Method and apparatus for determining sensing mode

Abstract

The present application relates to the wireless field, and specifically relates to a method and apparatus for determining a sensing mode. Different sensing modes have different characteristics, and how to determine a sensing mode suitable for the current scenario is a problem that needs to be solved. In embodiments of the present application, an execution device acquires a sensing service state of a target network device, the sensing service state indicating whether a sensing function of the target network device is available, and determines a sensing mode on the basis of the sensing service state. When the sensing function of the target network device is unavailable, the execution device needs to avoid using a sensing mode based on the target network device, such as a base station-base station bistatic mode. Therefore, in the embodiments of the present application, a sensing mode is determined on the basis of a sensing service state, and thus, a sensing mode suitable for the current scenario can be determined.

Description

Methods and apparatus for determining sensing patterns

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411520272.4, filed on October 28, 2024, entitled "Method and Apparatus for Determining Sensing Mode", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of wireless technology, and more specifically to a method and apparatus for determining a sensing pattern. Background Technology

[0003] In fifth-generation mobile communication technology (5G) th In the evolution of 5G mobile communication technology, integrated communication and sensing technology is considered one of the key technologies for expanding the service capabilities of mobile communication networks. The core idea of ​​this technology is to add sensing capabilities to the mobile communication network, building the ability to detect and image targets, thereby integrating communication and sensing capabilities into a single network to achieve harmonious coexistence and even mutual benefit.

[0004] Based on whether the transmitting and receiving ends of the sensed signals are co-located or separate, sensing systems can be divided into monostatic systems and bistatic systems. Depending on whether the transmitting end is a terminal or a base station, monostatic and bistatic systems can be further subdivided into several more specific sensing modes. Different sensing modes have different characteristics, and determining the appropriate sensing mode for the current scenario is a problem that needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Embodiments of this application provide a method, apparatus, system, computer-readable storage medium, and computer program product for determining a perception mode that is suitable for the current scenario.

[0006] Firstly, embodiments of this application provide a method for determining a sensing mode. This method can be performed by a network device (e.g., a base station or core network element). Unless otherwise specified, "network device" in this application can refer to the network device itself, a component within the network device (e.g., a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the network device's functions. The following description uses a base station as the executing entity. The method includes: obtaining the sensing service status of a target network device, whereby the sensing service status indicates whether the sensing function of the target network device is available, and a correspondence exists between the sensing service status and the sensing mode.

[0007] In the above method, an alternative expression for "a correspondence exists between the perception service state and the perception mode" includes: determining the perception mode based on the perception service state. When the perception function of the target network device is unavailable, the base station needs to avoid using perception modes based on inter-base station perception functions, such as the base station-base station bi-base station mode; when the perception function of the target network device is available, the base station can use the base station-base station bi-base station mode as a candidate perception mode. Therefore, this embodiment determines the perception mode based on the perception service state, which can determine the perception mode suitable for the current scenario.

[0008] In an optional implementation of the first aspect, when the sensing service status indicates that the sensing function is available, the sensing mode is a base station-to-base station dual-base mode or a base station single-base mode; or, when the sensing service status indicates that the sensing function is unavailable, the sensing mode is a base station single-base mode.

[0009] In an optional implementation of the first aspect, the method further includes: acquiring channel measurement results of the cross-link of the target network device, the channel measurement results being used to determine the communication service status and / or the awareness service status.

[0010] In this embodiment, the base station acquires the measurement results and determines the perception service status based on the measurement results, without needing to obtain the perception service status from other nodes, thus enabling the perception mode to be determined as quickly as possible.

[0011] In an optional implementation of the first aspect, the method further includes: acquiring a first parameter of the cross-link, the first parameter being used to determine channel measurement results, the first parameter including at least one of the following parameters: Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), Reference Received Power (RSRP), Channel State Information (CSI), Channel Quality Indicator (CQI), Signal-to-Interference-plus-Noise Ratio (SINR), Received Code Power (RSCP), or Reference Received Path Power (RSRPP).

[0012] This embodiment provides more optional parameters for determining channel measurement results, improving the flexibility of the base station in determining channel measurement results.

[0013] In an optional implementation of the first aspect, acquiring a first parameter of the cross-link, the first parameter being used to determine the channel measurement result, includes: acquiring a second parameter and a first parameter of the cross-link, the second parameter and the first parameter being used to determine the channel measurement result, the second parameter including at least one of the following parameters: the reception time of the measurement signal, the transmission-reception time difference of the measurement signal, the subframe offset of the measurement signal, the line-of-sight / non-line-of-sight indication of the measurement signal, the timing offset of the measurement signal, an indication of whether carrier aggregation is used to measure the transmission-reception time difference, an indication of measurement based on a single-hop reference signal or a multi-hop reference signal, a timing drift indication, the angle of arrival of the measurement signal, the departure angle of the measurement signal, or the beam information of the measurement signal.

[0014] This embodiment provides more optional parameters for determining channel measurement results, improving the flexibility of the base station in determining channel measurement results.

[0015] In an alternative implementation of the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving first information indicating a sensing service status.

[0016] In some cases, the base station may be in an energy-saving or high-load state. Receiving the first information allows the base station to determine the sensing service status locally, thereby reducing the power consumption of the base station in determining the sensing mode.

[0017] In an alternative implementation of the first aspect, the first information includes a first bit that indicates whether the sensing function is available.

[0018] Compared to implicit indication sensing methods, bit-based indication sensing does not rely on other information, thus improving the flexibility of indication sensing.

[0019] In an alternative implementation of the first aspect, the first information further includes a second bit indicating whether the air interface communication function of the target network device is available.

[0020] The availability of air interface communication is related to the processing method of the sensing measurement results. The base station can determine the appropriate processing method based on the second bit. For example, when the base station generates sensing measurement results, and the second bit indicates that the air interface communication function of the target network device is unavailable, the base station can store the sensing measurement results locally and send them back to the base station when the air interface communication function of the target network device becomes available, thereby improving the transmission reliability of the sensing measurement results.

[0021] In an optional implementation of the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving second information, the second information including second bits indicating whether the air interface communication function of the target network device is available.

[0022] In this embodiment, the bit indicating the air interface communication function (the second bit) and the bit indicating the sensing function (the first bit) are sent separately, so as to flexibly indicate whether the air interface communication function of the target network device is available.

[0023] In an alternative implementation of the first aspect, the method further includes: sending third information, the third information indicating a sensing mode.

[0024] After determining the sensing mode, the base station can send third information to other devices (such as target network devices or core network devices) so that other devices can prepare resources in advance to perform sensing processing.

[0025] In an optional implementation of the first aspect, the method further includes: when the air interface communication function of the target network device is unavailable, saving the sensing measurement results, and / or sending or receiving the sensing measurement results through the Xn interface; or, when the air interface communication function of the target network device is available, saving the sensing measurement results, and / or sending or receiving the sensing measurement results through the Xn interface or the air interface.

[0026] In this embodiment, the base station can select a suitable processing method for the sensing measurement results based on the air interface communication function of the target network device. For example, when the air interface communication function of the target network device is unavailable, the base station can send or receive sensing measurement results through the Xn interface to reduce the transmission latency of the sensing measurement report. Conversely, when the air interface communication function of the target network device is available, the base station can select a suitable interface (e.g., an interface with lower traffic) to send or receive the sensing measurement report based on factors such as the Xn interface and air interface traffic, thereby improving resource utilization efficiency.

[0027] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide an apparatus for determining a sensing mode (also referred to as a communication apparatus, sensing apparatus, sensing apparatus, or sensing fusion apparatus). The apparatus includes a processing unit configured to perform: acquiring the sensing service status of a target network device, wherein the sensing service status indicates whether the sensing function of the target network device is available, and a correspondence exists between the sensing service status and the sensing mode.

[0028] In an optional implementation of the second aspect, when the sensing service status indicates that the sensing function is available, the sensing mode is a base station-to-base station dual-base mode or a base station single-base mode; or, when the sensing service status indicates that the sensing function is unavailable, the sensing mode is a base station single-base mode.

[0029] In an optional implementation of the second aspect, the processing unit is further configured to: acquire channel measurement results of the cross-link of the target network device, the channel measurement results being used to determine the communication service status and / or the sensing service status.

[0030] In an optional implementation of the second aspect, the processing unit is further configured to: acquire a first parameter of the cross-link, the first parameter being used to determine the channel measurement result, the first parameter including at least one of the following parameters: RSSI, RSRP, CSI, CQI, SINR, RSCP, or RSRPP.

[0031] In an optional implementation of the second aspect, the processing unit is specifically configured to: acquire a second parameter and a first parameter of the cross-link, the second parameter and the first parameter being used to determine the channel measurement result, the second parameter including at least one of the following parameters: the reception time of the measurement signal, the transmission-reception time difference of the measurement signal, the subframe offset of the measurement signal, the line-of-sight / non-line-of-sight indication of the measurement signal, the timing offset of the measurement signal, an indication of whether carrier aggregation is used to measure the transmission-reception time difference, an indication of measurement based on a single-hop reference signal or a multi-hop reference signal, a timing drift indication, the angle of arrival of the measurement signal, the departure angle of the measurement signal, or the beam information of the measurement signal.

[0032] In an optional embodiment of the second aspect, the apparatus for determining the sensing mode further includes a transceiver unit, and the processing unit is further configured to: receive first information through the transceiver unit, the first information indicating the sensing service status.

[0033] In an alternative implementation of the second aspect, the first information includes a first bit that indicates whether the sensing function is available.

[0034] In an alternative implementation of the second aspect, the first information further includes a second bit indicating whether the air interface communication function of the target network device is available.

[0035] In an optional embodiment of the second aspect, the apparatus for determining the sensing mode further includes a transceiver unit, and the processing unit is further configured to: receive second information through the transceiver unit, the second information including second bits indicating whether the air interface communication function of the target network device is available.

[0036] In an optional embodiment of the second aspect, the apparatus for determining the sensing mode further includes a transceiver unit, and the processing unit is further configured to: transmit third information through the transceiver unit, the third information indicating the sensing mode.

[0037] In an optional implementation of the second aspect, the processing unit is further configured to: save the sensing measurement results when the air interface communication function of the target network device is unavailable, and / or send or receive the sensing measurement results through the Xn interface via the transceiver unit; or, save the sensing measurement results when the air interface communication function of the target network device is available, and / or send or receive the sensing measurement results through the Xn interface or air interface via the transceiver unit.

[0038] The apparatus of the second aspect corresponds to the method of the first aspect. The beneficial effects of the various embodiments of the second aspect can be referred to the beneficial effects of the corresponding embodiments in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0039] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide an apparatus for determining a sensing mode (also referred to as a communication apparatus, sensing apparatus, sensing apparatus, or sensing fusion apparatus). This apparatus may be a base station or core network equipment, or a component within the base station or core network equipment (e.g., a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system). The apparatus includes a processor for executing any of the methods described in the first aspect and its optional embodiments.

[0040] Optionally, the device may also include a transceiver. When the device is a base station or core network equipment, the transceiver may be a transceiver circuit, an antenna, etc.; when the device is a component in a base station or core network equipment, the transceiver may be an input / output interface, a pin, or an interface circuit, etc.

[0041] Optionally, the device may further include a memory for storing computer programs or instructions, which the processor executes to cause the device to perform any of the methods described in the first aspect and its optional embodiments. When the device is a base station or core network equipment, the memory may be a read-only memory, random access memory, etc.; when the device is a component in a base station or core network equipment, the memory may be a register or a cache, etc.

[0042] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a sensing system (also referred to as a communication system, a sensing system, a sensing fusion system, or a sensing network), which includes: the apparatus and target network device described in the second aspect, or the apparatus and target network device described in the third aspect. Wherein, when the apparatus described in the second aspect or the apparatus described in the third aspect is a chip, the sensing system is a chip system.

[0043] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions; when the computer program or instructions are executed on a device for determining a perception mode, the device causes the device to perform any of the methods in the first aspect and its optional embodiments.

[0044] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product comprising: a computer program or instructions; which, when executed by a device that determines a perception mode, causes the device to perform any of the methods in the first aspect and its optional embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0045] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system used in the embodiments of this application;

[0046] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an O-RAN architecture provided by an embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a core network architecture provided by an embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a synesthetic fusion system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of another synesthetic fusion system provided by an embodiment of this application;

[0050] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of another sensory fusion system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0051] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of another sensory fusion system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0052] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of another sensory fusion system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of another sensory fusion system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0054] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between the coverage areas of communication signals and sensing signals provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 11 is a schematic flowchart of a method for determining a sensing pattern provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0056] Figure 12 is a schematic flowchart of a method for determining whether the sensing function and air interface communication function of a target network device are available, according to an embodiment of this application.

[0057] Figure 13 is a schematic flowchart of a method for generating bsSensingServiceState by base station 120 according to an embodiment of this application;

[0058] Figure 14 is a schematic flowchart of a method for generating bsSensingServiceState by base station 140 according to an embodiment of this application;

[0059] Figure 15 is a schematic flowchart of a method for processing sensing measurement reports in a base station-to-base station dual-base mode provided by an embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 16 is a schematic flowchart of a method for processing sensing measurement reports in a single-base station mode provided by an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a device for determining a sensing mode provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0062] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of another device for determining a sensing mode provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0063] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a sensing system provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0064] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system 1000 used in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system includes a radio access network (RAN) 100, wherein the RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (110a and 110b in Figure 1, collectively referred to as 110), and may also include at least one terminal (120a-120j in Figure 1, collectively referred to as 120). The RAN 100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices (not shown in Figure 1). The terminal 120 is wirelessly connected to the RAN node 110. Terminals and RAN nodes can be interconnected via wired or wireless means. The communication system 1000 may also include a core network 200. The RAN node 110 is connected to the core network 200 via wireless or wired means. The core network equipment in core network 200 and the RAN node 110 in RAN 100 can be independent and different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device that integrates the logical functions of the core network equipment and the logical functions of the RAN node. Communication system 1000 may also include Internet 300.

[0065] RAN 100 can be an evolved universal terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA) system, a new radio (NR) system, or a future radio access system as defined in the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP), or it can be a Wi-Fi system. RAN 100 can also include two or more of the above-mentioned different radio access systems. RAN 100 can also be an open RAN (O-RAN).

[0066] RAN nodes, also known as network devices, radio access network devices, RAN entities, or access nodes, are used to help terminals access communication systems wirelessly. RAN nodes may have different names in different systems.

[0067] In one application scenario, a RAN node can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB) in a 5G mobile communication system, a base station in a future communication network, an access point (AP) in a Wi-Fi system, an AP in a long-range radio (LoRa) system, or an AP in a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) system. A RAN node can be a macro base station (as shown in Figure 1, 110a), a micro base station or an indoor station (as shown in Figure 1, 110b), or a relay node or donor node.

[0068] In another application scenario, multiple RAN nodes can collaborate to help terminals achieve wireless access, with different RAN nodes implementing different functions of the base station. For example, a RAN node can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), or a radio unit (RU). The CU performs the functions of the base station's radio resource control (RRC) protocol and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP), and can also perform the functions of the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP). The DU performs the functions of the base station's radio link control (RLC) layer and medium access control (MAC) layer, and can also perform some or all of the physical (PHY) layer functions. For specific descriptions of these protocol layers, refer to the relevant 3GPP technical specifications. The RU can be used to implement radio frequency signal transmission and reception. The CU and DU can be set up as two independent RAN nodes, or integrated into the same RAN node, for example, integrated into the baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio frequency equipment, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs). CUs can be further divided into two types of RAN nodes: central unit control plane (CU-CP) and central unit user plane (CU-UP).

[0069] In different systems, RAN nodes may have different names. For example, in an O-RAN system, a CU can be called an open CU (O-CU), a DU can be called an open DU (O-DU), and a RU can be called an open RU (O-RU).

[0070] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an O-RAN architecture provided by an embodiment of this application.

[0071] As shown in Figure 2, the O-RAN 200 includes an O-CU, an O-DU, and an O-RU. Optionally, the O-CU and O-DU can be integrated into the BBU. The BBU and O-RU can be co-located or non-co-located. The O-CU can communicate with the core network via a backhaul link, the O-CU and O-DU can communicate via a midhaul link, the O-DU and O-RU can communicate via a fronthaul link, and the O-RU can communicate with the user equipment (UE) via an air interface.

[0072] The RAN node in the embodiments of this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules. For example, the RAN node can be a server loaded with the corresponding software module. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the RAN node. For ease of description, a base station is used as an example of a RAN node in the following description.

[0073] A terminal is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities, capable of sending signals to or receiving signals from a base station. Terminals are also known as terminal equipment, user interface (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. Terminals can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, intelligent transportation, and smart cities. The terminal can be a mobile phone (as shown in Figure 1, 120a, 120e, 120f, and 120j), a tablet computer (as shown in Figure 1, 120g), a printer with wireless transceiver capabilities (as shown in Figure 1, 120h), a wearable device, a vehicle (as shown in Figure 1, 120b), a charging station (as shown in Figure 1, 120c), an airplane (as shown in Figure 1, 120i), a ship, a robot, a robotic arm, a smart home device (as shown in Figure 1, 120d), etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the terminal.

[0074] By way of example and not limitation, in the embodiments of this application, wearable devices may also be referred to as wearable smart devices. This is 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 a 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. In a broad sense, wearable smart devices include fully functional, large-sized electronic devices that can achieve complete or partial functionality without relying on a smartphone, such as smartwatches or smart glasses, or electronic devices that focus on a specific application function and require cooperation with other devices such as smartphones, such as various smart bracelets and smart jewelry for measuring vital signs.

[0075] All the terminals described above, if located in a vehicle (e.g., placed inside or installed inside a vehicle), can be considered vehicle-mounted terminals. Vehicle-mounted terminals can also be called vehicle modules, vehicle components, vehicle chips, or on-board units (OBU).

[0076] Base stations and terminals can be fixed or mobile. They can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can be deployed on aircraft, balloons, and satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios of the base stations and terminals.

[0077] The roles of base stations and terminals can be relative. For example, 120i in Figure 1 (which could be a helicopter or a drone) can be configured as a mobile base station. For those 120j accessing the wireless access network 100 via 120i, 120i is a base station; however, for 110a, 120i is a terminal. That is, 110a and 120i communicate via a wireless air interface protocol. Of course, 110a and 120i can also communicate via a base station-to-base station interface protocol. In this case, 120i is also a base station relative to 110a. Therefore, both base stations and terminals can be collectively referred to as communication devices. 110a and 110b in Figure 1 can be called communication devices with base station functions, and 120a-120j in Figure 1 can be called communication devices with terminal functions.

[0078] Communication between base stations and terminals, between base stations, and between terminals can be conducted using licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, or both simultaneously. Communication can be conducted using spectrum below 6 GHz, spectrum above 6 GHz, or both simultaneously. The embodiments of this application do not limit the spectrum resources used for wireless communication.

[0079] In the embodiments of this application, the functions of the base station can be executed by modules (such as chips) within the base station, or by a control subsystem that includes base station functions. This control subsystem can be a control center in the aforementioned application scenarios such as smart grids, industrial control, intelligent transportation, and smart cities. Similarly, the functions of the terminal can be executed by modules (such as chips or modems) within the terminal, or by a device that includes terminal functions.

[0080] The core network 200 primarily provides user connectivity, user management, and service transport, and serves as the bearer network, providing interfaces to external networks (e.g., the Internet 300). The following is a brief introduction to the core network 200, using the service-based architecture (SBA) shown in Figure 3 as an example. It should be noted that the UE, RAN, and data network (DN) shown in Figure 3 are for ease of description of the interfaces between the core network 200 and external devices or networks; the UE, RAN, and DN are not actually part of the core network 200.

[0081] SBA primarily manifests in the control plane. The essence of SBA is to define network functions as several flexibly invoked "service" modules based on the three principles of "self-containment, reusability, and independent management." Based on this, operators can flexibly customize their networks according to business needs. Interaction between network functions is achieved through service calls; each network function presents a common service interface that can be invoked by authorized network functions or services.

[0082] As shown in Figure 3, the core network 200 includes user plane function (UPF), access and mobility management function (AMF), session management function (SMF), location management function (LMF), gateway mobile location center (GMLC), and sensing function (SF).

[0083] UPF, AMF, SMF, LMF, and GMLC can be referred to as core network elements or core network devices. These network elements or devices can be independent hardware devices, modules that integrate different functions into the same hardware device, software functions that run on dedicated hardware, or virtualization functions that are instantiated on a cloud platform. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific form of the above-mentioned networks or devices.

[0084] SF is a module closely related to sensing functions. It can be called a sensing network element or sensing network device, or a sensing management function (SeMF).

[0085] The network elements in Figure 3 are briefly introduced below.

[0086] UPF, also known as User Plane Device, User Plane Functional Element, or User Plane Functional Entity, can be understood as the naming convention for User Plane Functional Elements in the 5G core network (5GC). UPF primarily includes the following functions: packet routing and transmission, packet inspection, service usage reporting, Quality of Service (QoS) processing, uplink packet inspection, and downlink packet storage, among other user plane-related functions.

[0087] AMF, also known as Mobility Management Device, can be understood as the naming convention for mobility management network elements in 5GC. AMF mainly includes the following functions: connection management, mobility management, registration management, access authentication and authorization, reachability management, security context management, and other access and mobility-related functions.

[0088] SMF can be understood as the naming convention for the Session Management Function (SMF) network element in 5GC. SMF primarily performs functions such as session management, execution of control policies issued by the Policy Control Function (PCF), selection of the UPF, and allocation of Internet Protocol (IP) addresses for the UE.

[0089] LMF can be understood as the name given to network elements that provide control plane positioning functions in 5G GC. LMF is mainly used to complete the calculation and feedback of location information in 5G networks, providing functions such as positioning process management, terminal capability acquisition, auxiliary data provision, and terminal location estimation.

[0090] GMLC can be understood as the naming convention for network elements that handle sensing requests in 5GC. GMLC's main functions include: application access and authentication, obtaining and verifying user privacy settings, forwarding location requests to LMF via AMF to complete location calculation, and providing the final location result to the location application.

[0091] SF can be understood as the name for the network element responsible for sensing control and sensing measurement data processing in 5GC. The main functions of SF include: processing sensing measurement data from 3GPP sensing devices, and processing sensing measurement data from non-3GPP sensing devices.

[0092] A Data Network (DN) is a network located outside the carrier's network, such as Internet 300. A carrier's network (e.g., Core Network 200) can connect to multiple DNs. A single DN can deploy various services, providing data, voice, communication, sensing, computing, digital twin, and artificial intelligence services to terminal devices. For example, a DN might be the private network of a smart factory. Sensors installed in the workshop are the terminal devices. The DN houses a control server for these sensors. The sensors can communicate with the control server, receive instructions, and transmit the collected sensor data to it. The control server then provides computing services to the sensors based on this data. Another example is a DN serving as an internal office network for a company. Employees' mobile phones or computers are the terminal devices. These devices can access data on the company's internal office network, which provides data services to them.

[0093] In Figure 3, Uu, N1, N2, N3, N4, and N6 are interface names. Namf is the service-oriented interface corresponding to AMF, Nsmf is the service-oriented interface corresponding to SMF, Nausf is the service-oriented interface corresponding to AUSF, Nudm is the service-oriented interface corresponding to UDM, Nlmf is the service-oriented interface corresponding to LMF, Ngmlc is the service-oriented interface corresponding to GMLC, and Nsf is the service-oriented interface corresponding to SF. The meanings of these interfaces shown in Figure 3 can be found in the relevant definitions in the 3GPP standard protocols, and are not limited here.

[0094] The network architecture described above is merely an illustrative example. The network architecture applicable to the embodiments of this application is not limited to this. Any network architecture that includes the functions of the above-described network elements is applicable to the embodiments of this application.

[0095] The naming conventions described above are defined solely for the purpose of distinguishing different functions and should not be construed as limiting this application. This application does not preclude the possibility of using other naming conventions in 5G networks and other future networks. For example, in future communication networks, some or all of the aforementioned network elements may use 5G terminology, or other names may be adopted. The interface names described above are also just examples; in specific implementations, the interface names may be different, and this application does not impose any specific limitations on this.

[0096] Considering the degree of coupling between SF and the existing functional modules in 5GC, the sensor network architecture can be roughly divided into two types: tightly coupled and loosely coupled.

[0097] In the tightly coupled architecture, SF will be deeply integrated with the existing 5GC architecture, relying as much as possible on existing 5GC functions, interfaces, and protocols to enable and open up sensing capabilities. This includes functions such as authentication / authorization, mobility management, session management, capability opening, and billing for sensing services. It can support region-oriented and target-oriented sensing, as well as base station sensing, terminal sensing, and end-station collaborative sensing, thus serving as a wide-area general-purpose architecture. Considering that the sensing function can be divided into two sub-functions: the control plane (CP) and the user plane (UP), namely, sensing control plane function and sensing user plane function, these two sub-functions can be implemented separately or centrally in two or one network element.

[0098] The loosely coupled architecture is relatively independent of the existing 5GC. SF does not need to interact with 5GC or only performs minimal interaction, and can be used in local area scenarios or private network scenarios.

[0099] For scenarios where sensing needs exist only within a specific area, or where sensing is the only requirement, a loosely coupled architecture can provide sensing services without requiring 5GC control or only requiring some network elements to participate in control. Furthermore, localized deployment via SF ensures that sensing measurement data or results do not leave the campus, thus meeting enterprises' security and privacy requirements for sensing measurement data or results, and reducing sensing latency. This architecture is simple, flexible, efficient, requires fewer transmission nodes, is easy to deploy, and can optionally support UE-related sensing needs, with implementation schemes for authorization, mobility management, and billing functions considered on demand.

[0100] The architecture shown in Figure 3 is an alternative example of a tightly coupled architecture. In Figure 3, the SF is deployed independently. Alternatively, the SF can be deployed in conjunction with 5GC network elements (e.g., AMF or LMF) depending on sensing requirements.

[0101] The architecture shown in Figure 3 can also support non-3GPP sensing devices, such as existing radar and camera sensors. Depending on the deployment, the following methods can be used to support existing non-3GPP sensing devices:

[0102] 1) Non-3GPP sensing devices need to send sensing measurement data to SF through UE;

[0103] 2) The deployment method of using base station external sensing equipment is adopted, and the measurement data of non-3GPP sensing equipment is sent to SF through base station or other implementation methods;

[0104] 3) Non-3GPP sensing devices need to send sensing measurement data to SF through application function (AF); SF adapts the measurement data of non-3GPP sensing devices and performs fusion processing with 3GPP sensing measurement data as needed, thereby improving the accuracy of sensing results obtained based on sensing measurement data processing.

[0105] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the technologies involved in the embodiments of this application will be briefly introduced below.

[0106] (1) Harmonized communication and sensing (HCS).

[0107] The term "sensing" refers to emitting electromagnetic waves into space and, by receiving the electromagnetic waves reflected from objects within that space, calculating information about those objects, such as position, orientation, height, velocity, size, trajectory, and / or detecting their internal and external shape and structure. It involves exploring the transmission, echo, reflection, and scattering of electromagnetic waves to perceive and better understand the physical world. Sensing can also be called detection.

[0108] Table 1 provides examples of some sensing application scenarios provided by embodiments of this application.

[0109] Table 1

[0110] As shown in Table 1, there are three typical application scenarios for sensing technology: infrastructure, autonomous driving, and portable devices. Different application scenarios have different types of sensing services, and different types of sensing services correspond to different business needs.

[0111] For infrastructure scenarios, sensing capabilities can be used for tasks such as security checks and track management at airports, personnel counting and location in factories, and imaging and environmental reconstruction in buildings.

[0112] For autonomous driving scenarios, autonomous driving devices with perception capabilities can be used for tasks such as gesture recognition, in-vehicle behavior perception, collision avoidance sensing, traffic management, and pedestrian detection.

[0113] For portable device scenarios, electronic devices with sensing capabilities can be used for health monitoring, cycling helmets with sensing capabilities can be used for safety prediction, and detectors with sensing capabilities can be used for life detection.

[0114] The broad definition of perception mentioned above refers to using electromagnetic waves to understand and detect objects and signals in space, and can include meanings such as positioning, radar, imaging, motion recognition, object recognition, and environmental reconstruction.

[0115] The integration of electromagnetic signals used for communication and sensing creates an integrated communication-sensing system. Within this system, communication nodes and sensing nodes may be integrated (hereinafter referred to as HCS nodes), and various integration types of HCS nodes exist. The aforementioned HCS node refers to a fusion design of communication and sensing nodes. By sharing some resources, such as hardware, computing, spatial, temporal, and frequency resources, it achieves efficient design for both communication and sensing, thereby reducing power loss, site requirements, and costs.

[0116] For example, Table 2 provides examples of different fusion types of an HCS node provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0117] Table 2

[0118] As shown in Table 2, HCS nodes can have three different fusion types.

[0119] In the first type of fusion, HCS nodes can share hardware resources, radio frequency resources, baseband resources, time resources, and spectrum resources, but communication signals and sensing signals are processed separately. Taking a joint waveform as an example, the advantage of this fusion method is that it can transmit communication signals and sensing signals simultaneously and has strong anti-interference capabilities.

[0120] In the second type of fusion, HCS nodes can share radio frequency and baseband resources. In this case, in addition to processing communication signals and sensing signals separately, they can be transmitted separately using time-division multiplexing or frequency-division multiplexing. Taking time-division multiplexing waveforms as an example, the advantage of this fusion method is that the communication signals and sensing signals are highly independent, and the interference between communication nodes and sensing nodes is small.

[0121] In the third type of fusion, HCS nodes can share baseband resources, and communication signals and sensing signals are transmitted using their respective resources in the spatial, temporal, and frequency domains.

[0122] It should be understood that there may be other different fusion types, and the embodiments of this application are not limited to these.

[0123] (2) Synesthesia fusion system.

[0124] Based on whether the transmitting and receiving ends of the sensed signals are co-located or separate, integrated communication and sensing systems can be divided into monostatic, bistatic, and multistatic systems. Multistatic systems are generally hybrid systems composed of monostatic and bistatic components. Two typical integrated communication and sensing systems are shown in Figures 4-9.

[0125] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a single-base system provided in an embodiment of this application. The sensing mode adopted by the single-base system shown in Figure 4 can be called the terminal single-base mode or the terminal single-base sensing mode.

[0126] As shown in Figure 4, terminal 110 establishes a communication connection with base station 120. Terminal 110 can send uplink data to base station 120, and base station 120 can send downlink data to terminal 110. The signal between terminal 110 and base station 120 can be called a communication signal. Base station 120 can use the communication signal to indicate or configure radio resources for terminal 110. These radio resources are used for sensing and / or communication. In the single-base system shown in Figure 4, terminal 110, as an HCS node, also has sensing capabilities. While communicating, it can also send sensing signals to sense the surrounding environment. For example, terminal 110 can send sensing signals to the surrounding environment. After the sensing signal is reflected by a sensing target in the environment, terminal 110 receives the echo signal reflected by the sensing target. In this way, terminal 110 can perform sensing measurements on the echo signal to obtain sensing results. For example, terminal 110 can determine the distance between the sensing target and terminal 110, as well as the speed of the sensing target.

[0127] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of another single-base system provided in an embodiment of this application. The sensing mode adopted by the single-base system shown in Figure 4 can be referred to as base station single-base mode, RAN single-base mode, network device single-base mode, base station single-base sensing mode, RAN single-base sensing mode, or network device single-base sensing mode.

[0128] For ease of description, the technical solutions in the various embodiments of this application are described using a base station as an example of a network device. However, this does not imply a limitation on the scope of protection of this application. Other network devices (or components within network devices) capable of implementing access network functions are also applicable to this application. When using these network devices (or components within network devices) to implement sensing functions, the term "base station" in each sensing mode can be replaced by the names of these network devices (or components within network devices).

[0129] As shown in Figure 5, terminal 110 establishes a communication connection with base station 120. Terminal 110 can send uplink data to base station 120, and base station 120 can send downlink data to terminal 110. The signal between terminal 110 and base station 120 can be called a communication signal. In the single-base system shown in Figure 5, base station 120, as an HCS node, also possesses sensing capabilities. While communicating, it can also send sensing signals to perceive the surrounding environment. For example, base station 120 can send sensing signals into the surrounding environment. After the sensing signal is reflected by a sensing target in the environment, base station 120 receives the echo signal reflected by the sensing target. In this way, base station 120 can perform sensing measurements on the echo signal to obtain sensing results. For example, base station 120 can determine the distance between the sensing target and base station 120, as well as the speed of the sensing target.

[0130] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a bistatic system provided in an embodiment of this application. Unlike the monostatic systems shown in Figures 4 and 5, in the bistatic systems shown in Figures 6 to 9, the device that transmits the sensing signal and the device that receives the echo signal reflected from the sensing target are two different devices. That is, device A transmits the sensing signal, and after the sensing signal is reflected by the sensing target, device B receives and senses the echo signal to obtain the sensing result.

[0131] The sensing mode used in the dual-base system shown in Figure 6 can be called the terminal-base station dual-base mode, the terminal-base station dual-base sensing mode, the terminal-network device dual-base mode, the terminal-network device dual-base sensing mode, or the uplink sensing mode.

[0132] As shown in Figure 6, terminal 110 establishes a communication connection with base station 120. Base station 120 can indicate or configure wireless resources for terminal 110 via communication signals. These wireless resources are used for sensing and / or communication. Terminal 110, as an HCS node, also possesses sensing capabilities. While communicating, it can also send sensing signals to perceive its surrounding environment. After the sensing signals sent by terminal 110 are reflected by sensing targets in the environment, base station 120 receives the echo signals reflected by these targets. Then, base station 120 performs sensing measurements on the echo signals to obtain the sensing results. For example, base station 120 can determine the location and speed of the sensing target.

[0133] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of another dual-base system provided in an embodiment of this application. The sensing mode adopted by the dual-base system shown in Figure 7 can be called base station-terminal dual-base mode, base station-terminal dual-base sensing mode, network device-terminal dual-base mode, network device-terminal dual-base sensing mode, or downlink sensing mode.

[0134] In the dual-base system shown in Figure 7, base station 120, acting as an HCS node, also possesses sensing capabilities. While communicating, it can also transmit sensing signals to perceive the surrounding environment. The sensing signals transmitted by base station 120 are reflected by sensing targets in the environment, and the echo signals reflected by these targets are received by terminal 110. Terminal 110 then performs sensing measurements on the echo signals to obtain the sensing results. For example, terminal 110 can determine the location and speed of the sensing target.

[0135] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of another dual-base system provided in an embodiment of this application. The sensing mode adopted by the dual-base system shown in Figure 8 can be called terminal-to-terminal dual-base mode, terminal-to-terminal dual-base sensing mode, or sidelink sensing mode.

[0136] As shown in Figure 8, terminal 110 establishes a wireless link connection with base station 120. Terminal 110 can send uplink data to base station 120, and base station 120 can send downlink data to terminal 110. The signal between terminal 110 and base station 120 can be called a communication signal. Base station 120 can use the communication signal to indicate or configure wireless resources for terminal 110. These wireless resources are used for sensing and / or communication. In the dual-base system shown in Figure 8, terminal 110, as an HCS node, also has sensing capabilities. While communicating, it can also send sensing signals to sense the surrounding environment. For example, terminal 110 can send sensing signals to the surrounding environment. After the sensing signal is reflected by a sensing target in the environment, terminal 130 receives the echo signal reflected by the sensing target. Then, terminal 130 performs sensing measurements on the echo signal to obtain the sensing result. For example, terminal 130 can determine the location and speed of the sensing target and inform terminal 110 of the sensing result through base station 120.

[0137] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of another dual-base system provided in an embodiment of this application. The sensing mode adopted by the dual-base system shown in Figure 9 can be called base station-base station dual-base mode, base station-base station dual-base sensing mode, network device-network device dual-base mode, network device-network device dual-base sensing mode, or cross-link sensing mode.

[0138] As shown in Figure 9, base station 120 and base station 140 establish a communication connection (e.g., a cross-link). Base station 120 and base station 140 can negotiate radio resources through this connection, which are used for sensing and / or communication. In the dual-base system shown in Figure 9, base station 120, as an HCS node, also possesses sensing capabilities. While communicating, it can also transmit sensing signals to perceive the surrounding environment. For example, base station 120 can transmit sensing signals to the surrounding environment. After the sensing signals are reflected by a target in the environment, base station 140 receives the echo signal reflected by the target. Then, base station 140 performs sensing measurements on the echo signal to obtain the sensing result. For example, base station 140 can determine the location and speed of the target.

[0139] In various embodiments of this application, the term "sensing target" can refer to various tangible objects in the environment that can reflect electromagnetic waves, such as mountains, forests, or buildings, and can also include movable objects such as vehicles, drones, pedestrians, and terminal devices. The sensing target can also be referred to as a target, a sensed target, a detected target, a sensed object, a detected object, or a sensed device, etc., and the embodiments of this application do not limit this terminology.

[0140] The term "sensing signal" can also be called a detection signal, linear frequency modulated signal, radar signal, radar sensing signal, radar detection signal, or environmental sensing signal, etc. A sensing signal can be a pulse signal or a signal from a wireless communication system. For example, a sensing signal can be an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signal obtained by modulating a specific sequence on a subcarrier. This specific sequence can be any of the following sequences: Zadoff-Chu sequence (ZC sequence), CPM sequence, pseudo-random sequence, predefined sequence, etc. Among these, the pseudo-random sequence can be the longest linear feedback shift register sequence (m-sequence), the Gold sequence, etc., and the predefined sequence can be random data symbols, for example, random data symbols modulated by quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK), quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM), etc.

[0141] Optionally, when the above-mentioned sensing signal is used for communication, the sensing signal can also be called an HCS signal. It can be understood that the HCS signal can carry communication data or reference signal sequences transmitted between communication devices.

[0142] For ease of description, a piece of information can be used to identify the sensing mode described above. Optionally, this information can be called sensing station type (sensingStaticType) information. The meanings of different values ​​of sensingStaticType are shown in Table 3.

[0143] Table 3

[0144] In Table 3, when the value of sensingStaticType is 0, it indicates that the sensing fusion system adopts the base station single-base mode; when the value of sensingStaticType is 1, it indicates that the sensing fusion system adopts the base station-base station dual-base mode; when the value of sensingStaticType is 2, it indicates that the sensing fusion system adopts the base station-terminal dual-base mode; when the value of sensingStaticType is 3, it indicates that the sensing fusion system adopts the terminal-base station dual-base mode; when the value of sensingStaticType is 4, it indicates that the sensing fusion system adopts the terminal single-base mode; and when the value of sensingStaticType is 5, it indicates that the sensing fusion system adopts the terminal-terminal dual-base mode.

[0145] This application focuses on the sensing mode involving the terminal, that is, the case where the value of sensingStaticType is 0 or 1.

[0146] (3) Sensing and communication functions.

[0147] Typically, because the signal quality required for sensing functions is higher than that required for communication functions, the sensing range of a base station is smaller than its communication range. Figure 10 below illustrates the relationship between the coverage areas of communication signals and sensing signals.

[0148] As shown in Figure 10, from the perspective of base station 120, the communication area and the sensing area are roughly circular. For the communication signal of the cross-link, the coverage area is larger, as shown in area A; for the sensing signal of the cross-link, the coverage area is smaller than area A, as shown in area B.

[0149] It should be noted that Figure 10 is an example and not a limitation. Due to various factors in the real environment (e.g., obstruction), the coverage area of ​​communication signals and sensing signals may not be as shown in Figure 10.

[0150] When multiple base stations are at different distances, the air interface communication function and the sensing function will have different states.

[0151] When base station 140 is located outside area A, due to the excessive distance, base station 140 cannot receive either the communication signal or the sensing signal from base station 120. In this case, base station 120 can consider that both the air interface communication function and the sensing function of base station 140 are unavailable. It should be noted that the sensing function here refers to the bi-base sensing function, that is, the ability of base station 120 to send sensing signals to base station 140 to measure the state of the sensing target.

[0152] When base station 140 is located within area A and outside area B, base station 140 can receive communication signals sent by base station 120, but cannot receive sensing signals sent by base station 120. In this case, base station 120 can consider the air interface communication function of base station 140 to be available, but the sensing function of base station 140 is unavailable.

[0153] When base station 140 is located within area B, base station 140 is able to receive communication signals and sensing signals from base station 120. In this case, base station 120 can assume that both the air interface communication function and the sensing function of base station 140 are available.

[0154] In the example shown in Figure 10, being able to receive communication signals means being able to receive signals that meet the requirements of communication services, and being able to receive sensing signals means being able to receive signals that meet the requirements of sensing services.

[0155] In Figure 10, base station 120 sends sensing signals, and base station 140 receives and measures the sensing signals. Therefore, base station 140 is a network device that provides sensing services and can be called the target network device.

[0156] The availability of sensing and communication functions of a target network device can be identified using a 2-bit information flag. Optionally, this information can be called the Base Station Sensing Service State (bsSensingServiceState), and the meanings of different values ​​of bsSensingServiceState are shown in Table 4.

[0157] Table 4

[0158] In Table 4, √ indicates that the communication function or air interface sensing function is available, and × indicates that the communication function or air interface sensing function is unavailable. The following explanation uses the values ​​of bsSensingServiceState as 00, 01, or 11 as examples to illustrate Table 4.

[0159] When bsSensingServiceState is 00, it indicates that the sensing and air interface communication functions of the target network device are both unavailable. This value corresponds to the case in Figure 10 where base station 140 is located outside area A.

[0160] When bsSensingServiceState is 01, it indicates that the sensing function of the target network device is unavailable, but the air interface communication function is available. This value corresponds to the case in Figure 10 where base station 140 is located within area A but outside area B.

[0161] When bsSensingServiceState is 11, it indicates that both the sensing and air interface communication functions of the target network device are available. This value corresponds to the case where base station 140 is located in region B in Figure 10.

[0162] It should be noted that in Table 4, bsSensingServiceState represents the state of the sensing service of the target network device. Since the transmission power or processing capability of different base stations may be different, the bsSensingServiceState of different base stations may be different.

[0163] For example, if the transmission power of base station 120 is greater than that of base station 140, then base station 140 can receive the sensing signal transmitted by base station 120, but base station 120 may not receive the sensing signal transmitted by base station 140. In this case, base station 140 can provide sensing services to base station 120, and the bsSensingServiceState of base station 140 is 11 or 10; base station 120 cannot provide sensing services to base station 140, and the bsSensingServiceState of base station 120 is 00 or 01.

[0164] Furthermore, Table 4 is an example, not a limitation. The "decimal" and "binary" columns may both exist, or only one may exist. The representations of "decimal" and "binary" may or may not be present.

[0165] Alternatively, the two tables shown below (Table 5-1 and Table 5-2) can be used to represent the different scenarios shown in Figure 10.

[0166] Table 5-1

[0167] Table 5-2

[0168] In Table 5-1, √ indicates that the sensing function is available, and × indicates that the sensing function is unavailable. In Table 5-2, √ indicates that the air interface communication function is available, and × indicates that the air interface communication function is unavailable.

[0169] The availability of the sensing function of base station 140 can be determined individually using Table 5-1, or the availability of the sensing and communication functions of base station 140 can be determined by combining Table 5-1 and Table 5-2.

[0170] For example, when base station 120 determines through measurement that both the sensing function and air interface communication function of base station 140 are unavailable, it can send bsSensingServiceState(0) and bsCommunicationServiceState(0) to the terminal; when base station 120 determines through measurement that the sensing function of base station 140 is unavailable but the air interface communication function is available, it can send bsSensingServiceState(0) and bsCommunicationServiceState(1) to base station 140; when base station 120 determines through measurement that the sensing function of base station 140 is available but the air interface communication function is unavailable, it can send bsSensingServiceState(1) and bsCommunicationServiceState(0) to base station 140; when base station 120 determines through measurement that both the sensing function and air interface communication function of base station 140 are available, it can send bsSensingServiceState(1) and bsCommunicationServiceState(1) to base station 140.

[0171] Optionally, bsSensingServiceState and bsCommunicationServiceState can be sent simultaneously or separately.

[0172] In the tables shown above, the order of columns and rows can also be other orders.

[0173] Table 4 shows that there are four combinations of the base station's sensing service status (i.e., whether the sensing function is available) and communication service status (i.e., whether the communication function is available), each corresponding to a specific scenario. There are two sensing modes in which the base station participates (base station single-base mode and base station-base station dual-base mode). Different sensing modes have different characteristics, and determining the appropriate sensing mode for the current scenario is a problem that needs to be solved.

[0174] The following describes a method for determining a sensing mode provided by embodiments of this application.

[0175] As shown in Figure 11, method 1100 can be executed by a network device, or method 1100 can be executed by a chip applied to a network device, wherein the network device can be a base station (base station 120 as shown in Figure 10), SF, LMF, GMLC, or AMF. Method 1100 includes the following:

[0176] S1110, Obtain the sensing service status of the target network device. The sensing service status indicates whether the sensing function of the target network device is available.

[0177] The target network device can be a base station in a terrestrial network (TN), such as a macro cell, micro cell, pico cell, or femto cell. The target network device can also be a base station in a non-terrestrial network (NTN), such as a satellite or drone in regenerative mode. The target network device can also be a radio frequency module or relay device, such as an active antenna unit (AAU) or a satellite or drone in pass-through mode. The various embodiments of this application do not limit the specific type of the target network device.

[0178] It should be noted that the sensing function of the target network device refers to the bi-base sensing function of the target network device, that is, the ability of the target network device to obtain the state (e.g., position or speed) of the sensing target by receiving the sensing signal of the execution device of method 1100.

[0179] For the execution device of method 1100, there are two ways to obtain the perceived service status of the target network device: one is to obtain the channel measurement results and determine the perceived service status based on the channel measurement results; the other is to receive information indicating the perceived service status from other devices. These two methods are described below.

[0180] Method 1: Determine the sensing service status based on channel measurement results.

[0181] When the execution device of method 1100 is base station 120 as shown in FIG10, base station 120 and base station 140 shown in FIG10 (an example of the target network device) can measure the channel of the cross-link to obtain the channel measurement results, and determine whether the sensing function of the target network device is available based on the channel measurement results. Optionally, base station 120 and base station 140 can also determine whether the air interface communication function of base station 140 is available based on the channel measurement results.

[0182] When the executing device of method 1100 is a core network device such as SF, it can perform the following: receiving channel measurement results from base station 140 (an example of a target network device) or base station 120 (an example of a network device that cooperates with the target network device to perform a sensing task); and determining whether the sensing function of the target network device is available based on the channel measurement results. Optionally, the core network device such as SF can also determine whether the air interface communication function of the target network device is available based on the channel measurement results.

[0183] The following example, with reference to Figure 12, illustrates how to determine whether the sensing and air interface communication functions of a target network device are available.

[0184] S1210, Channel Measurement.

[0185] For example, the target network device is base station 140 in Figure 10, and the execution device of method 1100 is base station 120 in Figure 10. Base station 120 can send measurement signals, such as positioning reference signals (PRS), to base station 140. The PRS arrives at base station 140 after being transmitted through a wireless channel. The PRS arriving at base station 140 includes a line-of-sight (LOS) portion and a non-line-of-sight (NLOS) portion. The LOS portion is the PRS that arrives directly at the base station without being refracted by the environment, while the NLOS portion is the PRS that arrives at the base station after being refracted by the environment. The LOS portion does not carry sensing information, while the NLOS portion carries sensing information. Base station 140 can determine its sensing capability based on the NLOS portion and its air interface communication capability based on the LOS and NLOS portions.

[0186] Optionally, base station 140 can send the PRS measurement results to base station 120 or SF and other equipment, and base station 120 or SF and other equipment can determine whether the sensing and communication functions of base station 140 are available based on the PRS measurement results.

[0187] Base stations 120 and 140 can also determine whether the sensing function and air interface communication function of base station 140 are available based on signals other than PRS, and the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0188] S1220, determine whether the sensing and air interface communication functions of the target network device are available.

[0189] For example, the target network device is base station 140 in Figure 10, and the execution device of method 1100 is base station 120 in Figure 10. Base station 120 can acquire the first parameter of the cross-link, determine the channel measurement result based on the first parameter, and determine whether the sensing function and / or communication function of the target network device is available based on the channel measurement result.

[0190] Optionally, the first parameter may include at least one of the following parameters:

[0191] Received signal strength indicator (RSSI), reference signal receiving power (RSRP), channel state information (CSI), channel quality indicator (CQI), signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR), reference signal channel power (RSCP), or reference signal received path power (RSRPP).

[0192] The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific parameters used to determine whether the sensing function and air interface communication function of the target network device are available.

[0193] The following section uses RSRP as an example to introduce S1220.

[0194] For example, a perception threshold S and a communication threshold C can be set associated with RSRP, where S is greater than C. If the RSRP of PRS is greater than or equal to S, it indicates that the channel quality of the cross-link is good, and the perception capability and air interface communication capability of the target network device can be determined to be available. If the RSRP of PRS is greater than or equal to C, and the RSRP of PRS is less than S, it indicates that the channel quality of the cross-link is average, and the perception capability of the target network device can be determined to be unavailable but the air interface communication capability is available. If the RSRP of PRS is less than C, it indicates that the channel quality of the cross-link is poor, and the perception capability and air interface communication capability of the target network device can be determined to be unavailable.

[0195] Optionally, the base station 120 can acquire the first and second parameters of the cross-link, determine the channel measurement results based on the first and second parameters, and determine whether the sensing and / or communication functions of the target network device are available based on the channel measurement results.

[0196] Optionally, the second parameter includes at least one of the following parameters:

[0197] The measurement signal (such as an RF signal) reception time, the measurement signal transmission-reception time difference, the measurement signal subframe offset, the measurement signal line-of-sight / non-line-of-sight indication, the measurement signal timing offset, the indication of whether carrier aggregation is used to measure the transmission-reception time difference, the indication of whether the measurement is based on a single-hop or multi-hop reference signal, the timing drift indication, the measurement signal angle of arrival, the measurement signal departure angle, or the measurement signal beam information.

[0198] The angle of arrival and the angle of departure of the measured signal can also be indirectly expressed by beam information, which may include beam number, spatial orientation of the beam, and pre-coded codebook of the beam.

[0199] The second parameter can be used as a correction parameter for the first parameter in the channel measurement process of the cross-link.

[0200] For example, the second parameter can be denoted as V1, V2, ..., V n Based on the formula Δ=f(V1,V2,…,V n Determine the offset Δ of the first parameter. If the first parameter is RSRP, then (V RSRP The +Δ) is compared with the sensing threshold S and the communication threshold C to determine whether the sensing capability and air interface communication capability of the target network device are available.

[0201] It should be noted that the calculation function f may differ depending on the first parameter. When determining whether the target network device's sensing and air interface communication capabilities are available, the second parameter can be used or not; when the second parameter is not used, Δ can be set to 0.

[0202] When the sensing function is unavailable, the value of SA can be determined to be 0; when the sensing function is available, the value of SA can be determined to be 1. SA is a bit indicating whether the sensing function of the target network device is available.

[0203] When air interface communication is unavailable, the value of CA can be determined to be 0; when air interface communication is available, the value of CA can be determined to be 1. CA is a bit indicating whether the air interface communication function of the target network device is available.

[0204] Finally, based on the values ​​of the SA and CA bits, the perceived service state (bsSensingServiceState) of the target network device can be obtained. The specific values ​​of the perceived service state and the meaning of each value can be found in Table 4.

[0205] Alternatively, Table 5-1 can be used to generate the perceived service status.

[0206] Method 2: Receive information indicating the status of the sensing service from other devices.

[0207] For example, the target network device is base station 140 in Figure 10. After determining its own sensing service status, base station 140 can generate first information indicating the sensing service status. Base station 140 can send the first information to base station 120 and / or SF (an example of the execution device of method 1100). Accordingly, base station 120 and / or SF perform the following actions: receiving the first information and determining the sensing service status based on the first information.

[0208] In some cases, base station 120 may be in an energy-saving state or a high-load state. Receiving the first information allows base station 120 to determine the sensing service status locally, thereby reducing the power consumption of base station 120 in determining the sensing mode.

[0209] Optionally, the first information may include a first bit, which indicates whether the sensing function of the target network device is available.

[0210] Optionally, the first information may also include a second bit, which indicates whether the air interface communication function of the target network device is available.

[0211] For example, the first bit is SA as shown in Figure 12, and the second bit is CA as shown in Figure 12. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific form or transmission method of the first information.

[0212] The availability of air interface communication is related to the processing method of the sensing measurement results. Base station 120 or base station 140 can determine the appropriate processing method based on the second bit. For example, when base station 120 generates sensing measurement results, and the second bit indicates that the air interface communication function of base station 140 is unavailable, base station 120 can store the sensing measurement results locally and send them to base station 140 when the air interface communication function of base station 140 becomes available. Alternatively, base station 120 can send the sensing measurement results to base station 140 through the Xn interface, thereby improving the transmission reliability of the sensing measurement results. The processing method of sensing measurement results will be described in detail below.

[0213] Optionally, the second bit can also be carried in the second information. Base station 120, base station 140, or SF will transmit the first and second information separately.

[0214] For example, after determining whether the air interface communication function of the cross-link of base station 140 is available, base station 140 generates second information and sends the second information to base station 120 and / or SF. Accordingly, base station 120 and / or SF receive the second information from base station 140 and determine whether the air interface communication function of the cross-link of base station 140 is available based on the second information. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific form or transmission method of the second information.

[0215] In this embodiment, the bit indicating the air interface communication function (the second bit) and the bit indicating the sensing function (the first bit) are sent separately, so as to flexibly indicate whether the air interface communication function of the target network device is available.

[0216] The process of generating bsSensingServiceState for different devices is described below with reference to Figures 13 and 14.

[0217] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the process by which a base station 120 (an example of the execution device of method 1100) generates bsSensingServiceState according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 13, the process includes the following steps.

[0218] S1311, Base Station 120 sends PRS.

[0219] Before base station 120 sends PRS, it can trigger the sensing service itself according to the sensing service requirements, or it can be triggered by other devices (such as base station 140, SF, LMF, GMLC or AMF). The embodiments of this application do not limit the triggering mechanism of the sensing service.

[0220] During the process of triggering the sensing service, it can be agreed that base station 120 will generate bsSensingServiceState.

[0221] After determining that the sensing service has been triggered, base station 120 can send a PRS to base station 140 on the PRS resources of the cross-link. Optionally, the PRS can also be replaced by other signals used for sensing measurements.

[0222] S1312, Base station 140 generates PRS measurement results.

[0223] Base station 140 receives PRS on the PRS resources of the cross-link and calculates the values ​​of parameters related to sensing services based on the PRS, such as the values ​​of RSRP and other parameters. These parameter values ​​are the PRS measurement results.

[0224] After generating the PRS measurement results, base station 140 can perform the following steps.

[0225] S1313, Base station 140 sends PRS measurement results to base station 120.

[0226] S1314, Base station 120 generates bsSensingServiceState based on PRS measurement results.

[0227] For example, base station 120 can determine whether the sensing function and air interface communication function of base station 140 are available based on the values ​​of parameters such as RSRP, as well as the sensing threshold S and communication threshold C, and generate bsSensingServiceState based on whether the sensing function and air interface communication function of base station 140 are available. Base station 120 can generate bsSensingServiceState based on Table 4 or Table 5-1.

[0228] After generating bsSensingServiceState, base station 120 can choose to execute S1315.

[0229] S1315, base station 120 sends bsSensingServiceState to base station 140.

[0230] Base station 120 can send bsSensingServiceState to base station 140 immediately after generating it, or it can wait for base station 140 to request bsSensingServiceState before sending it. Alternatively, when base station 120 determines the sensing mode, it can choose not to send bsSensingServiceState, but instead send the finally determined sensing mode to base station 140.

[0231] S1316, Generate and transmit sensingStaticType based on bsSensingServiceState.

[0232] The sensingStaticType is the sensing site type information used to identify the sensing mode. The correspondence between bsSensingServiceState and sensingStaticType will be described below.

[0233] Taking the generation of sensingStaticType by base station 120 as an example, after base station 120 sends sensingStaticType to base station 140, if sensingStaticType indicates that the sensing mode is base station single-base mode, then base station 140 does not need to prepare sensing resources for the sensing service of base station 120; if sensingStaticType indicates that the sensing mode is base station-base station dual-base mode, then base station 140 can prepare sensing resources in advance for the sensing service of base station 120 to ensure that the sensing service of base station 120 can be completed smoothly.

[0234] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the process by which base station 140 (an example of the target network device in method 1100) generates bsSensingServiceState according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 14, the process includes the following steps.

[0235] S1411, Base Station 120 sends PRS.

[0236] Before base station 120 sends PRS, it can trigger the sensing service itself according to the sensing service requirements, or it can be triggered by other devices (such as base station 140, SF, LMF, GMLC or AMF). The embodiments of this application do not limit the triggering mechanism of the sensing service.

[0237] During the process of triggering the sensing service, it can be agreed that base station 140 will generate bsSensingServiceState.

[0238] After determining that the sensing service has been triggered, base station 120 can send a PRS to base station 140 on the PRS resources of the cross-link. Optionally, the PRS can also be replaced by other signals used for sensing measurements.

[0239] S1412, Base station 140 generates PRS measurement results.

[0240] Base station 140 receives PRS on the PRS resources of the cross-link and calculates the values ​​of parameters related to sensing services based on the PRS, such as the values ​​of RSRP and other parameters. These parameter values ​​are the PRS measurement results.

[0241] After generating the PRS measurement results, base station 140 can perform the following steps.

[0242] S1413, Base station 140 generates bsSensingServiceState based on PRS measurement results.

[0243] For example, base station 140 can determine whether its sensing and air interface communication functions are available based on the values ​​of parameters such as RSRP, as well as the sensing threshold S and communication threshold C, and generate bsSensingServiceState based on whether its sensing and air interface communication functions are available. Base station 140 can generate bsSensingServiceState based on Table 4 or Table 5-1.

[0244] After generating bsSensingServiceState, base station 140 can choose to execute S1414.

[0245] S1414, Base station 140 sends bsSensingServiceState to base station 120.

[0246] Base station 140 can send bsSensingServiceState to base station 120 immediately after generating bsSensingServiceState, or it can wait for base station 120 to request bsSensingServiceState before sending it. Alternatively, when base station 140 determines the sensing mode, base station 140 can also choose not to send bsSensingServiceState, but instead send the finally determined sensing mode to base station 120.

[0247] S1415, Generate and transmit sensingStaticType based on bsSensingServiceState.

[0248] The sensingStaticType is the sensing site type information used to identify the sensing mode. The correspondence between bsSensingServiceState and sensingStaticType will be described below.

[0249] Taking the generation of sensingStaticType by base station 120 as an example, after base station 140 sends bsSensingServiceState to base station 120, base station 120 generates sensingStaticType based on bsSensingServiceState. Subsequently, base station 120 sends sensingStaticType to base station 140. If sensingStaticType indicates that the sensing mode is base station single-base mode, then base station 140 does not need to prepare sensing resources for the sensing service of base station 120. If sensingStaticType indicates that the sensing mode is base station-base station dual-base mode, then base station 140 can prepare sensing resources in advance for the sensing service of base station 120 to ensure that the sensing service of base station 120 can be completed smoothly.

[0250] Returning to Figure 11, after the execution device of method 1100 obtains the sensing service state (bsSensingServiceState) of the target network device, the following steps can be performed.

[0251] S1120, determine the perception mode based on the perception service status.

[0252] After obtaining the sensing service status, the execution device of method 1100 can determine the sensing mode based on one or more of the following correspondences:

[0253] When the sensing service status indicates that the sensing function is available, the sensing mode is either base station-to-base station dual-base mode or base station single-base mode.

[0254] When the sensing service status indicates that the sensing function is unavailable, the sensing mode is the base station single-base mode.

[0255] Table 6 provides an example of the correspondence between the sensing service state (bsSensingServiceState) and the sensing mode (sensingStaticType).

[0256] Table 6

[0257] In Table 6, the values ​​in {} represent the set of values ​​for sensingStaticType. For example, when bsSensingServiceState = 10 or 11, the set of values ​​for sensingStaticType is {0, 1}, that is, the value of sensingStaticType can be 0 or 1. The sensing modes corresponding to the values ​​of sensingStaticType are shown in Table 3.

[0258] Taking the determination of the sensing mode by base station 120 as an example, when base station 120 determines that bsSensingServiceState = 11, it can look up the corresponding set of values ​​for sensingStaticType in Table 6 and determine that the set of values ​​for sensingStaticType is {0,1}. Subsequently, base station 120 can look up the sensing mode corresponding to {0,1} in Table 3, thereby determining that the currently available sensing modes are base station single-base mode and base station-base station dual-base mode.

[0259] Base station 120 can select either base station single-base mode or base station-base station dual-base mode as the final sensing mode based on the current actual situation.

[0260] For example, when bsSensingServiceState = 11, it indicates that the sensing function of base station 140 is available. In this case, if the load on base station 140 is low, base station 120 can choose the base station-base station dual-base station mode to balance the base station load; if the load on base station 140 is high, base station 120 can choose the base station single-base station mode to reduce the load on base station 140. When bsSensingServiceState = 01, it indicates that the sensing function of base station 140 is unavailable, and base station 120 can only choose the base station single-base station mode. Therefore, this embodiment can determine the sensing mode suitable for the current scenario.

[0261] It should be noted that Table 6 is an example and not a limitation. In actual use, the set of values ​​for sensingStaticType can be some of the values ​​in Table 6.

[0262] For example, when bsSensingServiceState = 11, the set of values ​​for sensingStaticType can be a proper subset of {0, 1}, such as {0} or {1}.

[0263] In addition, the actual table used may only include some rows from Table 6. For example, the actual table used may only include the rows in Table 6 where bsSensingServiceState has values ​​of 00, 01, and 11.

[0264] In summary, when the sensing function of the target network device is unavailable, the base station needs to avoid using sensing modes based on inter-base station sensing functions, such as the base station-to-base station bi-base station mode. When the sensing function of the target network device is available, the base station can use the base station-to-base station bi-base station mode as a candidate sensing mode. Therefore, this embodiment determines the sensing mode based on the sensing service status, which can determine the sensing mode suitable for the current scenario.

[0265] After determining the perception mode, the execution device of method 1100 can also notify other devices of the perception mode so that other devices can prepare resources in advance to perform perception processing.

[0266] Optionally, method 1100 further includes:

[0267] Send a third message, which indicates the perception mode.

[0268] For example, after determining the sensing mode, base station 120 can send third information to base station 140. This third information may include a single bit, the state of which can be 0 or 1. 0 indicates a single-base station mode, and 1 indicates a base station-to-base station dual-base station mode. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific form or transmission method of the third information.

[0269] After determining the sensing mode, the execution device of method 1100 can perform sensing measurements alone or in conjunction with other devices, and process the sensing measurement report based on whether the communication function is available and the specific sensing mode.

[0270] Optionally, method 1100 further includes:

[0271] When the air interface communication function of the target network device is unavailable, save the sensing measurement results, and / or send or receive the sensing measurement results through the Xn interface;

[0272] When the air interface communication function of the target network device is available, save the sensing measurement results, and / or send or receive the sensing measurement results through the Xn interface or air interface.

[0273] In this embodiment, the execution device of method 1100 (e.g., base station 120) can select a suitable sensing measurement result processing method based on the air interface communication function of the target network device (e.g., base station 140).

[0274] For example, when the air interface communication function of base station 140 is unavailable, and the sensing measurement results are generated by base station 140, base station 120 can receive the sensing measurement results from base station 140 through the Xn interface to reduce the transmission latency of the sensing measurement report. When the air interface communication function of base station 140 is unavailable, and the sensing measurement results are generated by base station 120, base station 120 can send the sensing measurement results to base station 140 through the Xn interface to reduce the transmission latency of the sensing measurement report.

[0275] For example, when the air interface communication function of base station 140 is available, and the sensing measurement results are generated by base station 140, if the air interface traffic of base station 140 is large and the traffic of Xn interface is small, then base station 120 can receive the sensing measurement results from base station 140 through Xn interface, thereby improving resource utilization efficiency; when the air interface communication function of base station 140 is available, and the sensing measurement results are generated by base station 120, if the air interface traffic of base station 120 is large and the traffic of Xn interface is small, then base station 120 can send the sensing measurement results to base station 140 through Xn interface, thereby improving resource utilization efficiency.

[0276] The following describes several methods for processing perception measurement reports.

[0277] When bsSensingServiceState = 10 or 11, the sensing function of the target network device (e.g., base station 140) is available, and the sensing modes that the execution device of method 1100 (e.g., base station 120) can use include base station single-base and base station-base station dual-base modes. Figure 15 illustrates the processing method of sensing measurement reports in the base station-base station dual-base mode.

[0278] As shown in Figure 15, the method includes:

[0279] S1510, Base Station 120 determines the sensing mode to be Base Station-Base Station Dual Base Station Mode.

[0280] Base station 120 can determine the sensing mode based on the methods shown in Figures 12 to 14, which will not be elaborated here.

[0281] S1511, Base Station 120 transmits sensing signals.

[0282] Base station 120 can modulate ZC sequence, CPM sequence, pseudo-random sequence or predefined sequence on subcarrier to generate OFDM signal, and transmit the OFDM signal as a sensing signal.

[0283] S1512, Base station 140 performs sensing measurements based on the sensing signals, and generates and saves the sensing measurement results.

[0284] The sensing signal received by base station 140 is actually the echo signal reflected or refracted by the sensing target. Then, base station 140 performs sensing measurements on the echo signal to obtain the sensing measurement results. The sensing measurement results include information such as the position and velocity of the sensing target.

[0285] S1513, Base station 140 sends the sensing measurement results to base station 120.

[0286] Base station 140 sends the sensing measurement results to base station 120 via a cross-link or Xn interface. Base station 140 can also save the sensing measurement results for its own use. Base station 120 can also send the sensing measurement results to core network equipment such as SF.

[0287] When bsSensingServiceState = 00, 01, 10 or 11, if the sensing mode selected by the execution device of method 1100 (e.g., base station 120) is base station single base, then base station 120 and the target network device (e.g., base station 140) can execute the method shown in Figure 16.

[0288] As shown in Figure 16, the method includes:

[0289] S1610, Base station 120 determines the sensing mode to be base station single-base mode.

[0290] Base station 120 can determine the sensing mode based on the methods shown in Figures 12 to 14, which will not be elaborated here.

[0291] S1611, Base Station 120 transmits sensing signals.

[0292] Base station 120 can modulate ZC sequence, CPM sequence, pseudo-random sequence or predefined sequence on subcarrier to generate OFDM signal, and transmit the OFDM signal as a sensing signal.

[0293] S1612, Base station 120 receives sensing signals and performs sensing measurements based on the sensing signals to generate sensing measurement results.

[0294] The sensing signal received by base station 120 is actually the echo signal reflected or refracted by the sensing target. Then, base station 120 performs sensing measurements on the echo signal to obtain the sensing measurement results. The sensing measurement results include information such as the position and velocity of the sensing target.

[0295] S1613, Base station 120 sends the sensing measurement results to base station 140.

[0296] Base station 120 sends the sensing measurement results to base station 140 via a cross-link or Xn interface. Base station 120 can also save the sensing measurement results for its own use. Base station 120 can also send the sensing measurement results to core network equipment such as SF.

[0297] The foregoing has detailed the method examples provided by the embodiments of this application. It is understood that the corresponding apparatus, in order to achieve the above functions, includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and algorithm steps of the examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0298] Figures 17 and 18 are schematic diagrams of two devices for determining sensing modes provided in the embodiments of this application. These devices can be used to implement the functions of base stations or SF devices in the above method embodiments, and therefore also have the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments.

[0299] As shown in Figure 17, the device 1700 includes a processing unit 1710 and a transceiver unit 1720. Under the control of the processing unit 1710, the transceiver unit 1720 performs receiving and / or output steps. When performing the output step (or sending step), the transceiver unit 1720 acts as a sending unit; when performing the receiving step, it acts as a receiving unit. The device 1700 is used to implement the function of the execution device in the method embodiment of Figure 11.

[0300] The processing unit 1710 is used to: acquire the perception service status of the target network device, the perception service status indicates whether the perception function of the target network device is available, and there is a correspondence between the perception service status and the perception mode.

[0301] Optionally, when the sensing service status indicates that the sensing function is available, the sensing mode is a base station-to-base station dual-base mode or a base station single-base mode; or, when the sensing service status indicates that the sensing function is unavailable, the sensing mode is a base station single-base mode.

[0302] Optionally, the processing unit 1710 is further configured to: acquire channel measurement results of the cross-link of the target network device, the channel measurement results being used to determine the communication service status and / or the sensing service status.

[0303] Optionally, the processing unit 1710 is further configured to: acquire a first parameter of the cross-link, the first parameter being used to determine the channel measurement result, the first parameter including at least one of the following parameters: RSSI, RSRP, CSI, CQI, SINR, RSCP, or RSRPP.

[0304] Optionally, the processing unit 1710 is specifically used to: acquire a second parameter and a first parameter of the cross-link, the second parameter and the first parameter being used to determine the channel measurement result, the second parameter including at least one of the following parameters: the reception time of the measurement signal, the transmission and reception time difference of the measurement signal, the subframe offset of the measurement signal, the line-of-sight / non-line-of-sight indication of the measurement signal, the timing offset of the measurement signal, an indication of whether carrier aggregation is used to measure the transmission and reception time difference, an indication of measurement based on a single-hop reference signal or a multi-hop reference signal, a timing drift indication, the angle of arrival of the measurement signal, the departure angle of the measurement signal, or the beam information of the measurement signal.

[0305] Optionally, the processing unit 1710 is further configured to: receive first information through the transceiver unit 1720, the first information indicating the sensing service status.

[0306] Optionally, the first information includes a first bit, which indicates whether the sensing function is available.

[0307] Optionally, the first information may also include a second bit, which indicates whether the air interface communication function of the target network device is available.

[0308] Optionally, the processing unit 1710 is further configured to: receive second information through the transceiver unit 1720, the second information including a second bit indicating whether the air interface communication function of the target network device is available.

[0309] Optionally, the processing unit 1710 is further configured to: transmit third information through the transceiver unit 1720, wherein the third information indicates a sensing mode.

[0310] Optionally, the processing unit 1710 is further configured to: save the sensing measurement results when the air interface communication function of the target network device is unavailable, and / or send or receive the sensing measurement results through the Xn interface via the transceiver unit 1720; or, save the sensing measurement results when the air interface communication function of the target network device is available, and / or send or receive the sensing measurement results through the Xn interface or air interface via the transceiver unit 1720.

[0311] As shown in Figure 18, device 1800 includes a processor 1810 and an interface circuit 1820. The processor 1810 and the interface circuit 1820 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the interface circuit 1820 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, device 1800 may further include a memory 1830 for storing instructions executed by the processor 1810, or storing input data required by the processor 1810 to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor 1810 executes instructions.

[0312] When the device 1800 is used to implement the method shown in FIG11, the processor 1810 is used to implement the function of the processing unit 1710, and the interface circuit 1820 is used to implement the function of the transceiver unit 1720.

[0313] When device 1800 is a base station chip (i.e., a chip applied to a base station), the base station chip implements the functions of a base station in the above method embodiments. The base station chip receives information from other devices (e.g., another base station), which can be understood as the information being first received by other modules (e.g., radio frequency modules or antennas) in the base station, and then sent to the base station chip by these modules. The base station chip sends information to other devices, which can be understood as the information being sent to other modules (e.g., radio frequency modules or antennas) in the base station, and then sent to the other devices by these modules.

[0314] In this application, entity A sends information to entity B, either directly or indirectly through other entities. Similarly, entity B receives information from entity A, either directly or indirectly through other entities. Entities A and B can be RAN nodes or modules within a RAN node. Information transmission and reception can be between a RAN node and core network equipment, such as between a base station and a SF; between two RAN nodes, such as between a CU and a DU; or between base stations; or between different modules within a single device, such as between a base station chip and other modules within that base station.

[0315] Embodiments of this application also provide a sensing system, which may also be referred to as a communication system, a sensory integration system, or a sensory fusion system.

[0316] Alternatively, the sensing system may be the system 1900 shown in Figure 19.

[0317] As shown in Figure 19, system 1900 includes CU 1910, DU 1920, RU 1930, RU 1940, DU 1950 and CU 1960. CU 1910 includes processor 1911, DU 1920 includes processor 1921, RU 1930 includes O-RAN processing unit (OPU) 1931, digital processing unit (DPU) 1932 and radio frequency processing unit (ORU) 1933, CU 1960 includes processor 1961, DU 1950 includes processor 1951, and RU 1940 includes OPU 1941, DPU 1942 and ORU 1943. Optionally, CU 1910 also includes accelerator 1912, DU 1920 includes accelerator 1922, CU 1960 also includes accelerator 1962, and DU 1950 includes accelerator 1952.

[0318] In CU 1910, processor 1911 can be used to implement some functions of layer (L)2 and L3, DU 1920 can be used to implement L1 and some L2 functions, and RU 1930 can be used to implement L1 calculation and radio frequency (RF) digital functions. Traffic between CU 1910 and DU 1920 can be carried by a midhaul link, and traffic between DU 1920 and RU 1930 can be carried by a fronthaul link. Optionally, DU 1920 and RU 1930 can be integrated as a single unit.

[0319] Part of the protocol stack configured on the DU 1920 can be implemented in software running on the processor 1921, while other parts can be implemented on the accelerator 1922. For example, computationally intensive L1 and L2 functions can be offloaded to the accelerator 1922, or all L1 functions can be offloaded to the accelerator 1922, with other protocol stack components implemented in software running on the processor 1921. Alternatively, the entire protocol stack configured on the DU 1920 can be implemented in software running on the processor 1921.

[0320] Optionally, processors 1911 and 1921 can be x86 processors or non-x86 processors. For example, processors 1911 and 1921 can be central processing units (CPUs) or system-on-chips (SoCs), as well as other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. Accelerator 1922 supports interconnection with x86 or non-x86 processors. For example, accelerator 1922 has a high-speed peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe) interface pointing to processor 1921 and can connect to other devices via gigabit Ethernet (GbE).

[0321] In the RU 1930, the OPU 1931 receives enhanced common public radio interface (eCPRI) frames from the fronthaul link and implements functions such as fronthaul interface, the lowest level L1 (coding, scrambling, modulation, layer mapping, precoding), synchronization, beamforming, and resource unit mapping. The OPU 1931 can be in the form of a CPU, FPGA, or ASIC. The DPU 1932 is the digital processing unit of the O-RU, which can implement functions such as synchronization, digital downconversion (DDC), digital upconversion (DUC), crest factor reduction (CFR), and digital pre-distortion (DPD). It improves power amplifier efficiency by reducing the PAPR or adjacent channel leakage ratio (ACLR) of the RF front-end. The DPU 1932 can be in the form of an FPGA or ASIC. The ORU 1933's RF processing unit includes a transceiver, up / down converter, power amplifier (PA), low noise amplifier (LNA), and transceiver (Tx / Rx) filters. The transceiver can perform all conversions between the analog and digital domains; for example, RF sampling, frequency conversion using RF, intermediate frequency (IF), and local oscillator (LO) mixing during up-conversion and down-conversion can be performed within the transceiver. It should be noted that the physical and logical partitions within the RF processing unit do not require specific boundaries.

[0322] In addition, the hardware components of the CU 1910, DU 1920, and RU 1930 may also include a chassis platform, motherboard, peripherals, and cooling system. The motherboard may include a processing unit, memory, internal input / output (I / O) interfaces, and external connection ports. The aforementioned hardware components may include software, hardware, and system debugging interfaces, memory, a single-board management controller, and so on.

[0323] The situation of CU 1960 is similar to that of CU 1910, the situation of DU 1950 is similar to that of DU 1920, and the situation of RU 1940 is similar to that of RU 1930, so they will not be described again.

[0324] As an optional example, CU 1910 or DU 1920 can execute S1110 and S1120 to determine the sensing mode and the reference signal sequence to be used, and then send the reference signal sequence to RU 1930; RU 1930 modulates the reference signal sequence onto a radio signal to obtain a sensing signal, and then transmits the sensing signal. After receiving the sensing signal, RU 1940 performs demodulation and other operations to obtain a reference signal sequence; subsequently, RU 1940 transmits the reference signal sequence to DU 1950 or CU 1960, and DU 1950 or CU 1960 determines the sensing measurement results based on the reference signal sequence.

[0325] The method steps in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or in software instructions executable by a processor. The software instructions can consist of corresponding software modules, which can be stored in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, registers, hard disks, portable hard disks, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), or any other form of storage medium well known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. The storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and storage medium can reside in an ASIC. Alternatively, the ASIC can reside in a network device. The processor and storage medium can also exist as discrete components in the network device.

[0326] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are performed entirely or partially. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user equipment, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program or instructions can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center integrating one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a digital video optical disc; or it can be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive. The computer-readable storage medium may be a volatile or non-volatile storage medium, or may include both types of storage media.

[0327] Finally, the following points should be noted regarding the embodiments of this application:

[0328] First, in the embodiments of this application, the terms "first," "second," and various numerical designations are used for ease of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the sequence numbers of the above processes does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic.

[0329] Second, in the embodiments of this application, "instruction" can include direct and indirect instructions, as well as explicit and implicit instructions. The information indicated by a certain piece of information is called the information to be instructed. In specific implementations, there are many ways to instruct the information to be instructed. For example, the information to be instructed can be directly instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index. The information to be instructed can also be indirectly indicated by instructing other information, where there is a correlation between the other information and the information to be instructed. Furthermore, a part of the information to be instructed can be indicated, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the indication of the information to be instructed can be achieved by pre-agreed upon (e.g., by a protocol specifying the existence of a certain information element), thereby reducing the instruction overhead to some extent.

[0330] Third, the “protocol” involved in the embodiments of this application may refer to standard protocols in the field of communication, such as the Long Term Evolution (LTE) protocol, the NR protocol, and related protocols in future communication systems. This application does not limit this.

[0331] Fourth, "predefined" or "preconfigured" can be achieved by pre-storing corresponding codes, tables, or other information-indicating methods in the device (e.g., a base station), and this application does not limit the specific implementation method. "Storing" can refer to storing in one or more memories, which can be separate settings or integrated into the processor or communication device; alternatively, some memories can be separate settings, while others are integrated into the processor or communication device. The type of memory can be any form of storage medium, and this application does not limit this.

[0332] Fifth, "at least one" means one or more, while "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, B exists alone, or A and B exist simultaneously. Here, A and B can be a single object or multiple objects. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have 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 multiple items. For example, at least one of a, b, and c can mean: a, or, b, or, c, or, a and b, or, a and c, or, b and c, or, a, b, and c. Here, a, b, and c can each be a single object or multiple objects.

[0333] Sixth, in the embodiments of this application, descriptions such as "when," "in the case of," "if," and "if" all refer to the fact that the device (e.g., a base station) will make corresponding processing under certain objective circumstances. They are not time limits, nor do they require the device to make a judgment action when implementing it, nor do they mean that there are other limitations.

[0334] Seventh, in the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other, and the technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships.

Claims

1. A method for determining a perception pattern, characterized in that, include: The perception service status of the target network device is obtained. The perception service status indicates whether the perception function of the target network device is available. The perception service status corresponds to the perception mode.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the sensing service status indicates that the sensing function is available, the sensing mode is either a base station-to-base station dual-base station mode or a base station single-base station mode; or... When the sensing service status indicates that the sensing function is unavailable, the sensing mode is the base station single-base mode.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: Obtain the channel measurement results of the cross-link of the target network device, and use the channel measurement results to determine the communication service status and / or the sensing service status.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first parameter of the cross-link is obtained, and the first parameter is used to determine the channel measurement result. The first parameter includes at least one of the following parameters: The received signal strength indicator (RSSI), reference signal received power (RSRP), channel state information (CSI), channel quality indicator (CQI), signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR), received signal code power (RSCP), or reference signal received path power (RSRPP) are all specified.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The step of obtaining the first parameter of the cross-link, the first parameter being used to determine the channel measurement result, includes: Obtain the second parameter and the first parameter of the cross-link, the second parameter and the first parameter being used to determine the channel measurement result, wherein the second parameter includes at least one of the following parameters: The measurement signal reception time, the measurement signal transmission-reception time difference, the measurement signal subframe offset, the measurement signal line-of-sight / non-line-of-sight indication, the measurement signal timing offset, the indication of whether carrier aggregation is used to measure the transmission-reception time difference, the indication of whether the measurement is based on a single-hop reference signal or a multi-hop reference signal, the timing drift indication, the measurement signal angle of arrival, the measurement signal departure angle, or the measurement signal beam information.

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive first information, which indicates the status of the sensing service.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first information includes a first bit, which indicates whether the sensing function is available.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first information also includes a second bit, which indicates whether the air interface communication function of the target network device is available.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive second information, the second information including a second bit, the second bit indicating whether the air interface communication function of the target network device is available.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a third message, which indicates the perception mode.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: When the air interface communication function of the target network device is unavailable, the sensing measurement results are saved, and / or the sensing measurement results are sent or received via the Xn interface; or... When the air interface communication function of the target network device is available, the sensing measurement results are saved, and / or the sensing measurement results are sent or received through the Xn interface or air interface.

12. A device for determining a sensing pattern, characterized in that, include: A module for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A device for determining a sensing pattern, characterized in that, include: The processor is configured to, through logic circuits or by executing code instructions, acquire the perception service status of a target network device, wherein the perception service status indicates whether the perception function of the target network device is available, and the perception service status corresponds to a perception mode.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that, When the sensing service status indicates that the sensing function is available, the sensing mode is either a base station-to-base station dual-base station mode or a base station single-base station mode; or... When the sensing service status indicates that the sensing function is unavailable, the sensing mode is the base station single-base mode.

15. The apparatus according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, The processor is also used for: Obtain the channel measurement results of the cross-link of the target network device, and use the channel measurement results to determine the communication service status and / or the sensing service status.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that, The processor is also used for: The first parameter of the cross-link is obtained, and the first parameter is used to determine the channel measurement result. The first parameter includes at least one of the following parameters: The received signal strength indicator (RSSI), reference signal received power (RSRP), channel state information (CSI), channel quality indicator (CQI), signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR), received signal code power (RSCP), or reference signal received path power (RSRPP) are all specified.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that, The processor is specifically used for: Obtain the second parameter and the first parameter of the cross-link, the second parameter and the first parameter being used to determine the channel measurement result, wherein the second parameter includes at least one of the following parameters: The measurement signal reception time, the measurement signal transmission-reception time difference, the measurement signal subframe offset, the measurement signal line-of-sight / non-line-of-sight indication, the measurement signal timing offset, the indication of whether carrier aggregation is used to measure the transmission-reception time difference, the indication of whether the measurement is based on a single-hop reference signal or a multi-hop reference signal, the timing drift indication, the measurement signal angle of arrival, the measurement signal departure angle, or the measurement signal beam information.

18. The apparatus according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, The processor is also used for: The system receives first information via an interface circuit, the first information indicating the status of the sensing service.

19. The apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that, The first information includes a first bit, which indicates whether the sensing function is available.

20. The apparatus according to claim 19, characterized in that, The first information also includes a second bit, which indicates whether the air interface communication function of the target network device is available.

21. The apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 19, characterized in that, The processor is also used for: The second information is received through the interface circuit. The second information includes a second bit that indicates whether the air interface communication function of the target network device is available.

22. The apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 21, characterized in that, The processor is also used for: A third message is sent through the interface circuit, the third message indicating the sensing mode.

23. The apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 22, characterized in that, The processor is also used for: When the air interface communication function of the target network device is unavailable, the sensing measurement results are saved, and / or, the sensing measurement results are sent or received via the Xn interface through the interface circuit; or... When the air interface communication function of the target network device is available, the sensing measurement results are saved, and / or the sensing measurement results are sent or received through the Xn interface or air interface via the interface circuit.

24. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a device for determining a perception mode, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 11.

25. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a means for determining a perception mode, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 11.

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