-U can be a processor, used for data storage.

[0298] FIG. 2A is an exemplary interaction schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2A, the present disclosure relates to a communication method in a sensing capability registration phase, and the method comprises the following steps:

[0299] In step S2101, the second network element sends a first request to the first network element.

[0300] In some embodiments, the first network element receives the first request.

[0301] In some embodiments, the second network element is, for example, the SF, but is not limited thereto.

[0302] In some embodiments, the first network element is, for example, an NRF, but is not limited thereto.

[0303] In some embodiments, "obtain", "get", "receive", "transmit", "bidirectional transmission", "send and / or receive" can be replaced with each other, which can be interpreted as receiving from other subjects, obtaining from protocols, obtaining from higher layers, obtaining by self-processing, autonomous implementation, and various meanings.

[0304] In some embodiments, the terms "send", "transmit", "report", "issue", "transmit", "bidirectional transmission", "send and / or receive" can be replaced with each other.

[0305] In some embodiments, the first request is used to request registration of the second network element.

[0306] In some embodiments, the name of the first request is not limited, for example, "network function registration request", "registration request", "Nnrf_NFManagement_NFRegister request", "Nnrf_NFManagement_NFRegister request message", etc.

[0307] In some embodiments, the first request includes the first configuration information.

[0308] In the above embodiments, a scheme for registering perception-related information is provided, and the perception-related information of the second network element can be sent to the first network element in the registration process, the second network element is registered, the registration process is relatively simple and easy to operate, and the configuration information of the second network element is stored, which is convenient for subsequent search or selection of available perception entities.

[0309] In some embodiments, the names of information and the like are not limited to the names described in the embodiments, and the terms "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "codebook", "codeword", "code point", "bit", "data", "program", "chip", and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0310] In some embodiments, the first configuration information is used to indicate the awareness-related information of the second network element.

[0311] In some embodiments, the first configuration information can be stored or recorded in the form of a configuration file (e.g., a first configuration file).

[0312] In some embodiments, the name of the first configuration information is not limited, which is, for example, "configuration file", "first configuration file", "configuration file of the second network element", "configuration file of the SF", "awareness-related information", "configuration-related information", and the like. In some embodiments, the first request includes the first configuration file of the second network element.

[0313] In some embodiments, the first configuration information includes at least one of the following: awareness capability of the second network element, location information of the second network element, service area information of the second network element, data processing capability of the second network element, and awareness entity information stored in the second network element.

[0314] In the above embodiments, the first configuration information includes at least one of the awareness capability, the location information, the service area information, the data processing capability, and the awareness entity information of the second network element, which facilitates the first network element to comprehensively understand the capability and status of the second network element, and in actual application, the specific information included in the first configuration information can be set according to actual needs, which is relatively flexible.

[0315] In some embodiments, the awareness capability includes at least one of the following: control plane awareness indication information, user plane awareness indication information, data plane awareness indication information, supported awareness method, supported awareness data type, supported awareness result type, and supported awareness result quality of service.

[0316] In the above embodiments, the awareness capability of the second network element includes a variety of information, which facilitates the first network element to comprehensively understand or find and search the awareness capability of the second network element.

[0317] In some embodiments, the control plane awareness indication information is used to indicate whether control plane awareness is supported. Optionally, the control plane awareness indication information exists in the form of an indication bit. For example, a first indication bit or a control plane awareness indication bit. Optionally, the indication bit is used for at least one of indicating whether control plane awareness is supported and indicating whether control plane is used to obtain awareness data.

[0318] In some embodiments, the user plane awareness indication information is used to indicate whether user plane awareness is supported. Optionally, the user plane awareness indication information exists in the form of an indication bit. For example, a second indication bit or a user plane awareness indication bit. Optionally, the indication bit is used for at least one of indicating whether user plane awareness is supported and indicating whether user plane is used to obtain awareness data.

[0319] In some embodiments, the data plane awareness indication information is used to indicate whether the data plane awareness is supported. Optionally, the data plane awareness indication information is in the form of an indication bit. For example, a third indication bit or a data plane awareness indication bit. Optionally, the indication bit is used to indicate at least one of whether the data plane awareness is supported, whether the data plane is used to obtain the awareness data.

[0320] In some embodiments, the supported awareness methods include at least one of a global navigation satellite system (GNSS), an observed time difference of arrival (OTDOA), an enhanced cell ID (ECID), Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), ultra wide band (UWB), multi-round-trip time (Multi-RTT), an angle of departure (AoD), a time difference of arrival (TDoA), a camera, a point cloud, a radar, a lidar, or a hybrid method composed of at least two of the above awareness methods.

[0321] In some embodiments, the supported awareness data types include at least one of a position, a distance, an angle, a speed; identification data, detection data; reconstruction data, imaging data; tracking data, monitoring data.

[0322] In some embodiments, the supported awareness result types include at least one of an instant result, a delayed result, a periodic result.

[0323] In some embodiments, the supported awareness result quality of service includes at least one of a quality of service (QoS) level, a service delay, a result resolution, a missed alarm probability, a false alarm probability, a confidence level, a reconstruction accuracy, an imaging accuracy.

[0324] In some embodiments, the result resolution includes at least one of a position resolution, a distance resolution, an angle resolution, a speed resolution.

[0325] In some embodiments, the location information of the second network element includes at least one of a geographic location or a location deployment manner. Optionally, the geographic location includes a longitude and a latitude, and the geographic location is specified by an operator. Optionally, the location deployment manner includes a centralized deployment manner (e.g., a data center) and a distributed deployment manner.

[0326] In the above embodiments, the geographical position and the position deployment mode are used to describe the position of the second network element from two different angles, so that the position information of the second network element is more accurate, and the first network element can comprehensively understand the position of the second network element.

[0327] In some embodiments, the service area information of the second network element includes at least one of the following: shape of the service area, description information of the service area, list of tracking area identifiers in which the service area is located, list of cells in which the service area is located, longitude and latitude of the service area.

[0328] In the above embodiments, the service area information includes at least one piece of information, and each piece of information describes the service area of the second network element from a different angle, so that the service area information is more accurate, and the first network element can comprehensively understand the service area of the second network element. In some embodiments, the description information of the service area includes size information of the service area.

[0329] In some embodiments, the list of tracking area identifiers in which the service area is located includes at least one tracking area identifier. The tracking area identifier is used to uniquely identify a tracking area, so as to distinguish different tracking areas. A tracking area is a geographical area composed of a plurality of cells. The cell is a cell served by the second network element.

[0330] In some embodiments, the list of cells in which the service area is located includes a cell identifier corresponding to each cell included in the tracking area. The cell identifier is used to uniquely identify a cell, so as to distinguish different cells.

[0331] In some embodiments, the terms "component carrier (CC)", "cell", "frequency carrier", "carrier frequency", and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0332] In some embodiments, the longitude of the service area includes a longitude range in which the service area is located.

[0333] In some embodiments, the latitude of the service area includes a latitude range in which the service area is located.

[0334] In some embodiments, the data processing capability of the second network element includes at least one of the following: supported sensing method, supported sensing data type, supported sensing result type, supported quality of service of sensing result, accuracy of sensing result, capability of aggregating different types of sensing data, and data volume processing capability.

[0335] In the above embodiment, the data processing capability comprises at least one piece of information, each piece of information describing the data processing capability of the second network element from different perspectives, so that the data processing capability is more accurate and the first network element can comprehensively understand the data processing capability of the second network element.

[0336] In some embodiments, the perception entity information stored in the second network element comprises at least one of the following: identification information of the perception entity, location information of the perception entity, and perception capability of the perception entity.

[0337] In the above embodiment, the perception entity information comprises at least one piece of information, each piece of information describing the perception entity from different perspectives, so that the first network element can comprehensively understand the perception entity related to the second network element.

[0338] In some embodiments, the identification information of the perception entity comprises an identifier of the perception entity, for example, an identity (ID) or identifier (ID) of the perception entity.

[0339] In some embodiments, the location information of the perception entity comprises at least one of the following: shape of the location, description information of the location, list of tracking area identifiers where the location is located, list of cells where the location is located, longitude and latitude of the location.

[0340] In the above embodiment, the location information of the perception entity comprises at least one piece of information, each piece of information respectively describing the location of the perception entity from different perspectives, so that the location information is more accurate and the first network element can comprehensively understand the location of the perception entity.

[0341] In some embodiments, the description information of the location comprises size information of the location.

[0342] In some embodiments, the list of tracking area identifiers where the location is located comprises at least one tracking area identifier. The tracking area identifier is used to uniquely identify a tracking area, so as to distinguish different tracking areas. The tracking area is a geographical area composed of a plurality of cells. The cell is a cell served by the second network element.

[0343] In some embodiments, the list of cells where the location is located comprises a cell identifier corresponding to each cell included in the tracking area. The cell identifier is used to uniquely identify a cell, so as to distinguish different cells.

[0344] In some embodiments, the longitude of the location comprises a longitude range where the location is located.

[0345] In some embodiments, the latitude of the location comprises a latitude range where the location is located.

[0346] In some embodiments, the first request comprises identification information of the second network element, and the identification information of the second network element has a corresponding relationship with the first configuration information. Optionally, the identification information of the second network element is an identity document (ID) of the second network element.

[0347] In the above embodiment, the first request further comprises the identification information of the second network element, so that the first network element can correspond the identification information of the second network element with the first configuration information, and improve the efficiency of searching the first configuration information of the second network element.

[0348] In some embodiments, the second network element sends first request information (information bearer), and the first request information is sent to the first network element in the form of the first request. Optionally, the first network element receives the first request information. The first request information is, for example, a network function registration request message, but is not limited thereto, and can also be a registration request message, etc.

[0349] In some embodiments, the second network element obtains the stored first configuration information, carries the identification information of the second network element and the first configuration information in the first request, and sends the first request to the first network element.

[0350] In some embodiments, the first request comprises configuration information address. The configuration information address is used to indicate the address of storing the first configuration information. Optionally, the second network element obtains the configuration information address, writes the configuration information address in the first request, and sends the first request to the first network element. Optionally, the first network element parses the configuration information address from the first request after receiving the first request, and obtains the first configuration information from the storage space indicated by the configuration information address.

[0351] In step S2102, the first network element stores the first configuration information in the first request.

[0352] In some embodiments, the first network element parses the identification information of the second network element and the first configuration information from the first request, and stores the identification information of the second network element and the first configuration information in the first network element correspondingly.

[0353] In some embodiments, the first network element parses the identification information of the second network element and the first configuration information from the first request, and stores the identification information of the second network element and the first configuration information in the local area correspondingly.

[0354] In step S2103, the first network element marks the second network element as available.

[0355] In some embodiments, the available state is used to indicate that the sensing capability of the second network element is available.

[0356] In some embodiments, the name of the available state is not limited, and is, for example, “available”.

[0357] In some embodiments, the first network element marks the second network element as available, for example, by one byte or at least one bit to indicate the available state of the second network element. Optionally, taking the bit as an example, the value of 1 of the bit indicates available or is marked as available state, and the value of 0 of the bit indicates unavailable or is marked as unavailable state.

[0358] In some embodiments, the first network element stores the identification information and the available state of the second network element correspondingly to realize the marking of the second network element. Optionally, the first network element stores an available state table for storing the available state of each second network element. The first network element can store the identification information and the available state of the second network element into the available state table correspondingly.

[0359] In the above embodiments, by marking the second network element as available, the first network element can distinguish different states of the second network element, and the convenience is improved.

[0360] Step S2104, the first network element sends a first response to the second network element.

[0361] In some embodiments, the second network element receives the first response.

[0362] In some embodiments, the first response is used to indicate that the registration of the second network element has been accepted.

[0363] In some embodiments, the name of the first response is not limited, which is, for example, "network function registration response", "registration response", "Nnrf_NFManagement_NF Register Response", "Nnrf_NFManagement_NF Register response message", "result indication", etc.

[0364] In some embodiments, the first network element sends a response message (bearer of information), and the above-mentioned response message is sent to the second network element in the form of the first response. Optionally, the second network element receives the above-mentioned response message. The response message is, for example, a network function registration response message, but is not limited thereto, and can also be a registration response message, etc.

[0365] In the above embodiments, by sending the first response to the second network element, it is explicitly informed that the registration of the second network element has been accepted, and a confirmation mechanism is established to ensure that the second network element knows that it has been successfully registered, which helps to avoid repeated requests or operations due to unclear registration state.

[0366] The communication method related to the embodiments of the present disclosure can include at least one of steps S2101-S2104. For example, step S2101 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps S2102+S2103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps S2102+S2103+S2104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0367] In some embodiments, steps S2102 and S2103 can be exchanged in order or performed simultaneously, and steps S2103 and S2104 can be exchanged in order or performed simultaneously.

[0368] In some embodiments, steps S2102, S2103, and S2104 are optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0369] In some embodiments, steps S2101, S2103, and S2104 are optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0370] In some embodiments, other optional implementations described before or after the description corresponding to FIG. 2A can be referred to.

[0371] FIG. 2B is an exemplary interaction schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2B, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method in a perception capability update phase, and the method includes:

[0372] Step S2201: sending a second request to the first network element.

[0373] In some embodiments, the first network element receives the second request.

[0374] In some embodiments, the second request is sent to the first network element when the configuration information of the second network element changes.

[0375] In some embodiments, the first network element receives the second request when the second configuration information of the second network element stored in the first network element changes.

[0376] In some embodiments, the second request is sent to the first network element by the second network element when the second network element determines that the configuration information of the second network element changes. Alternatively, the second request is sent by the second network element when the second network element determines that the first configuration information changes compared with the second configuration information of the second network element stored in the first network element.

[0377] In some embodiments, the change of the configuration information of the second network element can be determined by the second network element and actively reported to the first network element. In some embodiments, the change of the configuration information of the second network element can be determined by the second network element and actively reported to the first network element.

[0378] In some embodiments, the change of the configuration information of the second network element can be that the first network element detects the change of the configuration information of the second network element, and sends a second request to the second network element to indicate the need to update the second configuration information, and the second network element sends a second request to the first network element when confirming that the configuration information (or configuration file) of the second network element has changed.

[0379] In some embodiments, the change of the configuration information of the second network element refers to the change of the configuration information (e.g., the second configuration information) of the second network element stored in the first network element.

[0380] Optionally, the change of the configuration information of the second network element includes the change of at least one of the configuration information (e.g., the second configuration information) of the second network element.

[0381] In some embodiments, the second configuration information includes at least one of the following: the sensing capability of the second network element, the location information of the second network element, the service area information of the second network element, the data processing capability of the second network element, and the sensing entity information stored in the second network element.

[0382] In some embodiments, the sensing capability includes at least one of the following: control plane sensing indication information, user plane sensing indication information, data plane sensing indication information, supported sensing method, supported sensing data type, supported sensing result type, and supported sensing result quality of service.

[0383] In some embodiments, the location information includes at least one of the following: geographical location or location deployment mode.

[0384] In some embodiments, the data processing capability includes at least one of the following: supported sensing method, supported sensing data type, supported sensing result type, supported sensing result quality of service, sensing result accuracy, capability of aggregating different types of sensing data, and data volume processing capability.

[0385] In some embodiments, the sensing entity information includes at least one of the following: identification information of the sensing entity, location information of the sensing entity, and sensing capability of the sensing entity.

[0386] In some embodiments, the location information of the sensing entity includes at least one of the following: shape of the location, description information of the location, list of tracking area identifiers where the location is located, list of cells where the location is located, longitude and latitude of the location.

[0387] In some embodiments, the second request is used to request updating the second network element. In some embodiments, the second request is used to request the first network element to update the second configuration information of the second network element stored in the first network element according to the first configuration information.

[0388] In some embodiments, the name of the second request is not limited, and may be, for example, "Network Function Update Request", "Update Request", "Nnrf_NFManagement_NFUpdate Request", "Nnrf_NFManagement_NFUpdate Request Message", etc.

[0389] In some embodiments, the second request includes first configuration information.

[0390] In the above embodiments, a scheme for updating perception-related information is provided. The perception-related information of the second network element can also be sent to the first network element in an updated manner to realize the update of the second network element, which facilitates timely updating of perception-related information.

[0391] In the above embodiments, if the perceived entity information changes, it indicates that the perceived information of the second network element has changed. At this time, it is necessary to update the perceived information stored in the first network element in a timely manner. Based on this, by sending a second request to the first network element, the first network element can update based on the second request, ensuring the timeliness of the update. By being able to dynamically respond to changes in the perceived entity information and update it in a timely manner, the flexibility and adaptability are enhanced.

[0392] In some embodiments, a change in the configuration information of the second network element includes a change in at least one of the configuration information of the second network element (e.g., the second configuration information of the second network element).

[0393] In some embodiments, a change in the second configuration information of the second network element includes at least one of the following: a change in the sensing capability of the second network element, a change in the location information of the second network element, a change in the service area information of the second network element, a change in the data processing capability of the second network element, or a change in the sensing entity information stored in the second network element.

[0394] In some embodiments, changes in perception capabilities include at least one of the following: changes in control plane perception indication information, changes in user plane perception indication information, changes in data plane perception indication information, changes in supported perception methods, changes in supported perception data types, changes in supported perception result types, and changes in supported perception result service quality.

[0395] In some embodiments, a change in location information includes at least one of the following: a change in geographical location or a change in the way the location is deployed.

[0396] In some embodiments, the change of the data processing capability includes at least one of the following: a change of supported sensing method, a change of supported sensing data type, a change of supported sensing result type, a change of quality of service of supported sensing result, a change of accuracy of sensing result, a change of capability of aggregating different types of sensing data, a change of processing capability of data volume.

[0397] In some embodiments, the change of the sensing entity information includes at least one of the following: a change of identification information of the sensing entity, a change of location information of the sensing entity, a change of sensing capability of the sensing entity.

[0398] In some embodiments, the change of the location information of the sensing entity includes at least one of the following: a change of shape of the location, a change of description information of the location, a change of list of tracking area identifiers where the location is located, a change of list of cells where the location is located, a change of longitude and latitude of the location.

[0399] The change of the sensing entity information includes at least one of the following: a change of identification information of the sensing entity, a change of location information of the sensing entity, a change of sensing capability of the sensing entity.

[0400] In the above embodiments, the change of the sensing entity information includes changes of the identification information, the location information and the sensing capability, which comprehensively covers possible change types and ensures comprehensive and accurate response to various change situations.

[0401] In some embodiments, the second network element acquires state information of the sensing entity. Optionally, the state information is used to indicate whether the sensing entity information has changed. The state information is, for example, "state update information", "state change information", etc. Optionally, the second network element sends a second request to the first network element when the state information indicates that the sensing entity information has changed; and the second network element does not make further processing when the state information indicates that the sensing entity information has not changed. Optionally, the second network element periodically sends a state acquisition request to the sensing entity, and the sensing entity sends the state information to the second network element in response to the state acquisition request; or the sensing entity sends the state information to the second network element when the sensing entity information changes. Optionally, the state information includes updated sensing entity information. After acquiring the state information of the sensing entity, the second network element stores the updated sensing entity information in the state information.

[0402] In some embodiments, the second request includes identification information of the second network element, and the identification information of the second network element has a corresponding relationship with the first configuration information. Optionally, the identification information of the second network element is an ID of the second network element.

[0403] In some embodiments, the second network element sends second request information (information of the bearer) to the first network element in a second request manner. Optionally, the first network element receives the second request information. The second request information is, for example, a network function registration request message, but is not limited thereto, and can also be a registration request message or the like.

[0404] In some embodiments, the second network element obtains the stored first configuration information, carries the identifier of the second network element and the first configuration information in the second request, and sends the second request to the first network element. The first configuration information contains the updated perception entity information.

[0405] In some embodiments, the second request includes a configuration information address. The configuration information address is used to indicate the address of the storage of the first configuration information, and the first configuration information contains the updated perception entity information. Optionally, the second network element obtains the configuration information address, writes the configuration information address into the second request, and sends the second request to the first network element. Optionally, the first network element parses the configuration information address from the second request after receiving the second request, and obtains the first configuration information from the storage space indicated by the configuration information address.

[0406] The optional implementation of step S2201 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2101 in FIG. 2A and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0407] In step S2202, the first network element updates the second configuration information of the second network element stored in the first network element according to the first configuration information in the second request.

[0408] In some embodiments, the second configuration information is used to indicate the perception-related information of the second network element stored in the first network element.

[0409] In some embodiments, the name of the second configuration information is not limited, which is, for example, “configuration file”, “second configuration file”, “configuration file of the second network element”, “configuration file of the SF”, “perception-related information”, “configuration-related information”, “stored configuration information”, “updated configuration information”, and the like.

[0410] In some embodiments, the first network element parses the identifier of the second network element and the first configuration information from the second request, locates the stored second configuration information of the second network element from the first network element according to the identifier of the second network element, and updates the second configuration information to the first configuration information parsed from the second request.

[0411] In some embodiments, the first network element parses the second network element's identification information and the first configuration information from the second request, locates the stored second configuration information of the second network element according to the second network element's identification information, and updates the second configuration information to the first configuration information parsed from the second request.

[0412] At step S2203, the first network element sends a second response to the second network element.

[0413] In some embodiments, the second network element receives the second response.

[0414] In some embodiments, the second response is used to indicate that the update of the second network element has been accepted.

[0415] In some embodiments, the name of the second response is not limited, which is, for example, "network function update response", "update response", "Nnrf_NFManagement_NFUpdate Response", "Nnrf_NFManagement_NFUpdate response message", "result indication", etc.

[0416] In some embodiments, the first network element sends a second response message (information carrier), and the second response message is sent to the second network element in the form of the second response. Optionally, the second network element receives the second response message. The second response message is, for example, a network function update response message, but is not limited thereto, and can also be an update response message, etc.

[0417] In the above embodiments, by receiving the second response sent by the first network element, a confirmation mechanism is established to ensure that the second network element knows that it has been successfully updated, which helps to avoid repeated requests or operations due to unclear update status.

[0418] The communication method related to the embodiments of the present disclosure can include at least one of steps S2201-S2203. For example, step S2201 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2202 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps S2202+S2203 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0419] In some embodiments, steps S2202 and S2203 are optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0420] In some embodiments, other optional implementation manners described before or after the corresponding description of FIG. 2B can be referred to.

[0421] FIG. 2C is an exemplary interaction schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2C, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method in the sensing capability use stage, and the method comprises the following steps:

[0422] In step S2301, the second network element sends a third request to the first network element.

[0423] In some embodiments, the first network element receives the third request.

[0424] In some embodiments, the third request is used to request the first network element to select a first sensing entity.

[0425] In some embodiments, the name of the third request is not limited, for example, it is "network function discovery request", "sensing entity selection request", "Nnrf_NFDiscovery Request", "Nnrf_NFDiscovery request message", etc.

[0426] In some embodiments, the third request includes at least one of the following: selection sensing entity indication information, sensing area description information, sensing object description information.

[0427] In the above embodiment, by carrying at least one of the selection sensing entity indication information, the sensing area description information or the sensing object description information in the third request, more reference information is provided for the first network element to select the first sensing entity, which facilitates the selection of the first network element.

[0428] In some embodiments, the selection sensing entity indication information is used to instruct the first network element to select or search for a third sensing entity, and the third sensing entity is at least one. Optionally, the selection sensing entity indication information includes at least one of the following: a sensing entity list, sensing entity location information. Optionally, the sensing entity list includes identification information of at least one sensing entity. Optionally, the sensing entity location information includes location information of at least one sensing entity.

[0429] In some embodiments, the first network element selects a usable sensing entity, for example, the first sensing entity, from the third sensing entity.

[0430] In some embodiments, the first network element carries at least one of the sensing entity list and the sensing entity location information in the selection sensing entity indication information, so that the first network element can select the first sensing entity in combination with the selection sensing entity indication information, thereby providing the first network element with alternatives to assist the first network element to select a more suitable first sensing entity.

[0431] In some embodiments, the perception area description information comprises at least one of: a shape of the perception area, description information of the perception area, a list of tracking area identities in which the perception area is located, a list of cells in which the perception area is located, a longitude of the perception area, and a latitude of the perception area.

[0432] In the above embodiments, the perception area description information comprises at least one piece of information, each piece of information describing the perception area from a different perspective, so that the perception area description information is more accurate and the first network element can have a comprehensive understanding of the perception area.

[0433] In some embodiments, the description information of the perception area comprises size information of the perception area.

[0434] In some embodiments, the list of tracking area identities in which the perception area is located comprises at least one tracking area identity. The tracking area identity is used to uniquely identify a tracking area, so as to distinguish different tracking areas. A tracking area is a geographical area composed of a plurality of cells. A cell is a cell served by the second network element.

[0435] In some embodiments, the list of cells in which the perception area is located comprises a cell identity corresponding to each cell included in the tracking area. The cell identity is used to uniquely identify a cell, so as to distinguish different cells.

[0436] In some embodiments, the longitude of the perception area comprises a longitude range in which the perception area is located.

[0437] In some embodiments, the latitude of the perception area comprises a latitude range in which the perception area is located.

[0438] In some embodiments, the perception object description information comprises at least one of: position information of the perception object, identification information of the perception object, and perception capability of the perception object. Optionally, the position information of the perception object comprises at least one of: a shape of the position, description information of the position, a longitude of the position, and a latitude of the position. Optionally, the identification information of the perception object comprises an identification of the perception object, which is, for example, an ID of the perception object.

[0439] In the above embodiments, the perception object description information comprises at least one piece of information, each piece of information describing the perception object from a different perspective, so that the perception object description information is more accurate and the first network element can have a comprehensive understanding of the perception object.

[0440] In some embodiments, the third request comprises identification information of the second network element. Optionally, the identification information of the second network element is an ID of the second network element.

[0441] In the above embodiment, by carrying the identification information of the second network element in the third request, the first network element can distinguish different second network elements, so as to directly determine the second configuration information of the second network element indicated by the identification information from the stored second configuration information, avoid the case of determining the first sensing entity according to the wrong second configuration information, and make the search of the second configuration information of the second network element faster.

[0442] In some embodiments, the second network element sends third request information (information bearer), and the third request information is sent to the first network element in the form of a third request. Optionally, the first network element receives the third request information. The third request information is, for example, a network function discovery request message, but is not limited thereto, and can also be a selection sensing entity request message, etc.

[0443] In some embodiments, the second network element receives a fourth request sent by the first entity. Optionally, the first entity sends the fourth request to the second network element when there is a demand for sensing the target object. Optionally, the second network element sends a third request to the first network element according to the fourth request. Optionally, the fourth request is used to request sensing data and / or sensing result. Optionally, the name of the fourth request is not limited, which is, for example, “sensing request”, “sensing request message”, etc. Optionally, the fourth request includes identification information of a sensing task, sensing object description information, sensing area description information, sensing data description information, sensing result quality of service, request type, and sensing result type. Optionally, the identification information of the sensing task includes an identification of the sensing task, which is, for example, an ID of the sensing task. Optionally, the sensing data description information is used to indicate a sensing data type, and the sensing data type includes at least one of position, distance, angle, speed; identification data, detection data; reconstruction data, imaging data; tracking data, monitoring data. Optionally, the request type is used to indicate the type of the fourth request, and the request type includes at least one of an instant request, a periodic request, or a delayed request. Optionally, the sensing result type includes a first result type and a second result type, the first result type is used to indicate a final sensing result, and the second result type is used to indicate processed data.

[0444] In some embodiments, the third network element sends a fifth request to the second network element. Optionally, the second network element receives the fifth request sent by the third network element. Optionally, the second network element sends a third request to the first network element according to the fifth request. Optionally, the fifth request is used to request the sensing data and / or the sensing result. Optionally, the name of the fifth request is not limited, which is, for example, “sensing request”, “sensing request message” and the like. Optionally, the fifth request includes the identification information of the sensing task, the sensing object description information, the sensing area description information, the sensing data description information, the sensing result quality of service, the request type and the sensing result type. Optionally, the identification information of the sensing task includes the identification of the sensing task, which is, for example, the ID of the sensing task. Optionally, the sensing data description information is used to indicate the sensing data type, and the sensing data type includes at least one of the position, the distance, the angle, the speed; the identification data, the detection data; the reconstruction data, the imaging data; the tracking data, the monitoring data. Optionally, the request type is used to indicate the type of the fourth request, and the request type includes at least one of the instant request, the periodic request or the delayed request. Optionally, the sensing result type includes the first result type and the second result type, the first result type is used to indicate the final sensing result, and the second result type is used to indicate the processed data.

[0445] The optional implementation of step S2301 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2101 in FIG. 2A and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0446] In step S2302, the first network element determines the first sensing entity according to the second configuration information of the second network element stored according to the identification information of the second network element in the third request.

[0447] In some embodiments, the first sensing entity is an available sensing entity.

[0448] In some embodiments, the name of the first sensing entity is not limited, which is, for example, “available sensing entity”, “alternative sensing entity” and the like.

[0449] In some embodiments, the first network element corresponds to store the identification information and the second configuration information of the second network element. Optionally, the first network element locates the second configuration information stored corresponding to the identification information of the second network element in the third request from the second configuration information stored in the first network element.

[0450] In some embodiments, the second configuration information is determined by the first configuration information. For example, if it is a registration procedure, the first network element receives the first configuration information and stores it, where the first configuration information and the second configuration information are the same or similar; if it is an update procedure, the first network element receives the first configuration information and updates the second configuration information already stored in the first network element, where the first configuration information is used by the first network element to update the second configuration information, the first configuration information is stored after the update as the second configuration information, and the second configuration information stored after the update is stored in the first network element as the current second configuration information.

[0451] In some embodiments, the first network element determines the first sensing entity according to the stored second configuration information and at least one of the selection sensing entity indication information, the sensing area description information, and the sensing object description information included in the third request. Optionally, the strategy for determining the first sensing entity can be customized according to actual needs, for example, determining the first sensing entity according to the quality of service, or determining the first sensing entity according to a preset rule, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0452] In some embodiments, if the third request contains the identifier of the sensing entity, the first sensing entity can be directly determined as the sensing entity in the third request. Optionally, if the third request does not contain the identifier of the sensing entity, the first sensing entity can be determined based on at least one of the selection sensing entity indication information, the sensing area description information, and the sensing object description information included in the third request.

[0453] In step S2303, the first network element sends a third response to the second network element.

[0454] In some embodiments, the second network element receives the third response.

[0455] In some embodiments, the name of the third response is not limited, and it is, for example, "network function discovery response", "selection sensing entity response", "Nnrf_NFDiscovery Response", "Nnrf_NFDiscovery response message", etc.

[0456] In some embodiments, the third response is used to indicate the first sensing entity information.

[0457] In the above embodiments, by sending the third response, a confirmation mechanism is established to ensure that the second network element knows that its request has been successfully processed, thereby enhancing reliability and stability, and the second network element can also obtain the first sensing entity information from the third response without additional acquisition, thereby improving convenience.

[0458] In some embodiments, the first perception entity information is used to describe the first perception entity. Optionally, the name of the first perception entity information is not limited, which is, for example, "perception entity information", "description information of the first perception entity", and the like.

[0459] In some embodiments, the first perception entity information includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first perception entity, position information of the first perception entity, and perception capability of the first perception entity.

[0460] In the above embodiments, at least one information is included in the first perception entity information, and each information describes the first perception entity from different angles, so that the second network element can fully understand the first perception entity.

[0461] In some embodiments, the first network element sends a third response message (information bearer), and the third response message is sent to the second network element in a third response manner. Optionally, the second network element receives the third response message. The third response message is, for example, a network function discovery response message, but is not limited thereto, and can also be a selection perception entity response message, and the like.

[0462] In step S2304, the second network element determines the second perception entity according to the first perception entity information in the third response.

[0463] In some embodiments, the second perception entity is a finally determined perception entity.

[0464] In some embodiments, the name of the second perception entity is not limited, which is, for example, "perception entity suitable for the perception request", "finally determined perception entity", "target perception entity", and the like.

[0465] In some embodiments, the strategy for determining the second perception entity can be customized according to actual needs, for example, determining the second perception entity according to the quality of service, or determining the second perception entity according to a preset rule, and the like, but is not limited thereto.

[0466] In the above embodiments, the first perception entity information can be regarded as related information of the available perception entity, and the second network element can further determine the second perception entity in combination with the first perception entity information, so as to determine a more suitable perception entity, so as to assist the second network element to select a more suitable second perception entity.

[0467] In some embodiments, the second network element sends a fourth response to the first entity, and the fourth response is used to indicate the second perception entity information. Optionally, the name of the fourth response is not limited, which is, for example, "perception response", and the like. Optionally, the second perception entity information is used to describe the second perception entity. Optionally, the name of the second perception entity information is not limited, which is, for example, "perception entity information", "description information of the second perception entity", and the like.

[0468] In some embodiments, the second network element sends a fifth response to the third network element, the fifth response being used for indicating the second awareness entity information. Optionally, the name of the fifth response is not limited, which is, for example, an "awareness response" or the like. Optionally, the second awareness entity information is used for describing the second awareness entity. Optionally, the name of the second awareness entity information is not limited, which is, for example, "awareness entity information", "description information of the second awareness entity" or the like.

[0469] In some embodiments, the second network element determines the second awareness entity according to at least one of the first awareness entity information, the locally stored awareness entity information, the awareness entity information obtained from the UDM, and the awareness entity information obtained from the AMF.

[0470] The communication method related to the embodiments of the present disclosure can include at least one of steps S2301-S2304. For example, steps S2302+S2303 can be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto, and steps S2301+S2304 can be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0471] In some embodiments, steps S2102 and S2103 are optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0472] In some embodiments, steps S2101 and S2104 are optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0473] In some embodiments, other optional implementations described before or after the corresponding description of FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B can be referred to.

[0474] FIG. 3A is an exemplary flow diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3A, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method (first network element side), in particular to an awareness capability registration stage, and the above method includes:

[0475] Step S3101: obtaining a first request.

[0476] Optional implementations of step S3101 can be referred to optional implementations of step S2101 of FIG. 2A and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2A, which will not be described here.

[0477] In some embodiments, the first network element receives the first request sent by the second network element, but is not limited thereto, and can also receive the first request sent by other subjects.

[0478] In some embodiments, the first network element obtains the first request specified by a protocol.

[0479] In some embodiments, the first network element obtains the first request from upper layer(s).

[0480] In some embodiments, the first network element processes to obtain the first request.

[0481] In some embodiments, step S3101 is omitted, and the first network element autonomously implements the function indicated by the first request, or the function is default or default.

[0482] Step S3102, storing the first configuration information in the first request.

[0483] The optional implementation of step S3102 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2102 in FIG. 2A and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0484] Step S3103, marking the second network element as available.

[0485] The optional implementation of step S3103 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2103 in FIG. 2A and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0486] Step S3104, sending the first response.

[0487] The optional implementation of step S3104 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2104 in FIG. 2A and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0488] In some embodiments, the first network element sends the first response to the second network element, but is not limited thereto, and can send the first response to other subjects.

[0489] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure can include at least one of steps S3101-S3104. For example, steps S3101+S3102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps S3101+S3102+S3103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps S3101+S3102+S3104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but are not limited thereto.

[0490] In some embodiments, steps S3102 and S3103 can be exchanged in order or executed simultaneously, and steps S3103 and S3104 can be exchanged in order or executed simultaneously.

[0491] In some embodiments, steps S3103 and S3104 are optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0492] FIG. 3B is an exemplary flow diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3B, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method (first network element side), in particular to a sensing capability update phase, and the above method comprises the following steps:

[0493] In step S3201, a second request is acquired.

[0494] The optional implementation of step S3201 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2201 in FIG. 2B and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0495] In some embodiments, the first network element receives the second request sent by the second network element, but is not limited thereto, and can also receive the second request sent by other subjects.

[0496] In some embodiments, the first network element acquires the second request specified by a protocol.

[0497] In some embodiments, the first network element acquires the second request from upper layer(s).

[0498] In some embodiments, the first network element processes to obtain the second request.

[0499] In some embodiments, step S3201 is omitted, and the first network element autonomously implements the function indicated by the second request, or the above function is default or default.

[0500] In step S3202, the second configuration information of the second network element stored in the first network element is updated according to the first configuration information in the second request.

[0501] The optional implementation of step S3202 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2202 in FIG. 2B and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0502] In step S3203, a second response is sent.

[0503] The optional implementation of step S3203 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2203 in FIG. 2B and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0504] In some embodiments, the first network element sends the second response to the second network element, but is not limited thereto, and can also send the second response to other subjects.

[0505] The communication method related to the embodiments of the present disclosure can include at least one of steps S3201-S3203. For example, steps S3201 and S3202 can be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0506] In some embodiments, step S3203 is optional, and one or more of the steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0507] FIG. 3C is an exemplary flow diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3C, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method (first network element side), in particular to a sensing capability usage phase, and the above method includes:

[0508] Step S3301: obtaining a third request.

[0509] The optional implementation of step S3301 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2301 in FIG. 2C and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2C, which will not be repeated here.

[0510] In some embodiments, the first network element receives the third request sent by the second network element, but is not limited thereto, and can also receive the third request sent by other subjects.

[0511] In some embodiments, the first network element obtains the third request specified by a protocol.

[0512] In some embodiments, the first network element obtains the third request from an upper layer.

[0513] In some embodiments, the first network element processes to obtain the third request.

[0514] In some embodiments, step S3301 is omitted, and the first network element autonomously implements the function indicated by the third request, or the above function is default or default.

[0515] Step S3302: determining a first sensing entity from the stored second configuration information of the second network element according to the identification information of the second network element in the third request.

[0516] The optional implementation of step S3302 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2302 in FIG. 2C and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2C, which will not be repeated here.

[0517] Step S3303: sending a third response.

[0518] The optional implementation of step S3303 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2303 in FIG. 2C and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2C, which will not be repeated here.

[0519] In some embodiments, the first network element sends the third response to the second network element, but is not limited thereto, and can send the third response to other subjects.

[0520] The communication method related to the embodiments of the present disclosure can include at least one of steps S3301-S3303. For example, steps S3301+S3302 can be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0521] In some embodiments, step S3303 is optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0522] FIG. 3D is an exemplary flow diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3D, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method (first network element side), in particular to a sensing capability registration / update phase, and the above method includes:

[0523] Step S3401, obtaining a first request.

[0524] The optional implementation of step S3401 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2101 in FIG. 2A, step S3101 in FIG. 3A, and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2A and FIG. 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0525] Step S3402, obtaining a second request.

[0526] The optional implementation of step S3402 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2201 in FIG. 2B, step S3201 in FIG. 3B, and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2B and FIG. 3B, which will not be repeated here.

[0527] Step S3403, storing the first configuration information.

[0528] The optional implementation of step S3403 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2102 in FIG. 2A, step S2202 in FIG. 2B, step S3102 in FIG. 3A, step S3202 in FIG. 3B, and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, FIG. 3A, and FIG. 3B, which will not be repeated here.

[0529] The communication method related to the embodiments of the present disclosure can include at least one of steps S3401-S3403. For example, steps S3401+S3403 can be implemented as independent embodiments, and steps S3402+S3403 can be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0530] In some embodiments, steps S3401 and S3402 can be exchanged in order or performed simultaneously.

[0531] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, step S3403 can be combined with steps S3103-S3104 of FIG. 3A, or combined with step S3203 of FIG. 3B.

[0532] FIG. 3E is an exemplary flow diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3E, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method (first network element side), in particular to a sensing capability registration / update phase, the method comprising:

[0533] In step S3501, the first configuration information sent by the second network element is received.

[0534] In optional embodiments, step S3501 comprises a lower-level scheme, and optional implementation manners of the lower-level scheme can be found in steps S2101 of FIG. 2A, S2201 of FIG. 2B, S3101 of FIG. 3A, S3201 of FIG. 3B, S3401 and S3402 of FIG. 3D, and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B and 3D, which are not repeated here.

[0535] In some embodiments, step S3501 comprises: receiving a first request sent by the second network element, the first request being used to request registration of the second network element, and the first request comprising the first configuration information; and / or receiving a second request sent by the second network element, the second request being used to request update of the second network element, and the second request comprising the first configuration information. In optional embodiments, optional implementation manners can be found in steps S2101 of FIG. 2A, S2201 of FIG. 2B, S3101 of FIG. 3A, S3201 of FIG. 3B, S3401 and S3402 of FIG. 3D, and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B and 3D, which are not repeated here.

[0536] In some embodiments, the first configuration information comprises at least one of: sensing capability of the second network element, location information of the second network element, service area information of the second network element, data processing capability of the second network element, and sensing entity information stored in the second network element.

[0537] In some embodiments, the sensing capability comprises at least one of: control plane sensing indication information, user plane sensing indication information, data plane sensing indication information, supported sensing method, supported sensing data type, supported sensing result type, and supported sensing result quality of service.

[0538] In some embodiments, the location information comprises at least one of: a geographical location or a location deployment manner.

[0539] In some embodiments, the service area information comprises at least one of: a shape of the service area, description information of the service area, a list of tracking area identities where the service area is located, a list of cells where the service area is located, longitude and latitude of the service area.

[0540] In some embodiments, the data processing capability comprises at least one of: a supported sensing method, a supported sensing data type, a supported sensing result type, a supported quality of service of the sensing result, an accuracy of the sensing result, an ability of aggregating different types of sensing data, a processing capability of data volume.

[0541] In some embodiments, the sensing entity information comprises at least one of: identification information of the sensing entity, location information of the sensing entity, sensing capability of the sensing entity.

[0542] In some embodiments, the location information of the sensing entity comprises at least one of: a shape of the location, description information of the location, a list of tracking area identities where the location is located, a list of cells where the location is located, longitude and latitude of the location.

[0543] In some embodiments, the first request comprises identification information of a second network element, and the identification information of the second network element has a corresponding relationship with the first configuration information.

[0544] In step S3502, the first configuration information is stored.

[0545] In some embodiments, if the storing of the first configuration information is implemented in a registration process, the first configuration information is the same as or similar to the second configuration information, for example, the second configuration information is stored; if the storing of the first configuration information is implemented in an updating process, the first configuration information is used to update the second configuration information, for example, the stored second configuration information is updated and stored according to the first configuration information, and the first configuration information is the same as or similar to the updated second configuration information.

[0546] In optional embodiments, step S3502 comprises the following sub-schemes, and optional implementation manners of the sub-schemes can be referred to optional implementation manners of step S2102 in FIG. 2A, step S2202 in FIG. 2B, step S3102 in FIG. 3A, step S3202 in FIG. 3B, and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, which will not be repeated here.

[0547] In some embodiments, the method further includes marking the second network element as available. In optional embodiments, optional implementation manners can be referred to optional implementation manners of step S2103 in FIG. 2A, step S3103 in FIG. 3A, and other associated parts in embodiments related to FIG. 2A and FIG. 3A, which are not described herein.

[0548] In some embodiments, the method further includes sending a first response to the second network element, the first response being used to indicate that the registration of the second network element is accepted. In optional embodiments, optional implementation manners can be referred to optional implementation manners of step S2104 in FIG. 2A, step S3104 in FIG. 3A, and other associated parts in embodiments related to FIG. 2A and FIG. 3A, which are not described herein.

[0549] In some embodiments, the storing of the first configuration information includes updating second configuration information of the second network element stored in the first network element according to the first configuration information in the second request. In optional embodiments, optional implementation manners can be referred to optional implementation manners of step S2202 in FIG. 2B, step S3202 in FIG. 3B, and other associated parts in embodiments related to FIG. 2B and FIG. 3B, which are not described herein.

[0550] In some embodiments, the method further includes sending a second response to the second network element, the second response being used to indicate that the update of the second network element is accepted. In optional embodiments, optional implementation manners can be referred to optional implementation manners of step S2203 in FIG. 2B, step S3203 in FIG. 3B, and other associated parts in embodiments related to FIG. 2B and FIG. 3B, which are not described herein.

[0551] In embodiments of the present disclosure, steps S3501-S3502 can be combined with step S3103 in FIG. 3A, steps S3501-S3502 can be combined with step S3104 in FIG. 3A, and steps S3501-S3502 can be combined with step S3203 in FIG. 3B.

[0552] FIG. 3F is an exemplary flow diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3F, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method (first network element side), in particular to a sensing capability usage phase, and the above method includes:

[0553] Step S3601, receiving a third request sent by the second network element.

[0554] In optional embodiments, step S3601 includes the following sub-scheme, and optional implementation manners of the sub-scheme can be referred to optional implementation manners of step S2301 in FIG. 2C, step S3301 in FIG. 3C, and other associated parts in embodiments related to FIG. 2C and FIG. 3C, which are not described herein.

[0555] In some embodiments, the third request comprises at least one of the following: the selection awareness entity indication information, the awareness area description information, or the awareness object description information.

[0556] In some embodiments, the awareness area description information comprises at least one of the following: a shape of the awareness area, description information of the awareness area, a list of tracking area identities where the awareness area is located, a list of cells where the awareness area is located, or longitude and latitude of the awareness area.

[0557] In some embodiments, the awareness object description information comprises at least one of the following: location information of the awareness object, identification information of the awareness object, and awareness capability of the awareness object.

[0558] At step S3602, the first awareness entity is determined according to the stored second configuration information.

[0559] In optional embodiments, step S3602 comprises the following sub-schemes, and optional implementation manners can be referred to the optional implementation manners of step S2302 in FIG. 2C, step S3302 in FIG. 3C, and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2C and FIG. 3C, which will not be repeated here.

[0560] In some embodiments, the third request comprises identification information of the second network element; and the first awareness entity is determined according to the stored second configuration information, comprising: determining the first awareness entity from the stored second configuration information of the second network element according to the identification information of the second network element. In optional embodiments, optional implementation manners can be referred to the optional implementation manners of step S2302 in FIG. 2C, step S3302 in FIG. 3C, and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2C and FIG. 3C, which will not be repeated here.

[0561] In some embodiments, the method further comprises: sending, to the second network element, a third response, the third response being used to indicate the first awareness entity information. In optional embodiments, optional implementation manners can be referred to the optional implementation manners of step S2303 in FIG. 2C, step S3303 in FIG. 3C, and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2C and FIG. 3C, which will not be repeated here.

[0562] In some embodiments, the first awareness entity information comprises at least one of the following: identification information of the first awareness entity, location information of the first awareness entity, and awareness capability of the first awareness entity.

[0563] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, steps S3601-S3602 can be combined with step S3303 in FIG. 3C.

[0564] FIG. 4A is an exemplary flow diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 4A, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method (second network element side), in particular to a sensing capability registration stage, and the above method comprises the following steps:

[0565] In step S4101, a first request is sent.

[0566] The optional implementation of step S4101 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2101 in FIG. 2A and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0567] In some embodiments, the second network element sends the first request to the first network element, but is not limited thereto, and can send the first request to other subjects.

[0568] Optionally, the first request is used to request the first network element to register the second network element. The optional implementation thereof can refer to the optional implementation of step S2102 in FIG. 2A and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0569] In step S4102, a first response is obtained.

[0570] The optional implementation of step S4102 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2104 in FIG. 2A and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0571] In some embodiments, the second network element receives the first response sent by the first network element, but is not limited thereto, and can receive the first response sent by other subjects.

[0572] In some embodiments, the second network element obtains the first response specified by a protocol.

[0573] In some embodiments, the second network element obtains the first response from upper layer(s).

[0574] In some embodiments, the second network element processes to obtain the first response.

[0575] In some embodiments, step S4102 is omitted, and the second network element autonomously implements the function indicated by the first response, or the above function is default or default.

[0576] The communication method involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure can comprise at least one of steps S4101-S4102. For example, step 4101 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S4102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0577] In some embodiments, step S4102 is optional, and one or more of the steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0578] FIG. 4B is an exemplary flow diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 4B, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method (second network element side), in particular to a sensing capability updating phase, and the method comprises the following steps:

[0579] In step S4201, a second request is sent when sensing entity information changes.

[0580] Optional implementation of step S4201 can refer to optional implementation of step S2201 in FIG. 2B and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0581] In some embodiments, the second network element sends the second request to the first network element when determining that the configuration information of the second network element changes. Alternatively, the second network element sends the second request to the first network element when determining that the first configuration information and the second configuration information of the second network element stored in the first network element change, but is not limited thereto, and can also send the second request to other subjects.

[0582] Alternatively, the second request is used to request the first network element to update the second network element. Optional implementation thereof can refer to optional implementation of step S2202 in FIG. 2B and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0583] In step S4202, a second response is obtained.

[0584] Optional implementation of step S4202 can refer to optional implementation of step S2203 in FIG. 2B and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0585] In some embodiments, the second network element receives the second response sent by the first network element, but is not limited thereto, and can also receive the second response sent by other subjects.

[0586] In some embodiments, the second network element obtains the second response specified by a protocol.

[0587] In some embodiments, the second network element obtains the second response from upper layer(s).

[0588] In some embodiments, the second network element processes to obtain the second response.

[0589] In some embodiments, step S4202 is omitted, and the second network element autonomously implements the function indicated by the second response, or the above function is default.

[0590] The communication method related to the embodiments of the present disclosure can comprise at least one of steps S4201-S4202. For example, step S4201 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S4202 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0591] In some embodiments, step S4202 is optional, and one or more of the steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0592] FIG. 4C is an exemplary flow diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 4C, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method (second network element side), in particular to a sensing capability usage stage, and the above method comprises:

[0593] Step S4301: sending a third request.

[0594] Optional implementation of step S4301 can refer to optional implementation of step S2301 in FIG. 2C and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2C, which will not be described here.

[0595] In some embodiments, the second network element sends the third request to the first network element, but is not limited thereto, and can send the third request to other subjects.

[0596] Optionally, the third request is used to request the first network element to select a first sensing entity. Optional implementation thereof can refer to optional implementation of step S2302 in FIG. 2C and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2C, which will not be described here.

[0597] Step S4302: obtaining a third response.

[0598] Optional implementation of step S4302 can refer to optional implementation of step S2303 in FIG. 2C and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2C, which will not be described here.

[0599] In some embodiments, the second network element receives the third response sent by the first network element, but is not limited thereto, and can receive the third response sent by other subjects.

[0600] In some embodiments, the second network element obtains the third response specified by a protocol.

[0601] In some embodiments, the second network element obtains the third response from upper layer(s).

[0602] In some embodiments, the second network element processes to obtain the third response.

[0603] In some embodiments, step S4302 is omitted, and the second network element autonomously implements the function indicated by the third response, or the function is default or default.

[0604] Step S4303, determining the second awareness entity according to the first awareness entity information in the third response.

[0605] The optional implementation of step S4303 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2304 in FIG. 2C and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2C, which will not be repeated here.

[0606] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure can include at least one of steps S4301-S4303. For example, step 4301 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps 4301-4302 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but are not limited thereto.

[0607] In some embodiments, steps S4302 and S4303 are optional, and one or more of the steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0608] FIG. 4D is an exemplary flow diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 4D, the embodiments of the present disclosure involve a communication method (second network element side), specifically an awareness capability registration / update phase, and the method includes:

[0609] Step S4401, sending first configuration information to the first network element.

[0610] In optional embodiments, step S4401 includes a sub-scheme, and the optional implementation of the sub-scheme can refer to step S2101 in FIG. 2A, step S2201 in FIG. 2B, step S3101 in FIG. 3A, step S3201 in FIG. 3B, step S3401 in FIG. 3D, the optional implementation of step S3402, and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIGs. 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, and 3D, which will not be repeated here.

[0611] In some embodiments, sending the first configuration information to the first network element includes: sending a first request to the first network element, the first request being used to request registration of the second network element, and the first request including the first configuration information; or sending a second request to the first network element, the second request being used to request update of the second network element, and the second request including the first configuration information. In optional embodiments, the optional implementation can refer to step S2101 in FIG. 2A, step S2201 in FIG. 2B, step S4101 in FIG. 4A, the optional implementation of step S4201 in FIG. 4B, and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIGs. 2A, 2B, 4A, and 4B, which will not be repeated here.

[0612] In some embodiments, the first configuration information comprises at least one of the following: a sensing capability of the second network element, location information of the second network element, service area information of the second network element, data processing capability of the second network element, sensing entity information stored in the second network element.

[0613] In some embodiments, the sensing capability comprises at least one of the following: control plane sensing indication information, user plane sensing indication information, data plane sensing indication information, supported sensing method, supported sensing data type, supported sensing result type, supported sensing result quality of service.

[0614] In some embodiments, the location information comprises at least one of the following: geographical location or location deployment mode.

[0615] In some embodiments, the service area information comprises at least one of the following: shape of the service area, description information of the service area, list of tracking area identities in which the service area is located, list of cells in which the service area is located, longitude and latitude of the service area.

[0616] In some embodiments, the data processing capability comprises at least one of the following: supported sensing method, supported sensing data type, supported sensing result type, supported sensing result quality of service, accuracy of the sensing result, capability of aggregating different types of sensing data, data volume processing capability.

[0617] In some embodiments, the sensing entity information comprises at least one of the following: identification information of the sensing entity, location information of the sensing entity, sensing capability of the sensing entity.

[0618] In some embodiments, the location information of the sensing entity comprises at least one of the following: shape of the location, description information of the location, list of tracking area identities in which the location is located, list of cells in which the location is located, longitude and latitude of the location.

[0619] In some embodiments, the first request comprises identification information of the second network element, and the identification information of the second network element is in a corresponding relationship with the first configuration information.

[0620] In some embodiments, the method further comprises: receiving a first response sent by the first network element, the first response being used to indicate that the registration of the second network element has been accepted. The optional implementation can refer to step S2104 in FIG. 2A, step S4102 in FIG. 4A, and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2A and FIG. 4A, which will not be described here.

[0621] In some embodiments, the second request is used to request the first network element to update second configuration information of the second network element stored in the first network element according to the first configuration information.

[0622] In some embodiments, the method further includes receiving a second response sent by the first network element, the second response being used to indicate that the update of the second network element has been accepted. Optional implementation manners can be referred to step S2203 in FIG. 2B, step S4202 in FIG. 4B, and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2B and FIG. 4B, which are not described herein again.

[0623] In some embodiments, the sending of the second request to the first network element includes: sending the second request to the first network element when it is determined that the first configuration information is changed from the second configuration information of the second network element stored in the first network element. Optional implementation manners can be referred to step S2201 in FIG. 2B, step S4201 in FIG. 4B, and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2B and FIG. 4B, which are not described herein again.

[0624] In some embodiments, the change of the second configuration information of the second network element includes that at least one of the second configuration information of the second network element is changed.

[0625] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, step S4401 can be combined with step S4102 in FIG. 4A, and step S4401 can be combined with step S4202 in FIG. 4B.

[0626] FIG. 4E is an exemplary flow diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 4E, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method (second network element side), in particular to a sensing capability use stage, and the above method includes:

[0627] Step S4501, sending a third request to the first network element.

[0628] In optional embodiments, step S4501 includes the following sub-scheme. Optional implementation manners of the sub-scheme can be referred to step S2301 in FIG. 2C, optional implementation manners of step S4301 in FIG. 4C, and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2C and FIG. 4C, which are not described herein again.

[0629] In some embodiments, the third request includes at least one of the following: selection sensing entity indication information, sensing area description information, or sensing object description information.

[0630] In some embodiments, the sensing area description information includes at least one of the following: a shape of the sensing area, description information of the sensing area, a list of tracking area identities where the sensing area is located, a list of cells where the sensing area is located, or longitude and latitude of the sensing area.

[0631] In some embodiments, the sensing object description information includes at least one of the following: location information of the sensing object, identification information of the sensing object, and sensing capability of the sensing object.

[0632] In some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving a third response sent by the first network element, the third response being used to indicate the first awareness entity information. Optional implementation manners can be referred to step S2303 in FIG. 2C, step S4302 in FIG. 4C, and other associated parts in embodiments related to FIG. 2C and FIG. 4C, which are not described herein again.

[0633] In some embodiments, the first awareness entity information includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first awareness entity, location information of the first awareness entity, and awareness capability of the first awareness entity.

[0634] In some embodiments, the method further includes: determining a second awareness entity according to the first awareness entity information. Optional implementation manners can be referred to step S2304 in FIG. 2C, step S4303 in FIG. 4C, and other associated parts in embodiments related to FIG. 2C and FIG. 4C, which are not described herein again.

[0635] In embodiments of the present disclosure, step S4501 can be combined with steps S4302-S4303 in FIG. 4C.

[0636] FIG. 5A is an exemplary interaction schematic diagram of a communication method according to embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5A, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method (core network device side), the core network device including a first network element and a second network element, and specifically relate to an awareness capability registration and update phase, and the above method includes:

[0637] In step S5101, the second network element sends first configuration information of the second network element to the first network element.

[0638] Optional implementation manners of step S5101 can be referred to optional implementation manners of step S2101 in FIG. 2A, step S2201 in FIG. 2B, step S3101 in FIG. 3A, step S3201 in FIG. 3B, step S4101 in FIG. 4A, step S4201 in FIG. 4B, and other associated parts in embodiments related to FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B, FIG. 4A, and FIG. 4B, which are not described herein again.

[0639] In step S5102, the first network element stores the first configuration information.

[0640] Optional implementation manners of step S5102 can be referred to optional implementation manners of step S2102 in FIG. 2A, step S2202 in FIG. 2B, step S3102 in FIG. 3A, step S3202 in FIG. 3B, and other associated parts in embodiments related to FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, FIG. 3A, and FIG. 3B, which are not described herein again.

[0641] In some embodiments, the above method can include methods in embodiments of the above first network element side, second network element side, etc., which are not described herein again.

[0642] FIG. 5B is an exemplary interaction schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5B, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method (core network device side), the core network device comprising a first network element, a second network element, and specifically relates to a sensing capability use stage, and the above method comprises:

[0643] In step S5201, the second network element sends a third request to the first network element.

[0644] The optional implementation of step S5201 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2301 in FIG. 2C, step S3301 in FIG. 3C, step S4301 in FIG. 4C, and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2C, FIG. 3C, and FIG. 4C, which are not described here.

[0645] In step S5202, the first network element determines a first sensing entity according to the stored second configuration information.

[0646] The optional implementation of step S5202 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2302 in FIG. 2C, step S3302 in FIG. 3C, and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2C and FIG. 3C, which are not described here.

[0647] In step S5203, the first network element sends a third response to the second network element.

[0648] The optional implementation of step S5203 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2303 in FIG. 2C, step S3303 in FIG. 3C, step S4302 in FIG. 4C, and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2C, FIG. 3C, and FIG. 4C, which are not described here.

[0649] In some embodiments, the above method can include the methods of the above-mentioned embodiments of the first network element side, the second network element side, etc., which are not described here.

[0650] FIG. 5C is an exemplary interaction schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5C, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method (core network device side), the core network device comprising a first network element, a second network element, and a third network element, and specifically relates to a sensing capability use stage, and the above method comprises:

[0651] In step S5301, the third network element sends a fifth request to the second network element.

[0652] The optional implementation of step S5301 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2301 in FIG. 2C and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2C, which are not described here.

[0653] Step S5302. The second network element sends a third request to the first network element according to the fifth request.

[0654] The optional implementation of step S5302 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2301 in FIG. 2C and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2C, which are not described here again.

[0655] Step S5303. The first network element determines the first awareness entity according to the stored second configuration information of the second network element.

[0656] The optional implementation of step S5303 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2302 in FIG. 2C, step S3302 in FIG. 3C, and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2C and FIG. 3C, which are not described here again.

[0657] Step S5304. The first network element sends a third response to the second network element.

[0658] The optional implementation of step S5303 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2303 in FIG. 2C, step S3303 in FIG. 3C, step S4302 in FIG. 4C, and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2C, FIG. 3C, and FIG. 4C, which are not described here again.

[0659] Step S5305. The second network element determines the second awareness entity according to the first awareness entity information.

[0660] The optional implementation of step S5305 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2304 in FIG. 2C, step S4303 in FIG. 4C, and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2C and FIG. 4C, which are not described here again.

[0661] Step S5306. The second network element sends a fifth response to the third network element.

[0662] The optional implementation of step S5306 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2304 in FIG. 2C and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2C, which are not described here again.

[0663] In some embodiments, the above method can include the method of the above-mentioned embodiments of the first network element side, the second network element side, and the like, which are not described here again.

[0664] FIG. 5D is one exemplary flow diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5D, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method (core network device side), and the above-mentioned method includes:

[0665] Step S5401. Receive a fourth request sent by a first entity.

[0666] The optional implementation of step S5401 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2301 in FIG. 2C and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2C, details are not described herein.

[0667] In step S5402, the second sensing entity is determined according to the first configuration information.

[0668] The optional implementation of step S5402 can refer to step S2302 in FIG. 2C, step S3302 in FIG. 3C, and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2C and FIG. 3C, details are not described herein.

[0669] In step S5403, the fourth response is sent to the first entity.

[0670] The optional implementation of step S5403 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2304 in FIG. 2C and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2C, details are not described herein.

[0671] In some embodiments, the above method can include the method of the above-mentioned embodiments of the first network element side, the second network element side, and the like, details are not described herein.

[0672] FIG. 6A is an exemplary interaction schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 6A, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, in particular to a sensing capability registration stage, and the above method includes:

[0673] In step S6101, the SF sends a network function registration request to the NRF.

[0674] In some embodiments, the SF is the second network element, the NRF is the first network element, and the network function registration request (Nnrf_NFManagement_NFRegister Request) is the first request.

[0675] In some embodiments, the network function registration request includes the ID of the SF and the SF profile. Optionally, the ID of the SF is the identification information of the second network element, and the SF profile is the first configuration information.

[0676] In some embodiments, when the SF first starts to operate, the network function registration request is sent to the NRF to inform the NRF of the SF profile thereof.

[0677] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S6101 can refer to step S2101 in FIG. 2A, step S3101 in FIG. 3A, step S4101 in FIG. 4A, and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2A, FIG. 3A, and FIG. 4A, details are not described herein.

[0678] In step S6102, the NRF stores the received SF profile and marks the SF as available.

[0679] In some embodiments, optional implementation of step S6102 can refer to steps S2102-S2103 in FIG. 2A, steps S3102-S3103 in FIG. 3A, and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2A and FIG. 3A, which are not described herein again.

[0680] In step S6103, the NRF sends a network function registration response to the SF.

[0681] In some embodiments, the network function registration response is used to indicate that the SF registration is accepted.

[0682] In some embodiments, the network function registration response is the first response.

[0683] In some embodiments, optional implementation of step S6103 can refer to step S2104 in FIG. 2A, step S3104 in FIG. 3A, step S4102 in FIG. 4A, and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2A, FIG. 3A and FIG. 4A, which are not described herein again.

[0684] The communication method related to the embodiments of the present disclosure can include at least one of steps S6101-S6103. For example, step S6101 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0685] In some embodiments, steps S6102 and S6103 are optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0686] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, part or all of the steps and their optional implementations can be combined with part or all of the steps in other embodiments, or combined with optional implementations of other embodiments.

[0687] FIG. 6B is an exemplary interaction schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 6B, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, specifically to a sensing capability update phase, and the above method includes:

[0688] In step S6201, the SF sends a network function update request to the NRF.

[0689] In some embodiments, the SF is a second network element, the NRF is a first network element, and the network function update request (Nnrf_NFManagement_NFUpdate Request) is a second request.

[0690] In some embodiments, the network function update request is used to inform the NRF that the SF profile of the network function has been updated.

[0691] In some embodiments, the SF triggers the update when the awareness entity information changes.

[0692] In some embodiments, the network function update request comprises an ID of the SF and the SF profile. Optionally, the ID of the SF is the identification information of the second network element, and the SF profile is the first configuration information.

[0693] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S6101 can refer to step S2201 in FIG. 2B, step S3201 in FIG. 3B, step S4201 in FIG. 4B, and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2B, FIG. 3B, and FIG. 4B, which are not described here.

[0694] In step S6202, the NRF updates the SF profile.

[0695] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S6202 can refer to step S2202 in FIG. 2B, step S3202 in FIG. 3B, and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2A and FIG. 3A, which are not described here.

[0696] In step S6203, the NRF sends a network function update response to the SF.

[0697] In some embodiments, the network function update response is a second response.

[0698] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S6203 can refer to step S2203 in FIG. 2B, step S3203 in FIG. 3B, and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2B and FIG. 3B, which are not described here.

[0699] The communication method related to the embodiments of the present disclosure can comprise at least one of steps S6201-S6203. For example, step S6201 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0700] In some embodiments, steps S6202 and S6203 are optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0701] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, part or all of the steps and their optional implementations can be combined with part or all of the steps in other embodiments, or combined with the optional implementations of other embodiments.

[0702] FIG. 6C is an exemplary interaction schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 6C, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, in particular to a sensing capability usage stage, and the above method comprises the following steps:

[0703] In step S6301, the AMF sends a sensing request to the SF.

[0704] In some embodiments, the AMF is a third network element, the SF is a second network element, and the sensing request is a fourth request.

[0705] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S6301 can refer to step S2301 in FIG. 2C and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2C, which will not be described here.

[0706] In step S6302, the SF sends a network function discovery request to the NRF.

[0707] In some embodiments, the NRF is a first network element, and the network function discovery request (Nnrf_NFDiscovery Request) is a third request.

[0708] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S6302 can refer to step S2301 in FIG. 2C, step S3301 in FIG. 3C, and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2C and FIG. 3C, which will not be described here.

[0709] In step S6303, the NRF retrieves a stored SF profile using an ID of the SF, and selects available sensing entities according to the SF profile and received sensing entity indicator, sensing area description information, and sensing object description information.

[0710] In some embodiments, the ID of the SF is identification information of the second network element, the stored SF profile is second configuration information, the sensing entity indicator is selection sensing entity indication information, and the available sensing entities are first sensing entities.

[0711] In some embodiments, the NRF retrieves the stored SF profile locally; or the NRF retrieves the stored SF profile from the UDM; or the NRF retrieves the stored SF profile from the AMF.

[0712] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S6303 can refer to step S2302 in FIG. 2C, step S3302 in FIG. 3C, and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2C and FIG. 3C, which will not be described here.

[0713] In step S6304, the NRF responds to the SF with available sensing entity IDs, sensing capabilities of the available sensing entities, and locations of the available sensing entities.

[0714] In some embodiments, the available sensing entity ID is the identification information of the first sensing entity, the available sensing entity's sensing capability is the sensing capability of the first sensing entity, and the available sensing entity's location is the location information of the first sensing entity.

[0715] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S6304 can refer to step S2303 in FIG. 2C, step S3303 in FIG. 3C, and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2C and FIG. 3C, which are not described here again.

[0716] Step S6305, the SF determines a sensing entity suitable for the sensing request according to the response of the NRF.

[0717] In some embodiments, the response of the NRF is a third response, and the sensing entity suitable for the sensing request is a second sensing entity.

[0718] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S6305 can refer to step S2304 in FIG. 2C, step S4303 in FIG. 4C, and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2C and FIG. 4C, which are not described here again.

[0719] Step S6306, the SF responds to the AMF that the sensing entity has been selected.

[0720] In some embodiments, the response of the SF is a fifth response.

[0721] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S6306 can refer to step S2304 in FIG. 2C and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2C, which are not described here again.

[0722] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure can include at least one of steps S6301-S6306. For example, step S6302 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0723] In some embodiments, steps S6301, S6303, S6104, S6305, S6306 are optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0724] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, part or all of the steps and their optional implementations can be combined with part or all of the steps in other embodiments, or combined with the optional implementations of other embodiments.

[0725] FIG. 6D is an example interaction diagram of a communication method according to embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 6D, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method, in particular to a sensing capability registration stage, the method comprising:

[0726] At step S6401, the UPF sends a network function registration request to the NRF.

[0727] In some embodiments, the UPF is a second network element, the NRF is a first network element, and the network function registration request (Nnrf_NFManagement_NFRegister Request) is a first request.

[0728] In some embodiments, the network function registration request comprises an ID of the UPF and a UPF profile. Optionally, the ID of the UPF is identification information of the second network element, and the UPF profile is first configuration information.

[0729] In some embodiments, the UPF profile is used to indicate sensing-related information of the UPF, which is used to indicate that the UPF supports providing a sensing service through a user plane.

[0730] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S6401 can be referred to step S2101 of FIG. 2A, step S3101 of FIG. 3A, step S4101 of FIG. 4A, and other associated parts in embodiments related to FIG. 2A, FIG. 3A, and FIG. 4A, which will not be described here.

[0731] At step S6402, the NRF stores the received UPF profile and marks the UPF as available.

[0732] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S6402 can be referred to steps S2102-S2103 of FIG. 2A, steps S3102-S3103 of FIG. 3A, and other associated parts in embodiments related to FIG. 2A and FIG. 3A, which will not be described here.

[0733] At step S6403, the NRF sends a network function registration response to the SF.

[0734] In some embodiments, the network function registration response is used to indicate that the SF registration has been accepted.

[0735] In some embodiments, the network function registration response is a first response.

[0736] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S6403 can be referred to step S2104 of FIG. 2A, step S3104 of FIG. 3A, step S4102 of FIG. 4A, and other associated parts in embodiments related to FIG. 2A, FIG. 3A, and FIG. 4A, which will not be described here.

[0737] The communication method related to the embodiments of the present disclosure can include at least one of steps S6401-S6403. For example, step S6101 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0738] In some embodiments, steps S6402 and S6403 are optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0739] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, part or all of the steps, and their optional implementation manners, can be combined with part or all of the steps in other embodiments, or combined with the optional implementation manners of other embodiments.

[0740] FIG. 7A is a structural schematic diagram of a first network element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 7A, the first network element 7100 can include at least one of a transceiver module 7101, a processing module 7102, and the like. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 7101 is configured to receive first configuration information sent by a second network element, the first configuration information being used to indicate sensing-related information of the second network element; and the processing module 7102 is configured to store the first configuration information. Optionally, the transceiver module 7101 is configured to perform at least one of the communication steps (for example, steps S2104 and S2203, but not limited thereto) of the sending and / or receiving performed by the first network element in any of the methods, and details are not described herein again. Optionally, the processing module 7102 is configured to perform at least one of the other steps (for example, steps S2102, S2103, and S2202, but not limited thereto) performed by the first network element in any of the methods, and details are not described herein again.

[0741] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 7101 is configured to: receive a first request sent by the second network element, the first request being used to request registration of the second network element, and the first request including the first configuration information; and / or receive a second request sent by the second network element, the second request being used to request update of the second network element, and the second request including the first configuration information.

[0742] In some embodiments, the first configuration information includes at least one of: sensing capability of the second network element, location information of the second network element, service area information of the second network element, data processing capability of the second network element, and sensing entity information stored in the second network element.

[0743] In some embodiments, the sensing capability includes at least one of: control plane sensing indication information, user plane sensing indication information, data plane sensing indication information, supported sensing method, supported sensing data type, supported sensing result type, and supported sensing result quality of service.

[0744] In some embodiments, the location information comprises at least one of: a geographical location or a location deployment mode.

[0745] In some embodiments, the service area information comprises at least one of: a shape of the service area, description information of the service area, a list of tracking area identities where the service area is located, a list of cells where the service area is located, longitude and latitude of the service area.

[0746] In some embodiments, the data processing capability comprises at least one of: a supported sensing method, a supported sensing data type, a supported sensing result type, a supported quality of service of the sensing result, an accuracy of the sensing result, an ability of aggregating different types of sensing data, a processing capability of data volume.

[0747] In some embodiments, the sensing entity information comprises at least one of: identification information of the sensing entity, location information of the sensing entity, sensing capability of the sensing entity.

[0748] In some embodiments, the location information of the sensing entity comprises at least one of: a shape of the location, description information of the location, a list of tracking area identities where the location is located, a list of cells where the location is located, longitude and latitude of the location.

[0749] In some embodiments, the first request comprises identification information of the second network element, and the identification information of the second network element has a corresponding relationship with the first configuration information.

[0750] In some embodiments, the processing module 7102 is further configured to mark the second network element as available.

[0751] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 7101 is further configured to send a first response to the second network element, the first response being used to indicate that the registration of the second network element has been accepted.

[0752] In some embodiments, the processing module 7102 is configured to update the second configuration information of the second network element stored in the first network element according to the first configuration information in the second request.

[0753] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 7101 is further configured to send a second response to the second network element, the second response being used to indicate that the update of the second network element has been accepted.

[0754] FIG. 7B is a structural schematic diagram of the first network element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 7B, the first network element 7200 can include at least one of a transceiver module 7201, a processing module 7202, and the like. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 7201 is configured to receive a third request sent by a second network element, the third request being used to request the first network element to select a first sensing entity; and the processing module 7202 is configured to determine the first sensing entity according to stored second configuration information of the second network element, the second configuration information being determined according to first configuration information, and the first configuration information being received from the second network element. Optionally, the transceiver module 7201 is configured to perform the communication steps (for example, step S2303, but not limited thereto) of the sending and / or receiving performed by the first network element in any of the above methods. Details are not described herein again. Optionally, the processing module 7102 is configured to perform other steps (for example, step S2302, but not limited thereto) of the above method performed by the first network element. Details are not described herein again.

[0755] In some embodiments, the third request includes at least one of the following: selection sensing entity indication information, sensing area description information, or sensing object description information.

[0756] In some embodiments, the sensing area description information includes at least one of the following: a shape of the sensing area, description information of the sensing area, a list of tracking area identifiers where the sensing area is located, a list of cells where the sensing area is located, or longitude and latitude of the sensing area.

[0757] In some embodiments, the sensing object description information includes at least one of the following: location information of the sensing object, identification information of the sensing object, and sensing capability of the sensing object.

[0758] In some embodiments, the third request includes identification information of the second network element; and the processing module 7202 is configured to determine the first sensing entity from the stored second configuration information of the second network element according to the identification information of the second network element.

[0759] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 7201 is further configured to send a third response to the second network element, the third response being used to indicate the first sensing entity information.

[0760] In some embodiments, the first sensing entity information includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first sensing entity, location information of the first sensing entity, and sensing capability of the first sensing entity.

[0761] FIG. 7C is a structural schematic diagram of a second network element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 7C, the second network element 7300 can include a transceiver module 7301. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 7301 is configured to send first configuration information to a first network element, the first configuration information being used to indicate sensing-related information of the second network element, and the first configuration information being used for storage by the first network element. Optionally, the transceiver module 7301 is configured to perform the communication steps (for example, at least one of steps S2101 and S2201, but not limited thereto) performed by the second network element in any of the above methods, details of which are not described herein again.

[0762] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 7301 is configured to send a first request to the first network element, the first request being used to request registration of the second network element, and the first request including the first configuration information; or send a second request to the first network element, the second request being used to request update of the second network element, and the second request including the first configuration information.

[0763] In some embodiments, the first configuration information includes at least one of the following: sensing capability of the second network element, location information of the second network element, service area information of the second network element, data processing capability of the second network element, and sensing entity information stored in the second network element.

[0764] In some embodiments, the sensing capability includes at least one of the following: control plane sensing indication information, user plane sensing indication information, data plane sensing indication information, supported sensing method, supported sensing data type, supported sensing result type, and supported sensing result quality of service.

[0765] In some embodiments, the location information includes at least one of the following: geographical location or location deployment mode.

[0766] In some embodiments, the service area information includes at least one of the following: shape of the service area, description information of the service area, list of tracking area identifiers in which the service area is located, list of cells in which the service area is located, longitude and latitude of the service area.

[0767] In some embodiments, the data processing capability includes at least one of the following: supported sensing method, supported sensing data type, supported sensing result type, supported sensing result quality of service, accuracy of sensing result, capability of aggregating different types of sensing data, and data volume processing capability.

[0768] In some embodiments, the sensing entity information includes at least one of the following: identification information of the sensing entity, location information of the sensing entity, and sensing capability of the sensing entity.

[0769] In some embodiments, the location information of the sensing entity comprises at least one of: a shape of the location, description information of the location, a list of tracking area identities where the location is located, a list of cells where the location is located, longitude and latitude of the location.

[0770] In some embodiments, the first request comprises identification information of the second network element, and the identification information of the second network element has a corresponding relationship with the first configuration information.

[0771] In some embodiments, the transceiver 7301 is further configured to receive a first response sent by the first network element, the first response being used to indicate that the registration of the second network element is accepted.

[0772] In some embodiments, the second request is used to request the first network element to update the second configuration information of the second network element stored in the first network element according to the first configuration information.

[0773] In some embodiments, the transceiver 7301 is further configured to receive a second response sent by the first network element, the second response being used to indicate that the update of the second network element is accepted.

[0774] In some embodiments, the transceiver 7301 is configured to send a second request to the first network element when it is determined that the first configuration information is changed from the second configuration information of the second network element stored in the first network element.

[0775] In some embodiments, the change of the second configuration information of the second network element comprises a change of at least one of the second configuration information of the second network element. Optionally, the change of the second configuration information comprises a change of sensing entity information, and the change of the sensing entity information comprises at least one of: a change of identification information of the sensing entity, a change of location information of the sensing entity, and a change of sensing capability of the sensing entity.

[0776] FIG. 7D is a structural schematic diagram of a second network element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 7D, the second network element 7400 can comprise a transceiver 7401. In some embodiments, the transceiver 7401 is configured to send a third request to the first network element, the third request being used to request the first network element to select a first sensing entity, the first sensing entity being determined by the first network element according to the second configuration information of the second network element stored by the first network element, and the second configuration information being determined by the first configuration information, and the first configuration information being sent by the second network element to the first network element. Optionally, the transceiver 7401 is configured to perform the communication steps (for example, at least one of step S3101, but not limited thereto) of sending and / or receiving performed by the second network element in any of the above methods, and details are not described herein.

[0777] In some embodiments, the third request comprises at least one of: selection sensing entity indication information, sensing area description information, or sensing object description information.

[0778] In some embodiments, the perception area description information comprises at least one of: a shape of the perception area, description information of the perception area, a list of tracking area identities where the perception area is located, a list of cells where the perception area is located, or longitude and latitude of the perception area.

[0779] In some embodiments, the perception object description information comprises at least one of: position information of the perception object, identification information of the perception object, and perception capability of the perception object.

[0780] In some embodiments, the transceiver 7401 is further configured to receive a third response sent by the first network element, the third response being used to indicate the first perception entity information.

[0781] In some embodiments, the first perception entity information comprises at least one of: identification information of the first perception entity, position information of the first perception entity, and perception capability of the first perception entity.

[0782] In some embodiments, the second network element 7400 further comprises a processing module configured to determine the second perception entity according to the first perception entity information.

[0783] FIG. 7E is a structural schematic diagram of a core network device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 7E, the core network device 7500 can comprise at least one of a transceiver 7501 and a processing module 7502. In some embodiments, the transceiver 7501 is configured to receive a fourth request sent by a first entity, the fourth request being used to request perception data and / or perception result; the processing module 7502 is configured to determine a second perception entity according to first configuration information, the perception data and / or the perception result being determined by the second perception entity; and the transceiver 7501 is configured to send a fourth response to the first entity, the fourth response being used to indicate second perception entity information. Optionally, the transceiver 7501 is configured to perform at least one of the communication steps (for example, steps S5401 and S5403, but not limited thereto) of sending and / or receiving performed by the core network device in any of the above methods, and details are not described herein again. Optionally, the processing module 7502 is configured to perform at least one of the other steps (for example, step S5402, but not limited thereto) of the core network device in any of the above methods, and details are not described herein again.

[0784] In some embodiments, the transceiver can comprise a sending module and / or a receiving module, and the sending module and the receiving module can be separate or integrated together. Optionally, the transceiver can be replaced by a transceiver.

[0785] In some embodiments, the processing module can be one module, or can include multiple sub-modules. Optionally, the multiple sub-modules perform all or part of the steps required to be performed by the processing module, respectively. Optionally, the processing module can be mutually replaced with the processor.

[0786] FIG. 8A is a structural schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 8A, the communication device 8100 can be a network device (for example, an access network device, a core network device, etc.), a terminal (for example, a user equipment, etc.), a chip, a chip system, or a processor supporting the network device to implement any of the above methods, or a chip, a chip system, or a processor supporting the terminal to implement any of the above methods. The communication device 8100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments, and details can be referred to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0787] As shown in FIG. 8A, the communication device 8100 includes one or more processors 8101. The processor 8101 can be a general-purpose processor or a special-purpose processor, for example, a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit can be used to control the communication device (for example, a base station, a baseband chip, a terminal device, a terminal device chip, a DU or a CU, etc.), execute programs, and process data of the programs. The communication device 8100 is used to implement any of the above methods.

[0788] In some embodiments, the communication device 8100 further includes one or more memories 8102 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memory 8102 can also be outside the communication device 8100.

[0789] In some embodiments, the communication device 8100 further includes one or more transceivers 8103. When the communication device 8100 includes one or more transceivers 8103, the transceiver 8103 performs at least one of the communication steps (for example, steps S2101, S2104, S2201, S2203, S2301, S2303, but not limited to) in the above method, and the processor 8101 performs at least one of the other steps (for example, steps S2102, S2103, S2202, S2302, but not limited to).

[0790] In some embodiments, the transceiver can include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which can be separate or integrated together. Optionally, the terms of transceiver, transceiving unit, transceiver, transceiving circuit, etc. can be mutually replaced, the terms of transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc. can be mutually replaced, and the terms of receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc. can be mutually replaced.

[0791] In some embodiments, the communication device 8100 can include one or more interface circuits 8104. Optionally, the interface circuits 8104 are connected to the memory 8102, and the interface circuits 8104 can be configured to receive signals from the memory 8102 or other devices, and to send signals to the memory 8102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuits 8104 can read instructions stored in the memory 8102 and transmit the instructions to the processor 8101.

[0792] The communication device 8100 described in the above embodiments can be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 8100 described in the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 8100 can not be limited by FIG. 8A. The communication device can be a standalone device or can be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device can be: 1) a standalone integrated circuit (IC), or a chip, or a chip system or subsystem; (2) a set of one or more ICs, which can optionally also include storage components for storing data, programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, a terminal device, a smart terminal device, a cellular phone, a wireless device, a handset, a mobile unit, a vehicle-mounted device, a network device, a cloud device, an artificial intelligence device, and the like; (6) other devices, and the like.

[0793] FIG. 8B is a structural schematic diagram of a chip according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For the case where the communication device 8100 is a chip or a chip system, the structure of the chip 8200 can be as shown in FIG. 8B, but is not limited thereto.

[0794] The chip 8200 includes one or more processors 8201, and the chip 8200 is configured to execute any of the above methods.

[0795] In some embodiments, the chip 8200 further includes one or more interface circuits 8202. Optionally, the interface circuits 8202 are connected to the memory 8203, and the interface circuits 8202 can be configured to receive signals from the memory 8203 or other devices, and to send signals to the memory 8203 or other devices. For example, the interface circuits 8202 can read instructions stored in the memory 8203 and transmit the instructions to the processor 8201.

[0796] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 8202 performs at least one of the communication steps (for example, step S2101, step S2104, step S2201, step S2203, step S2301, step S2303, but not limited to) of transmitting and / or receiving in the above method, and the processor 8201 performs at least one of the other steps (for example, step S2102, step S2103, step S2202, step S2302, but not limited to).

[0797] In some embodiments, the terms of interface circuit, interface, transceiving pin, transceiver, etc. can be replaced with each other.

[0798] In some embodiments, the chip 8200 further includes one or more memories 8203 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memory 8203 can be outside the chip 8200.

[0799] The disclosure also proposes a storage medium having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed on the communication device 8100, causes the communication device 8100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer readable storage medium, but is not limited to this, and it can also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium can be a non-transitory storage medium, but is not limited to this, and it can also be a transitory storage medium.

[0800] The disclosure also proposes a program product which, when executed by the communication device 8100, causes the communication device 8100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0801] The disclosure also proposes a computer program which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method is executed by a first network element, and the method comprises: receiving first configuration information sent by a second network element, the first configuration information being used for indicating sensing-related information of the second network element.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The receiving of the first configuration information sent by the second network element comprises: receiving a first request sent by the second network element, the first request being used for requesting registration of the second network element, and the first request comprising the first configuration information; and / or receiving a second request sent by the second network element, the second request being used for requesting update of the second network element, and the second request comprising the first configuration information.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first configuration information comprises at least one of the following: sensing capability of the second network element, location information of the second network element, service area information of the second network element, data processing capability of the second network element, and sensing entity information stored in the second network element.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, The sensing capability comprises at least one of the following: control plane sensing indication information, user plane sensing indication information, data plane sensing indication information, supported sensing method, supported sensing data type, supported sensing result type, and supported sensing result service quality.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The location information comprises at least one of the following: geographical location or location deployment mode.

6. The method according to any one of claims 3-5, characterized in that, The service area information comprises at least one of the following: shape of a service area, description information of a service area, tracking area identifier list in which a service area is located, cell list in which a service area is located, longitude and latitude of a service area.

7. The method according to any one of claims 3-6, characterized in that, The data processing capability comprises at least one of the following: supported sensing method, supported sensing data type, supported sensing result type, supported service quality of a sensing result, accuracy of a sensing result, capability of aggregating different types of sensing data, and data volume processing capability.

8. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that, The sensing entity information comprises at least one of the following: identification information of a sensing entity, location information of a sensing entity, and sensing capability of a sensing entity.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, The location information of the sensing entity comprises at least one of the following: shape of a location, description information of a location, tracking area identifier list in which a location is located, cell list in which a location is located, longitude and latitude of a location.

10. The method of claim 2, wherein, The first request comprises identification information of the second network element, and the identification information of the second network element has a corresponding relationship with the first configuration information.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The method further comprises: marking the second network element as available.

12. The method of claim 2, wherein, The method further comprises: sending a first response to the second network element, the first response being used for indicating that registration of the second network element has been accepted.

13. The method of claim 2, wherein, The method further comprises: updating second configuration information of the second network element stored in the first network element according to the first configuration information in the second request.

14. The method of claim 2, wherein, The second request is sent by the second network element when the first configuration information is determined to have changed compared with second configuration information of the second network element stored in the first network element.

15. The method of claim 2, wherein, The method further comprises: sending a second response to the second network element, the second response being used for indicating that update of the second network element has been accepted.

16. A method of communication, comprising: The method is executed by a second network element, and the method comprises: sending first configuration information to a first network element, the first configuration information being used for indicating sensing-related information of the second network element, and the first configuration information being used for storage by the first network element.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein, The sending of the first configuration information to the first network element comprises: sending a first request to the first network element, the first request being used for requesting registration of the second network element, and the first request comprising the first configuration information; or sending a second request to the first network element, the second request being used for requesting update of the second network element, and the second request comprising the first configuration information.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that The first configuration information comprises at least one of: sensing capability of the second network element, location information of the second network element, service area information of the second network element, data processing capability of the second network element, sensing entity information stored in the second network element. The sensing capability comprises at least one of:

19. The method of claim 18, wherein, control plane sensing indication information, user plane sensing indication information, data plane sensing indication information, supported sensing method, supported sensing data type, supported sensing result type, supported sensing result service quality. The location information comprises at least one of:

20. The method of claim 18 or 19, wherein, geographical location or location deployment mode. The service area information comprises at least one of:

21. The method according to any one of claims 18-20, characterized by, shape of the service area, description information of the service area, tracking area identity list where the service area is located, cell list where the service area is located, longitude and latitude of the service area. The data processing capability comprises at least one of:

22. The method according to any one of claims 18-21, characterized by, supported sensing method, supported sensing data type, supported sensing result type, supported sensing result service quality, sensing result accuracy, capability of aggregating different types of sensing data, data volume processing capability. The sensing entity information comprises at least one of:

23. The method according to any one of claims 18-22, characterized by, identification information of the sensing entity, location information of the sensing entity, sensing capability of the sensing entity. The location information of the sensing entity comprises at least one of:

24. The method of claim 23, wherein, shape of the location, description information of the location, tracking area identity list where the location is located, cell list where the location is located, longitude and latitude of the location. The first request comprises identification information of the second network element, and the identification information of the second network element has a corresponding relationship with the first configuration information.

25. The method of claim 17, wherein, The method further comprises:

26. The method of claim 17, wherein, receiving a first response sent by the first network element, the first response being used for indicating that registration of the second network element has been accepted. The second request is used for requesting the first network element to update second configuration information of the second network element stored in the first network element according to the first configuration information.

27. The method of claim 17, wherein, The method further comprises:

28. The method of claim 17, wherein, receiving a second response sent by the first network element, the second response being used for indicating that update of the second network element has been accepted. The sending of the second request to the first network element comprises:

29. The method of claim 17, wherein, when it is determined that the first configuration information changes from second configuration information of the second network element stored in the first network element, sending the second request to the first network element. The method is performed by the first network element, and the method comprises:

30. A method of communication, comprising: receiving a third request sent by the second network element, the third request being used for requesting the first network element to select a first sensing entity; determining the first sensing entity according to stored second configuration information of the second network element, the second configuration information being determined by first configuration information, and the first configuration information being received from the second network element. The third request comprises at least one of:

31. The method of claim 30, wherein, ​ The selection of the sensing entity indication information, the sensing area description information, or the sensing object description information.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein, The sensing area description information includes at least one of the following: The shape of the sensing area, the description information of the sensing area, the tracking area identifier list in which the sensing area is located, the cell list in which the sensing area is located, or the longitude and latitude of the sensing area.

33. The method of claim 31 or 32, wherein, The sensing object description information includes at least one of the following: The position information of the sensing object, the identification information of the sensing object, or the sensing capability of the sensing object.

34. The method of any one of claims 30-33, wherein, The third request includes the identification information of the second network element. The first sensing entity is determined according to the stored second configuration information. The first sensing entity is determined from the stored second configuration information of the second network element according to the identification information of the second network element.

35. The method of any one of claims 30-34, wherein, The method further includes: The third response is used to indicate the first sensing entity information.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein, The first sensing entity information includes at least one of the following: The identification information of the first sensing entity, the position information of the first sensing entity, or the sensing capability of the first sensing entity.

37. A method of communication, the method comprising: The method is performed by the second network element and includes: The third request is used to request the first network element to select the first sensing entity, which is determined by the first network element according to the stored second configuration information of the second network element.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein, The third request includes at least one of the following: The selection of the sensing entity indication information, the sensing area description information, or the sensing object description information.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein, The sensing area description information includes at least one of the following: The shape of the sensing area, the description information of the sensing area, the tracking area identifier list in which the sensing area is located, the cell list in which the sensing area is located, or the longitude and latitude of the sensing area.

40. The method of claim 38 or 39, wherein, The sensing object description information includes at least one of the following: The position information of the sensing object, the identification information of the sensing object, or the sensing capability of the sensing object.

41. The method of any one of claims 38-40, wherein, The method further includes: The third response is used to indicate the first sensing entity information.

42. The method of claim 41, wherein, The first sensing entity information includes at least one of the following: The identification information of the first sensing entity, the position information of the first sensing entity, or the sensing capability of the first sensing entity.

43. The method of claim 41 or 42, wherein, The method further includes: The second sensing entity is determined according to the first sensing entity information.

44. A method of communication, the method comprising: The method includes: The fourth request is used to request sensing data and / or sensing results. The second sensing entity is determined according to the first configuration information. The fourth response is used to indicate the second sensing entity information.

45. A method of communication, the method comprising: The method includes: The first configuration information of the second network element is used to indicate the sensing-related information of the second network element.

46. A method of communication, the method comprising: The method includes: The second network element sends a third request to the first network element, the third request being used for requesting the first network element to select a first awareness entity, the first awareness entity being determined by the first network element according to stored second configuration information of the second network element, the second configuration information being determined by first configuration information, the first configuration information being sent by the second network element to the first network element; The first network element determines the first awareness entity according to stored second configuration information of the second network element; The first network element sends a third response to the second network element, the third response being used for indicating first awareness entity information.

47. A first network element, characterized by, Comprising: The transceiver module is configured to receive first configuration information sent by a second network element, the first configuration information being used for indicating awareness-related information of the second network element.

48. A second network element, characterized by, Comprising: The transceiver module is configured to send first configuration information to a first network element, the first configuration information being used for indicating awareness-related information of a second network element, the first configuration information being used for storage by the first network element.

49. A first network element, characterized by, Comprising: The transceiver module is configured to receive a third request sent by a second network element, the third request being used for requesting the first network element to select a first awareness entity; The processing module is configured to determine the first awareness entity according to stored second configuration information of the second network element, the second configuration information being determined by first configuration information, the first configuration information being received by the transceiver module.

50. A second network element, characterized by, Comprising: The transceiver module is configured to send a third request to a first network element, the third request being used for requesting the first network element to select a first awareness entity, the first awareness entity being determined by the first network element according to stored second configuration information of the second network element, the second configuration information being determined by first configuration information, the first configuration information being sent by the second network element to the first network element.

51. A core network device, comprising: Comprising: The transceiver module is configured to receive a fourth request sent by a first entity, the fourth request being used for requesting awareness data and / or awareness result; The processing module is configured to determine a second awareness entity according to first configuration information, the awareness data and / or awareness result being determined by the second awareness entity; The transceiver module is configured to send a fourth response to the first entity, the fourth response being used for indicating second awareness entity information.

52. A first network element, characterized by, Comprising: One or more processors; The first network element is configured to perform the communication method in any one of claims 1-15 or 30-36.

53. A second network element, characterized by, Comprising: One or more processors; The second network element is configured to perform the communication method in any one of claims 16-29 or 37-43.

54. A core network device, comprising: Comprising: One or more processors; The core network device is configured to perform the communication method in claim 44.

55. A core network device, comprising: Comprising: A first network element; And A second network element; The second network element sends first configuration information of the second network element to the first network element, the first configuration information being used for indicating awareness-related information of the second network element.

56. A core network device, comprising: Comprising: A first network element; And A second network element; The second network element sends a third request to the first network element, the third request being used for requesting the first network element to select a first sensing entity, the first sensing entity being determined by the first network element according to stored second configuration information of the second network element, the second configuration information being determined by first configuration information, the first configuration information being sent by the second network element to the first network element. The first network element determines the first sensing entity according to stored second configuration information of the second network element. The first network element sends a third response to the second network element, the third response being used for indicating first sensing entity information.

57. A communication system, characterized by The first network element and the core network device are included. The core network device is configured to implement the communication method in any one of claims 1-15 or 16-29 or 30-36 or 37-43. When the instructions run on the communication device, the communication device is caused to perform the communication method in any one of claims 1-15 or 16-29 or 30-36 or 37-43.

58. A storage medium, the storage medium storing instructions, wherein, ​

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