Sensing method and corresponding apparatus

Abstract

Provided in the present application is a sensing method, which can be applied to an integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) communication system. The method comprises: a central node acquiring a joint precoding matrix, and on the basis of the joint precoding matrix, determining a first precoding matrix for a transmitting end and determining a second precoding matrix for a receiving end, such that the transmitting end uses the first precoding matrix to precode a sensing signal when processing the sensing signal, and the receiving end uses the second precoding matrix to precode an echo signal when processing the echo signal, wherein the joint precoding matrix satisfies a minimum-redundancy array requirement. Therefore, the sensing solution provided in the present application can achieve a better sensing performance with fewer antenna resources.

Description

A sensing method and corresponding device

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411563553.8, filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on November 4, 2024, entitled "A Sensing Method and Corresponding Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communication technology, specifically to a sensing method and corresponding device. Background Technology

[0003] In communication scenarios, precoding is an important signal processing technique that improves the transmission efficiency, anti-interference ability, and signal quality of signals in wireless channels by performing linear transformations on the transmitted signals.

[0004] In communication scenarios, precoding technology is only applied at the transmitting end, whether in the uplink or downlink. However, in sensing scenarios, the system's sensing performance is determined jointly by the transmitting and receiving ends. Therefore, current precoding technologies used in communication scenarios are unsuitable for sensing scenarios, and there is an urgent need for precoding technologies specifically designed for sensing scenarios. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a sensing method for achieving good sensing performance with fewer antenna (array element) resources. This application also provides corresponding apparatus, computer-readable storage media, and computer program products.

[0006] This application provides a sensing method applicable to a first communication device. The first communication device can refer to the device itself, a component within the device (e.g., a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first communication device. The circuit or chip responsible for communication functions can be a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip. The device can be a network device or a terminal device, and the network device can include access network equipment or core network equipment. The method includes: acquiring a joint precoding matrix; wherein the joint precoding matrix satisfies the minimum redundancy matrix requirement of M / N, where M is the number of elements in the minimum redundancy matrix, N is the number of elements in the minimum redundancy matrix that achieves an equivalent uniform aperture, M and N are both positive integers, and M is less than N; transmitting information of a first precoding matrix and / or information of a second precoding matrix; wherein the information of the first precoding matrix is ​​used to indicate the first precoding matrix, the information of the second precoding matrix is ​​used to indicate the second precoding matrix, the first precoding matrix and the second precoding matrix are obtained based on the joint precoding matrix, the first precoding matrix is ​​used for precoding the sensing signal, and the second precoding matrix is ​​used for precoding the echo signal of the sensing signal.

[0007] In this application, the first communication device can be a central node, a sensing function (SF) network element, a device corresponding to a sensing management function (SF) network element, a transmitting node, or a receiving node. The central node can be a node that configures sensing parameters for a transmitting end or a receiving end of the sensing signal, and / or a node that summarizes the sensing results. The central node can be a network device or a chip within a network device; of course, the central node can also be other types of devices. The SF network element or SMF network element can be a node used for sensing function management, and its function and form can be the same as or similar to the central node. A transmitting node refers to a node used to transmit sensing signals, also called a transmitter, and a receiving node refers to a node used to receive the echo signal of the sensing signal, also called a receiver. The transmitting node and receiving node can be access network equipment or terminal equipment.

[0008] In this application, the second communication device can be a device corresponding to a transmitting node, a receiving node, or a sensing node; wherein, a sensing node refers to a node that integrates the transmitting end of sensing signals and the receiving end of echo signals.

[0009] In this application, the transmitting node, receiving node, or sensing node can all be access network equipment or chips in access network equipment, terminal equipment or chips in terminal equipment.

[0010] In this application, the joint precoding matrix that satisfies the minimum redundancy matrix requirement is related to M and N. M / N can be understood as the minimum redundancy matrix designed with M elements achieving the effect of an equivalent uniform aperture with N elements. The joint precoding matrix that satisfies the minimum redundancy matrix requirement can also be understood as the minimum redundancy matrix itself.

[0011] In this application, an array element can be described as an antenna, and a minimum redundancy array can also be called a minimum redundancy array. A minimum redundancy array can be represented by the positions or numbers of M array elements.

[0012] In this application, sending the information of the first precoding matrix and / or the information of the second precoding matrix can include three cases: if the first communication device is a receiving node, it can send the information of the first precoding matrix to the transmitting node; if the first communication device is a transmitting node, it can send the information of the second precoding matrix to the receiving node; if the first communication device is a central node, an SF network element, or an SMF network element, it can send the information of the first precoding matrix to the transmitting node and the information of the second precoding matrix to the receiving node, or send the information of the first precoding matrix and the information of the second precoding matrix to the sensing node.

[0013] In the first aspect mentioned above, the joint precoding matrix satisfies the minimum redundancy requirement of M / N, thus achieving the equivalent uniform aperture of N array elements with only M array elements. This allows for better sensing performance with fewer antenna (array element) resources, improving antenna resource utilization.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: decomposing the joint precoding matrix into a first precoding matrix and a second precoding matrix according to a decomposition principle; wherein the decomposition principle includes at least one of the following:

[0015] Maximize the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR);

[0016] Minimize the aperture of the transmitting array or minimize the aperture of the receiving array; wherein the transmitting array is composed of array elements, and the receiving array is composed of array elements;

[0017] Minimize at least one of the total number of transmit arrays and receive arrays.

[0018] In this application, the principle of maximizing SINR is applied: that is, maximizing the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) during the sensing process. Since the link loss is fixed, generally, the higher the total transmit power, the higher the SINR. However, the maximum output power of each transmit port is limited. Therefore, the more transmit ports there are, the greater the total transmit power that can be achieved. Thus, the principle of maximizing SINR can also be regarded as the principle of maximizing the number of Tx array elements. For example, when the precoding codebook corresponding to the joint precoding matrix is ​​{0,1,4,7,9}, the transmit array codebook obtained by decomposing according to the principle of maximizing SINR can be {0,1,4,7,9}, and the receive array codebook can be {0}.

[0019] In this application, the principle of minimizing the aperture of the transmitting array or the receiving array is to minimize the aperture of the larger of the decomposed transmitting and receiving arrays. That is, to constrain the aperture size of the decomposed transmitting and receiving arrays. For example, if the aperture of the decomposed transmitting array is larger than the aperture of the receiving array, then when decomposing the joint precoding matrix, the decomposition is performed according to the principle of minimizing the aperture of the transmitting array. In this possible implementation, the aperture of the transmitting or receiving array is minimized according to the above principle, that is, there is no need for a large aperture antenna array to complete the sensing task, thus relaxing the requirements of the antenna array hardware.

[0020] In this application, the principle of minimizing the total number of transmit and receive arrays is: that is, under the premise of satisfying the decomposition rules, the total number of transmit and receive arrays is minimized. For example, if the joint precoding matrix has information from 20 arrays, it can be decomposed into a 4*5 first precoding matrix and a 4*5 second precoding matrix, or it can be decomposed into a 2*10 first precoding matrix and a 2*10 second precoding matrix. According to the principle of minimizing the total number of transmit and receive arrays, it can be decomposed into a 4*5 first precoding matrix and a 4*5 second precoding matrix, because two 4*5 precoding matrices only require 9 arrays, and two 2*10 precoding matrices only require 12 arrays.

[0021] In this possible implementation, by decomposing the joint precoding matrix according to the above decomposition principle, we can obtain a first precoding matrix and a second precoding matrix that occupy fewer array element resources and are conducive to improving perception performance. In this way, in the subsequent perception stage, we can use fewer array element resources and obtain better perception performance.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the relationship between M / N and the joint precoding matrix that satisfies minimum redundancy is shown in the table below:

[0023] In this possible implementation, the aforementioned relational table provides multiple possible minimum redundancy matrices (joint precoding matrices), which can improve the speed of obtaining the joint precoding matrix.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the decomposition principle, the joint precoding matrix, and the relationship between the first and second precoding matrices are shown in the table below:

[0025] This possible implementation provides joint precoding matrices associated with different decomposition principles, as well as a first precoding matrix and a second precoding matrix, which can improve the speed of decomposing the joint precoding matrix.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the above steps, namely obtaining the joint precoding matrix, include: obtaining first information, which is used to determine M and N; and obtaining the joint precoding matrix based on the first information.

[0027] In this possible implementation, the first information can be used to determine M and N, and the corresponding joint precoding matrix can be matched from the codebook using M and N. This can improve the speed of obtaining the joint precoding matrix.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the above step of acquiring first information includes: acquiring echo signals and / or sensing results; wherein the echo signals and / or sensing results are used to determine the first information.

[0029] In this application, the sensing result generally refers to the result obtained by processing the echo signal. The echo signal and / or sensing result reflect the sensing performance.

[0030] In this possible implementation, determining the first information based on the echo signal and / or sensing results can improve the accuracy of obtaining the joint precoding matrix.

[0031] In one possible implementation, the first information includes at least one of the following: parameters of scattering intensity, parameters of channel intensity, or performance metrics of the point spread function.

[0032] In this application, the parameter of scattering intensity can be the range of scattering intensity of the sensing target, such as the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of scattering intensity; the parameter of channel intensity can be the range of channel intensity corresponding to the sensing target, such as the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of channel power; the performance index of the point spread function can be used to measure the sensing performance of the sensing system, and the performance index can include the main lobe width of the beam, the peak to sidelobe ratio (PSLR), and the integrated sidelobe ratio (ISLR), etc.

[0033] In this possible implementation, the first information includes one or more parameters, which can improve the accuracy of obtaining the joint precoding matrix.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the information of the first precoding matrix includes the index of the first precoding matrix, the weighting parameters of the antenna array corresponding to the first precoding matrix, or at least one of the elements of the first precoding matrix;

[0035] The information of the second precoding matrix includes the index of the second precoding matrix, the weighting parameters of the antenna array corresponding to the second precoding matrix, or at least one of the elements of the second precoding matrix.

[0036] In this possible implementation, if the information of the first precoding matrix includes the index of the first precoding matrix and the information of the second precoding matrix includes the index of the second precoding matrix, the transmission overhead between the first and second communication devices can be reduced. If the information of the first precoding matrix includes the weighting parameters of the antenna array corresponding to the first precoding matrix and the weighting parameters of the antenna array corresponding to the second precoding matrix, the transmission overhead between the first and second communication devices can also be reduced to some extent, and the storage overhead of storing the precoding matrix at the receiving and transmitting ends can be reduced. If the information of the first precoding matrix includes the elements of the first precoding matrix and the information of the second precoding matrix includes the elements of the second precoding matrix, the storage overhead of storing the precoding matrix at the receiving and transmitting ends can be reduced.

[0037] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending first indication information, which is used to indicate triggering a non-periodic or periodic execution of the sensing process; if periodic execution is performed, execution stops when a cutoff condition is met; wherein the sensing process includes the steps of acquiring a joint precoding matrix and sending information of a first precoding matrix and / or information of a second precoding matrix.

[0038] In this application, the cutoff condition can be either executing a predetermined number of times or receiving an instruction to stop execution.

[0039] In this possible implementation, the first communication device can instruct the second communication device to periodically or non-periodically execute a sensing process using first instruction information. This sensing process includes steps to be performed by both the first and second communication devices. This improves the first communication device's management of the sensing process.

[0040] A second aspect of this application provides a sensing method applicable to a second communication device. This second communication device can refer to the device itself, a component within the device (e.g., a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second communication device. The circuit or chip responsible for communication functions can be a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip. The device can be an access network device or a terminal device. The method includes: receiving information of a first precoding matrix and / or information of a second precoding matrix; wherein the information of the first precoding matrix is ​​used to indicate the first precoding matrix, the information of the second precoding matrix is ​​used to indicate the second precoding matrix, the first precoding matrix and the second precoding matrix are obtained based on a joint precoding matrix, the joint precoding matrix satisfies the minimum redundancy matrix requirement of M / N, where M is the number of array elements of the minimum redundancy matrix, N is the number of array elements with an equivalent uniform aperture achieved by the minimum redundancy matrix, M and N are both positive integers, and M is less than N; precoding a sensing signal according to the first precoding matrix; and / or precoding the echo signal of the sensing signal according to the second precoding matrix.

[0041] In the second aspect mentioned above, the joint precoding matrix satisfies the minimum redundancy requirement of M / N, thus achieving the equivalent uniform aperture of N array elements with only M array elements. This allows for better sensing performance with fewer antenna (array element) resources, improving antenna resource utilization.

[0042] In one possible implementation, the relationship between M / N and the joint precoding matrix that satisfies minimum redundancy is shown in the table below:

[0043] In one possible implementation, the first and second precoding matrices are obtained by decomposing the joint precoding matrix based on a decomposition principle. The relationship between the decomposition principle, the joint precoding matrix, and the first and second precoding matrices can be summarized in the following table:

[0044] In one possible implementation, the information of the first precoding matrix includes the index of the first precoding matrix, the weighting parameters of the antenna array corresponding to the first precoding matrix, or at least one of the elements of the first precoding matrix;

[0045] The information of the second precoding matrix includes the index of the second precoding matrix, the weighting parameters of the antenna array corresponding to the second precoding matrix, or at least one of the elements of the second precoding matrix.

[0046] In one possible implementation, before receiving information from the first precoding matrix and / or the second precoding matrix, the method further includes: sending at least one of an echo signal, a sensing result, or first information; wherein the echo signal and / or the sensing result is used to determine the first information, and the first information is used to determine M and N.

[0047] In one possible implementation, the first information includes at least one of the following: parameters of scattering intensity, parameters of channel intensity, or performance metrics of the point spread function.

[0048] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate triggering a non-periodic or periodic execution of the sensing process, and if periodic execution is performed, stopping when a cutoff condition is met; wherein the sensing process includes the steps of: sending a sensing signal, receiving information of a first precoding matrix, and precoding the sensing signal according to the first precoding matrix; or, the sensing process includes the steps of: receiving an echo signal, sending an echo signal, at least one of a sensing result or first information, receiving information of a second precoding matrix, and precoding the echo signal of the sensing signal according to the second precoding matrix.

[0049] A third aspect of this application provides a communication device, comprising: a transceiver unit and a processing unit; wherein,

[0050] The processing unit is used to obtain the joint precoding matrix; wherein the joint precoding matrix satisfies the minimum redundancy matrix requirement of M / N, where M is the number of array elements of the minimum redundancy matrix, N is the number of array elements of the equivalent uniform aperture achieved by the minimum redundancy matrix, and both M and N are positive integers, and M is less than N.

[0051] A transceiver unit is used to transmit information of a first precoding matrix and / or information of a second precoding matrix; wherein the information of the first precoding matrix is ​​used to indicate the first precoding matrix, the information of the second precoding matrix is ​​used to indicate the second precoding matrix, the first precoding matrix and the second precoding matrix are obtained based on a joint precoding matrix, the first precoding matrix is ​​used for precoding of the sensing signal, and the second precoding matrix is ​​used for precoding of the echo signal of the sensing signal.

[0052] In one possible implementation, the processing unit is further configured to decompose the joint precoding matrix into a first precoding matrix and a second precoding matrix according to a decomposition principle; wherein the decomposition principle includes at least one of the following:

[0053] Maximize the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR);

[0054] Minimize the aperture of the transmitting array or minimize the aperture of the receiving array, wherein the transmitting array is composed of array elements and the receiving array is composed of array elements;

[0055] Minimize at least one of the total number of transmit arrays and receive arrays.

[0056] In one possible implementation, the relationship between M / N and the joint precoding matrix that satisfies minimum redundancy is shown in the table below:

[0057] In one possible implementation, the decomposition principle, the joint precoding matrix, and the relationship between the first and second precoding matrices are shown in the table below:

[0058] In one possible implementation, a processing unit is used to acquire first information, which is used to determine M and N; and to acquire a joint precoding matrix based on the first information.

[0059] In one possible implementation, a processing unit is used to acquire echo signals and / or sensing results; wherein the echo signals and / or sensing results are used to determine first information.

[0060] In one possible implementation, the first information includes at least one of the following: parameters of scattering intensity, parameters of channel intensity, or performance metrics of the point spread function.

[0061] In one possible implementation, the information of the first precoding matrix includes the index of the first precoding matrix, the weighting parameters of the antenna array corresponding to the first precoding matrix, or at least one of the elements of the first precoding matrix;

[0062] The information of the second precoding matrix includes the index of the second precoding matrix, the weighting parameters of the antenna array corresponding to the second precoding matrix, or at least one of the elements of the second precoding matrix.

[0063] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to send first indication information, which is used to indicate the triggering of a non-periodic or periodic execution of the sensing process. If the process is periodic, it stops when a cutoff condition is met. The sensing process includes the steps of acquiring a joint precoding matrix and sending information of the first precoding matrix and / or the second precoding matrix.

[0064] A fourth aspect of this application provides a communication device, comprising: a transceiver unit and a processing unit; wherein,

[0065] The transceiver unit is used to receive information of a first precoding matrix and / or information of a second precoding matrix; wherein, the information of the first precoding matrix is ​​used to indicate the first precoding matrix, and the information of the second precoding matrix is ​​used to indicate the second precoding matrix. The first precoding matrix and the second precoding matrix are obtained based on a joint precoding matrix, which satisfies the minimum redundancy matrix requirement of M / N, where M is the number of array elements of the minimum redundancy matrix, and N is the number of array elements with an equivalent uniform aperture achieved by the minimum redundancy matrix. Both M and N are positive integers, and M is less than N.

[0066] The processing unit is configured to precode the sensed signal according to a first precoding matrix; and / or, precode the echo signal of the sensed signal according to a second precoding matrix.

[0067] In one possible implementation, the decomposition principle, the joint precoding matrix, and the relationship between the first and second precoding matrices are shown in the table below:

[0068] In one possible implementation, the information of the first precoding matrix includes the index of the first precoding matrix, the weighting parameters of the antenna array corresponding to the first precoding matrix, or at least one of the elements of the first precoding matrix;

[0069] The information of the second precoding matrix includes the index of the second precoding matrix, the weighting parameters of the antenna array corresponding to the second precoding matrix, or at least one of the elements of the second precoding matrix.

[0070] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to transmit at least one of an echo signal, a sensing result, or first information; wherein the echo signal and / or the sensing result are used to determine the first information, and the first information is used to determine M and N.

[0071] In one possible implementation, the first information includes at least one of the following: parameters of scattering intensity, parameters of channel intensity, or performance metrics of the point spread function.

[0072] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive first indication information, which indicates the triggering of a non-periodic or periodic execution of the sensing process. If the process is periodic, it stops when a cutoff condition is met. The sensing process includes the steps of sending a sensing signal, receiving information from a first precoding matrix, and precoding the sensing signal according to the first precoding matrix. Alternatively, the sensing process includes the steps of receiving an echo signal, sending an echo signal, receiving at least one of a sensing result or first information, receiving information from a second precoding matrix, and precoding the echo signal of the sensing signal according to the second precoding matrix.

[0073] A fifth aspect of this application provides a communication device including a processor. The processor is configured to call and run a computer program stored in a memory, causing the processor to implement as described in the first aspect or any of the implementations of the first aspect.

[0074] Optionally, the communication device also includes a transceiver; the processor is also used to control the transceiver to send and receive signals.

[0075] Optionally, the communication device includes a memory in which a computer program is stored.

[0076] The communication device mentioned in the fifth aspect above can be a device or a chip (system) in a device.

[0077] A sixth aspect of this application provides a communication device including a processor. The processor is configured to invoke and execute a computer program stored in a memory, such that the processor implements as described in the second aspect or any of the implementations in the second aspect.

[0078] Optionally, the communication device also includes a transceiver; the processor is also used to control the transceiver to send and receive signals.

[0079] Optionally, the communication device includes a memory in which a computer program is stored.

[0080] The communication device described in the sixth aspect above can be a device or a chip (system) in a device.

[0081] The seventh aspect of this application provides a communication device, which may be a first communication device or a module or unit (e.g., a chip, a chip system, or a circuit) in the first communication device that performs the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the first aspect or any implementation of the first aspect.

[0082] The eighth aspect of this application provides a communication device, which may be a second communication device or a module or unit (e.g., a chip, a chip system, or a circuit) in the second communication device that performs the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the second aspect or any implementation thereof.

[0083] The ninth aspect of this application provides a computer-readable storage medium including computer instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform an implementation as described in the first aspect or any of the first aspects.

[0084] The tenth aspect of this application provides a computer-readable storage medium including computer instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform an implementation as described in the second aspect or any of the second aspects.

[0085] The eleventh aspect of this application provides a computer program product including instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform an implementation as described in the first aspect or any of the first aspects.

[0086] The twelfth aspect of this application provides a computer program product including instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform an implementation as described in the second aspect or any of the second aspects.

[0087] The thirteenth aspect of this application provides a chip device including a processor for calling a program stored in a memory, such that the processor executes the first aspect or any implementation thereof.

[0088] Optionally, the memory may be located inside or outside the chip device.

[0089] The fourteenth aspect of this application provides a chip device including a processor for calling a program stored in a memory, such that the processor executes the second aspect or any implementation thereof described above.

[0090] Optionally, the memory may be located inside or outside the chip device.

[0091] The fifteenth aspect of this application provides a communication system, which includes a first communication device and a second communication device. The first communication device is used to execute the first aspect or any one of the implementations of the first aspect, and the second communication device is used to execute the second aspect or any one of the implementations of the second aspect.

[0092] The technical effects of the second, third, or fourth aspects, or any possible implementation of the second, third, or fourth aspects, and the fifth to fifteenth aspects, can be found in the first aspect or the technical effects of different possible implementations of the first aspect, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0093] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of an example of a perception scenario provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0094] Figure 1B is another example schematic diagram of the perception scenario provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0095] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an example codebook of the joint precoding matrix provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0096] Figure 3A is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between M and N provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0097] Figure 3B is a simulation example of the beam energy of the minimum redundancy array provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0098] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the sensing method provided in this application;

[0099] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the sensing method provided in this application;

[0100] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the sensing method provided in this application;

[0101] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the sensing method provided in this application;

[0102] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the sensing method provided in this application;

[0103] Figures 9 to 13 are schematic diagrams of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0104] The embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. As those skilled in the art will understand, with the development of technology and the emergence of new scenarios, the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0105] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments described herein can be implemented in a sequence other than that illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0106] This application provides a sensing method to achieve better sensing performance with fewer antenna (array element) resources. This application also provides corresponding apparatus, computer-readable storage media, and computer program products. These will be described in detail below.

[0107] For ease of understanding, the technical terms involved in the embodiments of this application are briefly introduced below:

[0108] The technical solutions of this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: satellite communication, 5th generation (5G) systems or new radio (NR), long term evolution (LTE) systems, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, LTE time division duplex (TDD) systems, universal mobile telecommunication systems (UMTS), vehicle to everything (V2X) communication systems, and future communication networks or systems after 5G networks, etc.

[0109] In addition to having stronger communication capabilities, the aforementioned communication system can also have sensing capabilities. It can be a communication system with integrated sensing and communication (ISAC). An integrated sensing and communication system means that the communication system can communicate through communication signals (which can also be described as communication channels) and perform sensing and measurement through sensing signals (which can also be described as sensing channels).

[0110] In this application, "perception" refers to using the transmission, reflection, and scattering of radio waves (radio frequency signals) to sense the surrounding environment and detect targets. For example, in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) systems, sensing signals are used to detect other vehicles or objects around vehicles; in imaging systems, sensing signals are used to image target points (buildings, vehicles, and other tangible objects) in the environment. Of course, the communication system in this application can also be an industrial automation system or other communication systems that require sensing.

[0111] The communication system described in this application can be a communication system based on orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) and / or time division multiplexing (TDM), or a communication system or communication and sensing system based on frequency modulated continuous waveform (FMCW).

[0112] For ease of understanding, the technical terms involved in the embodiments of this application are briefly introduced below:

[0113] 1. Sensing Node: A communication device used for sensing, which may include a transmitter (Tx), a receiver (Rx), or a transceiver integrated communication device.

[0114] 2. Transmitter: A communication device that transmits communication signals and / or sensing signals (SS), also known as a transmitting node or transmitting device.

[0115] 3. Receiver: A communication device that receives the echo signal of communication signals and / or sensing signals; it may also be called a receiving node or receiving device.

[0116] 4. Sensing Signal: This refers to the radio frequency signal used to sense the environment or target. SS can be a sensing reference signal (SERS), a positioning reference signal (PRS), or a sounding reference signal (SRS), etc. Sensing signals can be transmitted in the form of beams.

[0117] 5. Echo signal (ES): refers to the signal after the sensing signal has been transmitted, reflected or scattered. The sensing result can be determined by measuring the echo signal, which can be received by beamforming.

[0118] 6. Beam: A beam is a communication resource. A beam can be wide, narrow, or other types of beams. The technology used to form a beam can be beamforming technology or other techniques. Beamforming technology can specifically be digital beamforming technology, analog beamforming technology, and hybrid digital or analog beamforming technology. Different beams can be considered different resources. The beam used to transmit signals can be called the transmission beam (Tx beam), and the beam used to receive signals can be called the reception beam (Rx beam). The transmission beam refers to the distribution of signal strength in different directions in space after the signal is transmitted through the antenna, and the reception beam refers to the distribution of signal strength in different directions in space of the wireless signal received from the antenna.

[0119] 7. Central node: refers to the communication device that configures sensing parameters for the transmitting end or receiving end of the sensing signal, and / or the communication device that summarizes the sensing results.

[0120] 8. Sensing result (SR): refers to the result of sensing the target calculated from the echo signal.

[0121] 9. The terms "system" and "network" in the embodiments of this application can be used interchangeably. "Multiple" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B 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. "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, and C" includes A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC. And, unless otherwise specified, the ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" mentioned in the embodiments of this application are used to distinguish multiple objects and are not used to limit the order, sequence, priority, or importance of multiple objects.

[0122] 10. 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 sending directly through the air interface or sending indirectly through the air interface by other units or modules. "Receive information from YY" can be understood as the source of the information being YY, which may include receiving directly from YY through the air interface or receiving indirectly from YY through the air interface by other units or modules. "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.

[0123] 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 buses, wiring, or interfaces.

[0124] It is understandable that information may undergo necessary processing, such as encoding and modulation, between the source and destination, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar statements in this application can be interpreted in a similar way and will not be elaborated further.

[0125] 11. In the embodiments of this application, "instruction" may include direct instruction and indirect instruction, as well as explicit instruction and implicit instruction. The information indicated by a certain piece of information (hereinafter referred to as 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, where there is an association between the other information and the information to be instructed; or it can only indicate a part of the information to be instructed, while the other parts of the information to be instructed are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the instruction of specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol predefined) arrangement order of various information, thereby reducing the instruction overhead to a certain extent. This application does not limit the specific method of instruction. It is understood that for the sender of the instruction information, the instruction information can be used to indicate the information to be instructed; for the receiver of the instruction information, the instruction information can be used to determine the information to be instructed.

[0126] In this application, unless otherwise specified, the same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. In the various embodiments of this application, and the various methods / designs / implementations within each embodiment, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terminology and / or descriptions between different embodiments and between the various methods / designs / implementations within each embodiment are consistent and can be mutually referenced. The technical features in different embodiments and the various methods / designs / implementations within each embodiment can be combined to form new embodiments, methods, or implementations based on their inherent logical relationships. The following descriptions of the embodiments of this application do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application.

[0127] The sensing method provided in this application can be applied to either a single sensing scenario or a joint sensing scenario. A single sensing scenario refers to a scenario where a single sensing node obtains the required sensing result after sensing. A joint sensing scenario refers to a scenario where multiple sensing nodes sense the same sensing area, and then each sensing node sends its own determined sensing result to a central node, which then fuses the multiple sensing results to reduce sensing uncertainty and improve sensing performance.

[0128] The individual or joint sensing scenarios involved in the embodiments of this application can be single-base sensing scenarios, dual-base sensing scenarios, or hybrid single-base and dual-base sensing scenarios. A dual-base sensing scenario refers to a sensing scenario where the transmitter of the sensing signal and the receiver of the echo signal are not the same communication device. A single-base sensing scenario refers to a sensing scenario where the transmitter of the sensing signal and the receiver of the echo signal belong to the same communication device; a single-base sensing scenario can also be called a self-sensing scenario. A hybrid dual-base and single-base sensing scenario refers to a sensing scenario in which the participating communication devices include both integrated transceiver communication devices and separate transceiver communication devices.

[0129] The dual-base sensing scenario can be understood by referring to Figure 1A. As shown in Figure 1A, this dual-base sensing scenario includes two transmitters, four receivers, and multiple target objects. The two transmitters are transmitter Tx101 and transmitter Tx102; the four receivers are receivers Rx103, Rx104, Rx105, and Rx106, and a central node 107; the target objects can be various types of buildings or other objects. The central node 107 can configure transmission parameters for one or more transmitters, and can also configure reception parameters for one or more receivers. The central node 107 can also summarize the sensing results from multiple receivers, determine a joint precoding matrix based on the sensing results and / or echo signals, determine a first precoding matrix for the receivers and a second precoding matrix for the transmitters based on the joint precoding matrix, and transmit information about the first and / or second precoding matrices.

[0130] The transmitter Tx101 transmits a sensing signal SS1, and the echo signal ES1 generated by SS1 after passing through the building is received by the receiver Rx103.

[0131] Transmitter Tx102 transmits SS2, and SS2 passing through a building generates ES2, which is received by receiver Rx103; transmitter Tx102 transmits SS3, and SS3 passing through a building generates ES3, which is received by receiver Rx104; transmitter Tx102 transmits SS4, and SS4 passing through a building generates ES4, which is received by receiver Rx105; SS4 passing through a building generates ES5, which is received by receiver Rx106.

[0132] It should be noted that SS2, SS3, and SS4 can be sensing signals emitted from the same transmitting beam. However, sensing signals within the range of this transmitting beam will produce echo signals in different directions when encountering buildings at different locations, such as ES2, ES3, ES4, and ES5. Echo signals in different directions can be received by different receiving terminals. Of course, SS2, SS3, and SS4 can also be sensing signals in different beams of the transmitting terminal Tx102.

[0133] In a dual-base sensing scenario, the echo signals generated by sensing signals transmitted from the same transmitter can be received by different receivers. For example, ES2 is received by receiver Rx103, ES3 by receiver Rx104, ES4 by receiver Rx105, and ES5 by receiver Rx106. Echo signals generated by sensing signals transmitted from different transmitters can also be received by the same receiver, such as ES1 and ES2 being received by receiver Rx103. Of course, the echo signals generated by sensing signals transmitted from the same transmitter can also be received by only one receiver. This application does not limit the correspondence between transmitters and receivers; it is related to the number of transmitters or receivers within a certain area. In either case, the receiver can determine the sensing result based on its received echo signals. Alternatively, the receiver can send relevant data from the received echo signals to other communication devices for them to determine the sensing result.

[0134] The single-base sensing scenario can be understood with reference to Figure 1B. As shown in Figure 1B, the single-base sensing scenario may include a central node 107, sensing nodes 108, and multiple target objects. The sensing node 108 includes a transmitter of sensing signals and a receiver of echo signals. The central node 107 can configure the transmission and reception parameters for the sensing nodes 108. For example, the central node 107 can determine a joint precoding matrix based on the sensing results and / or echo signals, and determine a first precoding matrix and / or a second precoding matrix for the sensing nodes 108 based on the joint precoding matrix, as well as transmit information about the first precoding matrix and / or the second precoding matrix, etc.

[0135] It should be noted that the single-base sensing scenario can include multiple sensing nodes, not limited to the one shown in Figure 1B. When there are multiple sensing nodes, the central node 107 can also summarize the sensing results of multiple sensing nodes.

[0136] When sensing node 108 measures targets in the environment, it can emit one or more beams. The sensing signals SS on the one or more beams can detect targets at different locations. The sensing node then receives the corresponding echo signals ES, and can determine the sensing result based on the ES. Of course, sensing node 108 can also send relevant data from the received echo signals to other communication devices, which can then determine the sensing result.

[0137] In the scenarios described in Figures 1A and 1B above, the central node 107 can also be a sensing function (SF) network element, used for sensing function management in the sensing scenario.

[0138] In the scenarios described in Figures 1A and 1B above, the receiver, transmitter, and sensing node can all be terminal devices or network devices, and the central node can also be a terminal device or a network device. The receiver, transmitter, sensing node, and central node shown in Figures 1A and 1B are not limited to their specific forms.

[0139] In addition, the hybrid single-base and dual-base sensing scenario refers to a scenario that includes both the sensing process of the transmitter and receiver as shown in Figure 1A, and the sensing process of the sensing node as shown in Figure 1B.

[0140] The terminal equipment and network equipment of this application are described below.

[0141] Terminal equipment: can be a wireless terminal device capable of receiving network device scheduling and instruction information. The wireless terminal device can be a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to the user, or a handheld device with wireless connectivity, or other processing device connected to a wireless modem.

[0142] Terminal devices can communicate with one or more core networks or the Internet via a radio access network (RAN). Terminal devices can be mobile terminal devices, such as mobile phones (or "cellular" phones), computers, and data cards. For example, they can be portable, pocket-sized, handheld, computer-embedded, or vehicle-mounted mobile devices that exchange voice and / or data with the RAN. Examples include personal communication service (PCS) phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablets, and computers with wireless transceiver capabilities. Wireless terminal equipment can also be called subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station (MS), remote station, access point (AP), remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal, user agent, subscriber station (SS), customer premises equipment (CPE), terminal, user equipment (UE), mobile terminal (MT), etc.

[0143] By way of example and not limitation, in this embodiment, the terminal device can also be a wearable device. Wearable devices, also known as wearable smart devices or smart wearable devices, are a general term for devices that utilize wearable technology to intelligently design and develop everyday wearables, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. Wearable devices are portable devices that are worn directly on the body or integrated into the user's clothing or accessories. Wearable devices are not merely hardware devices, but also achieve powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. Broadly speaking, wearable smart devices include those that are feature-rich, large in size, and can achieve complete or partial functions without relying on a smartphone, such as smartwatches or smart glasses, as well as those that focus on a specific type of application function and require the use of other devices such as smartphones, such as various smart bracelets, smart helmets, and smart jewelry for vital sign monitoring.

[0144] Terminal devices can also be drones, robots, terminals in device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, virtual reality (VR) terminal devices, augmented reality (AR) terminal devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in telemedicine or telehealth services, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, etc.

[0145] Furthermore, terminal devices can also be terminal devices in future communication systems beyond the fifth generation (5G) (such as 5G Advanced communication systems) or in future evolved public land mobile networks (PLMNs). For example, 5G Advanced networks can further expand the form and function of 5G communication terminals; 5G Advanced terminals include, but are not limited to, vehicles, cellular network terminals (integrating satellite terminal functions), drones, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

[0146] In this embodiment, the terminal device can also obtain artificial intelligence (AI) services provided by the network device. Optionally, the terminal device can also have AI processing capabilities.

[0147] Network equipment: This can be equipment within a wireless network. For example, network equipment can be a RAN node (or device) that connects terminal devices to the wireless network, and can also be called a base station. Currently, some examples of RAN equipment include: base stations, evolved NodeBs (eNodeBs), gNBs (gNodeBs) in 5G communication systems, transmission reception points (TRPs), evolved Node Bs (eNBs), radio network controllers (RNCs), Node Bs (NBs), home base stations (e.g., home evolved Node Bs, or home Node Bs (HNBs), base band units (BBUs) or wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) access points (APs), satellites, drones, unmanned spacecraft, communication balloons, and other non-ground equipment. Additionally, in a network architecture, network equipment can include central unit (CU) nodes, distributed unit (DU) nodes, or RAN equipment that includes both CU and DU nodes.

[0148] Optionally, the RAN node can also be a macro base station, micro base station, indoor station, relay node, donor node, or a radio controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario. The RAN node can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, the access network equipment in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be a roadside unit (RSU).

[0149] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, with different RAN nodes each implementing some of the base station's functions. For example, RAN nodes can be CUs, DUs, CUs (control plane, CP), CUs (user plane, UP), or radio units (RUs). CUs and DUs can be configured separately or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio equipment or radio units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), radio heads (RHs), or remote radio heads (RRHs).

[0150] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an open access network (open RAN, O-RAN, or ORAN) system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. 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 modules and hardware modules.

[0151] Communication between access network devices and terminal devices follows a specific protocol layer structure. This protocol layer may include a control plane protocol layer and a user plane protocol layer. The control plane protocol layer may include at least one of the following: radio resource control (RRC) layer, packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, radio link control (RLC) layer, media access control (MAC) layer, or physical (PHY) layer, etc. The user plane protocol layer may include at least one of the following: service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, PDCP layer, RLC layer, MAC layer, or physical layer, etc.

[0152] The correspondence between network elements and their achievable protocol layer functions in the ORAN system can be found in Table 1 below.

[0153] Table 1

[0154] Network devices can be other devices that provide wireless communication functions for terminal devices. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or form of the network device. For ease of description, the embodiments of this application are not limited.

[0155] Network equipment may also include core network equipment, such as the Mobility Management Entity (MME), Home Subscriber Server (HSS), Serving Gateway (S-GW), Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF), and Public Data Network Gateway (PDN gateway or P-GW) in 4th generation (4G) networks; and access and mobility management function (AMF), user plane function (UPF), or session management function (SMF) in 5G networks. Furthermore, this core network equipment may also include other core network equipment in 5G networks and next-generation networks of 5G networks.

[0156] In this embodiment of the application, the network device may also have network nodes with AI capabilities, which can provide AI services to terminal devices or other network devices. For example, it may be an AI node, computing power node, RAN node with AI capabilities, core network element with AI capabilities, etc. on the network side (access network or core network).

[0157] In the scenarios shown in Figures 1A and 1B above, the central node acquires the joint precoding matrix and then uses the first and second precoding matrices based on the joint precoding matrix. The process of acquiring the joint precoding matrix can be understood by referring to Figure 2.

[0158] As shown in Figure 2, the central node can store a first codebook, which may include multiple joint precoding matrices, such as: joint precoding matrix 1, joint precoding matrix 2, joint precoding matrix 3, ..., joint precoding matrix x, joint precoding matrix y, and joint precoding matrix z. Each joint precoding matrix can be associated with different M / N ratios, such as: joint precoding matrix 1 associated with M1 / N1, joint precoding matrix 2 associated with M2 / N2, joint precoding matrix 3 associated with M3 / N3, ..., joint precoding matrix x associated with Mx / Nx, joint precoding matrix y associated with My / Ny, and joint precoding matrix z associated with Mz / Nz. Here, x, y, and z are all integers greater than 3. Each joint precoding matrix satisfies the minimum redundancy matrix requirement of M / N, where M is the number of elements in the minimum redundancy matrix, and N is the number of elements with the equivalent uniform aperture achieved by the minimum redundancy matrix. Both M and N are positive integers, and M is less than N.

[0159] The relationship between M and N can be understood by referring to the example in Figure 3A. As shown in Figure 3A, a minimum redundancy array consisting of 5 array elements can achieve the sensing effect of a uniformly arranged 10 array elements. In Figure 3A, N=10 and M=5, indicating that 5 array elements with position identifiers or numbers 1, 2, 5, 8, and 10 are selected from the 10 array elements to form a minimum redundancy array. During the sensing process, array elements 1, 2, 5, 8, and 10 can be activated for transmission and reception, which can basically achieve the sensing performance of all 10 array elements from 1 to 10. In the simulation experiment, the sensing performance of the scenario shown in Figure 3A can be understood by referring to Figure 3B. As shown in Figure 3B, from the perspective of the main lobe of the beam, the width does not change, and the first-order sidelobes are basically unaffected. The height of the second-order sidelobes is slightly increased, resulting in a slight decrease in the integrated sidelobe ratio (ISLR) performance. Compared with the antenna (array element) resources that can be saved, the performance degradation caused by the second-order sidelobes is negligible.

[0160] The sensing method provided in this application embodiment is described below from the perspective of a first communication device and a second communication device. The first communication device can refer to the device itself, a component within the device (e.g., a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first communication device. The circuit or chip responsible for communication functions may be a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip. The device can be a network device or a terminal device, and the network device may include access network equipment or core network equipment. The second communication device can refer to the device itself, a component within the device (e.g., a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second communication device. The circuit or chip responsible for communication functions may be a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip. The device can be an access network device or a terminal device.

[0161] The first communication device can be a central node, an SF network element / SMF network element, a transmitting node (transmitter), or a receiving node (receiver), etc. The second communication device can be a transmitting node (transmitter), a receiving node (receiver), or a sensing node.

[0162] As shown in Figure 4, the sensing method provided in this application embodiment includes:

[0163] S401. The first communication device acquires a joint precoding matrix that satisfies the minimum redundancy matrix requirement of M / N, where M is the number of array elements in the minimum redundancy matrix and N is the number of array elements with the equivalent uniform aperture achieved by the minimum redundancy matrix.

[0164] Where M and N are both positive integers, and M is less than N.

[0165] In this application, the joint precoding matrix refers to a matrix that can be decomposed into the precoding matrix of the transmitting end and the precoding matrix of the receiving end, and this joint precoding matrix can match the sensing performance. Figure 2 can be referred to for understanding the joint precoding matrix.

[0166] In this application, the joint precoding matrix that satisfies the minimum redundancy matrix requirement is related to M and N. M / N can be understood as the minimum redundancy matrix designed with M elements achieving the effect of an equivalent uniform aperture with N elements. The joint precoding matrix that satisfies the minimum redundancy matrix requirement can also be understood as the minimum redundancy matrix itself.

[0167] In this application, an array element can be described as an antenna, and a minimum redundancy array can also be called a minimum redundancy array. A minimum redundancy array can be represented by the positions or numbers of M array elements.

[0168] The relationship between the joint precoding matrix and M / N can be understood by referring to the codebook example shown in Table 2.

[0169] Table 2: Codebook of M / N and Joint Precoding Matrix Satisfying Minimum Redundancy

[0170] Table 2 shows the joint precoding matrix corresponding to different M / N ratios, which is the minimum redundancy matrix of N elements that can be equivalently achieved by M elements at different positions. Table 2 may also include a sensing precoding matrix index (SPMI) or other index information to mark different M / N ratios and their corresponding joint precoding matrices.

[0171] Once M and N are known, the corresponding joint precoding matrix can be obtained by querying the codebook shown in Table 2, for example.

[0172] S402. The first communication device determines the first precoding matrix and the second precoding matrix based on the joint precoding matrix.

[0173] This step can be to decompose the joint precoding matrix into a first precoding matrix and a second precoding matrix according to a decomposition principle; wherein the decomposition principle includes at least one of the following:

[0174] Maximize the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR);

[0175] Minimize the aperture of the transmitting array or minimize the aperture of the receiving array; wherein the transmitting array is composed of array elements, and the receiving array is composed of array elements;

[0176] Minimize at least one of the total number of transmit arrays and receive arrays.

[0177] In this application, the principle of maximizing SINR is applied: that is, maximizing the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) during the sensing process. Since the link loss is fixed, generally, the higher the total transmit power, the higher the SINR. However, the maximum output power of each transmit port is limited. Therefore, the more transmit ports there are, the greater the total transmit power that can be achieved. Thus, the principle of maximizing SINR can also be regarded as the principle of maximizing the number of Tx array elements. For example, when the precoding codebook corresponding to the joint precoding matrix is ​​{0,1,4,7,9}, the transmit array codebook obtained by decomposing according to the principle of maximizing SINR can be {0,1,4,7,9}, and the receive array codebook can be {0}.

[0178] In this application, the principle of minimizing the aperture of the transmitting array or the receiving array is to minimize the aperture of the larger of the array elements in the decomposed transmitting array and receiving array, that is, to constrain the aperture size of the decomposed transmitting array and receiving array. For example, if the aperture of the decomposed transmitting array is larger than the aperture of the receiving array, then when decomposing the joint precoding matrix, the decomposition is performed according to the principle of minimizing the aperture of the transmitting array.

[0179] In this application, the principle of minimizing the total number of transmit and receive arrays is to minimize the total number of transmit and receive arrays while satisfying the decomposition rules. For example, if the joint precoding matrix has information of 20 array elements, it can be decomposed into a 4*5 first precoding matrix and a second precoding matrix, or it can be decomposed into a 2*10 first precoding matrix and a second precoding matrix. According to the principle of minimizing the total number of transmit and receive arrays, it can be decomposed into a 4*5 first precoding matrix and a second precoding matrix, because two 4*5 precoding matrices only require 9 array elements, and two 2*10 precoding matrices require 12 array elements.

[0180] For an example of how to decompose the joint precoding matrix using various decomposition principles to obtain the first and second precoding matrices, please refer to Table 3 for understanding.

[0181] Table 3:

[0182] Table 3 illustrates examples of joint precoding matrices, first precoding matrices, and second precoding matrices corresponding to different decomposition principles. It should be noted that this application is not limited to the decomposition principles described above, nor to the examples presented. Additionally, Table 3 may include SPMI and PMI to mark the position of the corresponding row's information within the codebook.

[0183] In this embodiment of the application, if there are multiple decomposition principles, the joint precoding matrix can be decomposed according to the priority of the decomposition principles.

[0184] For example, if there exists a way to maximize SINR and minimize the aperture of the transmit array or the receive array, where maximizing SINR has a higher priority than minimizing the aperture of the transmit or receive array, then the joint precoding matrix can be decomposed according to maximizing SINR. Conversely, if minimizing the aperture of the transmit or receive array has a higher priority than maximizing SINR, then the joint precoding matrix can be decomposed according to minimizing the aperture of the transmit or receive array.

[0185] Similarly, if there exists a way to maximize SINR and minimize the total number of transmit and receive arrays simultaneously, where maximizing SINR has a higher priority than minimizing the total number of transmit and receive arrays, then the joint precoding matrix can be decomposed according to maximizing SINR. Conversely, if minimizing the total number of transmit and receive arrays has a higher priority than maximizing SINR, then the joint precoding matrix can be decomposed according to minimizing the total number of transmit and receive arrays.

[0186] If there exists a way to minimize either the aperture of the transmit array or the aperture of the receive array, and also to minimize the total number of transmit and receive arrays; where minimizing either the aperture of the transmit array or the aperture of the receive array has a higher priority than minimizing the total number of transmit and receive arrays, then the joint precoding matrix is ​​decomposed according to minimizing either the aperture of the transmit array or the aperture of the receive array. Conversely, if minimizing the total number of transmit and receive arrays has a higher priority than minimizing either the aperture of the transmit array or the aperture of the receive array, then the joint precoding matrix is ​​decomposed according to either the aperture of the transmit array or the aperture of the receive array.

[0187] If all three decomposition principles exist, the one with the highest priority is selected to decompose the joint precoding matrix. For example: if maximizing SINR has the highest priority, the joint precoding matrix is ​​decomposed according to maximizing SINR. If minimizing the aperture of the transmit array or the receiver array has the highest priority, the joint precoding matrix is ​​decomposed according to minimizing the aperture of the transmit array or the receiver array. If minimizing the total number of transmit and receive arrays has the highest priority, the joint precoding matrix is ​​decomposed according to minimizing the total number of transmit and receive arrays.

[0188] It should be noted that the joint precoding matrix and the first and second precoding matrices obtained from its decomposition described above are codebooks corresponding to one-dimensional antenna arrays. For two-dimensional antenna arrays, such as planar antenna arrays, the corresponding minimum redundancy array can be obtained through methods such as two-dimensional cross array design and sparsification based on regular arrays. Specifically, the two-dimensional cross minimum redundancy array consists of two orthogonal one-dimensional minimum redundancy arrays, each arranged in a different direction. For example, different one-dimensional minimum redundancy arrays can be arranged along the x-axis and y-axis respectively, and combined to form a two-dimensional array. The sparsification array design based on regular arrays involves removing certain elements from a conventional rectangular planar array, so that the remaining elements are arranged to form a minimum redundancy array. This type of array can cover more different baseline distances while reducing the number of antenna elements.

[0189] S403. The first communication device sends information about the first precoding matrix and / or the second precoding matrix to the second communication device. Correspondingly, the second communication device receives information about the first precoding matrix and / or the second precoding matrix.

[0190] In this application, the information of the first precoding matrix is ​​used to indicate the first precoding matrix, and the information of the second precoding matrix is ​​used to indicate the second precoding matrix.

[0191] If the first communication device is a central node, an SF network element, or an SMF network element, it transmits information about the first precoding matrix and the second precoding matrix. If the first communication device is a transmitting node, it transmits information about the second precoding matrix, and the first communication device precodes the sensing signal according to the first precoding matrix. If the first communication device is a receiving node, it transmits information about the first precoding matrix, and the first communication device precodes the echo signal according to the second precoding matrix.

[0192] S404. The second communication device precodes the sensing signal according to the first precoding matrix; and / or precodes the echo signal of the sensing signal according to the second precoding matrix.

[0193] If the second communication device is a transmitting node, the transmitting node precodes the sensing signal according to the first precoding matrix; if the second communication device is a receiving node, the receiving node precodes the echo signal of the sensing signal according to the second precoding matrix; if the second communication device is a sensing node, the sensing node precodes the sensing signal according to the first precoding matrix and the echo signal of the sensing signal according to the second precoding matrix.

[0194] In the scheme provided by this application embodiment, the joint precoding matrix satisfies the minimum redundancy matrix requirement of M / N. Thus, M array elements can achieve the equivalent uniform aperture of N array elements. This allows for better sensing performance with fewer antenna (array element) resources, improving antenna resource utilization.

[0195] Optionally, the process of the first communication device acquiring the joint precoding matrix in S401 above may include:

[0196] S4011. The first communication device acquires the echo signal and / or sensing results.

[0197] In this application, the sensing result generally refers to the result obtained by processing the echo signal. The echo signal and / or sensing result reflect the sensing performance.

[0198] S4012. The first communication device determines first information based on the echo signal and / or sensing result, the first information being used to determine M and N.

[0199] S4013. The first communication device obtains the joint precoding matrix based on M and N.

[0200] The first information may include at least one of the following: parameters of scattering intensity, parameters of channel intensity, or performance indicators of the point spread function.

[0201] In this application, the parameter of scattering intensity can be the range of scattering intensity of the sensed target, such as the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of scattering intensity.

[0202] In this application, the parameter of channel strength can be the range of channel strength corresponding to the sensing target, such as the difference between the maximum and minimum power of the channel.

[0203] In this application, the performance index of the point spread function can be used to measure the sensing performance of the sensing system. The performance index may include the main lobe width of the beam, the peak to sidelobe ratio (PSLR), and the integrated sidelobe ratio (ISLR), etc.

[0204] The above describes the sensing method of this application from the perspective of the first communication device and the second communication device. The interaction process between the first communication device and the second communication device will be described below in different scenarios.

[0205] As shown in Figure 5, taking a bi-base sensing scenario where the first communication device is a central node, an SF network element, or an SMF network element, and the second communication device is both a transmitting node and a receiving node as an example, the sensing method provided in this application embodiment includes:

[0206] S501. The central node / SF network element / SMF network element sends a joint sensing service request to the transmitting node and the receiving node. Correspondingly, the transmitting node and the receiving node receive the joint sensing service request.

[0207] S502. The transmitting node and receiving node send capability information to the central node / SF network element / SMF network element. Correspondingly, the central node / SF network element or SMF network element receives the capability information.

[0208] In this application, the capability information to be transmitted may include information such as the number, location, and direction of antenna elements. The antenna elements may include the number and direction of antenna elements used for transmitting signals, or the number and direction of antenna elements used for receiving signals. The capability information may also include information such as time-frequency resources, such as bandwidth, carrier wave, and time slot.

[0209] S503. The central node / SF network element / SMF network element sends sensing configuration parameters to the transmitting node and the receiving node. Correspondingly, the transmitting node and the receiving node receive the sensing configuration parameters.

[0210] In this application, the central node / SF network element / SMF network element can configure sensing parameters for the transmitting node based on the capability information of the transmitting node, and can also configure sensing parameters for the receiving node based on the capability information of the receiving node.

[0211] S504. The transmitting node transmits sensing signals.

[0212] S505. The receiving node receives the echo signal of the sensing signal.

[0213] When a sensing signal encounters a sensing target, it will be reflected or scattered, and the resulting echo signal will be received by the receiving node.

[0214] S506. The receiving node sends an echo signal or sensing result to the central node / SF network element / SMF network element. Correspondingly, the central node / SF network element / SMF network element receives the echo signal or sensing result.

[0215] The receiving node can directly send the received echo signal to the central node / SF network element / SMF network element, or it can process the echo signal to obtain the sensing result and then send the sensing result to the central node / SF network element / SMF network element.

[0216] S507. The central node / SF network element / SMF network element determines the first information based on the echo signal or sensing result, and determines the joint precoding matrix based on the first information.

[0217] This process can be understood by referring to the previous descriptions of S4012 and S4013, and will not be repeated here.

[0218] S508. The central node / SF network element / SMF network element determines the first precoding matrix and the second precoding matrix based on the joint precoding matrix.

[0219] This process can be understood by referring to the previous S402 and related introductions.

[0220] S509a. The central node / SF network element / SMF network element sends the information of the first precoding matrix to the transmitting node. Correspondingly, the transmitting node receives the information of the first precoding matrix.

[0221] S509b. The central node / SF network element / SMF network element sends the information of the second precoding matrix to the receiving node. Correspondingly, the receiving node receives the information of the second precoding matrix.

[0222] S510. The transmitting node precodes the sensing signal according to the first precoding matrix.

[0223] S511. The transmitting node transmits the precoded sensing signal.

[0224] S512. The receiving node precodes the echo signal according to the second precoding matrix.

[0225] S513. The receiving node sends the precoded echo signal or sensing result to the central node / SF network element / SMF network element. Correspondingly, the central node / SF network element / SMF network element receives the precoded echo signal or sensing result.

[0226] The sensing method provided in this application embodiment can utilize M / N to determine a joint precoding matrix that satisfies the minimum redundancy matrix. Then, based on the joint precoding matrix, a first precoding matrix suitable for the transmitting node and a second precoding matrix suitable for the receiving node are obtained. This achieves good sensing performance with fewer antenna resources. Furthermore, in the above sensing method, the central node / SF network element / SMF network element can configure sensing parameters for the transmitting and receiving nodes. This allows for on-demand resource usage, reduces the number of transceiver antenna channels occupied, and improves the utilization rate of transceiver antennas. Moreover, the process of obtaining the first and second precoding matrices based on the joint precoding matrix is ​​performed by the central node / SF network element / SMF network element, which reduces the computational load on the receiving and transmitting nodes.

[0227] Furthermore, the processes described in S504 to S511 are typically executed periodically. The central node / SF network element / SMF network element can instruct the periodic execution of the above processes through the first instruction information, or it can choose not to instruct them through the first instruction information. If there is no instruction to perform them periodically, the above processes can be assumed to be executed periodically.

[0228] Of course, the above process can also be executed aperiodically or semi-permanently. Semi-permanent execution usually refers to executing periodically for a period of time and then sending a second instruction to indicate that execution should stop. Aperiodic execution refers to stopping after one cycle. We will introduce another scenario below. Of course, both aperiodic and semi-permanent execution can be applied to various application scenarios.

[0229] As shown in Figure 6, taking a bi-base sensing scenario where the first communication device is a transmitting node (which can also be understood as concentrating the functions of the central node / SF network element / SMF network element into the transmitting node) and the second communication device is a receiving node as an example, the sensing method provided in this application embodiment includes:

[0230] S601. The transmitting node sends a joint sensing service request to the receiving node. Correspondingly, the receiving node receives the joint sensing service request.

[0231] S602. The receiving node sends capability information to the transmitting node. Correspondingly, the transmitting node receives the capability information.

[0232] S603. The transmitting node sends sensing configuration parameters to the receiving node. Correspondingly, the receiving node receives the sensing configuration parameters.

[0233] S604. The transmitting node sends a trigger activation signal to the receiving node. Correspondingly, the receiving node receives the trigger activation signal.

[0234] The trigger activation signal can be the first indication information described above, which is used to indicate the periodic execution of the sensing measurement process.

[0235] S605. The transmitting node transmits sensing signals.

[0236] S606. The receiving node receives the echo signal.

[0237] S607. The receiving node sends an echo signal or sensing result to the transmitting node. Correspondingly, the transmitting node receives the echo signal or sensing result.

[0238] S608. The transmitting node determines the first information based on the echo signal or sensing result, and determines the joint precoding matrix based on the first information.

[0239] S609. The transmitting node determines the first precoding matrix and the second precoding matrix based on the joint precoding matrix.

[0240] S610. The transmitting node sends the information of the second precoding matrix to the receiving node.

[0241] S611. The transmitting node precodes the sensing signal according to the first precoding matrix.

[0242] S612. The transmitting node sends the pre-coded sensing signal.

[0243] S613. The receiving node precodes the echo signal according to the second precoding matrix.

[0244] S614. The receiving node sends a precoded echo signal or sensing result to the transmitting node. Correspondingly, the transmitting node receives the precoded echo signal or sensing result.

[0245] S615. The transmitting node sends a trigger deactivation signal to the receiving node. Correspondingly, the receiving node receives the trigger deactivation signal.

[0246] The trigger deactivation signal can be the second indication information described above, which is used to indicate the cessation of the sensing measurement process.

[0247] This embodiment describes a semi-persistent sensing and measurement process. In addition to the semi-persistent sensing and measurement process, the solution in this embodiment integrates the functions of the transmitting node into the central node / SF network element / SMF network element. Therefore, the corresponding content of the embodiment described in Figure 6 can be understood by referring to the corresponding content in Figure 5.

[0248] As shown in Figure 7, taking a dual-base sensing scenario where the first communication device is a receiving node (which can also be understood as concentrating the functions of the central node / SF network element / SMF network element into the receiving node) and the second communication device is a transmitting node as an example, the sensing method provided in this application embodiment includes:

[0249] S701. The receiving node sends a joint sensing service request to the transmitting node. Correspondingly, the transmitting node receives the joint sensing service request.

[0250] S702. The transmitting node sends capability information to the receiving node. Correspondingly, the receiving node receives the capability information.

[0251] S703. The receiving node sends sensing configuration parameters to the transmitting node. Correspondingly, the transmitting node receives the sensing configuration parameters.

[0252] S704. The receiving node sends an aperiodic activation signal to the transmitting node. Correspondingly, the transmitting node receives the aperiodic activation signal.

[0253] The aperiodic activation signal can be the first indication information described above, which is used to indicate the aperiodic execution of the sensing measurement process.

[0254] S705. The transmitting node transmits sensing signals.

[0255] S706. The receiving node receives the echo signal.

[0256] S707. The receiving node determines the first information based on the echo signal or the sensing result, and determines the joint precoding matrix based on the first information.

[0257] S708. The receiving node determines the first precoding matrix and the second precoding matrix based on the joint precoding matrix.

[0258] S709. The receiving node sends the information of the first precoding matrix to the transmitting node.

[0259] S710. The transmitting node precodes the sensing signal according to the first precoding matrix.

[0260] S711. The transmitting node sends pre-coded sensing signals.

[0261] S712. The receiving node receives the echo signal.

[0262] S713. The receiving node precodes the echo signal according to the first precoding matrix and determines the sensing result based on the precoded echo signal.

[0263] This embodiment describes an aperiodic sensing and measurement process. In addition to the aperiodic sensing and measurement process, the solution in this embodiment simply integrates the functions of the receiving node into the central node / SF network element / SMF network element. Therefore, the corresponding content of the embodiment described in Figure 7 can be understood by referring to the corresponding content in Figure 5.

[0264] As shown in Figure 8, taking a single-base sensing scenario where the first communication device is a central node or an SF network element / SMF network element, and the second communication device is a sensing node as an example, the sensing method provided in this application embodiment includes:

[0265] S801. The central node / SF network element / SMF network element sends a request for joint sensing service to the sensing node. Correspondingly, the sensing node receives the request for joint sensing service.

[0266] S802. The sensing node sends capability information to the central node / SF network element / SMF network element. Correspondingly, the central node / SF network element / SMF network element receives the capability information.

[0267] S803. The central node / SF network element / SMF network element sends sensing configuration parameters to the sensing node. Correspondingly, the sensing node receives the sensing configuration parameters.

[0268] S804. The central node / SF network element or SMF network element sends a trigger activation signal to the sensing node. Correspondingly, the sensing node receives the trigger activation signal.

[0269] S805. The sensing node transmits sensing signals.

[0270] S806. The sensing node receives the echo signal.

[0271] S807. The sensing node sends an echo signal or sensing result to the central node / SF network element / SMF network element. Correspondingly, the central node / SF network element / SMF network element receives the echo signal or sensing result.

[0272] S808. The central node / SF network element / SMF network element determines the first information based on the echo signal or sensing result, and determines the joint precoding matrix based on the first information.

[0273] S809. The central node / SF network element / SMF network element determines the first precoding matrix and the second precoding matrix based on the joint precoding matrix.

[0274] S810. The central node / SF network element / SMF network element sends the information of the first precoding matrix and the information of the second precoding matrix to the sensing node.

[0275] S811. The sensing node precodes the sensing signal according to the first precoding matrix.

[0276] S812. The sensing node sends the pre-coded sensing signal.

[0277] S813. The sensing node receives the echo signal.

[0278] S814. The sensing node precodes the echo signal according to the second precoding matrix.

[0279] S815. The sensing node sends a precoded echo signal or sensing result to the central node / SF network element / SMF network element. Correspondingly, the central node / SF network element / SMF network element receives the precoded echo signal or sensing result.

[0280] S816. The central node / SF network element / SMF network element sends a trigger deactivation signal to the sensing node. Correspondingly, the sensing node receives the trigger deactivation signal.

[0281] This embodiment describes a semi-persistent single-base scenario where the receiving node and the transmitting node are integrated. In addition, the relevant content of the embodiment described in Figure 8 can be understood by referring to the corresponding content in Figure 5.

[0282] The communication system and communication method in the embodiments of this application have been described above. The communication device provided in the embodiments of this application will be described below.

[0283] Referring to Figure 9, this application embodiment provides a communication device 900. This communication device 900 can implement the functions of the first or second communication device in the above method embodiments, and therefore also achieves the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments. In this application embodiment, the communication device 900 can be the first or second communication device, or it can be an integrated circuit or component within the first or second communication device, such as a chip, baseband chip, modem chip, SoC chip (e.g., an SoC chip containing a modem core), SIP chip, communication module, chip system, processor, etc.

[0284] It should be noted that the transceiver unit 902 may include a transmitting unit and a receiving unit, which are used to perform transmitting and receiving respectively.

[0285] In one possible implementation, when the device 900 is used to execute the method performed by the first communication device in FIG4 and related embodiments, the device 900 includes a processing unit 901 and a transceiver unit 902; the processing unit 901 is used to obtain a joint precoding matrix and determine a first precoding matrix and a second precoding matrix based on the joint precoding matrix, wherein the joint precoding matrix satisfies the minimum redundancy matrix requirement of M / N, where M is the number of array elements of the minimum redundancy matrix, N is the number of array elements with an equivalent uniform aperture achieved by the minimum redundancy matrix, M and N are both positive integers, and M is less than N; the transceiver unit 902 is used to transmit information of the first precoding matrix and / or information of the second precoding matrix.

[0286] In one possible implementation, when the device 900 is used to execute the method performed by the second communication device in FIG4 and related embodiments, the device 900 includes a processing unit 901 and a transceiver unit 902; the transceiver unit 902 is used to receive information of a first precoding matrix and / or information of a second precoding matrix, wherein the information of the first precoding matrix is ​​used to indicate the first precoding matrix, and the information of the second precoding matrix is ​​used to indicate the second precoding matrix. The first precoding matrix and the second precoding matrix are obtained based on a joint precoding matrix, which satisfies the minimum redundancy matrix requirement of M / N, where M is the number of array elements of the minimum redundancy matrix, and N is the number of array elements with an equivalent uniform aperture achieved by the minimum redundancy matrix. Both M and N are positive integers, and M is less than N; the processing unit 901 is used to precode the sensing signal according to the first precoding matrix; and / or, to precode the echo signal of the sensing signal according to the second precoding matrix.

[0287] In one possible design, when the communication device 900 is a terminal device or a communication module within a terminal, the function of the processing unit 901 can be implemented by one or more processors. Specifically, the processor may include a modem chip, a SoC chip (such as a SoC chip containing a modem core), or a SIP chip. The function of the transceiver unit 902 can be implemented by transceiver circuitry.

[0288] In one possible design, when the communication device 900 is a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions in a terminal device, such as a modem chip, a SoC chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core, the function of the processing unit 901 can be implemented by a circuit system in the aforementioned chip that includes one or more processors or processor cores. The function of the transceiver unit 902 can be implemented by the interface circuitry or data transceiver circuitry on the aforementioned chip.

[0289] It should be noted that the information execution process of the unit of the above-mentioned communication device 900 can be specifically described in the method embodiment shown above in this application, and will not be repeated here.

[0290] Please refer to Figure 10, which is another schematic structural diagram of the communication device 1000 provided in this application. The communication device 1000 includes a logic circuit 1001 and an input / output interface 1002. The communication device 1000 can be a chip or an integrated circuit.

[0291] In Figure 9, the transceiver unit 902 can be a communication interface, which can be the input / output interface 1002 in Figure 10. The input / output interface 1002 can include an input interface and an output interface. Alternatively, the communication interface can also be a transceiver circuit, which can include an input interface circuit and an output interface circuit.

[0292] In one possible implementation, when the device 1000 is used to execute the method performed by the first communication device in FIG4 and related embodiments, the logic circuit 1001 is used to obtain a joint precoding matrix and determine a first precoding matrix and a second precoding matrix based on the joint precoding matrix, wherein the joint precoding matrix satisfies the minimum redundancy matrix requirement of M / N, where M is the number of array elements of the minimum redundancy matrix, N is the number of array elements with an equivalent uniform aperture achieved by the minimum redundancy matrix, and both M and N are positive integers, and M is less than N; the input / output interface 1002 is used to send information of the first precoding matrix and / or the second precoding matrix.

[0293] In one possible implementation, when the device 1000 is used to execute the method performed by the second communication device in FIG4 and related embodiments, the input / output interface 1002 is used to receive information of a first precoding matrix and / or information of a second precoding matrix, wherein the information of the first precoding matrix is ​​used to indicate the first precoding matrix, and the information of the second precoding matrix is ​​used to indicate the second precoding matrix. The first and second precoding matrices are obtained based on a joint precoding matrix that satisfies the minimum redundancy matrix requirement of M / N, where M is the number of array elements of the minimum redundancy matrix, and N is the number of array elements with an equivalent uniform aperture achieved by the minimum redundancy matrix. Both M and N are positive integers, and M is less than N. The logic circuit 1001 is used to precode the sensing signal according to the first precoding matrix and / or to precode the echo signal of the sensing signal according to the second precoding matrix.

[0294] The logic circuit 1001 and the input / output interface 1002 can also perform other steps performed by the first or second communication device in any embodiment and achieve corresponding beneficial effects, which will not be elaborated here.

[0295] In one possible implementation, the processing unit 901 shown in FIG9 can be the logic circuit 1001 in FIG10.

[0296] Optionally, the logic circuit 1001 can be a processing device, the functions of which can be partially or entirely implemented in software.

[0297] Optionally, the processing apparatus may include a memory and a processor, wherein the memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor reads and executes the computer program stored in the memory to perform the corresponding processing and / or steps in any of the method embodiments.

[0298] Optionally, the processing device may consist of only a processor. A memory for storing computer programs is located outside the processing device, and the processor is connected to the memory via circuitry / wires to read and execute the computer programs stored in the memory. The memory and processor may be integrated together or physically independent of each other.

[0299] Optionally, the processing device may be one or more chips, or one or more integrated circuits. For example, the processing device may be one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), system-on-chips (SoCs), central processing units (CPUs), network processors (NPs), digital signal processors (DSPs), microcontroller units (MCUs), programmable logic controllers (PLDs), or other integrated chips, or any combination of the above chips or processors.

[0300] Please refer to Figure 11, which shows the communication device 1100 involved in the above embodiments provided in the embodiments of this application. Specifically, the communication device 1100 can be the communication device as a terminal device in the above embodiments. The example shown in Figure 11 is that the terminal device is implemented through the terminal device (or the components in the terminal device).

[0301] The present invention provides a possible logical structure diagram of the communication device 1100, which may include, but is not limited to, at least one processor 1101 and a communication port 1102.

[0302] In Figure 9, the transceiver unit 902 can be a communication interface, which can be the communication port 1102 in Figure 11. The communication port 1102 can include an input interface and an output interface. Alternatively, the communication port 1102 can also be a transceiver circuit, which can include an input interface circuit and an output interface circuit.

[0303] Further optionally, the device may also include at least one of a memory 1103 and a bus 1104. In the embodiments of this application, the at least one processor 1101 is used to control the operation of the communication device 1100.

[0304] Furthermore, the processor 1101 can be a central processing unit, a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field-programmable gate array, or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. It can implement or execute the various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the disclosure of this application. The processor can also be a combination that implements computing functions, such as a combination of one or more microprocessors, a combination of a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, etc. Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0305] It should be noted that the communication device 1100 shown in Figure 11 can be used to implement the steps implemented by the terminal device in the aforementioned method embodiment and achieve the corresponding technical effects of the terminal device. The specific implementation of the terminal device shown in Figure 11 can be referred to the description of the first communication device or the second communication device in the aforementioned method embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0306] Please refer to Figure 12, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 1200 involved in the above embodiments provided in the embodiments of this application. The communication device 1200 can specifically be a communication device as a network device in the above embodiments. The example shown in Figure 12 is that the network device is implemented through a network device (or a component in the network device). The structure of the communication device can refer to the structure shown in Figure 12.

[0307] The communication device 1200 includes at least one processor 1211 and at least one network interface 1214. Optionally, the communication device further includes at least one memory 1212, at least one transceiver 1213, and one or more antennas 1215. The processor 1211, memory 1212, transceiver 1213, and network interface 1214 are connected, for example, via a bus. In this embodiment, the connection may include various interfaces, transmission lines, or buses, etc., and this embodiment is not limited thereto. The antenna 1215 is connected to the transceiver 1213. The network interface 1214 enables the communication device to communicate with other communication devices through a communication link. For example, the network interface 1214 may include a network interface between the communication device and core network equipment, such as an S1 interface; the network interface may also include a network interface between the communication device and other communication devices (e.g., other network devices or core network equipment), such as an X2 or Xn interface.

[0308] In Figure 9, the transceiver unit 902 can be a communication interface, which can be the network interface 1214 in Figure 12. The network interface 1214 can include an input interface and an output interface. Alternatively, the network interface 1214 can also be a transceiver circuit, which can include an input interface circuit and an output interface circuit.

[0309] The processor 1211 is primarily used to process communication protocols and communication data, control the entire communication device, execute software programs, and process data from these programs, for example, to support the actions described in the embodiments of the communication device. The communication device may include a baseband processor and a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor is primarily used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU is primarily used to control the entire terminal device, execute software programs, and process data from these programs. The processor 1211 in Figure 12 can integrate the functions of both a baseband processor and a CPU. Those skilled in the art will understand that the baseband processor and CPU can also be independent processors interconnected via technologies such as buses. Those skilled in the art will understand that a terminal device may include multiple baseband processors to adapt to different network standards, and multiple CPUs to enhance its processing capabilities. Various components of the terminal device can be connected via various buses. The baseband processor can also be described as a baseband processing circuit or a baseband processing chip. The CPU can also be described as a central processing circuit or a central processing chip. The function of processing communication protocols and communication data can be built into the processor or stored in memory as a software program, which is then executed by the processor to implement the baseband processing function.

[0310] The memory is primarily used to store software programs and data. The memory 1212 can exist independently or be connected to the processor 1211. Optionally, the memory 1212 can be integrated with the processor 1211, for example, integrated within a single chip. The memory 1212 can store program code that executes the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and its execution is controlled by the processor 1211. The various types of computer program code being executed can also be considered as drivers for the processor 1211.

[0311] Figure 12 shows only one memory and one processor. In actual terminal devices, there may be multiple processors and multiple memories. Memory can also be called storage medium or storage device, etc. Memory can be a storage element on the same chip as the processor, i.e., an on-chip storage element, or it can be a separate storage element; this application does not limit this.

[0312] Transceiver 1213 can be used to support the reception or transmission of radio frequency signals between a communication device and a terminal. Transceiver 1213 can be connected to antenna 1215. Transceiver 1213 includes a transmitter Tx and a receiver Rx. Specifically, one or more antennas 1215 can receive radio frequency signals. The receiver Rx of transceiver 1213 is used to receive the radio frequency signals from the antennas, convert the radio frequency signals into digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency signals, and provide the digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency signals to processor 1211 so that processor 1211 can perform further processing on the digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency signals, such as demodulation and decoding. In addition, the transmitter Tx in transceiver 1213 is also used to receive the modulated digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency signals from processor 1211, convert the modulated digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency signals into radio frequency signals, and transmit the radio frequency signals through one or more antennas 1215. Specifically, the receiver Rx can selectively perform one or more stages of downmixing and analog-to-digital conversion on the radio frequency signal to obtain a digital baseband signal or a digital intermediate frequency (IF) signal. The order of these downmixing and IF conversion processes is adjustable. The transmitter Tx can selectively perform one or more stages of upmixing and digital-to-analog conversion on the modulated digital baseband signal or digital IF signal to obtain a radio frequency signal. The order of these upmixing and IF conversion processes is also adjustable. The digital baseband signal and the digital IF signal can be collectively referred to as digital signals.

[0313] The transceiver 1213 can also be called a transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver device, etc. Optionally, the device in the transceiver unit that performs the receiving function can be regarded as the receiving unit, and the device in the transceiver unit that performs the transmitting function can be regarded as the transmitting unit. That is, the transceiver unit includes a receiving unit and a transmitting unit. The receiving unit can also be called a receiver, input port, receiving circuit, etc., and the transmitting unit can be called a transmitter, transmitter, or transmitting circuit, etc.

[0314] It should be noted that the communication device 1200 shown in Figure 12 can be used to implement the steps implemented by the network device in the aforementioned method embodiment and achieve the corresponding technical effects of the network device. The specific implementation of the communication device 1200 shown in Figure 12 can be referred to the description of the first communication device or the second communication device in the aforementioned method embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0315] Please refer to Figure 13, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device involved in the above embodiments provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0316] It is understood that the communication device 1300 includes, for example, modules, units, elements, circuits, or interfaces, which are appropriately configured together to execute the technical solutions provided in this application. The communication device 1300 may be the terminal device or network device described above, or a component (e.g., a chip) within these devices, used to implement the methods described in the following method embodiments. The communication device 1300 includes one or more processors 1301. The processor 1301 may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, for example, a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit can be used to control the communication device (e.g., RAN node, terminal, or chip), execute software programs, and process data from the software programs.

[0317] Optionally, in one design, processor 1301 may include program 1303 (sometimes also referred to as code or instructions), which may be executed on processor 1301 to cause communication device 1300 to perform the methods described in the embodiments below. In yet another possible design, communication device 1300 includes circuitry (not shown in FIG13).

[0318] Optionally, the communication device 1300 may include one or more memories 1302 storing a program 1304 (sometimes referred to as code or instructions), which can be run on the processor 1301 to cause the communication device 1300 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments.

[0319] Optionally, the processor 1301 and / or memory 1302 may include AI modules 1307 and 1308, which are used to implement AI-related functions. The AI ​​modules can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of both. For example, the AI ​​module may include a radio intelligence control (RIC) module. For example, the AI ​​module may be a near real-time RIC or a non-real-time RIC.

[0320] Optionally, the processor 1301 and / or memory 1302 may also store data. The processor and memory may be configured separately or integrated together.

[0321] Optionally, the communication device 1300 may further include a transceiver 1305 and / or an antenna 1306. The processor 1301, sometimes referred to as a processing unit, controls the communication device (e.g., a RAN node or terminal). The transceiver 1305, sometimes referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, or transceiver, is used to realize the transmission and reception functions of the communication device through the antenna 1306.

[0322] In Figure 9, the processing unit 901 can be a processor 1301. The transceiver unit 902 shown in Figure 9 can be a communication interface, which can be the transceiver 1305 in Figure 13. The transceiver 1305 can include an input interface and an output interface. Alternatively, the transceiver 1305 can also be a transceiver circuit, which can include an input interface circuit and an output interface circuit.

[0323] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing one or more computer-executable instructions. When the computer-executable instructions are executed by a processor, the processor performs the method described in the possible implementations of the first or second communication device in the foregoing embodiments.

[0324] This application also provides a computer program product (or computer program) that, when executed by a processor, executes the method described above for the possible implementation of the first or second communication device.

[0325] This application also provides a chip system including at least one processor for supporting a communication device in implementing the functions involved in the possible implementations of the communication device described above. Optionally, the chip system further includes an interface circuit that provides program instructions and / or data to the at least one processor. In one possible design, the chip system may also include a memory for storing the program instructions and data necessary for the communication device. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices, wherein the communication device may specifically be the first communication device or the second communication device in the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0326] This application also provides a communication system, which includes the first communication device in any of the above embodiments.

[0327] Optionally, the communication system may also include a second communication device.

[0328] In the embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units, and may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms. Whether a function is implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0329] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0330] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit. If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

Claims

1. A sensing method, characterized in that, include: Obtain a joint precoding matrix; wherein the joint precoding matrix satisfies the minimum redundancy matrix requirement of M / N, where M is the number of array elements of the minimum redundancy matrix, N is the number of array elements with an equivalent uniform aperture achieved by the minimum redundancy matrix, and both M and N are positive integers, and M is less than N. Send information about a first precoding matrix and / or a second precoding matrix; wherein the information about the first precoding matrix is ​​used to indicate the first precoding matrix, the information about the second precoding matrix is ​​used to indicate the second precoding matrix, the first precoding matrix and the second precoding matrix are obtained based on the joint precoding matrix, the first precoding matrix is ​​used for precoding the sensed signal, and the second precoding matrix is ​​used for precoding the echo signal of the sensed signal.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: According to the decomposition principle, the joint precoding matrix is ​​decomposed into a first precoding matrix and a second precoding matrix; wherein the decomposition principle includes at least one of the following: Maximize the signal-to-interference-to-noise ratio; Minimize the aperture of the transmitting array or minimize the aperture of the receiving array; wherein the transmitting array is composed of array elements, and the receiving array is composed of array elements; Minimize at least one of the total number of transmit arrays and receive arrays.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The relationship between M / N and the joint precoding matrix that satisfies the minimum redundancy is shown in the following table:

4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The decomposition principle, the joint precoding matrix, and the relationship between the first precoding matrix and the second precoding matrix are shown in the following table:

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The process of obtaining the joint precoding matrix includes: Obtain first information, which is used to determine M and N; The joint precoding matrix is ​​obtained based on the first information.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first information includes at least one of the following: parameters of scattering intensity, parameters of channel intensity, or performance indicators of the point spread function.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The information of the first precoding matrix includes at least one of the following: the index of the first precoding matrix, the weighting parameter of the antenna array corresponding to the first precoding matrix, or the elements of the first precoding matrix. The information of the second precoding matrix includes at least one of the following: the index of the second precoding matrix, the weighting parameters of the antenna array corresponding to the second precoding matrix, or the elements of the second precoding matrix.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a first indication message, which is used to indicate the triggering of a non-periodic or periodic execution of the sensing process. If it is executed periodically, it stops when the cutoff condition is met. The sensing process includes the steps of obtaining a joint precoding matrix and sending information of a first precoding matrix and / or a second precoding matrix.

9. A sensing method, characterized in that, include: Receive information about a first precoding matrix and / or a second precoding matrix; wherein the information about the first precoding matrix is ​​used to indicate the first precoding matrix, and the information about the second precoding matrix is ​​used to indicate the second precoding matrix, the first precoding matrix and the second precoding matrix are obtained based on a joint precoding matrix, the joint precoding matrix satisfies the minimum redundancy matrix requirement of M / N, where M is the number of array elements of the minimum redundancy matrix, N is the number of array elements with an equivalent uniform aperture achieved by the minimum redundancy matrix, M and N are both positive integers, and M is less than N; The sensed signal is precoded according to the first precoding matrix; and / or the echo signal of the sensed signal is precoded according to the second precoding matrix.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The relationship between M / N and the joint precoding matrix that satisfies the minimum redundancy is shown in the following table:

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The first precoding matrix and the second precoding matrix are obtained by decomposing the joint precoding matrix based on a decomposition principle. The relationship between the decomposition principle, the joint precoding matrix, and the first and second precoding matrices can be summarized in the following table:

12. The method according to any one of claims 9-11, characterized in that, The information of the first precoding matrix includes at least one of the following: the index of the first precoding matrix, the weighting parameter of the antenna array corresponding to the first precoding matrix, or the elements of the first precoding matrix. The information of the second precoding matrix includes at least one of the following: the index of the second precoding matrix, the weighting parameters of the antenna array corresponding to the second precoding matrix, or the elements of the second precoding matrix.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9-12, characterized in that, Before receiving information from the first precoding matrix and / or the second precoding matrix, the method further includes: Sending at least one of an echo signal, a sensing result, or first information; wherein the echo signal and / or the sensing result are used to determine the first information, and the first information is used to determine the M and the N.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first information includes at least one of the following: parameters of scattering intensity, parameters of channel intensity, or performance indicators of the point spread function.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, The method further includes: The system receives a first indication message, which is used to indicate the triggering of a non-periodic or periodic execution of a sensing process. If the process is periodic, it stops when a cutoff condition is met. The sensing process includes the steps of sending a sensing signal, receiving information from a first precoding matrix, and precoding the sensing signal according to the first precoding matrix. Alternatively, the sensing process includes the steps of receiving an echo signal, sending an echo signal, receiving at least one of a sensing result or first information, receiving information from a second precoding matrix, and precoding the echo signal of the sensing signal according to the second precoding matrix.

16. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes modules for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, or modules for performing the method as described in any one of claims 9 to 15.

17. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes at least one processor, said at least one processor being configured to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, or said at least one processor being configured to perform the method as described in any one of claims 9 to 15.

18. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable 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 to 8, or the method as described in any one of claims 9 to 15.

19. A computer program product, characterized in that, It includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a computer, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, or implement the method as described in any one of claims 9 to 15.

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