Communication method, apparatus, program product and storage medium

Abstract

A communication method, an apparatus, a program product and a storage medium. The method comprises: sending first information, the first information being carried in a first unit, and the first information indicating a representation mode of sensing data; and receiving first sensing data, the representation mode of the first sensing data being the representation mode of sensing data indicated by the first information. In this way, a mechanism for transmitting sensing data is provided. Furthermore, a mechanism for negotiating a representation mode of sensing data is provided, such that the representation mode of sensing data transmitted is a representation mode of sensing data required by a receiving end, thereby facilitating more targeted and more accurate transmission of sensing data.

Description

A communication method, apparatus, program product, and storage medium

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411444094.1, filed on October 15, 2024, with the title “A Communication Method, Apparatus, Program Product and Storage Medium”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, apparatus, program product and storage medium. Background Technology

[0004] Sensing can be used to detect parameters of targets (or target objects) in the physical environment, such as the target's position and / or velocity. For example, in the sensing process, a transmitter can detect a target by emitting radio waves (i.e., sensing signals) and analyzing the radio waves reflected, scattered, refracted, or diffracted from the target (such as echo signals). Because sensing can detect the parameters of targets in the physical environment, it has been introduced into cellular communication to improve its performance. For instance, sensing can detect the location of a target, and the network side can select a communication path that is more conducive to signal transmission based on the target's location. However, the sensing process involves a large amount of sensing-related data, such as the parameters of the target obtained through sensing. Currently, there is no corresponding solution for how to transmit this data. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method, apparatus, program product, and storage medium for providing a transmission mechanism for sensed data.

[0006] Firstly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method. This method can be applied to a second device. The second device can be the second device itself, a module within the second device, or a logic module or software capable of implementing some or all of the functions of the second device. The second device can also be referred to as a sensing network element, etc., which has the ability (or function) to acquire, manage, or control sensing information. The second device can be, for example, a sensing management device or a network device. A sensing management device refers to a device with sensing-related capabilities, such as a device with sensing management or control capabilities, such as a sensing management function (SMF), sensing function (SF), location management function (LMF), or sensing management control (SMC), etc., without specific limitations on its implementation. A network device can be the network device itself (e.g., an access network device, specifically a base station), a module within the network device, or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the network device. Modules within the network device can be, for example, processors, communication modules, or circuits, chips, or central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), etc., responsible for communication functions within the network device. Chips such as modem chips, system-on-chip (SoC) chips containing modem cores, or system-in-package (SIP) chips are used. For ease of description, the following description uses a second device executing the method as an example. The method includes: sending first information and receiving first sensing data, wherein the first information is carried in a first unit, and the first information indicates the representation method of the sensing data, and the representation method of the first sensing data is the representation method of the sensing data indicated by the first information.

[0007] Sensing data includes sensing measurement results and / or point cloud data obtained based on sensing. The representation of sensing data can be called or understood as a description method of sensing data or a data style of sensing data, etc., without specific limitations on its name. Optionally, the representation of the first sensing data includes the type and / or form of the first sensing data. The first unit can be a message, information element, field, or container, etc., without specific limitations on its implementation.

[0008] In this embodiment, a representation method for the sensed data can be specified, and the first sensed data is transmitted according to the specified representation method, providing a mechanism for the transmission (or reporting, or receiving) of sensed data. Furthermore, the second device can specify different representation methods for the sensed data based on different scenarios to meet the needs of transmitting sensed data in different scenarios. Also, since the representation method of the transmitted first sensed data is the same as the representation method specified by the first information, the received first sensed data is more in line with the needs of the second device, making it easier for the second device to receive the first sensed data more specifically and accurately, and also easier for the second device to parse the first sensed data. In addition, when both the second devices are existing devices, and / or the first information and the first sensed data are carried in existing messages, then the first information and / or the first sensed data in this embodiment can be considered as information within the positioning framework or sensing framework. This does not increase the transmission burden of the system, making implementation simpler and less costly, and more conducive to standardization.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the type of the first sensing data includes at least one of the following: a first type, which indicates that the first sensing data is represented by the geometric parameters of a point; a second type, which indicates that the first sensing data is represented by the geometric parameters of an edge; a third type, which indicates that the first sensing data is represented by the geometric parameters of a face; a fourth type, which indicates that the first sensing data is represented by the geometric parameters of a polygon; or, a fifth type, which indicates that the first sensing data is represented by the geometric parameters of a polyhedron.

[0010] This provides multiple types of sensing data, enriching the range of sensing data types available. Furthermore, it allows for the transmission of different types of sensing data to meet the needs of different scenarios. For example, when system resources are limited, smaller types of sensing data, such as the first type, can be reported; conversely, when system resources are abundant, larger types of sensing data, such as the fourth type, can be reported. This approach ensures the accuracy of uploaded sensing data while relatively reducing the overall data volume.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the form of the first sensing data indicates the geometric parameters used to represent the first sensing data when the type of the first sensing data is a target type, wherein the target type is at least one of a first type, a second type, a third type, a fourth type, or a fifth type.

[0012] Thus, when the representation of perceived data includes both type and form, the geometric figure used to represent the perceived data and its geometric parameters can be clearly identified, which is beneficial for intuitive and accurate analysis of the perceived data.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the form of the first sensing data indicates at least one of the following: representing the first sensing data using coordinate data; representing the first sensing data using the endpoints of edges; representing the first sensing data using the boundary points of a face; representing the first sensing data using parameters in a function expression of a face; representing the first sensing data using the vertices and edges of a polygon; representing the first sensing data using the center point, length, and width of a polygon; representing the first sensing data using the center point and radius of a polygon; representing the first sensing data using the vertices of a polyhedron; representing the first sensing data using the center point, length, width, and height of a polyhedron; or, representing the first sensing data using the center point, radius, and height of the base of a polyhedron.

[0014] This provides multiple implementation methods for the form of sensing data, enriching the forms of sensing data. When the type of sensing data is fixed, there can be only one form of sensing data, which allows the representation of sensing data to indicate only the type or form, reducing the number of bits occupied by the initial information. When the type of sensing data is fixed, there can be multiple forms of sensing data, facilitating flexible transmission of sensing data.

[0015] In one possible implementation, when the first sensing data is represented by coordinate data, the coordinate data includes the coordinate values ​​of a point located in a coordinate system, and the value of at least one data item in the first sensing data. Optionally, the coordinate system may be, for example, a rectangular coordinate system (such as a Cartesian coordinate system) and / or a polar coordinate system (such as a spherical coordinate system), and there is no specific limitation on the implementation of the coordinate system.

[0016] Thus, the first-sensory data can carry not only location data such as coordinates, but also other data values, such as signal energy, signal delay, or object speed. In a simple form, it can carry more data.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the first information is carried in a first message, which can be a non-access stratum message, a radio resource control (RRC) message, or a medium access control (MAC) message. This eliminates the need for a new message to carry the first information, thus reducing the number of messages in the system.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the first unit and the second unit are two units at the same level, wherein the second unit is the unit in the first message, and the second unit is a unit dedicated to carrying configuration information for location data, or the second unit carries radio resource control configuration information; or, the first unit is a sub-unit in the third unit, wherein the third unit is also used to carry configuration information for location data, or the third unit is also used to carry radio resource control configuration information.

[0019] Thus, the possible location or configuration of the first unit is provided. The first unit can have certain associations or connections with other units (such as the second or third unit), facilitating the parsing of configuration information such as the first information and positioning data, or radio resource control configuration information. If the first and second units are at the same level, then there is no need to modify the second unit, reducing implementation costs. If the first unit is a sub-unit of the third unit, then there is no need to add an additional unit parallel to the third unit in the first message, which helps control the resources occupied by the first message, such as the number of bits used.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the first unit and the second unit are two units at the same level, including: the first unit and the second unit are two independent units in the first message; or, the first unit and the second unit are two sub-units in the fourth unit of the first message.

[0021] This provides multiple possible implementations of the first unit, increasing its flexibility. If the first and second units are two independent transmission units in the first message, the second unit can be implemented without modification, reducing implementation costs. If the first and second units are two sub-transmission units in the fourth unit of the first message, the second device can easily parse the configuration information or radio resource control configuration information of the first information and positioning data based on the fourth unit.

[0022] In one possible implementation, sending the first information includes: the second device sending the first information to the first device; and / or receiving the first sensing data includes: the second device receiving the first sensing data from the first device. For example, the second device is a sensing management device, such as an SMF, and the first device is an access network device (such as a base station) or a terminal device. Alternatively, the second device may be an access network device, and the first device may be a terminal device. The content of the sensing management device can be referred to the previously discussed content of sensing management devices; repeated details will not be listed again.

[0023] Thus, the sensing data transmission mechanism provided by this implementation method can be applied to various scenarios for transmitting sensing data, meaning that the sensing data transmission mechanism has good adaptability.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the first sensing data is carried in the fifth unit of the second message. The fifth unit can, for example, be dedicated to carrying the sensing data. The implementation of the fifth unit can refer to the content of the first unit discussed above, and will not be listed here again. This facilitates the second device to quickly parse the first sensing data based on the fifth unit.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the second message is a NAS message or an RRC message. Optionally, the first message is a NAS message or an RRC message.

[0026] Thus, providing a possible implementation of the second message eliminates the need for additional messages to transmit the first sensed data, which is beneficial for controlling the number of messages transmitted by the system.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the fifth unit and the sixth unit are two units at the same level, the sixth unit is a unit in the second message and is used to carry location data or uplink data; or, the fifth unit is a sub-unit in the seventh unit, and the seventh unit is also used to carry location data or uplink data.

[0028] This provides multiple possible implementations of the fifth unit, increasing its flexibility. If the fifth and sixth units are two independent transmission units in the second message, the sixth unit can be implemented without modification, reducing implementation costs. If the fifth unit is a sub-unit of the seventh unit, there is no need to add an additional unit parallel to the seventh unit in the second message, which helps control the resources occupied by the first message, such as the number of bits used.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the fifth unit and the sixth unit are two units at the same level, including: the fifth unit and the sixth unit are two independent units in the second message; or, the fifth unit and the sixth unit are two sub-units in the eighth unit of the second message.

[0030] This provides multiple possible implementations of the fifth unit, increasing its flexibility. If the fifth and sixth units are two independent transmission units in the second message, the sixth unit can be implemented without modification, reducing implementation costs. If the fifth and sixth units are two sub-transmission units in the eighth unit of the second message, this facilitates the second device's association and parsing of the first sensing data and other information based on the eighth unit.

[0031] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method. This method can be applied to a first device side. The first device side can be the first device itself, a module within the first device, or a logic module or software capable of implementing some or all of the functions of the first device. The first device can also be called a sensing node, which has sensing capabilities (or functions). The first device side can be, for example, a network device side or a terminal device side. The network device side can be the network device itself (e.g., a base station), a module within the network device, or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the network device. Modules within the network device can be, for example, processors, communication modules, or circuits, chips, or central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), etc., responsible for communication functions. Chips can be, for example, modem chips, or system-on-chip (SoC) chips containing modem cores, or system-in-package (SIP) chips, etc. The terminal device side can be the terminal device itself (e.g., a mobile phone), a module within the terminal device, or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the terminal device. Modules in a terminal device include, for example, processors, communication modules, or circuits or chips responsible for communication functions. Chips may include modem chips, SoC chips containing modem cores, or SIP chips. For instance, the second device may be an SMF (Software-Defined Function), and the first device may be a terminal device or an access network device; or, for example, the second device may be an access network device, and the first device may be a terminal device. For simplicity, the following description uses the application of this method to the first device as an example. The method includes: receiving first information and sending first sensing data. The first information is carried in a first unit, and the first information indicates the representation method of the sensing data, wherein the representation method of the first sensing data is the representation method of the sensing data indicated by the first information.

[0032] In one possible implementation, the representation of the first sensing data includes the type and / or form of the first sensing data.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the type of the first sensing data includes at least one of the following: a first type, which indicates that the first sensing data is represented by the geometric parameters of a point; a second type, which indicates that the first sensing data is represented by the geometric parameters of an edge; a third type, which indicates that the first sensing data is represented by the geometric parameters of a face; a fourth type, which indicates that the first sensing data is represented by the geometric parameters of a polygon; or, a fifth type, which indicates that the first sensing data is represented by the geometric parameters of a polyhedron.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the form of the first sensing data indicates the geometric parameters used to represent the first sensing data when the type of the first sensing data is a target type, wherein the target type is at least one of a first type, a second type, a third type, a fourth type, or a fifth type.

[0035] In one possible implementation, the form of the first sensing data indicates at least one of the following: representing the first sensing data using coordinate data; representing the first sensing data using the endpoints of an edge; representing the first sensing data using the boundary points of a face; representing the first sensing data using parameters in a function expression of a face; representing the first sensing data using the vertices and edges of a polygon; representing the first sensing data using the center point, length, and width of a polygon; representing the first sensing data using the center point and radius of a polygon; representing the first sensing data using the vertices of a polyhedron; representing the first sensing data using the center point, length, width, and height of a polyhedron; or, representing the first sensing data using the center point, radius, and height of the base of a polyhedron.

[0036] In one possible implementation, the form of the first sensing data indicates that, when the first sensing data is represented by coordinate data, the coordinate data includes the coordinate values ​​of a point located in the coordinate system, and the value of at least one piece of data in the first sensing data.

[0037] In one possible implementation, the first unit and the second unit are two units at the same level, wherein the second unit is the unit in the first message, and the second unit is a unit dedicated to carrying configuration information for location data, or the second unit carries radio resource control configuration information; or, the first unit is a sub-unit in the third unit, wherein the third unit is also used to carry configuration information for location data, or the third unit is also used to carry radio resource control configuration information.

[0038] In one possible implementation, the first unit and the second unit are two units at the same level, including: the first unit and the second unit are two independent units in the first message; or, the first unit and the second unit are two sub-units in the fourth unit of the first message.

[0039] In one possible implementation, receiving the first information includes: the first device receiving the first information from the second device; and / or, sending the first sensing data includes: the first device sending the first sensing data to the second device. For example, the first device may be a terminal device, and the second device may be an access network device or a sensing management device. Alternatively, the first device may be an access network device, and the second device may be a sensing management device.

[0040] In one possible implementation, the first sensing data is carried in the fifth unit of the second message.

[0041] In one possible implementation, the second message is a NAS message or an RRC message. Optionally, the first message is a NAS message or an RRC message.

[0042] In one possible implementation, the fifth unit and the sixth unit are two units at the same level, the sixth unit is a unit in the second message and is used to carry location data or uplink data; or, the fifth unit is a sub-unit in the seventh unit, and the seventh unit is also used to carry location data or uplink data.

[0043] In one possible implementation, the fifth unit and the sixth unit are two units at the same level, including: the fifth unit and the sixth unit are two independent units in the second message; or, the fifth unit and the sixth unit are two sub-units in the eighth unit of the second message.

[0044] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device. The communication device includes a processing unit (sometimes also called a processing module) and a communication unit (sometimes also called a communication module). The communication unit is used to perform transmit and receive operations, such as functions related to sending and receiving; the communication unit may be called a transceiver unit; optionally, the communication unit includes a receiving unit and a sending unit. The processing unit is used to perform processing operations. Alternatively, the communication unit may be a transmitter and a receiver, or a transmitter and a receiver. Optionally, the communication device also includes a storage unit (sometimes also called a storage module).

[0045] The communication device can be the second device side of the first aspect described above. For example, it can be the second device itself, or a module (e.g., a chip system) configured in the second device, or a device capable of implementing some or all of the functions of the second device. The communication device includes corresponding means or modules for performing the first aspect or any possible implementation described above. For example, a communication unit is used to transmit first information and receive first sensed data.

[0046] Optionally, the communication device may also implement any of the possible implementations in the first aspect described above, which will not be listed one by one here.

[0047] In one possible design, the communication device is a communication chip, the processing unit can be one or more processors or processor cores, and the communication unit can be the input / output circuit or input / output interface of the communication chip.

[0048] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device. For example, the communication device includes a processing unit (sometimes also called a processing module) and a communication unit (sometimes also called a communication module). The communication unit is used to perform transmit and receive operations, such as functions related to sending and receiving; the communication unit may be called a transceiver unit; optionally, the communication unit includes a receiving unit and a sending unit. The processing unit is used to perform processing operations. Alternatively, the communication unit may be a transmitter and a receiver, or a transmitter and a receiver. Optionally, the communication device also includes a storage unit (sometimes also called a storage module).

[0049] The communication device may be the first device described in the second aspect above. For example, it may be the first device itself, or a module (e.g., a chip system) configured in the first device, or a device capable of implementing some or all of the functions of the first device. The communication device includes corresponding means or modules for performing the second aspect above or any possible implementation. For example, a communication unit is used to receive first information and transmit first sense data.

[0050] Optionally, the communication device may also implement any of the possible embodiments in the second aspect described above, which will not be listed one by one here.

[0051] In one possible design, the communication device is a communication chip, the processing unit can be one or more processors or processor cores, and the communication unit can be the input / output circuit or input / output interface of the communication chip.

[0052] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication system. The communication system includes a first device and a second device, the first device being, for example, any of the first devices described in the fourth aspect and possible embodiments, and the second device being, for example, any of the second devices described in the third aspect and possible embodiments.

[0053] For example, the second device sends first information to the first device, and the first device sends first sensing data to the second device.

[0054] Optionally, the second device may also implement any of the possible implementations of the first aspect described above, and the first device may also implement any of the possible implementations of the second aspect described above, which will not be listed one by one here.

[0055] Sixthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device. The communication device includes one or more processors. The one or more processors are capable of executing computer programs or instructions stored in a memory, which, when executed, cause the communication device to implement the methods described in the first aspect, any possible implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, or any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0056] Optionally, the communication device may include a memory, in which case the memory may be coupled to one or more processors, or the memory may be configured relatively independently of one or more processors. Alternatively, the memory may exist independently of the communication device.

[0057] In one possible design, the communication device may further include an interface circuit, wherein the processor is used to communicate with other devices or components through the interface circuit.

[0058] The aforementioned communication device may be a terminal device, or a communication module within a terminal device, or a chip in the terminal responsible for communication functions, such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip), or a SoC or SIP chip containing a modem module. Alternatively, the aforementioned communication device may be an access network device, or a module within an access network device.

[0059] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication device. The communication device includes a processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is used to receive signals from other communication devices besides the communication device and transmit them to the processor, or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices besides the communication device. The processor, through logic circuits or executable code instructions, is used to implement the method as described in the first aspect, any possible implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, or any possible implementation of the second aspect. The number of processors can be one or more, and is not limited thereto.

[0060] In the specific implementation process, the communication device can be a chip, and the processor can be a transistor, gate circuit, flip-flop, and various logic circuits, etc. The specific implementation method of the processor is not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0061] In one implementation, the communication device can be a wireless sensing management device, i.e., a computer device that supports wireless communication functions. Specifically, the wireless sensing management device can be a terminal device such as a smartphone, or a network device such as a wireless access network device (e.g., a base station).

[0062] In another implementation, the communication device can be a component of a wireless sensing management device, such as an integrated circuit product like a system-on-chip (SoC) or communication chip. A SoC can also be called a System-on-Chip (SoC). The communication chip can include a baseband processing chip and a radio frequency (RF) processing chip. The baseband processing chip is sometimes referred to as a modem or baseband chip. The RF processing chip is sometimes referred to as an RF transceiver or RF chip. In physical implementation, some or all of the communication chips can be integrated within the SoC. For example, the baseband processing chip is integrated into the SoC, while the RF processing chip is not integrated with the SoC. The interface circuit can be the RF processing chip in the wireless sensing management device, and the processor can be the baseband processing chip in the wireless sensing management device. The interface circuit can be an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, or related circuit on the chip or chip system. The processor can also be a processing circuit or logic circuit.

[0063] In another implementation, the communication device can be a chip system, which may consist of chips or include chips and other discrete devices. Chip systems may include, for example, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), system-on-a-chip (SoCs), CPUs, network processors (NPs), digital signal processors (DSPs), microcontroller units (MCUs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), or other integrated chips.

[0064] Eighthly, embodiments of this application provide a chip system. The chip system includes a processor. Optionally, the chip system may further include an interface (such as a communication interface). The processor can be used to implement any of the methods described in the first aspect and possible implementations to the fourth aspect and possible implementations. Optionally, the chip system also includes a memory. The memory is used to store a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions). The processor is used to call and run the computer program from the memory, causing a device equipped with the chip system to perform the methods described in the first aspect, any possible implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, or any possible implementation of the second aspect. Implementations of the chip system can be referred to the content of the chip system discussed above, and will not be listed here.

[0065] Ninthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium. This computer-readable storage medium is used to store a computer program or instructions that, when executed, implement the methods as described in the first aspect, any possible implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, or any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0066] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product. When the computer program product is executed, it causes a processor to perform a method as described in the first aspect, any possible implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, or any possible implementation of the second aspect. The computer program product includes a computer program and / or instructions, etc.

[0067] Regarding the beneficial effects of any of the technical solutions in the second to tenth aspects mentioned above, please refer to the discussion of the beneficial effects of the corresponding technical solutions in the first aspect, which will not be listed here again. Attached Figure Description

[0068] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a wireless communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application;

[0069] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the perception scene;

[0070] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an integrated communication and sensing system applicable to an embodiment of this application;

[0071] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0072] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a communication system applicable to an embodiment of this application;

[0073] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a communication system applicable to an embodiment of this application;

[0074] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of an O-RAN system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0075] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0076] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the types and forms of sensing data provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0077] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the first unit and the second unit provided in the embodiment of this application;

[0078] Figures 11 to 14 are schematic diagrams of four communication methods provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0079] Figures 15 to 17 are schematic diagrams of three communication devices provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0080] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to various systems, such as 5th generation (5G) mobile communication systems (e.g., new radio (NR) systems), future communication systems, integrated sensing and communication systems, short-range wireless communication systems (e.g., side link, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, etc.), long-range radio (LoRa) communication systems, wired networks, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication systems, device-to-device (D2D) communication systems, satellite communication systems, or vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication systems, or integrated systems of at least two of the above communication systems, or other similar communication systems, etc., without limitation.

[0081] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a wireless communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 1000 includes an access network 100. Optionally, the communication system may also include a core network 200 and an Internet 300. The access network 100 may include at least one network device, such as 110a and 110b in Figure 1, and may also include at least one terminal device, such as 120a to 120j in Figure 1. Specifically, 110a is a base station, 110b is a micro-station, 120a, 120e, 120f, and 120j are mobile phones, 120b is a car, 120c is a fuel dispenser, 120d is a home access point (HAP) deployed indoors or outdoors, 120g is a laptop computer, 120h is a printer, and 120i is a drone. The same terminal device or network device can provide different functions in different application scenarios. For example, the mobile phones in Figure 1 are 120a, 120e, 120f and 120j. Mobile phone 120a can access base station 110a, connect to car 120b, communicate directly with mobile phone 120e and access HAP. Car 120b can access HAP and communicate directly with mobile phone 120a. Mobile phone 120f can access micro-station 110b, connect to laptop 120g and printer 120h. Mobile phone 120j can control drone 120i.

[0082] A network device is a network-side device with wireless transceiver capabilities. A network device can be a device or module located on the network side of a communication system and possessing corresponding communication functions. Network devices typically contain communication modules, circuits, or chips that perform the corresponding communication functions. They also contain program instructions for performing these functions, as well as the corresponding program instructions themselves. Network devices can include access network devices, which can be devices in a radio access network (RAN) that provide wireless communication functions to terminal devices; these are called RAN devices. RAN can be an access network in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), such as 4G, 5G, or future-oriented 6G networks. RAN can also be an open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a communication network combining two or more of these networks.

[0083] RAN equipment can also be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB) in a 5G mobile communication system, a base station in a 6G mobile communication system, a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system, etc.

[0084] RAN equipment can also be modules or units that perform some of the functions of a base station. For example, it can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), or a radio unit (RU). Here, the CU performs the functions of the base station's Radio Resource Control Protocol (RRC) and Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP), and can also perform the functions of the Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP). The DU performs the functions of the base station's Radio Link Control (RAN) and MAC layers, and can also perform some or all of the physical layer functions. For specific descriptions of the above protocol layers, please refer to the relevant 3GPP technical specifications. The CU and DU can be set up separately or included in the same network element, such as in the baseband unit (BBU). The RU can be included in radio equipment or radio units, such as in a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH). In different systems, CU, DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meanings. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (Open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, and RU can also be called O-RU. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules. The RA device can be a macro base station (as shown in Figure 1, 110a), a micro base station or an indoor station (as shown in Figure 1, 110b), or a relay node or donor node, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or specific device form used in the network equipment.

[0085] In the embodiments of this application, the functions of the network device can be executed by modules (such as chips) within the network device, or by a control subsystem that includes the functions of the network device. This control subsystem, which includes the functions of the network device, can be a control center in the aforementioned application scenarios such as smart grids, industrial control, intelligent transportation, and smart cities.

[0086] A terminal device is a user-side device with wireless transceiver capabilities. Terminal devices can also be called terminals, user equipment (UE), mobile stations, mobile terminals, etc. They are widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), the Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, and smart cities. Terminal devices can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, drones, helicopters, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, etc. Terminal devices typically contain communication modules, circuits, or chips that perform the corresponding communication functions. They can also be configured with program instructions to perform these functions. In the embodiments of this application, the device for implementing the functions of the terminal device can be the terminal device itself, or it can be any device that supports the terminal device in implementing the functions, such as a chip system or a combination of devices or components that can implement the functions of the terminal device. This device can be installed in the terminal device. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the terminal device.

[0087] In this embodiment of the application, the functions of the terminal device can also be performed by modules (such as chips or modems) in the terminal device, or by a device containing the functions of the terminal device.

[0088] Network devices and terminal devices can be fixed in location or mobile. They can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can also be deployed in the air on airplanes, balloons, and artificial satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios of the network devices and terminal devices.

[0089] The roles of network devices and terminal devices can be relative. For example, the helicopter or drone 120i in Figure 1 can be configured as a mobile network device. For terminal devices 120j that access the wireless access network 100 via 120i, terminal device 120i is a network device; however, for network device 110a, 120i is a terminal device. That is, 110a and 120i communicate via a wireless air interface protocol. Of course, 110a and 120i can also communicate via a network device-to-network device interface protocol. In this case, relative to 110a, 120i is also a network device. Therefore, both network devices and terminal devices can be collectively referred to as communication devices. 110a and 110b in Figure 1 can be called communication devices with network device functions, and 120a-120j in Figure 1 can be called communication devices with terminal device functions.

[0090] Currently, the integration of sensing into communication systems (such as wireless communication systems) has also been proposed. For ease of understanding, sensing will be introduced below.

[0091] Sensing, also known as detection, is a term without limitation. Sensing can be used to detect parameters of targets (or target objects) in the physical environment, such as the target's position and / or velocity. During sensing, a transmitter detects a target by emitting radio waves (i.e., sensing signals) and analyzing the radio waves reflected, scattered, refracted, or diffracted from the target (i.e., echo signals).

[0092] A sensing signal is a signal with sensing capabilities, or in other words, a sensing signal used for sensing. Sensing signals are also called detection signals, linear frequency modulated signals, radar signals, radar sensing signals, radar detection signals, or environmental sensing signals, etc., and their names are not limited. Besides sensing, sensing signals can also have other functions, such as communication functions; in this case, the sensing signal can also be called a fusion signal. For example, a sensing signal can be a pulse signal or a signal used in wireless communication; for instance, a sensing signal can be a reference signal used for sensing.

[0093] Echo signals can also have other names, such as reflected signals, without limitation. An echo signal can be understood as a signal generated by the reflection, scattering, refraction, or diffraction of a sensing signal by a target. Both echo and sensing signals can reflect target parameters. For example, the time delay of the echo signal relative to the sensing signal reflects the distance of the target relative to the transmitter, and the Doppler shift of the echo signal relative to the sensing signal reflects the target's velocity. Where the sensing signal has other functions, the echo signal can also have other functions; for example, if the sensing signal has a communication function, then the echo signal also has a communication function.

[0094] The target can be referred to as the sensed target, the detected target, the sensed object, the sensed device, or the sensed management device, etc., without limitation. The target can be any object in the environment capable of reflecting electromagnetic waves, such as mountains, forests, or buildings, and can also include mobile objects such as vehicles, drones, people, and terminal devices. Depending on the type of processing of the sensed signal, the target can also be classified into different types. For example, if the target scatters the sensed signal, then the target can be considered a scatterer. Or, if the target reflects the sensed signal, then the target can be considered a reflector.

[0095] In terms of sensing, depending on the sender and receiver of the sensing signal, the sensing mode can be divided into two types: single-station sensing and dual-station sensing. The two sensing modes are introduced below.

[0096] Single-station sensing mode, also known as self-transmitting and self-receiving mode or A-transmitting and A-receiving mode, refers to the same device that transmits the sensing signal and receives the echo signal reflected by the target.

[0097] For example, please refer to Figure 2, which is a schematic diagram of a sensing scene. Figure 2(1) and Figure 2(2) illustrate a single sensing mode.

[0098] As shown in Figure 2(1), the device that sends the sensing signal and the device that receives the echo signal are both the same base station. For example, the sensing signal sent by the base station is reflected by a target (such as a vehicle), and the base station receives the echo signal of the sensing signal. The echo signal and the sensing signal can reflect the parameters of the target. For example, the time delay of the echo signal relative to the sensing signal can reflect the distance of the target relative to the transmitter, and the Doppler shift of the echo signal relative to the sensing signal can reflect the speed of the target.

[0099] As shown in Figure 2(2), the device that sends the sensing signal and the device that receives the echo signal are the same UE. For example, the sensing signal sent by the UE is reflected by a target (such as a vehicle), and the UE receives the echo signal of the sensing signal.

[0100] Dual-station sensing mode, also known as A-transmit B-receive mode or self-transmitting-other-receiving mode, refers to a mode where the device transmitting the sensing signal and the device receiving the signal reflected from the target are different devices. In this case, the signal received by the receiver can also be called the sensing signal, echo signal, or other names. For ease of description, we will continue to use the name echo signal as an example here.

[0101] Continuing with reference to Figure 2, Figures (3) to (6) illustrate the dual-station sensing mode.

[0102] As shown in Figure 2(3), the device that sends the sensing signal is base station 1, and the device that receives the echo signal is base station 2. For example, the sensing signal sent by base station 1 is reflected by a target (such as a vehicle), and base station 2 receives the echo signal of the sensing signal.

[0103] As shown in Figure 2 (4), the device that sends the sensing signal is UE1, and the device that receives the echo signal is UE2. For example, the sensing signal sent by UE1 is reflected by a target (such as a vehicle), and UE2 receives the echo signal of the sensing signal.

[0104] As shown in Figure 2 (5), the device that sends the sensing signal is the base station, and the device that receives the echo signal is the UE. For example, the sensing signal sent by the base station is reflected by a target (such as a vehicle), and the UE receives the echo signal of the sensing signal.

[0105] As shown in Figure 2 (6), the device that sends the sensing signal is the UE, and the device that receives the echo signal is the base station. For example, the sensing signal sent by the UE is reflected by a target (such as a vehicle), and the base station receives the echo signal of the sensing signal.

[0106] Wireless communication systems that incorporate sensing can be called integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) systems. The following is a schematic diagram of an integrated sensing and communication system, illustrated in Figure 3. Figure 3 includes network devices and multiple user units (UEs) (such as UE1, UE2, and UE3).

[0107] As shown in Figure 3, UE1 and the network device adopt a dual-site sensing mode, where UE1 transmits sensing signals and the network device receives the echo signal of the sensing signals reflected by target 1. UE3 and the network device also adopt a dual-site sensing mode, where the network device transmits sensing signals and UE3 receives the echo signal of the sensing signals reflected by target 2. When the network device and UE2 communicate (e.g., wirelessly), they can transmit communication signals.

[0108] Figure 3 also illustrates the single-site sensing mode. The network device's sensing of targets 3 to 5 is in single-site sensing mode. Specifically, the network device sends sensing signals and receives the echo signals reflected by the targets (such as target 3, target 4 or target 5).

[0109] Figure 3 uses targets 1 and 3 as drones, targets 2 and 4 as vehicles, and target 5 as a person as examples, without limiting the form of the targets.

[0110] The following, with reference to Figure 4, illustrates a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 4 shows a first device, a second device, and a third device. The first device can communicate with the second and third devices respectively. The devices involved in the various embodiments of this application can be understood as equipment, software or hardware modules within equipment, or logic modules, etc., and are not specifically limited thereto. Furthermore, the device can also be replaced by concepts such as communication device, network element, equipment, entity, or node.

[0111] For example, the first device has sensing capabilities, such as the ability to acquire sensing information (also known as sensing-related information) based on the sensing. For instance, in a single-station sensing mode, the first device can send a sensing signal; after the sensing signal is reflected, scattered, refracted, or diffracted by the target, the first device receives the echo signal of the sensing signal, and can then obtain sensing information based on the echo signal. As another example, in a dual-station sensing mode, a third device can send a sensing signal; after the sensing signal is reflected, scattered, refracted, or diffracted by the target, the first device receives the echo signal of the sensing signal, and can then obtain sensing data based on the echo signal. The first device can report the sensing data to the second device.

[0112] In one possible implementation, the first device is, for example, a network device, or a component of the network device, such as a chip or chip system disposed in the network device, and the third device is, for example, a terminal device, or a component of the terminal device, such as a chip or chip system disposed in the terminal device.

[0113] In another possible implementation, both the first device and the third device are network devices, or components of network devices, such as chips or chip systems disposed in network devices. For example, the first device is a base station and the third device is a micro station.

[0114] In another possible implementation, the first device is, for example, a terminal device, or a component of the terminal device, such as a chip or chip system disposed in the terminal device, and the third device is, for example, a network device, or a component of the network device, such as a chip or chip system disposed in the network device.

[0115] Optionally, the first device may include at least one TRP, or in other words, the first device may be configured with or associated with at least one TRP. The echo signal results measured by different TRPs may be different.

[0116] The second device has the ability to transmit sensing information and may also have the ability to process (e.g., manage, control, or calculate) the sensing information. The second device may be, for example, a core network element, core network functional unit, or core network entity, such as a sensing management function (SMF), sensing mobile management (SMM), sensing function (SF), location management function (LMF) (or location management device, or location management network element, location server, location center, location network element, location function network element, or location management function, etc.), or sensing management control (SMC) (also referred to as a control network element, edge sensing function network element, edge control network element, or edge control node, the name of which is not limited), or modules within these network elements. Alternatively, the second device may also be a server (such as a third-party server) or a module within a server (such as a software module or hardware module). The specific implementation of the second device is not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0117] Please refer to Figure 5, which is a schematic diagram of a communication system applicable to an embodiment of this application. Figure 5 illustrates a terminal device, a RAN (including one or more access network devices), and some core network elements. The core network elements illustrated in Figure 5 include AMF and LMF. Figure 5 also illustrates SMF or SF; optionally, SMF or SF can also be deployed in the core network, i.e., belong to the core network elements.

[0118] One of the terminal devices and access network devices illustrated in Figure 5 can be considered as an example of a first device, and the other device can be considered as an example of a third device. The SMF / SF shown in Figure 5 can be considered as an example of a second device.

[0119] Access network devices can communicate with each other via the Xn interface. The access network devices included can be of the same type, such as all gNBs or next-generation (NG)-eNBs (i.e., ng-eNBs). An ng-eNB is a Long Term Evolution (LTE) base station and can include one or more transmission points (TPs). A gNB is an NR base station and can include one or more transmission points (TRPs). ng-eNBs and gNBs can communicate with each other via the Xn interface. Alternatively, the access network devices included can be of different types. For example, some access network devices may be ng-eNBs, and others may be gNBs.

[0120] Terminal devices communicate with the access network via Uu links. For example, a terminal device can communicate with an ng-eNB via LTE-Uu and with a gNB via an NR-Uu link. The access network communicates with the AMF via the NG-C interface. The AMF acts as a router for communication between the access network and the LMF, and between the access network and the SMF / SF. The AMF and the LMF communicate via NLs (such as NL1) interfaces.

[0121] Optionally, the SMF / SF and LMF in Figure 5 can be the same network element, or in other words, the SMF / SF and LMF can be integrated together. In this case, the integration result of LMF and SMF can serve as an example of a second device.

[0122] Optionally, the SMF can be an architecture where the user plane and control plane are not separated. In practical applications, the user plane and control plane of the SMF can also be separated, with the SMF comprising a sensing function-control plane (SF-C) and a sensing function-user plane (SF-U).

[0123] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a communication system applicable to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 6, the communication system includes a terminal device, a RAN (such as including one or more access network devices), an SMC, and an SMF / SF. The contents of the access network devices can be referred to the access network devices described in Figure 5. The SMC is connected to the first access network device and the second access network device through interfaces. The access network devices can also be connected to different SMCs. Optionally, the SMF / SF can communicate with the SMC.

[0124] One of the terminal devices and access network devices illustrated in Figure 6 can be considered as an example of a first device, and the other device can be considered as an example of a third device. The SMF / SF shown in Figure 6 can be considered as an example of a second device, or the SMC shown in Figure 6 can be considered as an example of a second device.

[0125] Figure 6 shows an example of an SMF implementation where the user plane and control plane are not separated. In practical applications, the user plane and control plane of an SMF can also be separated; an SMF may contain SF-C and SF-U. Similarly, the SMC can have a user plane and control plane that are either not separated or separated. If the SMC is separated, then the SMC can be divided into SM-C and SM-U. SM-C can communicate with SF-C, and SM-U can communicate with SF-U.

[0126] Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of the architecture of an O-RAN system provided in an embodiment of this application. O-RAN defines the architectural connections and interface standardization between various modules within the RAN, so that such a RAN can be decomposed into multiple modules. Because of the interface standardization, it can be assembled from modules provided by different equipment vendors.

[0127] As shown in Figure 7, O-RAN may include O-CU, O-DU, and O-RU. O-CU includes O-CU-CP and O-CU-UP. The system architecture may also include an open cloud (O-cloud), a service management and orchestration framework (SMO), an open eNB (O-eNB), and a RAN intelligent controller (RIC), including near-real-time (RT) RICs (which can be abbreviated as Near-RT RICs) and non-real-time (non-RT) RICs. The O-RAN system shown in Figure 7, or one or more modules included in the O-RAN system, can serve as an example of a first or second device.

[0128] SMO functions similarly to a network manager, operating, maintaining, and managing cloud infrastructure.

[0129] Non-RT RICs are used to implement non-real-time intelligent management of RAN functions, such as enabling AI / ML workflows including model training and model updates, and guiding applications / functions within the Near-RT RIC based on policies. Non-RT RICs can reside within the SMO.

[0130] Near-RT RIC is used to achieve near real-time intelligent management of the RAN. Through data collection and related operations on the E2 interface, it enables near real-time control and optimization of O-RAN modules and resources.

[0131] The O-CU is used to implement the Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer, Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) layer, and other control functions in the 3GPP standard. The O-CU includes O-CU-CP and O-CU-UP.

[0132] O-CU-CP, similar to CU-CP in the NR system, is used to implement the functions of the RRC layer and the control plane functions of the PDCP layer.

[0133] O-CU-UP, similar to CU-UP in the NR system, is used to implement the functions of the SDAP layer and the user plane functions of the PDCP layer.

[0134] O-DU, based on low-layer function segmentation, is used to implement the radio link control (RLC) layer, MAC layer, and higher physical layer (Higher PHY) in the 3GPP standard. Among them, the higher physical layer functions include one or more of the following: forward error correction (FEC) encoding / decoding, scrambling / descrambling, or modulation / demodulation.

[0135] O-RU, based on low-layer function partitioning, is used to implement lower physical layer (PHY) functions and radio frequency (RF) functions in the 3GPP standard. Low PHY functions include one or more of the following: Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) / Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (iFFT), digital beamforming, or extraction and filtering of the Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH). It is similar to the Transmission Reception Point (TRP) or Remote Radio Head (RRH) in 3GPP, but includes low PHY functions such as FFT / iFFT or PRACH extraction.

[0136] O-Cloud, as a cloud computing platform, includes physical infrastructure nodes for hosting O-RAN functions such as RIC and O-DU, as well as supporting software components (such as operating systems, virtual machine monitoring, container runtimes), management, and orchestration functions.

[0137] The interfaces shown in Figure 7 will be described below.

[0138] The A1 interface serves as the interface between the Non-RT RIC and the Near-RT RIC, enabling intelligent and dynamic control of radio resources within the O-RAN. The Non-RT RIC provides policies, rich information, and ML model updates to the Near-RT RIC via the A1 interface, while the Near-RT RIC provides policy feedback to the Non-RT RIC via the A1 interface.

[0139] The E2 interface is an open interface between two endpoints used to connect the Near-RT RIC and the RAN node. RAN nodes include, for example, CU and DU in 5G, O-RAN compatible eNB in ​​4G, O-CU (O-CU-CP and / or O-CU-UP) in O-RAN, and / or O-DU, etc. The RIC can obtain data collection and feedback from the RAN node through the E2 node, and the RAN node can obtain control feedback from the Near-RT RIC through the E2 node.

[0140] The O1 interface is the interface between the management entity in the SMO and the O-RAN module, used for operation management. This interface enables FCAPS management, software management, and file management. The O2 interface is the interface between the SMO and the infrastructure management framework that supports O-RAN virtual network functions.

[0141] The Open Front Haul Control User and Synchronization (FHCUS) plane interface includes a control plane (C-Plane), a user plane (U-Plane), and a synchronization plane (S-Plane). The control plane is used for real-time control between the O-DU and O-RU, such as transmitting beamforming weights from the O-DU to the O-RU or performing power control from the O-DU to the O-RU. The user plane is used to transmit communication data between the DU and RU for access network devices and terminals. The synchronization plane is used by the O-DU to provide clock synchronization for the O-RU.

[0142] The NG interface is the interface between NR RAN equipment (such as base stations, CUs, CU-CPs, or CU-UPs) and the NR core network. NG-u is the user plane NG interface, and NG-c is the control plane NG interface. The Xn interface is the interface between NR RAN equipment (such as base stations, CUs, CU-CPs, or CU-UPs). Xn-u is the user plane Xn interface, and Xn-c is the control plane Xn interface.

[0143] The X2 interface is used between LTE RAN devices. X2-u is the user plane X2 interface, and X2-c is the control plane X2 interface. In NR, the X2 interface is mainly used in E-UTRA-NR dual connectivity (evolved universal terrestrial radio access dual connectivity, EN-DC) scenarios, where the master station is an LTE RAN device connected to the LTE core network via the X2 interface. The E1 interface is used between CU-CP and CU-UP. The F1-C interface is used between CU-CP and DU. The F1-U interface is used between CU-UP and DU.

[0144] In the O-RAN architecture, the module that receives the reported difference between the twin channel and the measurement channel may be a CU, RT RIC, or Non-RT RIC, etc. The DU is responsible for receiving signals, signal processing, multipath measurement, channel difference calculation, etc.

[0145] The names of the interfaces and the connection methods of the units shown in Figure 7 are an example. In actual applications, the O-RAN system may include more or fewer interfaces, or more or fewer units.

[0146] The network architecture and business scenarios described in this application are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0147] With the introduction of sensing technology into cellular communication systems, these systems can offer more services. However, there is currently no solution for how to report sensing data.

[0148] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide a communication scheme. This scheme designs a unit specifically for transmitting configuration information of sensing data, namely a first unit. When transmitting the configuration information of sensing data, the configuration information of the sensing data can be carried in the first unit for transmission. Thus, a mechanism for transmitting configuration information of sensing data is provided, enabling the party receiving the configuration information of sensing data to send sensing data based on the configuration information of the sensing data, so as to meet the need to report sensing data under different communication requirements (or scenarios).

[0149] Here, some of the terms used in the embodiments of this application are explained. Unless otherwise specified, these explanations are provided to support the meaning of certain terms and to make the embodiments of this application easier to understand, and should not be regarded as strict limitations on the terminology within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0150] 1. Reference signals, such as demodulation reference signals (DMRS), sounding reference signals (SRS), phase tracking reference signals (PTRS), channel state information-reference signals (CSI-RS), cell-specific reference signals (C-RS / CRS), or positioning reference signals (P-RS / PRS). DMRS may include, for example, DMRS for demodulating the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) (referred to as DMRS for PUCCH) and DMRS for demodulating the physical uplink share channel (PUSCH) (referred to as DMRS for PUCCH).

[0151] 2. A unit can also be called a transmission unit, data unit, information unit, or information unit, etc. It can be understood as a unit used to transmit / carry / encapsulate information, including but not limited to messages, information elements (IEs), containers, or fields. Messages, information elements, containers, or fields can also be considered different levels (or different types) of units. Levels can be considered as types or categories; units at the same level belong to the same category, while units at different levels belong to different categories.

[0152] A message is a unit of communication, including data and / or control information to be transmitted. A message can include one or more containers, or one or more cells. A container can be understood as a structure that encapsulates data; a container can contain one or more cells. A field is a component of a data structure used to carry specific information; fields can be of fixed or variable length. A cell is a data unit used for high-speed data transmission; the size of a cell can be fixed, and it can include a header and a payload, with the header containing control information. A cell can include one or more fields. Optionally, the message hierarchy is higher than the container hierarchy, the container hierarchy is higher than the cell hierarchy, and the cell hierarchy is higher than the field hierarchy.

[0153] A unit can be divided into one or more sub-units (or transmission sub-units or instances). A sub-unit simply indicates that it belongs to a unit, but a sub-unit and its parent unit may belong to the same level of unit, or the sub-unit may be at a lower level than its parent unit. For example, if the unit is a cell, then the one or more sub-units included in a unit can be one or more cells, or one or more fields. Similarly, if the unit is a message, then the one or more sub-units included in a unit can be one or more messages, one or more cells, one or more containers, or may include one or more fields. Likewise, if the unit is a container, then the one or more sub-units included in a unit can be one or more cells, or one or more fields.

[0154] When a unit comprises multiple sub-units, these sub-units may have the same or different hierarchical levels; no specific limitation is made in this regard. For example, if a unit is a message, then the unit may include containers, information elements, fields, etc.; no specific limitation is made in this regard.

[0155] The first unit, second unit, etc. involved in the various embodiments of this application can all be used as examples of units. The first unit and second unit, etc. involved in the various embodiments of this application may be units at the same level, such as both being information elements, or they may belong to units at different levels, such as one unit being an information element and the other unit being a field, etc., and no specific limitation is made in this regard.

[0156] In this application embodiment, the number of nouns, unless otherwise specified, refers to "singular nouns or plural nouns," that is, "one or more." "At least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the related objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B means: A or B. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c means: a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0157] In the embodiments of this application, the words "exemplarily," "for example," and "for instance" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design scheme described as an "example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. Specifically, the use of the word "example" is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner. In the embodiments of this application, "of," "corresponding, relevant," and "corresponding" may sometimes be used interchangeably, and it should be noted that their intended meanings are consistent unless their distinction is emphasized.

[0158] In this application embodiment, "instruction" can include direct instruction, indirect instruction, explicit instruction, and implicit instruction. When describing a certain instruction information to indicate A, it can be understood that the instruction information carries A, directly indicates A, or indirectly indicates A. In this application, the information indicated by the instruction information is called the information to be instructed. In the specific implementation process, there are many ways to indicate the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly indicating the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index. It can also indirectly indicate the information to be instructed by indicating other information, wherein there is an association between the other information and the information to be instructed. It can also indicate only a part of the information to be instructed, while the other parts of the information to be instructed are known or agreed upon in advance. For example, the instruction of specific information can also be achieved by using the arrangement order of various information in advance (e.g., protocol stipulation), thereby reducing the instruction overhead to a certain extent. In addition, the information to be instructed can be sent as a whole or divided into multiple sub-information to be sent separately, and the sending period and / or sending time of these sub-information can be the same or different.

[0159] In the embodiments of this application, "send" and "receive" indicate the direction of signal transmission. For example, "send information to XX" can be understood as the destination of the information being XX, which may include direct transmission via the air interface or indirect transmission by other units or modules via the air interface. "Receive information from YY" can be understood as the source of the information being YY, which may include direct reception from YY via the air interface or indirect reception from YY by other units or modules via the air interface. "Send" can also be understood as the "output" of the chip interface, and "receive" can also be understood as the "input" of the chip interface. In other words, sending and receiving can occur between devices, such as between network devices and terminal devices, or within a device, such as between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within the device via a bus, wiring, or interface.

[0160] The sensing method provided in the embodiments of this application is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings corresponding to the various embodiments of this application, all steps indicated by dashed lines are optional steps.

[0161] The first device involved in the various embodiments of this application is, for example, any network device (such as a base station) involved in FIG1, any base station involved in FIG2, the network device involved in FIG3, the first device involved in FIG4, the access network device involved in FIG5, or the access network device involved in FIG6, or the O-RAN system or the module (such as CU or DU) in the O-RAN system involved in FIG7, etc., and the third device involved in the various embodiments of this application is, for example, any terminal device involved in FIG1, any UE involved in FIG2, the UE involved in FIG3, the third device involved in FIG4, the terminal device involved in FIG5, or the terminal device involved in FIG6, etc. Alternatively, the first device involved in the various embodiments of this application may be any of the terminal devices involved in FIG1, any of the UEs involved in FIG2, the UE involved in FIG3, the first device involved in FIG4, the terminal device involved in FIG5, or the terminal device involved in FIG6, etc., and the third device involved in the various embodiments of this application may be any of the network devices (such as base stations) involved in FIG1, any of the base stations involved in FIG2, the network devices involved in FIG3, the third device involved in FIG4, the access network devices involved in FIG5, or the access network devices involved in FIG6, or the O-RAN system involved in FIG7 or modules in the O-RAN system (such as CU, DU, or RIC (specifically, Near-RT RIC and / or non-RT RIC) at least one of these).

[0162] Furthermore, the second device involved in the various embodiments of this application may be, for example, the second device involved in FIG4, the SMF or SF involved in FIG5, or the SMC or SMF involved in FIG6. Alternatively, if the first device is any terminal device involved in FIG1, any UE involved in FIG2, the UE involved in FIG3, the third device involved in FIG4, the terminal device involved in FIG5, or the terminal device involved in FIG6, then the second device may be any network device (such as a base station) involved in FIG1, any base station involved in FIG2, the network device involved in FIG3, the first device involved in FIG4, the access network device involved in FIG5, or the access network device involved in FIG6, or the O-RAN system or a module (such as CU or DU) in the O-RAN system involved in FIG7. Also, the positioning network element involved in the various embodiments of this application may be, for example, the LMF involved in FIG5, or may also be a positioning service center or a positioning server. As standards continue to evolve, the name and / or function of the device may change, which is not limited thereto.

[0163] Please refer to Figure 8, which is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. The steps involved in Figure 8 will be described below.

[0164] S801, the second device sends first information to the first device. Correspondingly, the first device receives the first information from the second device. The first information is carried in the first unit and indicates the representation method of the sensing data.

[0165] Perception data refers to data related to perception, including perception results and / or point cloud data based on perception measurements. Perception results are parameters obtained based on echo signal measurements, such as at least one of the following: target velocity, target position, signal energy (e.g., perception signal and / or echo signal), or signal delay (e.g., perception signal and / or echo signal). Point cloud data is obtained based on echo signal measurements and includes a collection of data for some or all points of the target. Point data may include, for example, point coordinates and / or point brightness (or intensity). The representation of perception data can be understood as the way the perception data is described, the form in which the data is processed (e.g., the form in which the data is transmitted or stored), or the way the data is expressed or presented.

[0166] Optionally, the representation method of the sensed data belongs to the configuration of the sensed data. Besides indicating the representation method, the first information may also indicate other configurations of the sensed data, such as at least one of the following: scanning frequency, scanning accuracy, timestamp, or compression configuration. No specific limitations are imposed on these. The scanning frequency indicates how often the sensed data is determined. Scanning accuracy indicates the precision with which the sensed data is determined. The timestamp indicates the time when the sensed data is determined or transmitted. Compression configuration refers to parameters for compressing the sensed data, such as the compression ratio.

[0167] The representation of perceived data includes, but is not limited to, the contents of A1 and / or A2 below.

[0168] A1. Type of Perceptual Data. The type of perceptual data can also be called the perceptual data type. A type is the geometry that describes the perceptual data. Types include at least one of the types shown in A1-1 to A1-5 below.

[0169] A1-1, Type 1, also known as Type 1 or Point Type, is not limited in its name. Type 1 refers to using points to describe perceptual data; specifically, it can be understood as using the geometric parameters of points to represent perceptual data. The geometric parameters of a point include, for example, the point itself.

[0170] A1-2, Type Two, also known as Type 2 or Edge Type, is not limited in its name. Type Two refers to using edges to describe the perceived data; specifically, it can be understood as using the geometric parameters of the edges to represent the perceived data. The geometric parameters of the edges include, for example, the endpoints of the points.

[0171] A1-3, the third type, also known as type 3 or face type, is not limited by name. The third type refers to using faces to describe perceptual data; specifically, it can be understood as using the geometric parameters of faces to represent perceptual data. A face is, for example, a two-dimensional plane, specifically a quadrilateral. Geometric parameters include the boundary points of the face and / or the functional expression of the face.

[0172] A1-4, the fourth type, also known as Type 4 or Polygon Type, is not limited by name. The fourth type refers to representing perceptual data using the geometric parameters of polygons. Specifically, it can be understood as representing perceptual data using the geometric parameters of polygons. Polygons include, for example, pentagons, hexagons, etc. The geometric parameters of a polygon include at least one of the following: vertices, sides, center point, length, width, or radius. For example, the geometric parameters of a polygon may include vertices, vertices and sides, center point, length and width, or center point and radius, etc.

[0173] A1-5, Type 5, also known as Type 5 or Polyhedral Type, is not limited in its name. Type 5 refers to representing perceptual data using the geometric parameters of a polyhedron. Specifically, it can be understood as representing perceptual data using the geometric parameters of a polyhedron, such as a cube or cylinder. The geometric parameters of the polyhedron include at least one of the following: vertex, center point, length, width, height, center point of the base, and radius.

[0174] The above are examples illustrating the types of sensory data. In reality, there may be many other types of sensory data, which are not specifically limited here.

[0175] A2. The form of perceived data, also known as the format or type of perceived data, refers to the way geometric parameters or the content of geometric parameters are represented when the type of perceived data is a target type (or a specific type). Target types include at least one of the following: Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, Type 4, or Type 5. In other words, there is a certain relationship between the form and type of perceived data. The forms of perceived data under different types are described below.

[0176] A2-1, if the type of perceived data (or the target type) includes the first type, then the form of the perceived data includes coordinate data. This coordinate data may include, for example, the coordinate values ​​of points in a coordinate system. The coordinate system may be one-dimensional, two-dimensional, or N-dimensional, where N is a positive integer greater than 2, such as 3 or 4. The coordinate system may include, for example, a rectangular coordinate system or a polar coordinate system (such as a spherical coordinate system). A rectangular coordinate system may include, for example, a Cartesian coordinate system. Optionally, the coordinate data may also include the value of at least one piece of data included in the perceived data, which can also be described as the attribute value of that at least one piece of data. For example, the coordinate data may also include the energy value of the signal and / or the signal delay, etc.

[0177] Please refer to Table 1 below for an example of the content of a first type and the corresponding form of perception data provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0178] Table 1

[0179] As shown in Table 1 above, when the type of perceived data is Type I, the form of perceived data can be coordinate values ​​in a two-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system, such as (x, y), or coordinate values ​​in a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system, such as (x, y, z). The form of perceived data can be coordinate values ​​in polar coordinates, such as (θ, ψ, r). The form of perceived data can be coordinate values ​​in a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system plus the energy value of the signal, such as (x, y, z, the energy value of the signal). The form of perceived data can be coordinate values ​​in a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system plus the time delay value of the signal, such as (x, y, z, the time delay value of the signal). The form of perceived data can be coordinate values ​​in a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system, the energy value of the signal, and the time delay value of the signal, such as (x, y, z, the energy value of the signal, the time delay value of the signal).

[0180] A2-2. If the type of perceived data (or the target type) includes a second type, then the form of the perceived data includes the geometric parameters of the edges, such as the endpoints of the edges. Specifically, the form of the perceived data may include a vector expression composed of the two endpoints of the edges, or the coordinate values ​​of the two endpoints of the edges in the coordinate system, or the indices of the two endpoints of the edges in a first set of points. The first set of points may be configured or indicated to the first device by the second device, or it may be pre-configured or predefined in the first device, or it may be determined through negotiation between the first device and the second device; there is no limitation on this. In this case, the first information indicating the form of the perceived data may, for example, include the first set of points and the indices of the endpoints of the shapes in the first set of points.

[0181] Please refer to Figure 9, which is a schematic diagram of the form of perception data corresponding to different types of perception data provided in the embodiments of this application. As shown in Figure 9 (1), the type of perception data is the second type. The endpoints of the edge corresponding to the second type include the two endpoints v1 and v2. Therefore, the form of perception data may include the coordinate values ​​of the two endpoints v1 and v2 respectively.

[0182] A2-3. If the type of perceived data (or the target type) includes the third type, then the form of the perceived data includes the geometric parameters of the surface, such as the boundary points of the surface. Specifically, the form of the perceived data includes the vector expression of the surface including each boundary point, or the coordinate values ​​of each boundary point in the coordinate system. Alternatively, the form of the perceived data includes the parameters in the function expression of the surface. For example, in the function expression of the surface A*x+B*y+C*z+D=0, "*" represents a product, and ABCD are the parameters in the function expression of the surface.

[0183] Referring to Figure 9(2), the type of the sensing data is the third type. The boundary points of the surface corresponding to the third type include four boundary points: v1, v2, v3 and v4. Therefore, the form of the sensing data can include the coordinate values ​​of these four boundary points respectively.

[0184] A2-4. If the type of perceived data (or the target type) includes a fourth type, then the form of the perceived data includes the geometric parameters of the polygon, such as the vertices and edges of the polygon, or specifically, the coordinate values ​​of the vertices of the polygon, or the indices of the vertices of the polygon in the second point set. The second point set can be the same as the first point set mentioned above, or it can be different; there is no limitation in this regard. The content of the second point set can refer to the content of the first point set discussed in A2-2. The second point set can be configured or indicated to the first device by the second device, or it can be pre-configured or pre-defined in the first device, or it can be determined through negotiation between the first device and the second device; there is no limitation in this regard. In this case, the form of the first information indicating the perceived data can be, for example, the first information including the second point set, and the indices of the vertices of the polygon in the second point set.

[0185] For example, if the geometric parameters of a polygon include its center point, length, and width, then the perceptual data could specifically be the coordinates of the polygon's center point, the length value, and the width value, or the index of the polygon's center point in a second set of points, along with the length and width values. Or, for another example, if the geometric parameters of a polygon include its center point and radius, then the perceptual data could specifically be the coordinates of the polygon's center point and the radius value, or the index of the polygon's center point in a second set of points, along with the radius value.

[0186] Referring to Figure 9 (3), the type of the perceptual data is the fourth type. The vertices of the polygon corresponding to the third type include v1, and the edges of the polygon include v1v2, v2v3, v1v3, v3v4 and v1v4. Therefore, the form of the perceptual data can include the coordinate value of the vertex v1, and the coordinate values ​​of the boundary points included by the edges corresponding to v1v2, v2v3, v1v3, v3v4 and v1v4 respectively.

[0187] A2-5. If the type of perceptual data (or the target type) includes the fifth type, then the form of the perceptual data includes the geometric parameters of the polyhedron, such as the vertices of the polyhedron, the center point, length, width, and height of the polyhedron, or the center point, radius, and height of the base of the polyhedron. Specifically, the form of the perceptual data includes the coordinate values ​​of the vertices of the polyhedron, the coordinate values ​​of the center point of the polyhedron, and the values ​​of the length, width, and height, or the coordinate values ​​of the center point of the base of the polyhedron, and the values ​​of the radius and height.

[0188] Referring to Figure 9 (4), the polyhedron is a cuboid. The form of the perceptual data can be, for example, a set of coordinate values ​​of the vertices of the cuboid, such as the coordinates of the eight points v1, v2, v3, v4, v5, v6, v7 and v8. Alternatively, the form of the perceptual data can be the values ​​of the center point c1, length p, width w and height h of the cuboid.

[0189] Referring to Figure 9 (5), the polyhedron is a cylinder. The form of the sensing data can be the coordinates of the center point c2 of the bottom surface of the cylinder, the radius r, and the height h.

[0190] The above are examples illustrating the forms of sensory data. In reality, there may be many other forms of sensory data, which are not specifically limited here.

[0191] Please refer to Example 1-1 below for an example of a sensing data configuration provided in this application. SensingDataConfig ::= Sequence { Sensing data type integer (optional), Sensing data format integer (optional), ScanningFrequency integer (optional), Timestamp integer (optional), CompressionConfiguration integer (optional)...}. In the various embodiments of this application, "A ::= B" indicates that B is the result of expanding the content of A. As shown in Example 1-1, the first information indicates the sensing data configuration, the sensing data type represented by integers, the sensing data format represented by integers, the scan frequency represented by integers, the timestamp represented by integers, and the compression configuration, etc., which is equivalent to the first information indicating the index of the sensing data type and / or format.

[0192] Please refer to Examples 1-2 below for an example of a sensing data configuration provided in this application embodiment. Sensing Data Configuration (SensingDataConfig): := Sequence (SEQUENCE) {point (octetSTRING) optional, cube (octetSTRING) optional, scanning frequency (integer) optional, timestamp (integer) optional, compression configuration (compressionConfiguration) optional ...}. As shown in Examples 1-2, the first information indicates the sensing data configuration. The optional sensing data configuration includes points represented by octet strings, cubes represented by octet strings, scanning frequencies represented by integers, timestamps represented by integers, and compression configurations, etc., which means the first information can indicate the specific type and / or form of the sensing data.

[0193] The first information indicates the representation method of the sensed data. For example, the first information might include an identifier for the type of sensed data and / or an identifier for the form of sensed data, essentially indicating the representation method. The identifier for the type of sensed data and / or the identifier for the form of sensed data can be pre-configured or pre-defined, such as being pre-defined by a protocol, determined through negotiation between the second and first devices, or indicated by the second device to the first device; no specific limitation is made in this regard. The identifier can also be called a number or sequence number, etc. For example, the identifiers for the first to fifth types are: 000, 001, 011, 111, and 110, respectively. If the first information includes 110, it indicates that the first information indicates that the sensed data is represented using the geometric parameters of a polyhedron.

[0194] For example, the first device and the second device negotiate multiple types of indexes and / or multiple forms of indexes for the sensed data; or the first device obtains multiple types of indexes and / or multiple forms of indexes for the sensed data from the second device; or the first device pre-configures or pre-defines multiple types of indexes and / or multiple forms of indexes for the sensed data. In this case, the first information indicates the representation of the sensed data; for example, the first information includes indexes of the types of sensed data and / or indexes of the forms of sensed data.

[0195] The first information is carried in the first unit, or in other words, the first unit carries the first information. The implementation of the first unit can refer to the content of the units discussed above; repetitions will not be listed here. In the embodiments of this application, the first unit can be information specifically used to carry the representation of the sensing data, or it can be a sub-unit added to an existing unit, etc., without specific limitations. The first unit can, for example, be a sensing data configuration message, a sensing data configuration information element, a sensing data configuration field, or a sensing data configuration container, etc.

[0196] The first information can be carried in the first unit of the first message. The first message can be, for example, a non-access stratum (NAS) message, a radio resource control (RRC) message, or a MAC message. A NAS message is a message transmitted through the NAS layer, and an RRC message is a message transmitted through the RRC layer. The first message can also be any message other than a NAS message or an RRC message; there is no specific limitation on this. For example, if the first device is a terminal device or an access network device, and the second device is an SMF (Software-Defined Network), then the first message can be a NAS message. Or, for example, if the first device is a terminal device and the second device is an access network device, then the first message can be an RRC message.

[0197] Optionally, the first unit may include at least one sub-unit, which is used to carry (or transmit) at least one type of information in the first information. For example, the first unit includes a first sub-unit and a second sub-unit, whereby the first sub-unit carries information about the type of the perceived data included in the first information, and the second sub-unit carries information about the form of the perceived data included in the first information.

[0198] In one possible implementation, the first unit can be related to the second unit. For example, the first unit and the second unit are two units at the same level. The content of the second unit is described below with examples.

[0199] B1, the second unit, is dedicated to carrying configuration information for positioning data. This configuration information indicates the configuration of the positioning data. Positioning data may include, for example, the device's location or the measurement results of a positioning reference signal. The configuration of the positioning data may include at least one of the following: reporting frequency, scanning frequency, scanning accuracy, or timestamp. Positioning data refers to positioning-related data obtained by measuring the positioning reference signal; for example, positioning data may be the location of a first or third device. In this case, the second unit can be a unit within a NAS message. The implementation of the second unit under B1 is described below.

[0200] B1-1, the second unit is a Provide Assistance Data element, a Provide Assistance Data message, a Provide Assistance Data container, or a Provide Assistance Data field. Optionally, the Provide Assistance Data element, Provide Assistance Data message, Provide Assistance Data container, or Provide Assistance Data field can belong to the Long Term Evolution Positioning Protocol (LPP) or LPPa protocol. This is applicable when the first device is a terminal device and the second device is an SMF.

[0201] B1-2, the second unit is a Measurement Request element, Measurement Request message, Measurement Request container, or Measurement Request field. Optionally, the Measurement Request element, Measurement Request message, Measurement Request container, or Measurement Request field can belong to the New Radio Positioning Protocol (NRPP) or the NRPPa protocol. This is applicable when the first device is an access network device and the second device is an SMF.

[0202] B2. The second unit carries RRC configuration information. This RRC configuration information is used for things like RRC connection or RRC reconnection.

[0203] For example, the second unit may be a download link dedicated message segment (RRC-dedicated message segment) or an RRC reconfiguration message. Optionally, the RRC-dedicated message segment or RRC reconfiguration message may be carried within an RRC message. In this case, the second unit can be a unit within the RRC message. This is applicable when the first device is a terminal device and the second device is an access network device.

[0204] The first unit and the second unit being at the same level can include situations as shown in C1 or C2 below.

[0205] C1, the first unit and the second unit are two independent units in the first message. Please refer to Figure 10, which is a schematic diagram of the relationship between the first unit and the second unit provided in the embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 10 (1), the first unit and the second unit are two independent units in the NAS message.

[0206] Please refer to Example 2 below, which is an example of the fourth unit provided in the embodiments of this application. Measurement NRPPA elementary procedure: := {INTIATING MESSAGE > Measurement Request > SensingDataConfig > SensingDataConfig}. As shown in Example 2, the first unit is SensingDataConfig, and the second unit is Measurement Request; these two units are two parallel units in the NAS message.

[0207] C2. The first unit and the second unit are two sub-units of the fourth unit in the first message. As shown in Figure 10 (2), the first unit and the second unit are both sub-units of the fourth unit in the NAS message. The fourth unit is, for example, an LPP message, an NRPP message, an RRC message, a Provide Assistance Data message, or a Provide Assistance Data message, etc.

[0208] Please refer to Example 3 below, which is an example of the fourth unit provided in the embodiments of this application. LPP message body::= choice{C1 choice{requestCapabilities, provideCapabilities, requestAssistanceData, provideAssistanceData, senseDataConfig, requestLocationInformation, provideLocationInformation, senseData}, messageClassExtension sequence{}}. As shown in Example 3, the fourth unit is an LPP message. The fourth unit includes the first unit, such as SensingDataConfig, and the second unit, such as ProvideAssistanceData, as well as other information elements.

[0209] Please refer to Example 4 below, which is an example of the fourth unit provided in the embodiments of this application. LPP message body::= choice{C1 choice{requestCapabilities, provideCapabilities, requestAssistanceData, provideAssistanceData, senseDataConfig, requestLocationInformation, provideLocationInformation, senseData}, messageClassExtension sequence{}}. As shown in Example 4, the fourth unit is an LPP message. The fourth unit includes the first unit, such as SensingDataConfig, and the second unit, such as ProvideAssistanceData, as well as other information elements.

[0210] In another possible implementation, the first unit can be related to the third unit. For example, the first unit may be a sub-unit of the third unit, meaning the first unit is nested within the third unit. Thus, the third unit essentially carries the first information. Optionally, the third unit may also carry configuration information for the positioning data or RRC configuration information. The content of the third unit can refer to the content of the second unit mentioned earlier; repetitions will not be listed again.

[0211] Please refer to Example 5 below, which is an example of the third unit provided in the embodiments of this application. Provide Assistance Data: :=SEQUENCE){criticalExtensionsCHOICEC1CHOICE{Version 9 Provide Assistance Data-r9Version 9 Provide Assistance Data Information Elements, spare3 NULL, spare2 NULL, spare1 NULL}, criticalExtensionsfuture Sequence{}}}. Version 9 provides auxiliary data elements (provideAssistanceData-r9-IEs) ::= Sequence {commonIEsProvideAssistanceData CommonIEsProvideAssistanceData Optional OPTIONAL, GNSS Provided AssistanceData a-GNSS-ProvideAssistanceData Optional OPTIONAL, SensingDataConfig SensingDataConfig Optional OPTIONAL...}. In Example 5, the third unit is the version 9 provided auxiliary data elements (provideAssistanceData-r9-IEs), and the first unit is the SensingDataConfig field. The first unit is embedded in the third unit.

[0212] Please refer to Example 6 below, which is an example of the third unit provided in the embodiments of this application. Measurement Request ::= Sequence {protocolIEs protocolIEs container {{measurementRequest-IEs}}, ...}. Wherein, Measurement Request-IEs NRPPA Protocol IEs ::= {SensingDataConfig optional OPTIONAL, ...}. As shown in Example 6, the third unit can be measurement request-IEs, and the first unit is the SensingDataConfig field, which is embedded in the third unit.

[0213] S802, the first device sends first sensing data to the second device. Correspondingly, the second device receives the first sensing data from the first device. The configuration of the first sensing data is the same as the configuration of the sensing data indicated by the first information. The representation of the first sensing data is the same as the representation of the sensing data indicated by the first information.

[0214] The first device can directly send the first sensing data to the second device, or the second device can send the first sensing data to the second device through other devices (such as a third device), without specific limitations. The first device can send the first sensing data based on the first information after receiving it. Alternatively, the first device can send multiple sensing data sets after receiving the first information, according to the representation of sensing data indicated by the first information, where the first sensing data is one of the multiple sent sensing data sets. This also means that the time between the first device receiving the first information and sending the first sensing data can be very short or very long, without specific limitations.

[0215] The first device determines the first sensing data. The first sensing data may be obtained by the first device after scanning or measuring the echo signal; the method of determining the first sensing data is not specifically limited. The echo signal may be the echo signal corresponding to the sensing signal sent by the first device, or it may be the echo signal corresponding to the sensing signal sent by the third device; there is no specific limitation in this regard.

[0216] Since the first device receives the first information, it can represent the first perceived data according to the representation method of perceived data, making the representation method of the first perceived data the representation method indicated by the first information. This is equivalent to the representation method of the perceived data reported by the first device being the representation method required by the second device. The content of the representation method of the first perceived data can refer to the representation methods of perceived data discussed above, and repeated examples will not be listed. For example, the first perceived data includes point cloud data of the target, which can be represented according to the types and forms of perceived data discussed above.

[0217] Please refer to Example 7 below for an example description of the first sensing data in this application embodiment. Sensing Data::= Sequence {point (point) Optional, polygon (polygon) Optional, face (face) Optional, edge (edge) Optional, cube (cube) Optional, cylinder (cylinder) Optional, ...}. Wherein, point::= Selection {cartesian Coordinate Point (cartesian Coordinate Point), spherical Coordinate Point (spherical Coordinate Point), ...}. The type of the first sensing data in Example 7 includes at least one type such as point, polygon, face, edge, cube, or cylinder.

[0218] Wherein, the Cartesian Coordinate Point (cartesianCoodinate Point) is the Cartesian Coordinate Point of the sequence (SEQUENCE) (size (0…8388607)). The Cartesian Coordinate Point (cartesianCoodinate Point) is the sequence (SEQUENCE) {x integer (-838868…8388607), 24 bit field; y integer (-838868…8388607), 24 bit field; z integer (-838868…8388607), 24 bit field}.

[0219] Wherein, polygon (polygon) ::= sequence (SEQUENCE)(size (0…8388607)) of polygon (polygon). polygon (polygon) ::= sequence (SEQUENCE){v1 integer (0…8388607), 23 bit field, v2 integer (-0…8388607), 23 bit field, v3 integer (0…8388607), 23 bit field}.

[0220] Where, edge(dege) ::= the edge(dege) of sequence(SEQUENCE)(size(0…8388607)). Edge(deges) ::= sequence(SEQUENCE){v1 integer(-8388608…8388607), 24 bit field, v2 integer(-8388608…8388607), 24 bit field}.

[0221] Where, face ::= CHOICE {boundaryPointFace, parameterFace, ...}. The parameter of the face is the parameter in the function expression of the face. boundaryPointFace ::= sequence (size (0…8388607)) of the boundary points of the face. boundaryPointFace ::= sequence (SEQUENCE) {v1 integer (-8388608…8388607), 24 bit field, v2 integer (-8388608…8388607), 24 bit field, v3 integer (-8388608…8388607), 24 bit field, ...}.

[0222] Where, cube::=CHOICE{cube vertices(boundaryPointCube)}, cube center range(centerRangeCube)}, cube center range(centerRangeCube)}...}. cube center range(centerRangeCube)::=SEQUENCE{(size)(0…8388607)of)cube centerRangeCube}. cube center range(centerRangeCube)::=SEQUENCE{x-coordinate value(c_x) of center point (integer)(-8388608…8388607) 24-bit field, y-coordinate value(c_y) of center point (integer)...}. ger)(-8388608…8388607) 24 bit fields, center point z coordinate value (c_z) integer (-8388608…8388607) 24 bit fields, length (p) integer (-8388608…8388607) 23 bit fields, width (w) integer (-8388608…8388607) 23 bit fields, height (h) integer (-8388608…8388607) 23 bit fields}.

[0223] Where, cylinder (cylinder) ::= sequence (SEQUENCE) (size (size) (0…8388607) of cylinders (cylinders). cylinder (cylinders) ::= sequence (SEQUENCE) { x-coordinate value of center point (c_x) integer (-8388608…8388607) 24 bit field, y-coordinate value of center point (c_y) integer (i nteger)(-8388608…8388607) 24 bit field, z-coordinate of the center point (c_z) integer (-8388608…8388607) 24 bit field, radius (r) integer (-8388608…8388607) 23 bit field, height (h) integer (-8388608…8388607) 23 bit field, …}.

[0224] The above illustrates the forms of the first sensing data under different types of first sensing data, as well as the values ​​of the corresponding geometric parameters.

[0225] Please refer to Example 8 below for an example of the first sensing data in this application embodiment. Sensing Data::= Sequence {point (point) optional, polygon (polygon) optional, face (face) optional, cube (cube) optional}. The contents of the points, polygons, faces, and cubes can be referred to as those in Example 7, and repetitions will not be listed again. The type of the first sensing data in Example 8 includes at least one type such as point, polygon, face, or cube.

[0226] Optionally, the first sensing data can be carried in the fifth unit, for example, the fifth unit can be a unit in the second message. The second message can be, for example, an RRC message or a NAS message. The implementation of the fifth unit can refer to the implementation of the units discussed above, and repeated details will not be listed again.

[0227] In one possible design, the fifth and sixth units are two units at the same level. The sixth unit is a unit within the second message. The sixth unit can carry location data; for example, it can be a ProvideLocationInformation, a ProvideLocationInformation field, a ProvideLocationInformation container, a ProvideLocationInformation cell, a MeasurementResult message, a MeasurementResult cell, a MeasurementResult container, or a MeasurementResult field, etc. Alternatively, the sixth unit can carry uplink data; for example, it can be a unit within an RRC message, such as an Uplink Dedicated Message Segment or a MeasurementReportAPPLayer, etc.

[0228] Unit 5 and Unit 6 are two units at the same level. For example, Unit 5 and Unit 6 are two independent units in the second message. Alternatively, Unit 5 and Unit 6 are two sub-units in a certain unit (e.g., Unit 8) in the second message.

[0229] Please refer to Example 9 below for an example of a fifth unit provided in an embodiment of this application. Transmitter / Receiver Point (TRP) - Measurement Response item::= Sequence { Transmitter / Receiver Point Identifier (TRP-ID) Transmitter / Receiver Point Identifier (TRP-ID), Measurement Result (MeasurementResult) Transmitter / Receiver Point Measurement Result (TrpMeasurementResult) Optional (OPTIONAL), Sensing Data (sensingData) Sensing Data (sensingData) Optional (OPTIONAL), ...}. In Example 9, the fifth unit is sensing data (sensingData), and the sixth unit is the measurement result (MeasurementResult), and the fifth and sixth units are two independent units in the second message. The measurement result (MeasurementResult) may, for example, include the transmitter / receiver point measurement result (TrpMeasurementResult).

[0230] In another possible design, the fifth unit is a sub-unit of the seventh unit, which is also used to carry positioning data or uplink data. The contents of the seventh unit can be referred to the contents of the sixth unit mentioned above, and will not be listed here.

[0231] Please refer to Example 10 below, which is an example of the fifth unit provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0232] Provide Location Information (or provide location data): := Sequence { criticalExtensions CHOICE c1 CHOICE { version 9 provides Location Information -r9 version 9 provides Location Information -r9, spare3 NULL, spare2 NULL, spare1 NULL}, criticalExtensionsfuture Sequence {}}}. Version 9 provides location information (provideLocationInformation-r9): := Sequence (SEQUENCE) {commonIEsProvideLocationInformation CommonIEsProvideLocationInformation Optional (OPTIONAL), a-GNSS Provided Location Information a-GNSS Provided Location Information Optional (OPTIONAL), Sensing Data Sensing Data Optional (OPTIONAL) ...}. In Example 10, the seventh unit is the LPP Location Protocol Information (ProvideLocationInformation) message, and the fifth unit is the Sensing Data field, which is embedded within the seventh unit.

[0233] Please refer to Example 11 below, which is an example of the fifth unit provided in the embodiments of this application. Transmit / Receive Point Measurement Result (TrpMeasurementResult)::= Sequence (SEQUENCE)(size)(1…maxnoPOSmeas) of) Transmit / Receive Point Measurement Result (TrpMeasurementResult). Transmit / Receive Point Measurement Result (TrpMeasurementResult)::= Sequence (SEQUENCE){MeasuredResultsValue)Transmit / Receive Point Measurement Result Value (TrpMeasuredResultsValue), Timestamp (timeStamp), Timestamp (timeStamp), Sensing Data (sensingData)Optional (OPTIONAL), …}. In Example 11, the fifth unit is the sensing data (sensingData), and the seventh unit is the transmit / receive point measurement result (TrpMeasurementResult). The fifth unit is set in the seventh unit. In addition to sensing data, the transmit / receive point measurement result may also include timestamps and transmit / receive point measurement result values, etc.

[0234] This application provides a mechanism for reporting sensing data. Furthermore, it enables the reporting of sensing data based on the indicated representation method, resulting in higher accuracy. Further, when the first information is carried in a NAS message, RRC message, or MAC message, and the first sensing data is carried in a NAS message, RRC message, or MAC message; or when the first device is a terminal device or access network device, and the second device is an SMF or LMF; or when the first device is a terminal device and the second device is an access network device, then the solution provided in this application can be considered to be implemented within a sensing framework or positioning framework. This avoids excessively increasing the number of information interactions in the communication system and the network elements in the communication system, resulting in minimal modifications, low implementation cost, better standardization, and better applicability.

[0235] The following describes the communication methods under different implementations of the first and second devices, with reference to Figures 11 to 14.

[0236] Figure 11 illustrates a communication method when the first device is a UE and the second device is an SMF.

[0237] S1101, the SMF sends the first information to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives the first information from the SMF. The content of the first information can be found in the description of the first information in Figure 8. Optionally, the first information can be carried in the first unit of the first message, and the first message can be a message transmitted using the LPP or LPPA protocol. The first message is, for example, a NAS message.

[0238] Optionally, the first unit and the second unit can be two units within the first message, or the first unit can be located within the third unit. In this case, the contents of the first message, the second unit, and the third unit can refer to the contents of the first message, the second unit, or the third unit as described above, respectively. In this case, the second unit or the third unit may be, for example, providing auxiliary information.

[0239] S1102, the UE sends the first sensing data to the SMF. Correspondingly, the SMF receives the first sensing data from the UE.

[0240] For example, the UE sends a sensing signal and measures the echo signal after the sensing signal has been processed by the target (e.g., reflection, refraction, or diffraction) to obtain the first sensing data. Alternatively, the base station sends a sensing signal, and the UE measures the echo signal after the sensing signal has been processed by the target (e.g., reflection, refraction, or diffraction) to obtain the first sensing data. Another example is that a different UE sends a sensing signal, and the UE measures the echo signal after the sensing signal has been processed by the target (e.g., reflection, refraction, or diffraction) to obtain the first sensing data; this is not limited.

[0241] The content of the first sensing data can be referred to in Figure 8. Optionally, the first sensing data can be carried in the fifth unit of the second message, which can be a message transmitted using the LPP or LPPA protocol. The second message is, for example, a NAS message.

[0242] Optionally, the fifth and sixth units can be two units in the second message, or the fifth unit can be set in the seventh unit. In this case, the contents of the sixth and seventh units can refer to the contents of the sixth and seventh units discussed above, respectively. In this case, the sixth or seventh unit may be, for example, providing location information (or data).

[0243] Figure 12 illustrates a communication method when the first device is a base station and the second device is an SMF.

[0244] S1201, the SMF sends the first information to the base station. Correspondingly, the base station receives the first information from the SMF. The content of the first information can be found in the description of the first information in Figure 8. Optionally, the first information can be carried in the first unit of the first message, which can be a message transmitted using the NRPP or NRPPA protocol. For example, the first message is a NAS message.

[0245] Optionally, the first unit and the second unit can be two units in the first message, or the first unit can be set in the third unit. In this case, the contents of the first message, the second unit, and the third unit can refer to the contents of the first message, the second unit, or the third unit discussed above, respectively. In this case, the second unit or the third unit is, for example, a measurement request.

[0246] S1202, The base station sends the first sensing data to the SMF. Correspondingly, the base station receives the first sensing data from the UE.

[0247] For example, the base station sends a sensing signal and measures the echo signal after the sensing signal has been processed by the target (e.g., reflection, refraction, or diffraction) to obtain the first sensing data. Alternatively, the UE sends a sensing signal, and the base station measures the echo signal after the sensing signal has been processed by the target (e.g., reflection, refraction, or diffraction) to obtain the first sensing data. Another example is when a different base station sends a sensing signal, and the base station measures the echo signal after the sensing signal has been processed by the target (e.g., reflection, refraction, or diffraction) to obtain the first sensing data; this is not limited.

[0248] The content of the first sensing data can be referred to in Figure 8. Optionally, the first sensing data can be carried in the fifth unit of the second message, which can be a message transmitted using the NRPP or NRPPA protocol. The second message is, for example, a NAS message.

[0249] Optionally, the fifth and sixth units can be two units in the second message, or the fifth unit can be set in the seventh unit. In this case, the contents of the sixth and seventh units can refer to the contents of the sixth and seventh units discussed above, respectively. In this case, the sixth or seventh unit is, for example, a measurement response.

[0250] Figure 13 illustrates a communication method when the first device is a UE and the second device is a base station.

[0251] S1301, The base station sends first information to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives the first information from the base station. The content of the first information can be referred to in Figure 8. Optionally, the first information can be carried in the first unit of the first message, which is, for example, an RRC message. For instance, the first unit could be a downlink dedicated message field or an RRC reconfiguration message within an RRC message.

[0252] Optionally, the first unit and the second unit can be two units within the first message. Alternatively, the first unit can be located within the third unit. In this case, the contents of the first message, the second unit, and the third unit can refer to the contents of the first message, the second unit, or the third unit as described above, respectively. In this case, the second unit or the third unit can be, for example, a message, field, cell, or container within an RRC message.

[0253] S1302, the UE sends the first sensing data to the base station. Correspondingly, the base station receives the first sensing data from the UE.

[0254] For example, the UE sends a sensing signal and measures the echo signal after the sensing signal has been processed by the target (e.g., reflection, refraction, or diffraction) to obtain the first sensing data. Alternatively, the base station sends a sensing signal, and the UE measures the echo signal after the sensing signal has been processed by the target (e.g., reflection, refraction, or diffraction) to obtain the first sensing data. Another example is that a different UE sends a sensing signal, and the UE measures the echo signal after the sensing signal has been processed by the target (e.g., reflection, refraction, or diffraction) to obtain the first sensing data; this is not limited.

[0255] The content of the first sensing data can be referred to in Figure 8. Optionally, the first sensing data can be carried in the fifth unit of the second message, such as an RRC message.

[0256] Optionally, the fifth and sixth units can be two units within the second message, or the fifth unit can be located within the seventh unit. In this case, the contents of the sixth and seventh units can refer to the contents of the sixth and seventh units discussed above, respectively. In this case, the sixth or seventh unit can be, for example, a message, field, cell, or container within an RRC message.

[0257] Figure 14 illustrates a communication method when the first device is a UE and the second device is an SMF. Unlike Figure 11, in the embodiment shown in Figure 14, the base station needs to process and forward messages from the UE or SMF, rather than simply forwarding them transparently.

[0258] S1401, the SMF sends a sensing data request to the base station. Correspondingly, the base station receives the sensing data request from the SMF. This sensing data request requests sensing data and indicates the representation of the sensing data. The sensing data request can be sent via NRPPA. The sensing data request can be carried in a NAS message.

[0259] S1402, the base station sends first information to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives the first information from the base station. The content of the first information can be found in the description of the first information in Figure 8. Optionally, the first information can be carried in the first unit of a first message, such as an RRC message.

[0260] Optionally, the first and second units can be two units within a second message, or the first unit can be set within a third unit. In this case, the contents of the second and third units can refer to the contents of the second or third unit discussed above, respectively. In this case, the second or third unit can be, for example, a message, field, cell, or container in an RRC message.

[0261] S1403, The base station sends a response message to the SMF. Correspondingly, the SMF receives the response message from the base station. This response message indicates that the base station has received the sensing data request. The response message can be sent via NRPPA. The response message can be carried in a NAS message.

[0262] S1403 can be executed after S1401 or after S1402. S1403 is an optional step, which is shown as a dashed line in Figure 14.

[0263] S1404, the UE sends the first sensing data to the SMF. Correspondingly, the SMF receives the first sensing data from the UE.

[0264] For example, the UE sends a sensing signal and measures the echo signal after the sensing signal has been processed by the target (e.g., reflection, refraction, or diffraction) to obtain the first sensing data. Alternatively, the base station sends a sensing signal, and the UE measures the echo signal after the sensing signal has been processed by the target (e.g., reflection, refraction, or diffraction) to obtain the first sensing data. Another example is that a different UE sends a sensing signal, and the UE measures the echo signal after the sensing signal has been processed by the target (e.g., reflection, refraction, or diffraction) to obtain the first sensing data; this is not limited.

[0265] The content of the first sensing data can be referred to in Figure 8. Optionally, the first sensing data can be carried in the fifth unit of the second message, which can be a message transmitted using the LPP or LPPA protocol. The second message is, for example, a NAS message.

[0266] Optionally, the fifth and sixth units can be two units in the second message, or the fifth unit can be set in the seventh unit. In this case, the contents of the sixth and seventh units can refer to the contents of the sixth and seventh units discussed above, respectively. In this case, the sixth or seventh unit may be, for example, providing location information (or data).

[0267] Based on the same inventive concept, this application provides a communication device. The following describes any of the communication devices illustrated in Figures 15 to 17. This communication device may be, for example, the first or second device discussed above, or a module within these devices; no specific limitation is made thereto.

[0268] As shown in Figure 15, the communication device 1500 may include modules or units for implementing the methods described in the embodiments above. In one possible design, the communication device 1500 includes a processing unit 1510 and a communication unit 1520. The communication unit 1520 is used to perform transmit and receive operations, such as functions related to sending and receiving; the communication unit 1520 may be referred to as a transceiver unit; optionally, the communication unit 1520 includes a receiving unit and a transmitting unit. The processing unit 1510 is used to perform processing operations. Alternatively, the communication unit 1520 may be a transmitter and a receiver, or a transmitter and a receiver. Optionally, the communication device 1500 may also include a storage unit 1530. The storage unit 1530 is used to store the device's program code or data. The storage unit 1530 is indicated by a dashed box in Figure 15 as an optional unit.

[0269] In the first embodiment, the communication device 1500 can be the first device in the method embodiment shown in FIG8 above, the module in the first device (such as a communication module, circuit or chip), or the device that implements the function of the first device. It can be the UE in the method embodiment shown in FIG11, FIG13 or FIG14, the module in the UE (such as a communication module, circuit or chip), or the device that implements the function of the UE. It can also be the base station in the method embodiment shown in FIG12, the module in the base station (such as a communication module, circuit or chip), or the device that implements the function of the base station.

[0270] In the above embodiment, the communication unit 1520 is used to send first information and receive first sensed data. Optionally, the processing unit 1510 is used to parse the first sensed data.

[0271] The communication device 1500 can also implement other steps performed by the first device in the method embodiment shown in FIG8 above, the UE in the method embodiment shown in FIG11, FIG13 or FIG14, or the base station in the method embodiment shown in FIG14, which will not be listed one by one here.

[0272] In the second embodiment, the communication device 1500 can be the second device in the method embodiment shown in FIG8 above, the module in the second device (such as a communication module, circuit or chip), or the device that implements the function of the second device. It can be the base station in the method embodiment shown in FIG13, the module in the base station (such as a communication module, circuit or chip), or the device that implements the function of the base station. Alternatively, it can be the SMF in the method embodiment shown in FIG11, FIG12 or FIG14, the module in the SMF (such as a communication module, circuit or chip), or the device that implements the function of the SMF.

[0273] In the above embodiment, the communication unit 1520 is used to receive first information and transmit first sensing data. Optionally, the processing unit 1510 is used to measure the echo signal to obtain the first sensing data.

[0274] The communication device 1500 can also implement the second device in the method embodiment shown in FIG8 above, the SMF in the method embodiment shown in FIG11, FIG12 or FIG14, or other steps performed by the base station in the method embodiment shown in FIG13, which will not be listed here one by one.

[0275] In one possible design, when the communication device 1500 is a terminal device, a communication module within a terminal device, an access network device, or a communication module within an access network device, the function of the processing unit 1510 can be implemented by one or more processors. Specifically, the processor may include a modem chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core. The function of the communication unit 1520 can be implemented by transceiver circuitry.

[0276] In one possible design, when the communication device 1500 is a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions in a terminal device, or a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions in an access network device, such as a modem chip or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip or SIP chip containing a modem core, the function of the processing unit 1510 can be implemented by a circuit system in the aforementioned chip that includes one or more processors or processor cores. The function of the communication unit 1520 can be implemented by the interface circuit or data transceiver circuit on the aforementioned chip.

[0277] It is understood that the division of units in the above-described device is merely a logical functional division. Each function can correspond to a functional unit, or two or more functions can be integrated into one functional unit. In actual implementation, all or some units can be integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be distributed across different physical entities. Furthermore, the aforementioned functional units can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both. Whether a function is executed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0278] In one example, the functional unit in any of the above devices may be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the above methods, such as: one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more microcontroller units (MCUs), one or more DSPs, or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or a combination of at least two of these integrated circuit forms.

[0279] In one example, storage unit 1530 may include random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory or electrically erasable programmable memory and / or registers, etc.

[0280] The communication device shown in Figure 16 will now be described. As shown in Figure 16, the communication device 1600 includes a processor 1610. Optionally, the communication device 1600 also includes an interface circuit 1620 and a memory 1630. The processor 1610 and the interface circuit 1620 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the interface circuit 1620 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. The memory 1630 is used to store instructions executed by the processor 1610, or to store input data required by the processor 1610 to execute instructions, or to store data generated after the processor 1610 executes instructions. The interface circuit 1620 and the memory 1630 are optional modules and are shown in Figure 16 with dashed boxes. In addition, Figure 16 shows an example with one processor 1610 and one memory 1630, but the number of processors 1610 and memory 1630 is not actually limited.

[0281] The communication device 1600 is used to implement other steps performed by the first device in the method embodiments shown in Figures 8, 11, 12, 13, or 14 above, which will not be listed one by one here. Optionally, the processor 1610 is used to implement the functions of the processing unit 1510 described above, and the interface circuit 1620 is used to implement the functions of the communication unit 1520 described above.

[0282] For example, the communication device 1600 can be used to implement the functions of the first device involved in the method embodiment shown in FIG8, the functions of the UE in the method embodiments shown in FIG11, FIG13 or FIG14, or the functions of the base station in the method embodiment shown in FIG12.

[0283] The communication device 1600 is used to implement other steps performed by the second device in the method embodiments shown in Figures 8, 11, 12, 13 or 14 above, which will not be listed one by one here. Optionally, the processor 1610 is used to implement the functions of the processing unit 1510, and the interface circuit 1620 is used to implement the functions of the communication unit 1520.

[0284] For example, the communication device 1600 can be used to implement the function of the second device involved in the method embodiment shown in FIG8, the function of the SMF in the method embodiments shown in FIG11, FIG12 or FIG14, or the function of the base station in the method embodiment shown in FIG13.

[0285] When the communication device 1600 described above is a chip applied to a device (such as the terminal device or network device mentioned above), the device chip implements the functions of the device in the above method embodiments. The device chip receives information from other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the device, the information being sent to the device by other devices; or, the device chip sends information to other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the device, the information being sent to other devices by the device. Here, the communication device 1600 can be a baseband chip of a device, or a DU or other modules. The DU here can be a DU under an open radio access network (O-RAN) architecture.

[0286] The processor 1610 can be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. Furthermore, the memory involved in the various embodiments of this application can include volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM). The memory can also include non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, hard disk drives (HDDs), or solid-state drives (SSDs).

[0287] The communication device shown in Figure 17 will be described below. As shown in Figure 17, the communication device 1700 includes a processor 1710 and a transceiver 1730. The processor 1710 can also be referred to as a processing unit, processing board, processing module, processing device, etc. The implementation of the processor 1710 can be referred to the content of the processor 1610 in Figure 16 above. The transceiver 1730 can also be referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver device, etc. The transceiver 1730 includes a transmitter 1731, a receiver 1732, and an antenna 1733. Optionally, the transceiver 1730 may also include radio frequency circuits and input / output devices, etc., which are not specifically limited.

[0288] Optionally, the device in transceiver 1730 used to implement the receiving function is considered a receiving module, and the device in transceiver 1730 used to implement the transmitting function is considered a transmitting module. That is, transceiver 1730 includes a receiver and a transmitter. A transceiver may also be called a transceiver unit, transceiver module, or transceiver circuit, etc. A receiver may also be called a receiver unit, receiving module, or receiving circuit, etc. A transmitter may also be called a transmitter, transmitting module, or transmitting circuit, etc.

[0289] Optionally, the communication device 1700 may also include a memory 1720, which may store computer program code and / or data.

[0290] The processor 1710 is mainly used for processing communication protocols and data, controlling the communication device 1700, executing software programs, and processing software program data. The memory 1720 is mainly used for storing software programs and data. The radio frequency (RF) circuit is mainly used for converting baseband signals to RF signals and processing RF signals. The antenna 1733 is mainly used for transmitting and receiving RF signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. Input / output devices, such as touchscreens, displays, and keyboards, are mainly used for receiving user input data and outputting data to the user.

[0291] When data needs to be transmitted, the processor 1710 performs baseband processing on the data to be transmitted and outputs a baseband signal to the radio frequency (RF) circuit. The RF circuit then processes the baseband signal and transmits it outward as an electromagnetic wave through the antenna. When data is sent to the communication device 1700, the RF circuit receives the RF signal through the antenna, converts it into a baseband signal, and outputs it to the processor. The processor 1710 converts the baseband signal back into data and processes it. For ease of explanation, Figure 17 only shows one memory 1720, processor 1710, and transceiver 1730. In actual terminal products, there may be one or more processors 1710 and one or more memories 1720. The memory 1720 may also be referred to as a storage medium or storage device. The memory 1720 may be independent of the processor 1710 or integrated with it; there is no limitation on this.

[0292] In this embodiment, the antenna and radio frequency circuit with transceiver function are regarded as communication units of the communication device 1700, and the processor with processing function is regarded as processing units of the communication device 1700.

[0293] For example, processor 1710 is used to execute processing actions performed by the first device in the method embodiment shown in FIG8, processing actions performed by the UE in the method embodiment shown in FIG11, FIG13 or FIG14, or processing actions performed by the base station in the method embodiment shown in FIG12, and transceiver 1730 is used to execute transceiver actions performed by the first device in the method embodiment shown in FIG8, transceiver actions performed by the UE in the method embodiment shown in FIG11, FIG13 or FIG14, or transceiver actions performed by the base station in the method embodiment shown in FIG12.

[0294] For example, processor 1710 is used to execute processing actions performed by the second device in the method embodiment shown in FIG8, processing actions performed by the SMF in the method embodiments shown in FIG11, FIG12 or FIG14, or processing actions performed by the base station in the method embodiment shown in FIG13, and transceiver 1730 is used to execute transceiver actions performed by the second device in the method embodiment shown in FIG8, transceiver actions performed by the SMF in the method embodiments shown in FIG11, FIG12 or FIG14, or transceiver actions performed by the base station in the method embodiment shown in FIG13.

[0295] When the communication device 1700 is a chip, the chip includes a processor and a transceiver. The transceiver can be an input / output circuit or a communication interface; the processor can be a processing module integrated on the chip, a microprocessor, or an integrated circuit. Optionally, the chip may also include a memory. In the above method embodiments, the transmitting operation of the terminal device or network device can be understood as the output of the chip, and the receiving operation of the terminal device or network device in the above method embodiments can be understood as the input of the chip.

[0296] Based on the same inventive concept, embodiments of this application provide a communication system. The communication system includes a first device and a second device. Optionally, the system may further include a third device.

[0297] The first device can implement the functions of the first device shown in the method embodiment of FIG. 8, the UE in the method embodiments of FIG. 11, 13, or 14, or the base station in the method embodiment of FIG. 12. The second device can implement the functions of the second device in the method embodiment of FIG. 8, the SMF involved in the method embodiments of FIG. 11, 12, or 14, or the base station involved in the method embodiment of FIG. 13. The third device can be used to transmit sensing information so that the first device can measure the echo signal corresponding to the sensing signal.

[0298] Based on the same inventive concept, this application provides a chip system comprising a processor and an interface. The processor is used to call and execute instructions from the interface, and when the processor executes the instructions, it implements any of the method embodiments shown in Figures 8, 11 to 14.

[0299] Based on the same inventive concept, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium for storing computer programs or instructions that, when run, implement any of the method embodiments shown in Figures 8, 11 to 14 above.

[0300] Based on the same inventive concept, embodiments of this application provide a program product that, when executed, enables a processor to implement any of the method embodiments shown in Figures 8, 11 to 14. This program product is, for example, a computer program product, specifically, a computer program and / or instructions. The processor is, for example, a processor running in a computer.

[0301] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are performed entirely or partially. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user equipment, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program or instructions can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a digital video optical disc; or it can be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive. The computer-readable storage medium may be a volatile or non-volatile storage medium, or may include both types of storage media.

[0302] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0303] The various numerical designations used in the embodiments of this application are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the process numbers described above does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be based on its function and internal logic.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method includes: Send first information, which is carried in the first unit and indicates the representation method of the sensed data; Receive first sensing data, wherein the first sensing data is represented in the manner indicated by the first information.

2. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method includes: Receive first information, which is carried in the first unit and indicates the representation method of the sensed data; Send first sensing data, wherein the first sensing data is represented in the same way as the sensing data indicated by the first information.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The representation of the first sensed data includes the type and / or form of the first sensed data.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, The first sensed data includes at least one of the following types: The first type indicates that the first sensed data is represented using the geometric parameters of points; The second type indicates that the first sensed data is represented by the geometric parameters of the edges; The third type indicates that the first perceived data is represented using the geometric parameters of a surface; The fourth type indicates that the first perceived data is represented using the geometric parameters of a polygon; or, The fifth type indicates that the first sensed data is represented using the geometric parameters of a polyhedron.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, The form of the first sensing data indicates the geometric parameters used to represent the first sensing data when the type of the first sensing data is a target type, wherein the target type is at least one of the first type, the second type, the third type, the fourth type, or the fifth type.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The form of the first sensed data indicates at least one of the following: The first sensed data is represented using coordinate data; The endpoints of the edges are used to represent the first sensed data; The first sensed data is represented by the boundary points of the surface; The first sensed data is represented by the parameters in the function expression of the surface; The first perceived data is represented by the vertices and edges of a polygon; The first sensed data is represented by the center point, length, and width of a polygon; The first sensed data is represented by the center point and radius of a polygon; The first sensed data is represented by the vertices of a polyhedron; The first sensed data is represented by the center point, length, width, and height of a polyhedron; or, The first sensing data is represented by the center point of the bottom face of the polyhedron, its radius, and its height.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, When the form of the first sensing data is indicated by coordinate data, the coordinate data includes the coordinate values ​​of a point located in the coordinate system, and the value of at least one data item in the first sensing data.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The first information is carried in the first message, which is a Non-Access Stratum (NAS) message, a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message, or a MAC message.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The first unit and the second unit are two units at the same level. Both the second unit and the first unit are units within the first message. The second unit is specifically used to carry configuration information for location data, or the second unit carries RRC configuration information; or... The first unit is a subunit of the third unit, wherein the third unit is further used to carry configuration information of the positioning data, or the third unit is further used to carry RRC configuration information.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, The first unit and the second unit are two units at the same level, including: The first unit and the second unit are two independent units in the first message; or, The first unit and the second unit are two sub-units in the fourth unit of the first message.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 and 3-10, characterized in that, Sending the first information includes: the second device sending the first information to the first device; and / or, Receiving first sensing data includes: the second device receiving first sensing data from the first device; Wherein, the second device is a sensing management device, and the first device is a terminal device or an access network device; or, the second device is an access network device, and the first device is a terminal device.

12. The method according to any one of claims 2-10, characterized in that, Receiving first information includes: the first device receiving first information from the second device; and / or, Sending first sensing data includes: the first device sending the first sensing data to the second device; Wherein, the first device is a terminal device, and the second device is a sensing management device or an access network device; or, the first device is an access network device, and the second device is an access network device.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1-12, characterized in that, The first sensing data is carried in the fifth unit of the second message.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein, The second message is a NAS message, an RRC message, or a MAC message.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, The fifth and sixth units are two units at the same level, wherein the sixth unit is a unit in the second message and is used to carry location data or uplink data; or, The fifth unit is a subunit of the seventh unit, wherein the seventh unit is also used to carry positioning data or uplink data.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein, The fifth and sixth units are two units at the same level, including: The fifth unit and the sixth unit are two independent units in the second message; or, The fifth unit and the sixth unit are two sub-units in the eighth unit of the second message.

17. A communications device, characterized by The communication device includes: A module or unit for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1, 3-11, and 13-16; or, A module or unit for performing the method as described in any one of claims 2-10 and 12-16.

18. A communications device, characterized by It includes one or more processors, said one or more processors for executing computer programs or instructions that cause the communication device to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1, 3-11, and 13-16, or to implement the method as described in any one of claims 2-10 and 12-16.

19. The communication apparatus according to claim 18, wherein It also includes a memory for storing the computer program or instructions.

20. A computer program product, characterised in that, When the computer program product is executed, it causes the processor to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1, 3-11, and 13-16, or the method as described in any one of claims 2-10 and 12-16.

21. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a communication device, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1, 3-11, and 13-16, or the method as described in any one of claims 2-10 and 12-16.

Images