Communication methods, devices and system, and storage medium

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to communication methods and devices, a communication system, and a storage medium. A method may be executed by a network device and comprises: on the basis of a sensing request and the availability of sensing entities, determining an entity used for sensing and / or processing, the entity at least comprising at least one candidate terminal used for sensing and / or processing; and sending first information to a first terminal, the first information being used for indicating the candidate terminal, and the first terminal being any terminal among the candidate terminals. The method can improve the efficiency and accuracy of sensing.

Description

Communication method, device, system and storage medium TECHNICAL FIELD

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

[0002] Integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) involves using radio frequency (RF) signals for both sensing and communication purposes simultaneously. This integration can improve spectral efficiency, reduce latency, and enhance reliability in various applications.

[0003] SUMMARY

[0004] The present disclosure provides a communication method, device, system and storage medium.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, performed by a network device, and the method comprises:

[0006] determining an entity for sensing and / or processing according to a sensing request and availability of the entity, the entity comprising at least one candidate terminal for sensing and / or processing;

[0007] sending first information to a first terminal, the first information being used to indicate the candidate terminal, the first terminal being any one of the candidate terminals.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, performed by a first network element, and the method comprises:

[0009] determining an entity for sensing and / or processing according to a sensing request and availability of the entity, the entity comprising at least one candidate terminal for sensing and / or processing;

[0010] sending first information to a first terminal, the first information being used to indicate the candidate terminal, the first terminal being any one of the candidate terminals.

[0011] The first network element is configured to manage a sensing function.

[0012] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, performed by a first terminal, and the method comprises:

[0013] receiving first information sent by a network device, the first information being used to indicate a candidate terminal for sensing and / or processing.

[0014] According to a fourth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided, comprising:

[0015] a processing module, configured to determine an entity for sensing and / or processing according to the sensing request and the availability of the sensing entity, the entity comprising at least one candidate terminal for sensing and / or processing;

[0016] a transceiver, configured to send first information to a first terminal, the first information being used to indicate the candidate terminal, the first terminal being any one of the candidate terminals.

[0017] According to a fifth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided, comprising:

[0018] a transceiver, configured to receive first information sent by a network device, the first information being used to indicate a candidate terminal for sensing and / or processing.

[0019] According to a sixth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided, comprising:

[0020] one or more processors;

[0021] The communication device is configured to perform the communication method of the first aspect or the second aspect or the third aspect.

[0022] According to a seventh aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, comprising a network device and a terminal, the network device being configured to implement the communication method of the first aspect, and the terminal being configured to implement the communication method of the third aspect.

[0023] According to an eighth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided, the storage medium storing instructions, when the instructions are executed on a communication device, causing the communication device to perform the communication method of the first aspect or the second aspect or the third aspect.

[0024] According to a ninth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a computer program product is provided, comprising a computer program and / or instructions, when the computer program and / or the instructions are executed by a communication device, implementing the communication method of the first aspect or the second aspect or the third aspect.

[0025] In the above embodiments, after the network device determines one or more candidate terminals for sensing or sensing data processing, the network device can indicate any one of the candidate terminals through first information to enable the terminal to learn the related information of the other candidate terminals, and then the terminal can perform a corresponding sensing process according to the first information, thereby effectively improving the efficiency and accuracy of sensing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0026] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the following introduces the drawings required by the embodiments described below, the following drawings are only some embodiments of the present disclosure, and do not specifically limit the protection scope of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 1A is an exemplary schematic diagram of an architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 1B is an exemplary schematic diagram of an architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 1C is an exemplary schematic diagram of an architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 2 is an exemplary interaction schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 3A is an exemplary flow schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 3B is an exemplary flow schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 3C is an exemplary flow schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 3D is an exemplary flow schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 4A is an exemplary flow schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 4B is an exemplary flow schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 4C is an exemplary flow schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 4D is an exemplary flow schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 5A is an exemplary flow schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 5B is an exemplary flow schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 5C is an exemplary flow schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 6 is an exemplary interaction schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 7A is an exemplary structural schematic diagram of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] FIG. 7B is an exemplary structural schematic diagram of a network device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] FIG. 8A is an exemplary structural schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] FIG. 8B is an exemplary structural schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, device, system and storage medium.

[0048] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method performed by a network device, the method comprising:

[0049] determining an entity for sensing and / or processing according to the sensing request and availability of the sensing entity, the entity comprising at least one candidate terminal for sensing and / or processing;

[0050] sending first information to a first terminal, the first information being used to indicate the candidate terminal, the first terminal being any one of the candidate terminals.

[0051] In the above embodiments, after determining one or more candidate terminals for sensing or sensing data processing, the network device can indicate any one of the candidate terminals through the first information so that the terminal can learn the relevant information of other candidate terminals, and then perform the corresponding sensing process according to the first information, thereby effectively improving the efficiency and accuracy of sensing.

[0052] In some embodiments in combination with the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information comprises a candidate terminal list, the candidate terminal list comprising information related to discovery of each of the candidate terminals.

[0053] In the above embodiments, the network device can indicate the candidate terminals through the candidate terminal list, so that the first terminal can more quickly and reliably discover other candidate terminals.

[0054] In some embodiments in combination with the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is further used to instruct the first terminal to establish a connection with a second terminal to exchange terminal capability information and perform sensing measurement, the second terminal being a terminal in the candidate terminals except the first terminal.

[0055] In the above embodiments, the network device can reliably implement the process of the sensing measurement by requesting or instructing the first terminal to establish a connection with other candidate terminals for exchanging terminal capability information and exchanging sensing-related data, thereby ensuring the reliability and accuracy of sensing.

[0056] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the connection is a Proximity Communication (PC5) connection.

[0057] In the above embodiments, the first terminal and the second terminal can perform end-to-end information transmission through the PC5 connection.

[0058] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the method further includes:

[0059] determining that each of the candidate terminals is not in a connected state, and sending a network-triggered service request to the first terminal, the service request being used to instruct the first terminal to enter the connected state.

[0060] In the above embodiments, the first terminal can be placed in the connected state when the candidate terminal is not in the connected state, thereby ensuring the reliability of transmission, and the network device only needs to establish a communication connection with the first terminal, without the need to establish a connection with other candidate terminals, effectively reducing resource overhead.

[0061] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the network device includes at least one of:

[0062] a first network element configured to manage a sensing function;

[0063] a second network element configured to manage data;

[0064] an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) network element;

[0065] an access network device.

[0066] In the above embodiments, the functions involved in the other embodiments described above can be implemented by one or more of the above devices or entities.

[0067] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the first network element is any one of:

[0068] a Sensing Function (SF) network element;

[0069] a Data-Centric Service Task Management Function (DSTMF) network element.

[0070] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the second network element is any one of:

[0071] a sensing data management function, SDMF, network element;

[0072] a data management function, DMF, network element.

[0073] In a second aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, performed by a first network element, the method comprising:

[0074] determining an entity for sensing and / or processing according to the sensing request and availability of sensing entities, the entity comprising at least one candidate terminal for sensing and / or processing;

[0075] sending first information to a first terminal, the first information being used to indicate the candidate terminal, the first terminal being any one of the candidate terminals;

[0076] wherein the first network element is used to manage a sensing function.

[0077] In some embodiments combining the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first network element is any one of:

[0078] a sensing function, SF, network element;

[0079] a data-centric service task management function, DSTMF, network element.

[0080] In some embodiments combining the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method comprises:

[0081] receiving a sensing request;

[0082] determining whether existing sensing data can satisfy the sensing request.

[0083] In some embodiments combining the second aspect, in some embodiments, the determining whether existing sensing data can satisfy the sensing request comprises:

[0084] obtaining existing sensing data stored in a second network element;

[0085] determining whether the existing sensing data can satisfy the sensing request;

[0086] wherein the second network element is used to manage data.

[0087] In some embodiments combining the second aspect, in some embodiments, the second network element is any one of:

[0088] a sensing data management function, SDMF, network element;

[0089] a data management function, DMF, network element.

[0090] In some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the sending the first information to the first terminal comprises:

[0091] The first information is sent to the first terminal by an access network device and / or an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element.

[0092] In some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information comprises a candidate terminal list, and the candidate terminal list comprises information used to discover each of the candidate terminals.

[0093] In some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is further used to instruct the first terminal to establish a connection with a second terminal to exchange terminal capability information and perform sensing measurement, the second terminal being a terminal in the candidate terminals other than the first terminal.

[0094] In some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the connection is a proximity communication (PC5) connection.

[0095] In some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0096] determining that each of the candidate terminals is not in a connected state, and sending a network triggered service request to the first terminal, the service request being used to instruct the first terminal to enter the connected state.

[0097] In a third aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, performed by a first terminal, the method comprising:

[0098] receiving first information sent by a network device, the first information being used to indicate candidate terminals for sensing and / or processing.

[0099] In some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first information comprises a candidate terminal list, and the candidate terminal list comprises information used to discover each of the candidate terminals.

[0100] In some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the method comprises:

[0101] establishing a connection with a second terminal according to the first information, the second terminal being a terminal in the candidate terminals other than the first terminal;

[0102] exchanging terminal capability information with the second terminal and performing sensing measurement.

[0103] In some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the connection is a proximity communication (PC5) connection.

[0104] In some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the method comprises:

[0105] receiving a network triggered service request, the service request being used to indicate that the first terminal enters a connected state.

[0106] In some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the network device comprises at least one of:

[0107] a first network element, the first network element being used to manage a sensing function;

[0108] a second network element, the second network element being used to manage data;

[0109] an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element;

[0110] an access network device.

[0111] In some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first network element is any one of:

[0112] a sensing function (SF) network element;

[0113] a data-centric service task management function (DSTMF) network element.

[0114] In some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the second network element is any one of:

[0115] a sensing data management function (SDMF) network element;

[0116] a data management function (DMF) network element.

[0117] In a fourth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication device, comprising:

[0118] a processing module configured to determine an entity for sensing and / or processing according to a sensing request and availability of a sensing entity, the entity comprising at least one candidate terminal for sensing and / or processing;

[0119] a transceiver configured to send first information to a first terminal, the first information being used to indicate the candidate terminal, the first terminal being any one of the candidate terminals.

[0120] In a fifth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication device, comprising:

[0121] a transceiver configured to receive first information sent by a network device, the first information being used to indicate a candidate terminal for sensing and / or processing.

[0122] In a sixth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication device, comprising:

[0123] one or more processors;

[0124] The communication device is configured to perform the communication method of the first aspect or the second aspect or the third aspect.

[0125] In a seventh aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication system, comprising: a terminal, a network device; wherein the terminal is configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation manner of the third aspect, and the network device is configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation manner of the first aspect.

[0126] In an eighth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a storage medium, which stores instructions, when the instructions run on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method described in the optional implementation manner of the first aspect or the second aspect or the third aspect.

[0127] In a ninth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a computer program product, comprising a computer program and / or instructions, when the computer program and / or instructions are executed by a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method described in the optional implementation manner of the first aspect or the second aspect or the third aspect.

[0128] In a tenth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a computer program, when it runs on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method described in the optional implementation manner of the first aspect or the second aspect or the third aspect.

[0129] In an eleventh aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a chip or a chip system. The chip or the chip system comprises processing circuitry configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation manner of the first aspect or the second aspect or the third aspect.

[0130] It can be understood that the terminal, the network device, the communication system, the storage medium, the program product, the computer program, the chip or the chip system are all used to perform the method proposed in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can refer to the beneficial effects in the corresponding method, which will not be repeated here.

[0131] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, a communication device, a communication system and a storage medium. In some embodiments, the terms of communication method, information processing method and perception method can be replaced with each other, the terms of communication device, information processing device and perception device can be replaced with each other, and the terms of information processing system and communication system can be replaced with each other.

[0132] The embodiments of the present disclosure are not exhaustive, but only illustrate some 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 part of the 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, part or all steps of different embodiments can be combined arbitrarily, an embodiment can be combined with optional implementation manners of other embodiments arbitrarily.

[0133] In each embodiment 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 new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0134] The terms used in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only for the purpose of describing the specific embodiments, and not as a limitation on the present disclosure.

[0135] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, the elements expressed in singular form, such as "one", "a", "the", "above", "said", "preceding", "this" and the like, can represent "one and only one", and can also represent "one or more", "at least one" and the like. For example, in the case of using articles such as "a", "an", "the" and the like in English, the noun after the article can be understood as singular expression, and can also be understood as plural expression.

[0136] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0137] In some embodiments, the terms "at least one of", "one or more", "a plurality of", "multiple" and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0138] In some embodiments, the description of "at least one of A, B", "A and / or B", "in a 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 selected from A and B); 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.

[0139] In some embodiments, the description of "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 selected from A and B). When there are more branches such as A, B, C, and the like, the above is similar.

[0140] The prefix words "first", "second", and the like in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only 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 be limited by the prefix words. For example, the description object is "field", and the ordinal words before "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not limit the position or order between "fields". "First" and "second" do not limit whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they limit the order of "first field" and "second field". For another example, the description object is "level", and the ordinal words before "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not limit the priority between "levels". For another example, the quantity of the description object is not limited by the ordinal words, and can be one or more. For example, "first device", where the quantity of "device" can be one or more. In addition, the objects modified by different prefix words can be the same or different, for example, the description object is "device", and "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different; for another example, the description object is "information", and "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their contents can be the same or different.

[0141] In some embodiments, "including A", "containing A", "for indicating A", "carrying A" can be interpreted as directly carrying A, or indirectly indicating A.

[0142] In some embodiments, the terms "time / frequency", "time / frequency domain", and the like refer to the time domain and / or the frequency domain.

[0143] In some embodiments, the terms “in response to,” “in response to determining,” “in the event that,” “when,” “if,” “upon,” and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0144] 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 lower than,” “above,” and the like can be replaced with each other, and the terms “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not greater than,” “fewer than,” “fewer 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.

[0145] In some embodiments, an apparatus and the like can be interpreted as an entity, and can also be interpreted as virtual, and the name thereof is not limited to the name described in the embodiments, and the terms “apparatus,” “equipment,” “device,” “circuit,” “network element,” “node,” “function,” “unit,” “section,” “system,” “network,” “chip,” “chip system,” “entity,” “subject,” and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0146] In some embodiments, “network” can be interpreted as an apparatus (for example, an access network device, a core network device, and the like) included in the network.

[0147] In some embodiments, the terms “access network device (AN device),” “radio access network device (RAN device),” “base station (BS),” “radio base station,” “fixed station,” “node,” “access point,” “transmission point (TP),” “reception point (RP),” “transmission / reception point (TRP),” “panel,” “antenna panel,” “antenna array,” “cell,” “macro cell,” “small cell,” “femto cell,” “pico cell,” “sector,” “cell group,” “serving cell,” “carrier,” “component carrier,” “bandwidth part (BWP),” and the like can be used interchangeably.

[0148] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal," "terminal device," "user equipment (UE)," "user terminal," "mobile station (MS)," "mobile terminal (MT)," "subscriber station," "mobile unit," "subscriber unit," "wireless unit," "remote unit," "mobile device," "wireless device," "wireless communication device," "remote device," "mobile subscriber station," "access terminal," "mobile terminal," "wireless terminal," "remote terminal," "handset," "user agent," "mobile client," "client," and so on can be replaced with each other.

[0149] In some embodiments, the access network device, the core network device, or the network device can be replaced with a terminal. For example, the embodiments of the present disclosure can also be applied to a structure in which communication between the access network device, the core network device, or the network device and the terminal is replaced with communication between a plurality of terminals (e.g., device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, the terminal can also be configured to have all or part of the functions of the access network device. In addition, the terms "uplink," "downlink," and the like can also be replaced with terms corresponding to the inter-terminal communication (e.g., "side"). For example, the uplink channel, the downlink channel, and the like can be replaced with the side channel, and the uplink, the downlink, and the like can be replaced with the sidelink.

[0150] In some embodiments, the terminal can be replaced with the access network device, the core network device, or the network device. In this case, the access network device, the core network device, or the network device can also be configured to have all or part of the functions of the terminal.

[0151] In some embodiments, obtaining data, information, etc. can comply with laws and regulations of the country where the location is.

[0152] In some embodiments, data, information, etc. can be obtained after obtaining consent of the user.

[0153] In addition, each element, each row, or each column in the table of the embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0154] FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of an architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1A, the communication system 100 includes a terminal 101 and a network device 102. In some embodiments, the network device 102 includes at least one of an access network device and a core network device.

[0155] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 includes at least one of a mobile phone, a wearable device, an Internet of Things device, a car with communication function, a smart car, 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 smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in smart city, a wireless terminal device in smart home, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0156] In some embodiments, the access network device is, for example, a node or device that accesses a terminal to a wireless network, and the access network device 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 base station (Open RAN), a cloud base station (Cloud RAN), a base station in other communication systems, an access node in a Wi-Fi system, but is not limited thereto.

[0157] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of the present disclosure can be applicable to an 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 realized through software or programs.

[0158] In some embodiments, the access network device can be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU), wherein 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 the functions of part of the protocol layers are controlled by the CU, and the functions of the remaining part or all of the protocol layers are distributed in the DU and controlled by the CU, but are not limited thereto.

[0159] In some embodiments, the core network device can be one device including the first network element, the second network element, an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) network element, etc., or can be multiple devices or device groups including all or part of the first network element, the second network element, etc., respectively. 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), a 6G core network (5GCN), a Next Generation Core (NGC), etc.

[0160] In some embodiments, the first network element is, for example, a sensing function (SF).

[0161] In some embodiments, the SF can include a control plane SF (SF-C) and a user plane SF (SF-U).

[0162] In some embodiments, the first network element is, for example, a data-centric service task management function (DSTMF).

[0163] In some embodiments, the first network element is used for managing a sensing function and / or providing a sensing service, and the name is not limited thereto.

[0164] In some embodiments, the second network element is, for example, a sensing data management function (SDMF).

[0165] In some embodiments, the second network element is, for example, a data management function (DMF).

[0166] In some embodiments, the second network element is used for managing sensing data and / or other arbitrary data, and the name is not limited thereto.

[0167] 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.

[0168] The following embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG. 1A or part of the subjects, 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.

[0169] 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 on them, 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).

[0170] FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram of an architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1B, the communication system includes a terminal 111, a RAN node 112, a SF-U network element 113, a SF-C network element 114, an SDMF network element 115, an Application Function (AF) network element 116, and an AMF network element 117.

[0171] In some embodiments, the SF-U network element 113 and / or the SF-C network element 114 can be configured to transmit and receive sensing messages, and collect and process sensing measurement data.

[0172] In some embodiments, the SDMF network element 115 can be configured to store sensing data, which can be reused in some cases to achieve energy efficiency improvement. Optionally, the SDMF can be co-located with the SF.

[0173] In some embodiments, the terminal 111 can be configured to act as a consumer (or client) of the sensing service, and the terminal 111 can be further configured to process sensing data, transmit sensing reference signals, receive sensing reference signals, and transmit and store sensing data.

[0174] In some embodiments, the RAN node 112 can be configured to act as a consumer (or client) of the sensing service, and the RAN node 112 can be further configured to process sensing data, transmit sensing reference signals, receive sensing reference signals, and transmit and store sensing data.

[0175] In some embodiments, the AF network element 116 can be configured to act as a consumer (or client) of the sensing service, and the AF network element 116 can be further configured to process sensing data.

[0176] In some embodiments, the AMF network element 117 can be configured to forward information (e.g., sensing measurement data) transmitted by the terminal 111 and / or the RAN node 112 to the SF-C network element 114. Optionally, the AMF network element 117 can be further configured to forward messages (e.g., sensing information request) transmitted by the SF-C network element 114 to the terminal 111 and / or the RAN node 112.

[0177] FIG. 1C is a schematic diagram of an architecture of a communication system according to embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1C, the communication system includes a terminal 121, a RAN node 122, a data collection function (DCF) network element 123, a data distribution function (DDF) network element 124, a data processing function (DPF) network element 125, a data management function (DMF) network element 126, a DSTMF network element 127, and a data detection entity management function (DDEMF) network element 128.

[0178] In some embodiments, the DCF network element 123 is configured to collect data from RAN nodes, user equipment (UE), and other core network network functions (NFs), the collected data based on detection by the RAN nodes and the UE.

[0179] In some embodiments, the DDF network element 124 is configured to distribute data among RAN nodes, user equipment (UE), and other core network network functions (NFs).

[0180] In some embodiments, the DPF network element 125 is configured to process data received from the DCF network element 123, provide the processed data to the DDF network element 124, and store the data to the DMF network element 126.

[0181] In some embodiments, the DMF network element 126 is configured to manage processed service data, including data querying, creating, modifying, and deleting.

[0182] In some embodiments, the DSTMF network element 127 is configured to process data task requests, control the DCF network element 123 for data collection, control the DDF network element 124 for data distribution, control the DPF network element 125 for data processing, control the DMF network element 126 for data management, query service data from the DMF network element 126, query the DDEMF network element 128 for selection of DCF / DDF / DPF / DMF for data service tasks, and data storage. The DSTMF network element 127 can be co-located with a Location Management Function (LMF), a Sensing Function (SF), and a Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF).

[0183] In some embodiments, the DDEMF network element 128 is configured to maintain the status, service area, and capability of data detection entities. The DDEMF network element 128 can be co-located with a Network Repository Function (NRF).

[0184] In some embodiments, Integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) involves the simultaneous use of radio frequency (RF) signals for sensing and communication purposes. This integration can improve spectral efficiency, reduce latency, and enhance reliability in various applications. Integrated sensing and communication is particularly relevant in the context of mobile operators, user equipment (UE) vendors, automobile manufacturers, and users, as it can significantly boost overall user experience, improve network efficiency, and create new business opportunities.

[0185] In some embodiments, the following different roles can be included in an ISAC system:

[0186] Object or environment: the target object of the perception information.

[0187] Transmitter: a device that transmits radio signals to the target object. It can be a UE or an access network device such as a base station.

[0188] Receiver: a device that detects perception information according to radio signals reflected by the target object. It can be a UE or an access network device such as a base station.

[0189] Processor: a device that collects and processes perception information to generate perception results. It can be a UE, an access network device such as a base station, a core network entity, or an application server.

[0190] Consumer: an authorized device that requests or subscribes to perception information, and consumes output results calculated from the perception information, such as a UE application, an ISAC service application server, a core network entity, or a RAN node.

[0191] In some embodiments, for a target object, the sensing result can include shape, size, direction, speed, position, distance, or relative motion between objects (such as between the target object and the sensing signal receiver), etc.

[0192] In some embodiments, for a target environment, the sensing result can include parameters describing the environmental space or state.

[0193] In some embodiments, the perception result can be semi-processed data, not the final result.

[0194] In some embodiments, the receiver detects perception raw data. After local preprocessing of the sensing raw data, the sensing data is transmitted to the data processor for further processing. The processor generates perception result information according to the received perception data, and provides the perception result information to the service consumer. The sensing result is also stored in a database (such as a data storage or a sensing result storage) for future use.

[0195] In some embodiments, appropriate perception entities, such as perception transmitters, perception receivers, and / or data processing entities, should be discovered and selected for perception services. For UE-based perception, perception entities can be quickly discovered with network assistance.

[0196] FIG. 2 is an interaction diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, and the method comprises:

[0197] Step S2101, the first network element acquires a sensing request.

[0198] In some embodiments, the first network element is configured to manage a sensing function. Optionally, the first network element is configured to provide a sensing service. Illustratively, an authorized device (client) can subscribe to or consume the sensing service to acquire sensing-related information.

[0199] In some embodiments, the first network element can schedule a network entity to sense a sensing target and / or to process sensing data. Optionally, the entity can be a terminal, or a core network device or an access network device.

[0200] In some embodiments, the first network element can be any one of the following: a sensing function (SF) network element; a data-centric service task management function (DSTMF) network element.

[0201] In some embodiments, the sensing request can be sent by a client terminal of a sensing service. Optionally, the sensing request can also be generated by the first network element based on a sensing requirement. Optionally, the sensing request can also be sent by another network element or a third-party application server. The embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit this.

[0202] In some embodiments, the sensing request can include at least one of the following: a sensing target description, a result description, a required quality of service (QoS). Optionally, the sensing target description can include a description of a target object and / or a description of a target environment. Optionally, the result description can be used to indicate the accuracy requirement of the sensing result requested by the sensing request, the fields that need to be included in the sensing result, and the like. Optionally, the required QoS can be used to indicate, for example, the priority, minimum bandwidth, delay, and the like corresponding to the sensing request.

[0203] In some embodiments, the sensing request can be referred to as a "sensing service request", "sensing service invocation information", and the like, and the embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit the name thereof.

[0204] Step S2102, the first network element acquires existing sensing data.

[0205] It can be understood that the existing sensing data can be sensing data acquired before the current sensing request is received. For example, the existing sensing data can be sensing data obtained and stored based on a sensing request of another client.

[0206] In some embodiments, the first network element acquires the existing sensing data stored in a second network element.

[0207] In some embodiments, the second network element is configured to manage and / or store data. Optionally, the second network element is configured to manage and / or store sensing-related data.

[0208] In some embodiments, the second network element can be any one of the following: a sensing data management function (SDMF) network element; a data management function (DMF) network element.

[0209] In some embodiments, the first network element can obtain existing sensing data stored in the second network element via a service-based interface (SBI).

[0210] In some embodiments, the second network element can be coupled to the first network element. That is, the first network element is also configured to manage and / or store sensing data, and the first network element can obtain existing sensing data stored in itself.

[0211] At step S2103, the first network element determines whether the existing sensing data can satisfy the sensing request.

[0212] In some embodiments, the first network element can determine whether the existing sensing data can be reused for the sensing request based on the requirement of the sensing data (i.e., sensing result) of the sensing request. Optionally, the first network element can determine whether the existing sensing data includes the data requested by the sensing request, or whether the existing sensing data can be processed to obtain the data requested by the sensing request.

[0213] In some embodiments, if the first network element determines that the existing sensing data can satisfy the current sensing request, the first network element can perform step S2104 and the following steps.

[0214] In some embodiments, if the first network element determines that the existing sensing data cannot satisfy the current sensing request, the first network element can respond to the sensing request based on the existing sensing data. For example, the first network element can generate response information according to the existing sensing data and the sensing request, and send the response information to the corresponding client.

[0215] At step S2104, the first network element determines an entity for sensing and / or processing according to the sensing request and the availability of the sensing entity.

[0216] In some embodiments, the first network element can determine a sensing transmitter, a sensing receiver, and / or a sensing data processing device that can implement the sensing request according to the capability and the available state of the sensing entity. The sensing transmitter and the sensing receiver can be referred to as entities for sensing, and the sensing data processing device can be referred to as an entity for processing.

[0217] For example, the first network element can determine, based on the requirement corresponding to the sensing request, a process of jointly sensing by the plurality of terminals and processing of the sensing data, to obtain information for responding to the sensing request.

[0218] In some embodiments, the entity for sensing and / or processing includes at least one candidate terminal for sensing and / or processing. Optionally, the entity for sensing and / or processing can further include one or more access network devices and / or one or more core network devices.

[0219] In step S2105, the first network element sends a service request to the first terminal.

[0220] In some embodiments, the service request is a network triggered service request. Optionally, the service request is used to request the first terminal to establish a communication connection with a network device (such as an access network device, an AMF network element, and / or the first network element).

[0221] In some embodiments, the service request is used to instruct the first terminal to enter a connected state. Optionally, the service request is used to instruct the first terminal to enter the connected state.

[0222] In some embodiments, the connected state can be a CM connected state (Connection Management CONNECTED state).

[0223] In some embodiments, the terminal not being in the connected state can mean that the terminal is in a CM idle (IDEL) state.

[0224] In some embodiments, the first network element determines that none of the candidate terminals is in the connected state, and sends the service request to the first terminal to place the first terminal in the connected state.

[0225] In some embodiments, the first network element can send the service request to the first terminal through the AMF network element.

[0226] In some embodiments, the first network element can determine whether each candidate terminal is in the connected state through the AMF network element.

[0227] In some embodiments, if there is a terminal in the connected state among the candidate terminals, step S2104 can be omitted. Optionally, the first network element preferentially selects the candidate terminal in the connected state as the first terminal, and sends the first information to the first terminal in step S2106.

[0228] In some embodiments, the terminal in the connected state can interact with the first network element for data. For example, the terminal in the connected state can interact with the first network element for data through the access network device and / or the AMF network element.

[0229] In some embodiments, the first network element performs step S2106 and the following steps after determining that the first terminal is in the connected state. For example, the first network element performs step S2106 and the following steps after determining that the AMF network element receives a response message sent by the first terminal for the service request.

[0230] In some embodiments, the AMF network element can be replaced by any network element capable of access management and / or mobility management.

[0231] In some embodiments, the first terminal receives a network triggered service request, which is used to indicate the first terminal to enter the connected state. Optionally, after the first terminal enters the connected state, it expects to receive the first information sent by the first network element.

[0232] In some embodiments, the first terminal receives a service request sent by the first network element (or any other network device), and enters the connected state. Optionally, the first terminal enters the connected state in response to the service request. Optionally, the first terminal connects to the first network element (or any other network device) in communication connection according to the service request.

[0233] Step S2106, the first network element sends the first information to the first terminal.

[0234] In some embodiments, the first terminal is any one of the candidate terminals.

[0235] In some embodiments, the terminal in the candidate terminal except the first terminal can be referred to as the second terminal.

[0236] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate the candidate terminal. Optionally, the first terminal can determine the second terminal according to the first information. For example, the first information can include the terminal identifier of each candidate terminal, such as the network access identifier (Network Access Identifier, NAI), media access control (Media Access Control, MAC) address, IP address, etc.

[0237] In some embodiments, the first information can include a candidate terminal list. Optionally, the candidate terminal list includes information related to the discovery of each candidate terminal. Optionally, the first terminal can discover each second terminal according to the candidate terminal list.

[0238] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate or request the first terminal to establish a connection with the second terminal to exchange terminal capability information and perform sensing measurement. Optionally, the first terminal performs step S2107 to step S2108 in response to receiving the first information.

[0239] In some embodiments, the first information further comprises information determined according to the sensing request. Optionally, the first information further comprises at least one of the following: a sensing target, a result requested by the sensing request, a required QoS.

[0240] In some embodiments, the first network element can send the first information to the first terminal through the access network device and the AMF network element, for example, the first network element can first send the first information to the AMF network element, and then the AMF network element sends the first information to the access network device, and then the access network device sends the first information to the first terminal, wherein the communication connection between the access network device and the first terminal can be established through step S2105. Optionally, the first network element can send the first information to the first terminal only through the access network device, for example, the first network element can send the first information to the AMF network element, and the AMF network element sends the first information to the first terminal through the communication connection established in step S2105.

[0241] In some embodiments, the first information can be referred to as "sensing request information", "candidate terminal indication", "sensing indication information", etc., and the name of the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited.

[0242] Step S2107, the first terminal establishes a connection with the second terminal according to the first information.

[0243] In some embodiments, the first terminal can discover each second terminal according to the candidate terminal list and establish a connection with the second terminal.

[0244] For example, the first terminal can discover each second terminal according to the information related to discovering each candidate terminal in the candidate terminal list, and send a connection establishment request to each second terminal.

[0245] In some embodiments, the connection can be a network connection between terminals directly communicating using cell resources without basic network infrastructure.

[0246] In some embodiments, the connection may, for example, be a Proximity Communication 5 (PC5) connection. Optionally, the connection can also be any Device to Device (D2D) connection.

[0247] In some embodiments, after the first terminal establishes a connection with the second terminal, step S2108 is performed.

[0248] Step S2108, the first terminal and the second terminal exchange terminal capability information and perform sensing measurement.

[0249] In some embodiments, the first terminal and the second terminal exchange terminal capability information based on the connection established in step S2107. Optionally, the first terminal and the second terminal can also perform transmission of sensing related data based on the connection established in step S2107. For example, the second terminal can measure a sensing reference signal to obtain sensing measurement data, and transmit the sensing measurement data to the first terminal and / or other second terminals. Optionally, for any second terminal, the sensing measurement data measured by the second terminal can be first transmitted to the first terminal, and then transmitted by the first terminal to other second terminals.

[0250] In some embodiments, the first terminal can transmit its terminal capability to each second terminal, and obtain the terminal capability of each second terminal. Optionally, for any second terminal, it can also obtain the terminal capability information of the first terminal and other second terminals, and transmit its terminal capability information to the first terminal and other second terminals. The terminal capability can refer to the capability of the terminal related to sensing.

[0251] In some embodiments, the first terminal and the second terminal perform sensing measurement to obtain sensing measurement data. Optionally, the first terminal and the second terminal can perform preprocessing on the sensing measurement data after obtaining the sensing measurement data. Optionally, the first terminal and the second terminal can process the sensing measurement data into sensing results after obtaining the sensing measurement data. Optionally, the first terminal and the second terminal can not process the sensing measurement data after obtaining the sensing measurement data.

[0252] For example, the first terminal and the second terminal (i.e. candidate terminals) can be sensing entities, and the first terminal and the second terminal can not process the sensing measurement data, but an entity for processing, such as a first network element or other core network device or access network device, can process the sensing measurement data.

[0253] In some embodiments, the first terminal and the second terminal can perform sensing measurement based on the first information. Optionally, the first terminal and the second terminal can perform sensing measurement on the sensing target indicated by the first information to obtain sensing measurement data. Optionally, the sensing measurement data obtained by the first terminal and the second terminal (or the sensing results obtained by processing the sensing measurement data) match the results requested by the sensing request. Optionally, the sensing measurement data obtained by the first terminal and the second terminal (or the sensing results obtained by processing the sensing measurement data) can meet the QoS required by the sensing request.

[0254] In step S2109, the first terminal transmits second information to the first network element.

[0255] In some embodiments, the second information can include perception measurement data obtained by the first terminal and the second terminal performing the perception measurement.

[0256] In some embodiments, the second information can include a perception result obtained by the first terminal and / or the second terminal processing the perception measurement data.

[0257] In some embodiments, the second information can include perception measurement data preprocessed by the first terminal and / or the second terminal.

[0258] In some embodiments, the first terminal can send the second information to the first network element via the access network device and the AMF network element. Alternatively, the first terminal can send the second information to the first network element via only the access network device.

[0259] In some embodiments, the second information can be referred to as “perception measurement information”, “perception measurement result”, etc., and the name thereof is not limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0260] In step S2110, the first network element responds to the perception request according to the second information.

[0261] In some embodiments, if the second information includes only preprocessed or unprocessed perception measurement data, the first network element can further process the second information to obtain a perception result.

[0262] In some embodiments, if the entity determined by the first network element for processing is the first network device, and the second information includes only preprocessed or unprocessed perception measurement data, the first network element can send the second information to the first network device to make the first network device further process the second information to obtain a perception result. The first network device can be a core network device or an access network device, and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the first network device can be a data processing function (DPF) network element.

[0263] In some embodiments, the first network element or the first network device can further process the second information based on the perception request. Alternatively, the perception result obtained after processing matches the result requested by the perception request. Alternatively, the perception result obtained after processing can meet the QoS required by the perception request.

[0264] In some embodiments, responding to the perception request can mean that the first network element sends the perception result to the requester. For example, if the perception request is sent by a client terminal, the first network element can send the perception result to the client terminal.

[0265] In some embodiments, the names of information and the like are not limited to the names described in the embodiments, and terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "codebook", "codeword", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", "chip", and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0266] In some embodiments, terms such as "radio", "wireless", "radio access network (RAN)", "access network (AN)", "RAN-based", and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0267] In some embodiments, "acquire", "obtain", "get", "receive", "transmit", "bidirectional transmission", "send and / or receive", and the like can be replaced with each other, and can be interpreted as receiving from other subjects, acquiring from protocols, obtaining from higher layers, processing to obtain by oneself, autonomously implementing, and the like.

[0268] In some embodiments, terms such as "send", "transmit", "report", "issue", "transmit", "bidirectional transmission", "send and / or receive", and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0269] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain", "preset", "preset", "set", "indicated", "certain", "arbitrary", "first", and the like can be replaced with each other, and "certain A", "preset A", "preset A", "set A", "indicated A", "certain A", "arbitrary A", "first A" can be interpreted as A specified in advance in protocols and the like, can be interpreted as A obtained by setting, configuring, or indicating, and the like, and can be interpreted as certain A, certain A, arbitrary A, or first A, but are not limited thereto.

[0270] In some embodiments, the determining or judging can be performed by a value represented by 1 bit (0 or 1), a true or false value (Boolean value) represented by true or false, or a comparison of numerical values (for example, a comparison with a predetermined value), but is not limited thereto.

[0271] In some embodiments, “not expecting to receive” can be interpreted as not receiving on the time domain resource and / or the frequency domain resource, or as not performing subsequent processing on the data, etc. after receiving the data, etc.; “not expecting to send” can be interpreted as not sending, or as sending but not expecting the receiver to respond to the content of the sending.

[0272] The communication method related to the embodiments of the present disclosure can include at least one of steps S2101-S2110. For example, step S2103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2106 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2107 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2102 and step S2103 can be implemented as independent embodiments, steps S2104-S2106 can be implemented as independent embodiments, steps S2105-S2108 can be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0273] In some embodiments, steps S2101-S2104 and steps S2106-S2110 are optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0274] In some embodiments, steps S2101-S2106 and steps S2108-S2110 are optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0275] In some embodiments, other optional implementations described before or after the description corresponding to FIG. 2 can be referred to.

[0276] FIG. 3A is a 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), and the above method includes:

[0277] Step S3101, obtaining a sensing request.

[0278] Optional implementations of step S3101 can be referred to optional implementations of step S2101 of FIG. 2 and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2, which will not be described here.

[0279] In some embodiments, the first network element receives the sensing request sent by the sensing client terminal, but is not limited thereto, and can also receive the sensing request sent by other subjects.

[0280] In some embodiments, the first network element obtains the sensing request from upper layer(s).

[0281] In some embodiments, the first network element processes to obtain the sensing request.

[0282] In some embodiments, step S3101 is omitted, and the first network element autonomously implements the function indicated by the sensing request, or the above function is default or default.

[0283] Step S3102, obtaining existing sensing data.

[0284] The optional implementation of step S3102 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2102 of FIG. 2 and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0285] In some embodiments, the first network element receives the existing sensing data sent by the second network element, but is not limited thereto, and can also receive the existing sensing data sent by other subjects.

[0286] In some embodiments, the first network element obtains the existing sensing data from upper layer(s).

[0287] In some embodiments, the first network element processes to obtain the existing sensing data.

[0288] In some embodiments, step S3102 is omitted, and the above function is default or default.

[0289] Step S3103, determining whether the existing sensing data meets the sensing request.

[0290] The optional implementation of step S3103 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2103 of FIG. 2 and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0291] Step S3104, determining the entity for sensing and / or processing according to the sensing request and the availability of the sensing entity.

[0292] The optional implementation of step S3104 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2104 of FIG. 2 and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0293] Step S3105, sending a service request.

[0294] The optional implementation of step S3105 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2105 in FIG. 2 and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0295] In some embodiments, the first network element sends the service request to the first terminal, but is not limited thereto, and can send the service request to other subjects.

[0296] Step S3106: sending the first information.

[0297] The optional implementation of step S3106 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2106 in FIG. 2 and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0298] In some embodiments, the first network element sends the first information to the first terminal, but is not limited thereto, and can send the first information to other subjects.

[0299] Step S3107: obtaining the second information.

[0300] The optional implementation of step S3107 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2109 in FIG. 2 and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0301] In some embodiments, the first network element receives the second information sent by the first terminal, but is not limited thereto, and can receive the first information sent by other subjects.

[0302] Step S3108: responding to the sensing request according to the second information.

[0303] The optional implementation of step S3108 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2110 in FIG. 2 and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0304] The communication method related to the embodiments of the present disclosure can include at least one of steps S3101-S3108. For example, step S3103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3106 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3102 and step S3103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3104 to step S3106 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3106 to step S3108 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but are not limited thereto.

[0305] In some embodiments, steps S3101-S3103 and steps S3105-S3108 are optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0306] In some embodiments, steps S3101-S3104 and steps S3106-S3108 are optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0307] FIG. 3B is a 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), and the above method comprises the following steps:

[0308] In step S3201, a sensing request is obtained.

[0309] The optional implementation of step S3201 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2101 in FIG. 2, the optional implementation of step S3101 in FIG. 3A, and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0310] In step S3202, existing sensing data is obtained.

[0311] The optional implementation of step S3202 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2102 in FIG. 2, the optional implementation of step S3102 in FIG. 3A, and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0312] In step S3203, it is determined whether the existing sensing data meets the sensing request.

[0313] The optional implementation of step S3203 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2103 in FIG. 2, the optional implementation of step S3103 in FIG. 3A, and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0314] In step S3204, an entity for sensing and / or processing is determined according to the sensing request and the availability of the sensing entity.

[0315] The optional implementation of step S3204 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2104 in FIG. 2, the optional implementation of step S3104 in FIG. 3A, and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0316] In step S3205, first information is sent.

[0317] The optional implementation of step S3205 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2105 in FIG. 2, step S3105 in FIG. 3A, and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3A, which are not described herein again.

[0318] The communication method related to the embodiments of the present disclosure can include at least one of steps S3201 to S3205. For example, step S3203 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3204 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3205 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3202 and step S3203 can be implemented as independent embodiments, and step S3204 and step S3205 can be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0319] In some embodiments, steps S3201 to S3203 and step S3205 are optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0320] In some embodiments, steps S3201 to S3204 are optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0321] FIG. 3C is a 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), and the above method includes:

[0322] Step S3301, determining an entity for sensing and / or processing according to the sensing request and the availability of the sensing entity.

[0323] The optional implementation of step S3301 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2104 in FIG. 2, step S3104 in FIG. 3A, step S3204 in FIG. 3B, and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2, FIG. 3A, and FIG. 3B, which are not described herein again.

[0324] Step S3302, sending first information.

[0325] The optional implementation of step S3302 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2105 in FIG. 2, step S3105 in FIG. 3A, step S3205 in FIG. 3B, and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2, FIG. 3A, and FIG. 3B, which are not described herein again.

[0326] Step S3303, obtaining second information.

[0327] The optional implementation of step S3303 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2109 in FIG. 2, step S3106 in FIG. 3A, and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2, FIG. 3A, and FIG. 3B, which are not described here again.

[0328] Step S3304, responding to the sensing request according to the second information.

[0329] The optional implementation of step S3304 can refer to step S2110 in FIG. 2, the optional implementation of step S3107 in FIG. 3A, and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2, FIG. 3A, and FIG. 3B, which are not described here again.

[0330] The communication method related to the embodiments of the present disclosure can include at least one of steps S3301 to S3304. For example, step S3301 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3302 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3304 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3301 and step S3302 can be implemented as independent embodiments, step S3302 and step S3304 can be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0331] In some embodiments, steps S3302 to S3304 are optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0332] In some embodiments, steps S3301 and steps S3303 to S3304 are optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0333] FIG. 3D is a 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), and the above method includes:

[0334] Step S3401, determining an entity for sensing and / or processing according to the sensing request and the availability of the sensing entity.

[0335] The optional implementation of step S3401 can refer to step S2104 in FIG. 2, step S3104 in FIG. 3A, step S3204 in FIG. 3B, and the optional implementation of step S3301 in FIG. 3C, and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2, FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B, and FIG. 3C, which are not described here again.

[0336] Step S3402, sending first information.

[0337] The optional implementation of step S3402 can refer to step S2105 in FIG. 2, step S3105 in FIG. 3A, step S3205 in FIG. 3B, the optional implementation of step S3302 in FIG. 3C, and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2, FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B, and FIG. 3C, which are not described here again.

[0338] In some embodiments, the first network element determines the entity for sensing and / or processing according to the sensing request and the availability of the sensing entity, the entity at least including at least one candidate terminal for sensing and / or processing;

[0339] The first information is used to indicate the candidate terminal, and the first terminal is any terminal in the candidate terminal.

[0340] The first network element is used to manage the sensing function.

[0341] In some embodiments, the first network element is any one of the following:

[0342] The sensing function SF network element;

[0343] The data-centric service task management function DSTMF network element.

[0344] In some embodiments, the method comprises:

[0345] Receiving a sensing request;

[0346] Determining whether existing sensing data can satisfy the sensing request.

[0347] In some embodiments, determining whether existing sensing data can satisfy the sensing request comprises:

[0348] Obtaining existing sensing data stored in a second network element;

[0349] Determining whether the existing sensing data can satisfy the sensing request;

[0350] The second network element is used to manage the data.

[0351] In some embodiments, the second network element is any one of the following:

[0352] The sensing data management function SDMF network element;

[0353] The data management function DMF network element.

[0354] In some embodiments, sending the first information to the first terminal comprises:

[0355] Sending the first information to the first terminal through an access network device and / or an access and mobility management function AMF network element.

[0356] In some embodiments, the first information comprises a candidate terminal list, the candidate terminal list comprising information related to discovery of each candidate terminal.

[0357] In some embodiments, the first information further indicates that the first terminal establishes a connection with a second terminal to exchange terminal capability information and perform sensing measurement, the second terminal being a terminal other than the first terminal among the candidate terminals.

[0358] In some embodiments, the connection is a Proximity Communication (PC5) connection.

[0359] In some embodiments, the method further comprises determining that each candidate terminal is not in a connected state, and sending a network triggered service request to the first terminal, the service request indicating the first terminal to enter the connected state. FIG. 4A is a flow diagram illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 4A, the present disclosure relates to a communication method (network device side), and the above method comprises:

[0360] Step S4101, obtaining a sensing request.

[0361] Optional implementation of step S4101 can refer to optional implementation of step S2101 of FIG. 2 and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0362] In some embodiments, the network device receives the sensing request sent by the sensing client terminal, but is not limited thereto, and can also receive the sensing request sent by other subjects.

[0363] In some embodiments, the network device obtains the sensing request from upper layer(s).

[0364] In some embodiments, the network device processes to obtain the sensing request.

[0365] In some embodiments, step S3401 is omitted, and the network device autonomously implements the function indicated by the sensing request, or the above function is default or default.

[0366] Step S4102, obtaining existing sensing data.

[0367] Optional implementation of step S4102 can refer to optional implementation of step S2102 of FIG. 2 and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0368] In some embodiments, the network device obtains the existing sensing data stored in advance.

[0369] In some embodiments, the network device obtains the existing sensing data from upper layer(s).

[0370] In some embodiments, the network device processes to obtain existing perception data.

[0371] In some embodiments, step S4102 is omitted, and the above function is default or default.

[0372] Step S4103, determine whether the existing perception data can meet the perception request.

[0373] The optional implementation of step S4103 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2103 of FIG. 2 and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0374] Step S4104, according to the perception request and the availability of the perception entity, determine the entity for perception and / or processing.

[0375] The optional implementation of step S4104 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2104 of FIG. 2 and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0376] Step S4105, send a service request.

[0377] The optional implementation of step S4105 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2105 of FIG. 2 and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0378] In some embodiments, the network device sends the service request to the first terminal, but is not limited to this, and can also send the service request to other subjects.

[0379] Step S4106, send the first information.

[0380] The optional implementation of step S4106 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2106 of FIG. 2 and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0381] In some embodiments, the network device sends the first information to the first terminal, but is not limited to this, and can also send the first information to other subjects.

[0382] Step S4107, obtain the second information.

[0383] The optional implementation of step S4107 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2109 of FIG. 2 and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0384] In some embodiments, the network device receives the second information sent by the first terminal, but is not limited thereto, and can also receive the first information sent by other subjects.

[0385] At step S4108, the awareness request is responded to according to the second information.

[0386] The optional implementation of step S4108 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2110 in FIG. 2 and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0387] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure can include at least one of steps S4101 to S4108. For example, step S4103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S4104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S4105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S4106 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S4102 and step S4103 can be implemented as independent embodiments, steps S4104 to S4106 can be implemented as independent embodiments, steps S4106 to S4108 can be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0388] In some embodiments, steps S4101 to S4103 and steps S4105 to S4108 are optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0389] In some embodiments, steps S4101 to S4104 and steps S4106 to S4108 are optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0390] FIG. 4B is a flow diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 4B, the embodiments of the present disclosure involve a communication method (network device side), and the above method includes:

[0391] At step S4201, an awareness request is obtained.

[0392] The optional implementation of step S4201 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2101 in FIG. 2, the optional implementation of step S4101 in FIG. 4A, and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4A, which will not be repeated here.

[0393] At step S4202, existing awareness data is obtained.

[0394] The optional implementation of step S4202 can refer to step S2102 of FIG. 2, the optional implementation of step S4102 of FIG. 4A, and other associated parts in the embodiments of FIG. 2 and FIG. 4A, which are not described here.

[0395] In step S4203, it is determined whether the existing perception data meets the perception request.

[0396] The optional implementation of step S4203 can refer to step S2103 of FIG. 2, the optional implementation of step S4103 of FIG. 4A, and other associated parts in the embodiments of FIG. 2 and FIG. 4A, which are not described here.

[0397] In step S4204, an entity for perception and / or processing is determined according to the perception request and the availability of the perception entity.

[0398] The optional implementation of step S4204 can refer to step S2104 of FIG. 2, the optional implementation of step S4104 of FIG. 4A, and other associated parts in the embodiments of FIG. 2 and FIG. 4A, which are not described here.

[0399] In step S4205, the first information is sent.

[0400] The optional implementation of step S4205 can refer to step S2105 of FIG. 2, the optional implementation of step S4105 of FIG. 4A, and other associated parts in the embodiments of FIG. 2 and FIG. 4A, which are not described here.

[0401] The communication method related to the embodiments of the present disclosure can include at least one of steps S4201 to S4205. For example, step S4203 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S4204 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S4205 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S4202 and step S4203 can be implemented as independent embodiments, step S4204 and step S4205 can be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0402] In some embodiments, steps S4201 to S4203 and step S4205 are optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0403] In some embodiments, steps S4201 to S4204 are optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0404] FIG. 4C is a 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 (network device side), and the above method includes:

[0405] Step S4301, determining the entity for sensing and / or processing according to the sensing request and the availability of the sensing entity.

[0406] The optional implementation of step S4301 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2104 in FIG. 2, step S4104 in FIG. 4A, step S4204 in FIG. 4B, and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2, FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, which are not described here again.

[0407] Step S4302, sending the first information.

[0408] The optional implementation of step S4302 can refer to step S2105 in FIG. 2, step S4105 in FIG. 4A, step S4205 in FIG. 4B, and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2, FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, which are not described here again.

[0409] Step S4303, obtaining the second information.

[0410] The optional implementation of step S4303 can refer to step S2109 in FIG. 2, the optional implementation of step S4106 in FIG. 4A, and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2, FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, which are not described here again.

[0411] Step S4304, responding to the sensing request according to the second information.

[0412] The optional implementation of step S4304 can refer to step S2110 in FIG. 2, the optional implementation of step S4107 in FIG. 4A, and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2, FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, which are not described here again.

[0413] The communication method related to the embodiments of the present disclosure can include at least one of steps S4301-S4304. For example, step S4301 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S4302 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S4304 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S4301 and step S4302 can be implemented as independent embodiments, step S4302 and step S4304 can be implemented as independent embodiments, but not limited to this.

[0414] In some embodiments, steps S4302-S4304 are optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0415] In some embodiments, steps S4301 and S4303-S4304 are optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0416] FIG. 4D is a flow diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 4D, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method (network device side), which includes the following steps:

[0417] In step S4401, an entity for sensing and / or processing is determined according to the sensing request and the availability of the sensing entity.

[0418] The optional implementation of step S4401 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2104 in FIG. 2, step S4104 in FIG. 4A, step S4204 in FIG. 4B, step S4301 in FIG. 4C, and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2, FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, and FIG. 4C, which are not described herein again.

[0419] In step S4402, first information is sent.

[0420] The optional implementation of step S4402 can refer to step S2105 in FIG. 2, step S4105 in FIG. 4A, step S4205 in FIG. 4B, the optional implementation of step S4302 in FIG. 4C, and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2, FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, and FIG. 4C, which are not described herein again.

[0421] In some embodiments, the entity for sensing and / or processing is determined according to the sensing request and the availability of the sensing entity, and the entity at least includes at least one candidate terminal for sensing and / or processing.

[0422] The first information is sent to the first terminal, and the first information is used to indicate the candidate terminal, and the first terminal is any terminal in the candidate terminal.

[0423] In some embodiments, the first information includes a candidate terminal list, and the candidate terminal list includes information related to discovery of each candidate terminal.

[0424] In some embodiments, the first information is also used to indicate that the first terminal establishes a connection with a second terminal to exchange terminal capability information and perform sensing measurement, and the second terminal is a terminal in the candidate terminal except the first terminal.

[0425] In some embodiments, the connection is a proximity communication (PC5) connection.

[0426] In some embodiments, the method further includes determining that each candidate terminal is not in a connected state, and sending a network triggered service request to the first terminal, and the service request is used to indicate the first terminal to enter the connected state.

[0427] In some embodiments, the network device comprises at least one of:

[0428] a first network element for managing a sensing function;

[0429] a second network element for managing data;

[0430] an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element;

[0431] an access network device.

[0432] In some embodiments, the first network element is any one of:

[0433] a sensing function (SF) network element;

[0434] a data-centric service task management function (DSTMF) network element.

[0435] In some embodiments, the second network element is any one of:

[0436] a sensing data management function (SDMF) network element;

[0437] a data management function (DMF) network element.

[0438] FIG. 5A is a flow diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5A, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method (first terminal side), and the above method comprises:

[0439] Step S5101: obtaining a service request.

[0440] The optional implementation of step S5101 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2105 in FIG. 2 and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2, which will not be described here.

[0441] In some embodiments, the first terminal receives the service request sent by the network device (such as the first network element), but is not limited thereto, and can also receive the service request sent by other subjects.

[0442] In some embodiments, the first terminal obtains the service request from the upper layer(s).

[0443] In some embodiments, the first terminal processes to obtain the service request.

[0444] In some embodiments, step S5101 is omitted, and the first terminal autonomously implements the function indicated by the service request, or the above function is default or default.

[0445] In some embodiments, the first terminal enters the connected state in response to the service request. Optionally, the first terminal establishes a communication connection with the network device upon receiving the service request sent by the network device.

[0446] In step S5102, the first information is acquired.

[0447] The optional implementation of step S5102 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2106 in FIG. 2 and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0448] In some embodiments, the first terminal receives the first information sent by the network device (e.g., the first network element), but is not limited thereto, and can also receive the first information sent by other subjects.

[0449] In some embodiments, the first terminal acquires the first information specified by a protocol.

[0450] In some embodiments, the first terminal acquires the first information from an upper layer.

[0451] In some embodiments, the first terminal processes to obtain the first information.

[0452] In some embodiments, step S5101 is omitted, and the first terminal autonomously implements the function indicated by the first information, or the above function is default or default.

[0453] In step S5103, a connection is established with the second terminal according to the first information.

[0454] The optional implementation of step S5103 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2107 in FIG. 2 and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0455] In step S5104, terminal capability information is exchanged with the second terminal and sensing measurement is performed.

[0456] The optional implementation of step S5104 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2108 in FIG. 2 and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0457] In step S5105, the second information is sent.

[0458] The optional implementation of step S5105 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2109 in FIG. 2 and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0459] In some embodiments, the first terminal sends the second information to a network device (such as the first network element), but is not limited thereto, and can send the second information to other subjects.

[0460] The communication method related to the embodiments of the present disclosure can include at least one of steps S5101-S5105. For example, step S5101 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S5102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S5103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S5104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S5101 and step S5103 can be implemented as independent embodiments, step S5103 and step S5104 can be implemented as independent embodiments, step S5103 to step S5105 can be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0461] In some embodiments, steps S5102-S5105 are optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0462] In some embodiments, step S5101 and steps S5103-S5105 are optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0463] In some embodiments, steps S5101-S5102 and steps S5104-S5105 are optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0464] In some embodiments, steps S5101-S5103 and step S5105 are optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0465] FIG. 5B is a flow diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5B, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method (first terminal side), and the above method includes:

[0466] Step S5201, obtaining first information.

[0467] The optional implementation of step S5201 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2105 in FIG. 2, the optional implementation of step S5102 in FIG. 5A, and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2 and FIG. 5A, which will not be repeated here.

[0468] Step S5202, establishing a connection with the second terminal according to the first information.

[0469] The optional implementation of step S5202 can refer to step S2107 in FIG. 2, the optional implementation of step S5203 in FIG. 5A, and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2 and FIG. 5A, which are not described here again.

[0470] Step S5203, exchanging terminal capability information with the second terminal and performing sensing measurement.

[0471] The optional implementation of step S5203 can refer to step S2108 in FIG. 2, the optional implementation of step S5204 in FIG. 5A, and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2 and FIG. 5A, which are not described here again.

[0472] Step S5204, sending the second information.

[0473] The optional implementation of step S5204 can refer to step S2109 in FIG. 2, the optional implementation of step S5205 in FIG. 5A, and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2 and FIG. 5A, which are not described here again.

[0474] The communication method related to the embodiments of the present disclosure can include at least one of steps S5201 to S5204. For example, step S5201 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S5202 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S5203 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S5201 and step S5202 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S5202 and step S5203 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps S5202 to S5204 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but are not limited to this.

[0475] In some embodiments, steps S5202 to S5204 are optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0476] In some embodiments, steps S5201 and steps S5203 to S5204 are optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0477] In some embodiments, steps S5201 to S5202 and step S5204 are optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0478] FIG. 5C is a flow diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5C, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method (first terminal side), and the above method includes:

[0479] Step S5301, obtaining first information.

[0480] The optional implementation of step S5301 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2105 in FIG. 2, step S5102 in FIG. 5A, step S5201 in FIG. 5B, and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2, FIG. 5A, and FIG. 5B, which are not described herein again.

[0481] In some embodiments, the first information is received, and the first information is used to indicate the candidate terminal for sensing and / or processing.

[0482] In some embodiments, the first information includes a candidate terminal list, and the candidate terminal list includes information related to each candidate terminal.

[0483] In some embodiments, the method includes:

[0484] According to the first information, a connection is established with a second terminal, and the second terminal is a terminal other than the first terminal in the candidate terminal.

[0485] Terminal capability information is exchanged with the second terminal, and a sensing measurement is performed.

[0486] In some embodiments, the connection is a proximity communication PC5 connection.

[0487] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0488] A network triggered service request is received, and the service request is used to indicate that the first terminal enters a connected state. In some embodiments, the network device includes at least one of:

[0489] A first network element, and the first network element is used to manage a sensing function;

[0490] A second network element, and the second network element is used to manage data;

[0491] An access and mobility management function AMF network element;

[0492] An access network device.

[0493] In some embodiments, the first network element is any one of:

[0494] A sensing function SF network element;

[0495] A data-centric service task management function DSTMF network element.

[0496] In some embodiments, the second network element is any one of:

[0497] A sensing data management function SDMF network element;

[0498] A data management function DMF network element.

[0499] Figure 6 is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 6, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method, which includes:

[0500] Step S6101: SF receives the sensing service request sent by the sensing client UE.

[0501] In some embodiments, the sensing service request may include a description of the sensing target (area and / or object), a result description, and the required quality of service (QoS).

[0502] In some embodiments, the sensing service request may come not only from the sensing client UE, but also from any network function (NF) or third-party application server.

[0503] In some embodiments, this process also applies to service-based RAN scenarios, where the UE’s request is sent to the SF (UE—RAN node—SF) via the RAN node.

[0504] In other embodiments, such as in a 5G-A architecture, if the RAN node is not service-based, requests from a aware client UE can be routed through the AMF to the SF (UE—RAN node—AMF—SF).

[0505] Step S6102, SF acquires existing sensing data from storage and SDMF.

[0506] In some embodiments, upon receiving a request, the SF may check whether existing sensing data that satisfies the request is stored in the Sensing Data Management Function (SDMF). If the existing sensing data can be reused for this request, steps S6103 to S6111 are skipped.

[0507] In some embodiments, SDMF may be a standalone network function or co-located with SF. In the former, SDMF and SF interact on the SBI interface. In the latter, SF performs checks locally.

[0508] Step S6103, SF determines the sensing entities based on their availability and capabilities, as well as the sensing request.

[0509] In some embodiments, the determined sensing entities may include sensing transmitters and receivers and / or processing entities.

[0510] For example, based on the (approximate) location of the target area or the sensed object in the sensed service request, SF may retrieve available sensed entities and their capabilities locally or through other network functions (e.g., Network Storage Function (NRF), Unified Data Management (UDM)).

[0511] Step S6104, the SF determines that all candidate UEs are not in CM CONNECTED state, and performs a network triggered service request.

[0512] In some embodiments, the network triggered service request can be used to put the candidate UEs in CM CONNECTED state.

[0513] Step S6105, the SF sends a perception information request to UE1.

[0514] In some embodiments, if UE-based perception is used, and candidate UEs are determined in step S6103, the SF can then send a perception information request to one of the candidate UEs, such as UE1. The perception information request includes the perception target, the requested result, the required QoS, and the list of candidate UEs.

[0515] Step S6106, upon receiving the request, UE1 performs discovery of the perception service through PC5 and establishes a PC5 connection.

[0516] Step S6107, the candidate UEs (i.e., UE1 to UEn) exchange perception capabilities between the UEs through the PC5 connection established in step S6106.

[0517] Step S6108, the candidate UEs perform a perception measurement procedure with the SF.

[0518] Step S6109, the candidate UEs process the perception measurement data to obtain a perception result.

[0519] Step S6110, the candidate UEs send the perception result or the perception result to the SF.

[0520] Step S6111, the SF processes the perception measurement data to obtain a perception result.

[0521] In steps S6109 to S6111 above, the perception measurement data can be processed locally by the candidate UEs and provided to the SF. Alternatively, the perception measurement data can be sent to the SF and processed by the SF. Optionally, the perception measurement data can be processed or not processed by the candidate UEs, depending on the processing entity determined in step S6103.

[0522] Optionally, the candidate UEs can pre-process the perception measurement data and send the pre-processed data to the SF for further processing.

[0523] Optionally, the candidate UEs can directly process the perception measurement data into a perception result and send the result to the SF.

[0524] Optionally, the candidate UE can not process the sensing measurement data, and send the sensing measurement data to the SF for processing.

[0525] At step S6112, the SF returns the sensing result to the requester.

[0526] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the above flow takes the 5G-A architecture as an example. In some embodiments, other communication architectures can be applied. Optionally, in some communication architectures, the SF can be replaced by the DSTMF, the SDMF can be replaced by the DMF, and the sensing data processing can be performed by the DPF.

[0527] In some embodiments, the steps corresponding to the dashed lines or dashed boxes in FIG. 6 are optional. In some possible implementations, one or more of these steps can be replaced or omitted.

[0528] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, part or all of the steps, and optional implementations thereof, can be combined with part or all of the steps in other embodiments, or combined with optional implementations of other embodiments.

[0529] The embodiments of the present disclosure also propose an apparatus for implementing any of the above methods, for example, an apparatus including units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. For another example, another apparatus is proposed, including units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the network device (such as an access network device, a core network function node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0530] It should be understood that the division of each unit or module in the above apparatus is only a logical function division, and all or part of them can be integrated into a physical entity or physically separated in actual implementation. In addition, the units or modules in the apparatus can be implemented in the form of processor calling software: for example, the apparatus includes a processor connected with a memory, the memory stores instructions, and the processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or realize the functions of each unit or module of the above apparatus, wherein the processor is, for example, a general processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory is a memory in the apparatus or a memory outside the apparatus. Alternatively, the units or modules in the apparatus can be implemented in the form of hardware circuit, and the functions of part or all of the units or modules can be realized by the design of hardware circuit. The above hardware circuit can be understood as one or more processors; for example, in one implementation, the above hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and the functions of part or all of the above units or modules are realized by the design of the logical relationship of elements in the circuit; for example, in another implementation, the above hardware circuit is a programmable logic device (PLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA) is taken as an example, which can include a large number of logic gate circuits, and the connection relationship between the logic gate circuits is configured by a configuration file, so as to realize the functions of part or all of the above units or modules. All units or modules of the above apparatus can be implemented in the form of processor calling software, or all units or modules can be implemented in the form of hardware circuit, or part of the units or modules are implemented in the form of processor calling software, and the remaining part is implemented in the form of hardware circuit.

[0531] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capability. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction reading and running capability, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), a digital signal processor (DSP), or the like. In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through a logical relationship of hardware circuit, and the logical relationship of the hardware circuit is fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented by an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In the reconfigurable hardware circuit, the processor loads a configuration document to implement the configuration of the hardware circuit. It can be understood that the processor loads instructions to implement the functions of the above part or all units or modules. In addition, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a neural network processing unit (NPU), a tensor processing unit (TPU), a deep learning processing unit (DPU), or the like.

[0532] FIG. 7A is a structural schematic diagram of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 7A, the terminal 7100 can include at least one of a transceiver module 7101, a processing module 7102, and the like. Optionally, the transceiver module 7101 is configured to perform at least one of the communication steps, such as sending and / or receiving, performed by the terminal (e.g., the first terminal) in any of the above methods, details of which are not repeated here. Optionally, the processing module 7102 is configured to perform at least one of the other steps performed by the terminal (e.g., the first terminal and / or the second terminal) in any of the above methods, details of which are not repeated here.

[0533] FIG. 7B is a structural schematic diagram of a network device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 7B, the network device 7200 can include at least one of a transceiver module 7201, a processing module 7202, and the like. Optionally, the transceiver module 7201 is configured to perform at least one of the communication steps (e.g., receiving and / or transmitting) performed by the network device (e.g., an access network device, a first network element, or another core network device) in any of the above methods, details of which are not repeated here. Optionally, the processing module 7202 is configured to perform at least one of the other steps performed by the network device in any of the above methods, details of which are not repeated here.

[0534] In some embodiments, the transceiver module involved in the above embodiments can include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module, which can be separate or integrated together. Optionally, the transceiver module can be mutually replaced with a transceiver.

[0535] 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. Optionally, the processing module can be mutually replaced with a processor.

[0536] FIG. 8A is a structural schematic diagram of a communication device 8100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication device 8100 can be a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network device, or the like), a terminal (e.g., a user equipment or the like), 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.

[0537] 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 configured to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit can be configured to control the communication device (e.g., a base station, a baseband chip, a terminal device, a terminal device chip, a DU, or a CU), execute programs, and process data of the programs. Optionally, the communication device 8100 is configured to implement any of the above methods. Optionally, the one or more processors 8101 are configured to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 8100 to implement any of the above methods.

[0538] In some embodiments, the communication device 8100 further includes one or more transceivers 8102. When the communication device 8100 includes one or more transceivers 8102, the transceiver 8102 performs at least one of the communication steps such as transmitting and / or receiving in the above-described methods, and the processor 8101 performs at least one of the other steps. In alternative embodiments, the transceiver can include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which can be separate or integrated together. Alternatively, the terms transceiver, transceiving unit, transceiver, transceiving circuit, interface circuit, interface, etc. can be replaced by each other, the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc. can be replaced by each other, and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc. can be replaced by each other.

[0539] In some embodiments, the communication device 8100 further includes one or more memories 8103 for storing data. Alternatively, all or part of the memory 8103 can also be outside the communication device 8100. In alternative embodiments, the communication device 8100 can include one or more interface circuits 8104. Alternatively, the interface circuit 8104 is connected with the memory 8103, and the interface circuit 8104 can be used to receive data from the memory 8103 or other devices, and can be used to send data to the memory 8103 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 8104 can read the data stored in the memory 8103 and send the data to the processor 8101.

[0540] 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 Figure 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 include a storage component 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, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0541] Figure 8B is a structural schematic diagram of a chip 8200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For the case where the communication device 8100 is a chip or a chip system, the structural schematic diagram of the chip 8200 shown in Figure 8B can be referred to, but is not limited thereto.

[0542] The chip 8200 includes one or more processors 8201. The chip 8200 is configured to execute any of the above methods.

[0543] In some embodiments, chip 8200 further includes one or more interface circuits 8202. Optionally, the terms interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, and the like can be substituted for one another. In some embodiments, chip 8200 further includes one or more memories 8203 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of memory 8203 can be external to chip 8200. Optionally, interface circuit 8202 is connected to memory 8203, and interface circuit 8202 can be used to receive data from memory 8203 or other devices, and interface circuit 8202 can be used to send data to memory 8203 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 8202 can read data stored in memory 8203 and send the data to processor 8201.

[0544] In some embodiments, interface circuit 8202 performs at least one of the communication steps of sending and / or receiving in the above-described methods. The performance of the communication steps of sending and / or receiving in the above-described methods by interface circuit 8202 means, for example, that interface circuit 8202 performs data interaction between processor 8201, chip 8200, memory 8203, or a transceiver device. In some embodiments, processor 8201 performs at least one of the other steps.

[0545] The various modules and / or devices described in the various embodiments of the virtual apparatus, physical apparatus, chip, and the like can be combined or separated according to the situation. Optionally, part or all of the steps can also be performed by a plurality of modules and / or devices in cooperation, which is not limited here.

[0546] The disclosure further proposes a storage medium, and the above-mentioned storage medium stores instructions, when the above-mentioned instructions run on communication device 8100, causing communication device 8100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the above-mentioned storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the above-mentioned 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 above-mentioned storage medium can be a non-transitory storage medium, but is not limited to this, and it can also be a transitory storage medium.

[0547] The disclosure further proposes a program product, and the above-mentioned program product is executed by communication device 8100, causing communication device 8100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the above-mentioned program product is a computer program product.

[0548] The disclosure further proposes a computer program, when it runs on a computer, causing the computer to perform any of the above methods.

Claims

A communication method characterized by comprising: The method is performed by a network device, and the method comprises: determining entities for sensing and / or processing according to a sensing request and availability of sensing entities, the entities comprising at least one candidate terminal for sensing and / or processing; sending first information to a first terminal, the first information being used to indicate the candidate terminals, the first terminal being any one of the candidate terminals. The method of claim 1, wherein The first information comprises a candidate terminal list, the candidate terminal list comprising information used to discover each of the candidate terminals. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The first information is also used to instruct the first terminal to establish a connection with a second terminal to exchange terminal capability information and perform sensing measurement, the second terminal being a terminal of the candidate terminals other than the first terminal. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The connection is a proximity communication (PC5) connection. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The method further comprises: determining that each of the candidate terminals is not in a connected state, and sending a network triggered service request to the first terminal, the service request being used to instruct the first terminal to enter the connected state. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The network device comprises at least one of: a first network element for managing sensing functions; a second network element for managing data; an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element; an access network device. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that The first network element is any one of: a sensing function (SF) network element; a data-centric service task management function (DSTMF) network element. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that The second network element is any one of: a sensing data management function (SDMF) network element; a data management function (DMF) network element. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method is performed by a first network element, and the method comprises: determining entities for sensing and / or processing according to a sensing request and availability of sensing entities, the entities comprising at least one candidate terminal for sensing and / or processing; sending first information to a first terminal, the first information being used to indicate the candidate terminals, the first terminal being any one of the candidate terminals. The first network element is used to manage sensing functions. The method of claim 9, wherein The first network element is any one of: a sensing function (SF) network element; a data-centric service task management function (DSTMF) network element. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that The method comprises: receiving a sensing request; determining whether existing sensing data can satisfy the sensing request. The method of claim 11, wherein The determination of whether the existing sensing data can satisfy the sensing request comprises: obtaining existing sensing data stored in a second network element; determining whether the existing sensing data can satisfy the sensing request. The second network element is used to manage data. The method of claim 12, wherein The second network element is any one of: a sensing data management function (SDMF) network element; a data management function (DMF) network element. The method according to any one of claims 9-13, characterized in that The sending of the first information to the first terminal comprises: sending the first information to the first terminal through an access network device and / or an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element. The method according to any one of claims 9-14, characterized in that The first information comprises a candidate terminal list, the candidate terminal list comprising information used to discover each of the candidate terminals. The method according to any one of claims 9-15, characterized in that The first information is further used to instruct the first terminal to establish a connection with a second terminal to exchange terminal capability information and perform sensing measurement, the second terminal being a terminal other than the first terminal among the candidate terminals. The method of claim 16, wherein The connection is a Proximity Communication (PC5) connection. The method according to any one of claims 9-17, characterized in that The method further includes: determining that each of the candidate terminals is not in a connected state, and sending a network-triggered service request to the first terminal, the service request being used to instruct the first terminal to enter the connected state. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method is performed by a first terminal, and includes: receiving first information sent by a network device, the first information being used to instruct candidate terminals for sensing and / or processing. The method of claim 19, wherein The first information includes a candidate terminal list, the candidate terminal list including information related to each of the candidate terminals. The method according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that The method includes: establishing a connection with a second terminal according to the first information, the second terminal being a terminal other than the first terminal among the candidate terminals; exchanging terminal capability information with the second terminal and performing sensing measurement. The method of claim 19, wherein The connection is a Proximity Communication (PC5) connection. The method according to any one of claims 19-22, characterized in that The method further includes: receiving a network-triggered service request, the service request being used to instruct the first terminal to enter a connected state. The method according to any one of claims 19-23, characterized in that The network device includes at least one of: a first network element used to manage a sensing function; a second network element used to manage data; an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) network element; an access network device. The method of claim 24, wherein The first network element is any one of: a Sensing Function (SF) network element; a Data-Centric Service Task Management Function (DSTMF) network element. The method according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that The second network element is any one of: a Sensing Data Management Function (SDMF) network element; a Data Management Function (DMF) network element. A communication device characterized by comprising: includes: a processing module configured to determine entities for sensing and / or processing according to a sensing request and availability of sensing entities, the entities including at least candidate terminals for sensing and / or processing; a transceiver module configured to send first information to a first terminal, the first information being used to instruct the candidate terminals, the first terminal being any one of the candidate terminals. A communication device characterized by comprising: includes: a transceiver module configured to receive first information sent by a network device, the first information being used to instruct candidate terminals for sensing and / or processing. A communication device characterized by comprising: includes: one or more processors; wherein the communication device is configured to perform the communication method of any one of claims 1-8, or claims 9-18, or claims 19-26. A communication system characterized by includes a network device configured to implement the communication method of any one of claims 1-8, and a terminal configured to implement the communication method of any one of claims 19-26. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that, the instructions, when executed on the communication device, cause the communication device to perform the communication method of any one of claims 1-8, or claims 9-18, or claims 19-26. A computer program product comprising computer programs and / or instructions, characterized in that, The computer program and / or the instructions, when executed by the communication device, implement the communication method as claimed in any of claims 1-8, or claims 9-18, or claims 19-26.

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