Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application relate to the field of communications, and provide a communication method and apparatus, used for improving the sensing performance when a terminal device participates in sensing. In the method, a terminal device can receive a first message from a first network device, and determine, on the basis of the first message, to establish a sensing connection with a second network device. The first network device is a primary sensing device of the terminal device, and the second network device is a secondary sensing device of the terminal device, that is, the terminal device can perform sensing dual connectivity with the first network device and the second network device. In this way, the sensing efficiency and the sensing accuracy can be improved, and better sensing coverage can be obtained, thereby improving the sensing performance when the terminal device participates in sensing.

Description

Communication methods and devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510061241.5, filed on January 14, 2025, entitled "Communication Method and Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communications, and more particularly to communication methods and apparatus. Background Technology

[0003] Sensing refers to the process by which communication entities in a wireless network determine information about their surroundings by sending and receiving signals after they have passed through objects. It is a key technology in future wireless communication systems. Currently, terminal devices can establish sensing connections with network devices and perform sensing by sending sensing signals and / or receiving echo signals to obtain information such as the position, angle, and speed of targets in the environment.

[0004] However, based on the above implementation, sensing performance is limited by the geometric configuration of both individual network devices and terminal devices, as well as the available sensing resources, resulting in poor sensing performance. Therefore, how to improve the sensing performance when terminal devices participate in sensing is an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and apparatus to improve the sensing performance of terminal devices when they participate in sensing.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] Firstly, a communication method is provided. This method can be applied to the terminal device side, such as the terminal device or its communication module, or the circuit or chip responsible for communication functions within the terminal device (e.g., a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip). For ease of description, the following description assumes that the method is executed by the terminal device. The method includes: receiving a first message from a first network device, and sending a second message to the first network device according to the first message. The first message indicates the establishment of a sensing connection with a second network device, where the first network device is the primary sensing device of the terminal device, and the second network device is the secondary sensing device of the terminal device; the second message indicates that the terminal device confirms the establishment of a sensing connection with the second network device.

[0008] As described in the first aspect, the terminal device can receive a first message from the first network device and determine, based on the first message, to establish a sensing connection with the second network device. The first network device is the primary sensing device of the terminal device, and the second network device is the secondary sensing device. That is, the terminal device can establish dual sensing connections with both the first and second network devices. This improves sensing efficiency and accuracy, achieves better sensing coverage, and thus enhances the sensing performance of the terminal device when participating in sensing.

[0009] In one possible design, before receiving the first message from the first network device, the method of the first aspect further includes: receiving a third message from the first network device, and sending a measurement report to the first network device based on the third message. The third message includes a measurement configuration for measuring at least one candidate cell, wherein the at least one candidate cell is a cell within the sensing range of at least one network device, and the at least one network device does not include the first network device; the measurement report is determined based on the third message, and the measurement report is used to indicate the sensing capability of each of the at least one candidate cell.

[0010] In one possible design, at least one candidate cell is a cell that performs sensing with the terminal device, and at least one candidate cell includes a target cell within the sensing range of the second network device.

[0011] Based on the above two possible design schemes, the terminal device can measure at least one candidate cell according to the third message, and report the sensing capability of each candidate cell to the first network device through a measurement report, so that the first network device can subsequently determine the target cell within the sensing range of the second network device. In this way, the sensing capability of the second network device selected by the first network device can meet the needs of the terminal device.

[0012] In one possible design, the measurement configuration includes a measurement object and perceived measurement values. The measurement object is used to determine the observation area corresponding to each of the at least one candidate cells, and the measurement parameters are used to indicate the perceived measurement values ​​that need to be measured. According to a third message, a measurement report is sent to a first network device, including: performing perceived measurements on the observation area corresponding to each of the at least one candidate cells based on the measurement object and perceived measurement values, obtaining a measurement report, and sending the measurement report to the first network device. The measurement report includes the perceived measurement values ​​of each of the at least one candidate cells. That is, the terminal device can accurately determine and measure the observation area corresponding to each of the at least one candidate cells based on the measurement object and perceived measurement values, thereby improving the accuracy and precision of the obtained measurement report.

[0013] In one possible design, the measurement object includes at least one of the following: sensing distance range, sensing angle range, sensing speed range, or sensing Doppler frequency offset range; the sensing measurement value includes at least one of the following: sensing reference signal received power S-RSRP, sensing signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio S-SINR, sensing reference signal received quality S-RSRQ, sensing received signal strength indication S-RSSI, or sensing channel quality indication S-CQI. In this way, the needs of different sensing scenarios can be met.

[0014] In one possible design, before receiving the first message from the first network device, the method described in the first aspect further includes: receiving a fourth message from the first network device, and sending capability information to the first network device based on the fourth message. The fourth message is used to request whether the terminal device supports establishing a sensing connection with two network devices, one of which is a primary sensing device and the other a secondary sensing device; the capability information is used to indicate whether the terminal device supports establishing a sensing connection with both network devices. That is, the terminal device can report to the first network device, based on the fourth message, whether it supports establishing a sensing connection with two network devices (i.e., sensing dual connection), so that the first network device can trigger subsequent steps only after determining that the terminal device supports establishing a sensing connection with both network devices. This allows for on-demand triggering and reduces resource overhead.

[0015] In one possible design, after sending a second message to the first network device according to the first message, the method described in the first aspect further includes: sending a fifth message to the second network device according to the first message, and receiving a sixth message from the second network device. The fifth message is used to request the establishment of a sensory connection with the second network device; the sixth message is used to indicate that the sensory connection with the second network device has been successfully established. That is, the terminal device can send a fifth message to the second network device according to the first message to request the establishment of a sensory connection with the second network device. After the terminal device receives the sixth message indicating that the sensory connection with the second network device has been successfully established, it can determine that a sensory connection has been established with the second network device, and at this point, the terminal device can achieve sensory dual connectivity.

[0016] In one possible design, the first message includes identification information of the second network device and a first resource configuration. The first resource configuration is used to instruct the terminal device on the resources used to establish a sensing connection with the second network device and to perform sensing. The identification information of the second network device can be used by the terminal device to identify the auxiliary sensing device as the second network device, and the terminal device can use the resources indicated by the first resource configuration to establish a sensing connection with the second network device and perform sensing.

[0017] In one possible design, the first message also includes information about an antenna group, which comprises transmitting and / or receiving antennas used by the terminal device and the second network device to perform sensing. The terminal device can use the antenna group information to accurately determine the transmitting and / or receiving antennas used by the second network device to perform sensing, thereby improving sensing efficiency and accuracy.

[0018] Secondly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a first network device, by a module applied to the first network device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or by a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first network device. For ease of description, the following description assumes the method is executed by the first network device. The method includes: sending a first message to a terminal device and receiving a second message from the terminal device. The first message indicates the establishment of a sensing connection with the second network device, where the first network device is the primary sensing device of the terminal device, and the second network device is the secondary sensing device of the terminal device; the second message indicates that the terminal device confirms the establishment of the sensing connection with the second network device.

[0019] In one possible design, before sending the first message to the terminal device, the method of the second aspect further includes: sending a third message to the terminal device and receiving a measurement report from the terminal device. The third message includes a measurement configuration for measuring at least one candidate cell, wherein the at least one candidate cell is a cell within the sensing range of at least one network device, and the at least one network device does not include the first network device; the measurement report is determined based on the third message and is used to indicate the sensing capability of each of the at least one candidate cell.

[0020] In one possible design, the method in the second aspect further includes: determining a target cell based on a measurement report. The target cell is a cell within the sensing range of the second network device, and at least one candidate cell includes the target cell; at least one candidate cell is a cell with which the terminal device performs sensing.

[0021] In one possible design, the measurement configuration includes a measurement object and a sensed measurement value. The measurement object is used to determine the observation area corresponding to each candidate cell in at least one candidate cell, and the measurement parameters are used to indicate the sensed measurement value that needs to be measured. The measurement report includes the sensed measurement value of each candidate cell in at least one candidate cell.

[0022] In one possible design, the measurement object includes at least one of the following: sensing distance range, sensing angle range, sensing speed range, or sensing Doppler frequency offset range; the sensing measurement value includes at least one of the following: sensing reference signal received power S-RSRP, sensing signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio S-SINR, sensing reference signal received quality S-RSRQ, sensing received signal strength indication S-RSSI, or sensing channel quality indication S-CQI.

[0023] In one possible design, before sending the first message to the terminal device, the method described in the second aspect further includes: sending a seventh message to the second network device and receiving an eighth message from the second network device. The seventh message is used to indicate the establishment of a sensing connection with the terminal device; the eighth message is used to indicate that the second network device confirms the establishment of the sensing connection with the terminal device. That is, after determining that the auxiliary sensing device is the second network device, the first network device can send the seventh message to the second network device to indicate that the second network device establishes a sensing connection with the terminal device. After receiving the eighth message, the first network device can determine that the second network device has confirmed the establishment of a sensing connection with the terminal device, for the first network device to perform subsequent steps.

[0024] In one possible design, the seventh message includes the terminal device's identification information and a second resource configuration. The second resource configuration is used to instruct the second network device on the resources used to establish a sensing connection with the terminal device and to perform sensing. The terminal device's identification information can be used by the second network device to determine whether it needs to act as an auxiliary sensing device for the terminal device. The second network device can use the resources indicated by the second resource configuration to establish a sensing connection with the terminal device and perform sensing.

[0025] In one possible design, sending the first message to the terminal device includes: sending the first message to the terminal device according to the eighth message. That is, the first network device triggers the sending of the first message to the terminal device only after determining that the second network device has confirmed the establishment of a sensing connection with the terminal device. In this way, it can avoid the situation where the second network device does not accept the establishment of a sensing connection with the terminal device, but the first network device still sends the first message to the terminal device, resulting in the failure of the terminal device to establish a sensing connection with the second network device, and can reduce resource overhead.

[0026] In one possible design, before sending the first message to the terminal device, the method described in the second aspect further includes: sending a fourth message to the terminal device and receiving capability information from the terminal device. The fourth message is used to request whether the terminal device supports establishing a sensing connection with two network devices, one of which is a primary sensing device and the other is a secondary sensing device; the capability information is used to indicate whether the terminal device supports establishing a sensing connection with the two network devices.

[0027] In one possible design, after the first network device receives the second message from the terminal device, the method in the second aspect further includes: sending a ninth message to the second network device based on the second message. The ninth message is used to instruct the terminal device to confirm the establishment of a sensing connection with the second network device. That is, the first network device can forward the second message to the second network device via the ninth message, so that the second network device can determine whether the terminal device confirms the establishment of a sensing connection with the second network device.

[0028] In one possible design, the first message includes identification information of the second network device and a first resource configuration, which is used to instruct the terminal device to establish a sensing connection with the second network device and the resources used to perform the sensing connection.

[0029] In one possible design, the first message also includes information about the antenna group, which includes transmitting and / or receiving antennas used by the terminal device and the second network device to perform sensing.

[0030] Furthermore, other technical effects of the method described in the second aspect can be referred to the technical effects of the method described in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0031] Thirdly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a second network device, by a module applied to the second network device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or by a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second network device. For ease of description, the following description assumes the method is executed by the second network device. The method includes: receiving a seventh message from a first network device, and sending an eighth message to the first network device based on the seventh message. The seventh message indicates the establishment of a sensing connection with a terminal device, where the first network device is the primary sensing device of the terminal device, and the second network device is the secondary sensing device of the terminal device; the eighth message indicates that the second network device confirms the establishment of the sensing connection with the terminal device.

[0032] In one possible design, the seventh message includes the terminal device's identification information and a second resource configuration. The second resource configuration is used to instruct the second network device to establish a sensing connection with the terminal device and to use the resources for performing sensing.

[0033] In one possible design, after sending the eighth message to the first network device according to the seventh message, the method described in the third aspect further includes: receiving a ninth message from the first network device. The ninth message is used to instruct the terminal device to confirm the establishment of a sensing connection with the second network device.

[0034] In one possible design, after sending the eighth message to the first network device according to the seventh message, the method described in the third aspect further includes: receiving the fifth message from the terminal device, and sending the sixth message to the terminal device according to the fifth message. The fifth message is used to request the establishment of a sensing connection with the second network device; the sixth message is used to indicate that the establishment of a sensing connection with the second network device has been completed.

[0035] Other technical effects of the method described in the third aspect can be referred to the technical effects of the method described in the first or second aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0036] Fourthly, a communication method is provided. This method can be applied to the terminal device side, such as the terminal device or the communication module in the terminal device, or the circuit or chip in the terminal device responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core). For ease of description, the following description assumes that the method is executed by the terminal device. The method includes: receiving a first message from a first network device, and sending a second message to the first network device according to the first message. The first message is used to indicate the establishment of a sensing connection with the second network device and a communication connection with a third network device; the first network device is the main sensing device and the main communication device of the terminal device, the second network device is the auxiliary sensing device of the terminal device, and the third network device is the auxiliary communication device of the terminal device; the second message is used to indicate that the terminal device confirms the establishment of a sensing connection with the second network device and confirms the establishment of a communication connection with the third network device.

[0037] Based on the method described in the fourth aspect, the terminal device can receive a first message from the first network device and determine, according to the first message, to establish a sensing connection with the second network device and a communication connection with the third network device. The first network device is the primary sensing and primary communication device of the terminal device, the second network device is the secondary sensing device of the terminal device, and the third network device is the secondary communication device of the terminal device. That is, the terminal device can establish dual sensing connections with the first and second network devices, and dual communication connections with both the first and third network devices. This allows for the combination of dual sensing and dual communication connections, expanding the coverage scenarios of the dual connections. Furthermore, dual sensing and dual communication connections can be performed simultaneously, enhancing the overall performance of the system. For example, it can improve sensing efficiency and accuracy, achieve better sensing coverage, and simultaneously improve the connection performance and service quality of the terminal device, thereby improving the communication performance and sensing performance of the terminal device when participating in sensing.

[0038] In one possible design, before receiving the first message from the first network device, the method in the fourth aspect further includes: receiving a third message from the first network device, and sending a measurement report to the first network device based on the third message. The third message includes a first measurement configuration and a second measurement configuration, wherein the first measurement configuration is used to measure at least one first candidate cell, and the second measurement configuration is used to measure at least one second candidate cell; the at least one first candidate cell is a cell within the sensing range of at least one first-class network device, and the at least one second candidate cell is a cell within the communication range of at least one second-class network device; the at least one first-class network device and the at least one second-class network device do not include the first network device; the measurement report is determined based on the third message, and the measurement report is used to indicate the sensing capability of each of the at least one first candidate cell and the signal quality of each of the at least one second candidate cell.

[0039] In one possible design, at least one first candidate cell is a cell that performs sensing with the terminal device, and at least one second candidate cell is a cell that communicates with the terminal device; at least one first candidate cell includes a first target cell within the sensing range of the second network device, and at least one second candidate cell includes a second target cell within the communication range of the third network device.

[0040] Based on the above two possible design schemes, the terminal device can measure at least one first candidate cell and at least one second candidate cell according to the third message, and report the sensing capability of each of the at least one first candidate cell and the signal quality of each of the at least one second candidate cell to the first network device through a measurement report. This is used by the first network device to subsequently determine the first target cell within the sensing range of the second network device and the second target cell within the communication range of the third network device. In this way, the sensing capability of the second network device selected by the first network device can meet the sensing requirements of the terminal device, and the signal quality of the third network device can meet the communication requirements of the terminal device.

[0041] In one possible design, the first measurement configuration includes a measurement object and perceived measurement values. The measurement object is used to determine the observation area corresponding to each of the at least one first candidate cells, and the measurement parameters are used to indicate the perceived measurement values ​​that need to be measured. That is, the terminal device can accurately determine and measure the observation area corresponding to each of the at least one first candidate cells based on the measurement object and perceived measurement values, so as to improve the accuracy and precision of the obtained measurement report.

[0042] In one possible design, the measurement object includes at least one of the following: sensing distance range, sensing angle range, sensing speed range, or sensing Doppler frequency offset range; the sensing measurement value includes at least one of the following: sensing reference signal received power S-RSRP, sensing signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio S-SINR, sensing reference signal received quality S-RSRQ, sensing received signal strength indication S-RSSI, or sensing channel quality indication S-CQI. In this way, the needs of different sensing scenarios can be met.

[0043] In one possible design, before receiving the first message from the first network device, the method in the fourth aspect further includes: receiving a fourth message from the first network device and sending first capability information to the first network device based on the fourth message; receiving a fifth message from the first network device and sending second capability information to the first network device based on the fifth message. The fourth message is used to request whether the terminal device supports establishing a sensing connection with two network devices, where one network device is a primary sensing device and the other is a secondary sensing device; the first capability information is used to indicate whether the terminal device supports establishing a sensing connection with the two network devices; the fifth message is used to request whether the terminal device supports establishing a communication connection with the two network devices, where one network device is a primary communication device and the other is a secondary communication device; the second capability information is used to indicate whether the terminal device supports establishing a communication connection with the two network devices. In other words, the terminal device can report to the first network device, based on the fourth message, whether it supports establishing a perceptual connection with two network devices (i.e., perceptual dual connection). This allows the first network device to trigger subsequent steps only after determining that the terminal device supports establishing a perceptual connection with both network devices. Similarly, the terminal device can report to the first network device, based on the fifth message, whether it supports establishing a communication connection with two network devices (i.e., communication dual connection). This allows the first network device to trigger subsequent steps only after determining that the terminal device supports establishing a communication connection with both network devices. This allows for on-demand triggering, reducing resource overhead.

[0044] In one possible design, the first message includes identification information of a second network device, identification information of a third network device, a first resource configuration, and a second resource configuration. The first resource configuration is used to instruct the terminal device on the resources used to establish a sensing connection and perform sensing with the second network device, and the second resource configuration is used to instruct the terminal device on the resources used to establish a communication connection and perform communication with the second network device. The identification information of the second network device can be used by the terminal device to identify the auxiliary sensing device as the second network device, and the identification information of the third network device can be used by the terminal device to identify the auxiliary communication device as the third network device. The terminal device can use the resources indicated by the first resource configuration to establish a sensing connection and perform sensing with the second network device, and the terminal device can use the resources indicated by the second resource configuration to establish a communication connection and perform communication with the third network device.

[0045] In one possible design, the first message further includes information about a first antenna group and information about a second antenna group. The first antenna group includes transmitting and / or receiving antennas used by the terminal device to perform sensing with the second network device, and the second antenna group includes transmitting and / or receiving antennas used by the terminal device to communicate with the third network device. The terminal device can use the information from the first antenna group to accurately determine the transmitting and / or receiving antennas used to perform sensing with the second network device, thereby improving sensing efficiency and accuracy. The terminal device can also use the information from the second antenna group to accurately determine the transmitting and / or receiving antennas used to communicate with the third network device, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0046] In one possible design, the second network device is different from the third network device. After sending a second message to the first network device according to the first message, the method in the fourth aspect further includes: sending a sixth message to the second network device according to the first message, and receiving a seventh message from the second network device. The sixth message is used to request the establishment of a sensory connection with the second network device; the seventh message is used to indicate that the establishment of a sensory connection with the second network device has been completed.

[0047] In one possible design, after sending a second message to the first network device according to the first message, the method in the fourth aspect further includes: sending an eighth message to the third network device according to the first message, and receiving a ninth message from the third network device. The eighth message is used to request the establishment of a communication connection with the third network device; the ninth message is used to indicate that the establishment of a communication connection with the third network device has been completed.

[0048] Based on the above descriptions of the two possible design schemes, when the second network device and the third network device are different, the terminal device can send a sixth message to the second network device according to the first message to request the establishment of a sensing connection with the second network device. After receiving a seventh message indicating that the sensing connection with the second network device has been established, the terminal device can determine that a sensing connection has been established with the second network device, and at this time, the terminal device can achieve dual sensing connectivity. Similarly, the terminal device can send an eighth message to the third network device according to the first message to request the establishment of a communication connection with the third network device. After receiving a ninth message indicating that the communication connection with the third network device has been established, the terminal device can determine that a communication connection has been established with the third network device, and at this time, the terminal device can achieve dual communication connectivity.

[0049] In one possible design, the second network device is identical to the third network device. After sending a second message to the first network device according to the first message, the method in the fourth aspect further includes: sending a sixth message to the second network device according to the first message, and receiving a seventh message from the second network device. The sixth message is used to request the establishment of a sensory connection and a communication connection with the second network device, and the seventh message is used to indicate that the establishment of the sensory connection and the communication connection with the second network device has been completed. That is, when the second network device and the third network device are identical, the terminal device can send a sixth message to the third network device according to the first message to request the establishment of a sensory connection and a communication connection with the second network device. After the terminal device receives the seventh message indicating that the establishment of the sensory connection and the communication connection with the second network device has been completed, it can determine that a sensory connection and a communication connection have been established with the second network device. At this point, the terminal device can achieve sensory dual connection and communication dual connection.

[0050] In one possible design, the number of transmitting antennas in the terminal device is an integer greater than or equal to two, and the number of receiving antennas is also an integer greater than or equal to two. That is, the terminal device is a multi-antenna device to support both sensing dual connectivity and communication dual connectivity.

[0051] Fifthly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a first network device, by a module (e.g., processor, chip, or chip system) applied to the first network device, or by a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first network device. For ease of description, the following description assumes the method is executed by the first network device. The method includes: sending a first message to a terminal device and receiving a second message from the terminal device. The first message indicates the establishment of a sensing connection with a second network device and a communication connection with a third network device; the first network device is the primary sensing device and primary communication device of the terminal device, the second network device is an auxiliary sensing device of the terminal device, and the third network device is an auxiliary communication device of the terminal device; the second message indicates the terminal device to confirm the establishment of a sensing connection with the second network device and to confirm the establishment of a communication connection with the third network device.

[0052] In one possible design, before sending the first message to the terminal device, the method in the fifth aspect further includes: sending a third message to the terminal device and receiving a measurement report from the terminal device. The third message includes a first measurement configuration and a second measurement configuration, wherein the first measurement configuration is used to measure at least one first candidate cell, and the second measurement configuration is used to measure at least one second candidate cell; the at least one first candidate cell is a cell within the sensing range of at least one first-class network device, and the at least one second candidate cell is a cell within the communication range of at least one second-class network device; the at least one first-class network device and the at least one second-class network device do not include the first network device; the measurement report is determined based on the third message, and the measurement report is used to indicate the sensing capability of each of the at least one first candidate cell and the signal quality of each of the at least one second candidate cell.

[0053] In one possible design, the method in the fifth aspect further includes: determining a first target cell from at least one first candidate cell and a second target cell from at least one second candidate cell, based on a measurement report. The first target cell is a cell within the sensing range of the second network device, and the second target cell is a cell within the communication range of the third network device; the at least one first candidate cell is a cell that performs sensing with the terminal device, and the at least one second candidate cell is a cell that communicates with the terminal device.

[0054] In one possible design, the first measurement configuration includes a measurement object and a sensed measurement value. The measurement object is used to determine the observation area corresponding to each of the first candidate cells in at least one first candidate cell, and the measurement parameters are used to indicate the sensed measurement value that needs to be measured.

[0055] In one possible design, the measurement object includes at least one of the following: sensing distance range, sensing angle range, sensing speed range, or sensing Doppler frequency offset range; the sensing measurement value includes at least one of the following: sensing reference signal received power S-RSRP, sensing signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio S-SINR, sensing reference signal received quality S-RSRQ, sensing received signal strength indication S-RSSI, or sensing channel quality indication S-CQI.

[0056] In one possible design, before sending the first message to the terminal device, the method in the fifth aspect further includes: sending a fourth message to the terminal device and receiving first capability information from the terminal device; sending a fifth message to the terminal device and receiving second capability information from the terminal device. The fourth message is used to request whether the terminal device supports establishing a sensing connection and a communication connection with two network devices, where one network device is a primary sensing device and the other is a secondary sensing device; the first capability information is used to indicate whether the terminal device supports establishing a sensing connection with the two network devices; the fifth message is used to request whether the terminal device supports establishing a communication connection with the two network devices, where one network device is a primary communication device and the other is a secondary communication device; the second capability information is used to indicate whether the terminal device supports establishing a communication connection with the two network devices.

[0057] In one possible design, the second network device is different from the third network device. Before sending the first message to the terminal device, the method described in the fifth aspect further includes: sending a tenth message to the second network device and receiving an eleventh message from the second network device. The tenth message is used to indicate the establishment of a sensing connection with the terminal device; the eleventh message is used to indicate that the second network device confirms the establishment of the sensing connection with the terminal device. That is, after determining that the auxiliary sensing device is the second network device, the first network device can send a tenth message to the second network device to indicate that the second network device establishes a sensing connection with the terminal device. After receiving the eleventh message, the first network device can determine that the second network device confirms the establishment of a sensing connection with the terminal device, for the first network device to perform subsequent steps.

[0058] In one possible design, the tenth message includes the terminal device's identification information and a third resource configuration. The third resource configuration is used to instruct the second network device on the resources used to establish a sensing connection with the terminal device and to perform sensing. The terminal device's identification information can be used by the second network device to determine whether it needs to act as an auxiliary sensing device for the terminal device. The second network device can use the resources indicated by the third resource configuration to establish a sensing connection with the terminal device and perform sensing.

[0059] In one possible design, before sending the first message to the terminal device, the method in the fifth aspect further includes: sending a twelfth message to the third network device and receiving a thirteenth message from the third network device. The twelfth message is used to indicate the establishment of a communication connection with the terminal device; the thirteenth message is used to indicate that the third network device confirms the establishment of the communication connection with the terminal device. That is, after determining that the auxiliary communication device is the third network device, the first network device can send the twelfth message to the second network device to indicate that the third network device establishes a communication connection with the terminal device. After receiving the thirteenth message, the first network device can determine that the third network device has confirmed the establishment of a communication connection with the terminal device, so that the first network device can perform subsequent steps.

[0060] In one possible design, the twelfth message includes identification information of the terminal device and a fourth resource configuration. The fourth resource configuration is used to indicate the resources used by the third network device to establish a communication connection with the terminal device and to conduct communication. The identification information of the terminal device can be used by the third network device to determine whether it needs to act as an auxiliary communication device for the terminal device. The third network device can use the resources indicated by the fourth resource configuration to establish a communication connection with the terminal device and to conduct communication.

[0061] In one possible design, after receiving the second message from the terminal device, the method in the fifth aspect further includes: sending a fourteenth message to the second network device based on the second message. The fourteenth message is used to instruct the terminal device to confirm the establishment of a sensing connection with the second network device.

[0062] In one possible design, after receiving the second message from the terminal device, the method in the fifth aspect further includes: sending a fifteenth message to the third network device based on the second message. The fifteenth message is used to instruct the terminal device to confirm the establishment of a communication connection with the third network device.

[0063] Based on the above two possible design schemes, the first network device can forward the second message to the second network device through the fourteenth message, so that the second network device can determine whether the terminal device confirms the establishment of a sensing connection with the second network device; similarly, the first network device can forward the second message to the third network device through the fifteenth message, so that the third network device can determine whether the terminal device confirms the establishment of a communication connection with the third network device.

[0064] In one possible design, the second network device is identical to the third network device. Before sending the first message to the terminal device, the method described in the fifth aspect further includes: sending a tenth message to the second network device and receiving an eleventh message from the second network device. The tenth message is used to instruct the second network device to establish a sensing connection and a communication connection with the terminal device; the eleventh message is used to instruct the second network device to confirm the establishment of the sensing connection and the communication connection with the terminal device. That is, after determining that the auxiliary sensing device and the auxiliary communication device are the second network device, the first network device can send a tenth message to the second network device to instruct the second network device to establish a sensing connection and a communication connection with the terminal device. After receiving the eleventh message, the first network device can determine that the second network device has confirmed the establishment of the sensing connection and the communication connection with the terminal device, for the first network device to execute subsequent steps.

[0065] In one possible design, the tenth message includes the terminal device's identification information, a third resource configuration, and a fourth resource configuration. The third resource configuration instructs the second network device on the resources used to establish a sensing connection and perform sensing with the terminal device, while the fourth resource configuration instructs the second network device on the resources used to establish a communication connection and conduct communication with the terminal device. The terminal device's identification information can be used by the second network device to determine whether it needs to act as an auxiliary sensing device and auxiliary communication device for the terminal device. The second network device can use the resources indicated by the third resource configuration to establish a sensing connection and perform sensing with the terminal device, and use the resources indicated by the fourth resource configuration to establish a communication connection and conduct communication with the terminal device.

[0066] In one possible design, after receiving the second message from the terminal device, the method in the fifth aspect further includes: sending a twelfth message to the second network device based on the second message. The twelfth message is used to instruct the terminal device to confirm the establishment of a sensory connection and a communication connection with the second network device. That is, the first network device can forward the second message to the second network device via the twelfth message, so that the second network device can determine whether the terminal device confirms the establishment of a sensory connection and a communication connection with the second network device.

[0067] In one possible design, the first message includes identification information of the second network device, identification information of the third network device, a first resource configuration, and a second resource configuration. The first resource configuration is used to instruct the terminal device on the resources used to establish a sensing connection with the second network device and to perform sensing, while the second resource configuration is used to instruct the terminal device on the resources used to establish a communication connection with the second network device and to perform communication.

[0068] In one possible design, the first message also includes information about the first antenna group and information about the second antenna group; the first antenna group includes transmitting and / or receiving antennas used by the terminal device and the second network device to perform sensing, and the second antenna group includes transmitting and / or receiving antennas used by the terminal device and the third network device to perform sensing.

[0069] In one possible design, the number of transmitting antennas of the terminal device is an integer greater than or equal to 2, and the number of receiving antennas is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0070] Furthermore, other technical effects of the method described in the fifth aspect can be referred to the technical effects of the method described in the fourth aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0071] Sixthly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a second network device, by a module (e.g., processor, chip, or chip system) applied to the second network device, or by a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second network device. For ease of description, the following description assumes the method is executed by the second network device. The method includes: receiving a tenth message from a first network device, and sending an eleventh message to the first network device based on the tenth message. The tenth message indicates the establishment of a sensing connection with a terminal device, where the first network device is the primary sensing device of the terminal device, and the second network device is the secondary sensing device of the terminal device; the eleventh message indicates that the second network device confirms the establishment of a sensing connection with the terminal device.

[0072] In one possible design, the tenth message includes the identification information of the terminal device and the third resource configuration, which is used to instruct the second network device to establish a sensing connection with the terminal device and to use the resources for performing sensing.

[0073] In one possible design, after sending the eleventh message to the first network device according to the tenth message, the method in the sixth aspect further includes receiving a fourteenth message from the first network device. The fourteenth message is used to instruct the terminal device to confirm the establishment of a sensing connection with the second network device.

[0074] In one possible design, after sending the eleventh message to the first network device according to the tenth message, the method in the sixth aspect further includes: receiving the sixth message from the terminal device, and sending the seventh message to the terminal device according to the sixth message. The sixth message is used to request the establishment of a sensing connection with the second network device; the seventh message is used to indicate that the establishment of a sensing connection with the second network device has been completed.

[0075] In one possible design, the number of transmitting antennas of the terminal device is an integer greater than or equal to 2, and the number of receiving antennas is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0076] Other technical effects of the method described in the sixth aspect can be referred to the technical effects of the method described in the fourth or fifth aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0077] Seventhly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a second network device, by a module applied to the second network device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or by a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second network device. For ease of description, the following description assumes the method is executed by a second network device. The method includes: receiving a tenth message from a first network device, and sending an eleventh message to the first network device based on the tenth message. The tenth message is used to indicate the establishment of a sensing connection and a communication connection with a terminal device; the first network device is the primary sensing device and primary communication device of the terminal device, and the second network device is the secondary sensing device and secondary communication device of the terminal device; the eleventh message is used to instruct the second network device to confirm the establishment of the sensing connection and communication connection with the terminal device.

[0078] In one possible design, the tenth message includes the terminal device's identification information, a third resource configuration, and a fourth resource configuration; the third resource configuration is used to instruct the second network device to establish a sensing connection with the terminal device and to use the resources used for sensing, and the fourth resource configuration is used to instruct the second network device to establish a communication connection with the terminal device and to use the resources used for communication.

[0079] In one possible design, after sending the eleventh message to the first network device according to the tenth message, the method in the seventh aspect further includes: receiving a twelfth message from the first network device. The twelfth message is used to instruct the terminal device to confirm the establishment of a sensor connection and a communication connection with the second network device.

[0080] In one possible design, after sending an eleventh message to the first network device according to the tenth message, the method in the seventh aspect further includes: receiving a sixth message from the terminal device, and sending a seventh message to the terminal device according to the sixth message. The sixth message is used to request the establishment of a sensory connection and a communication connection with the second network device; the seventh message is used to indicate that the establishment of a sensory connection and a communication connection with the second network device has been completed.

[0081] In one possible design, the number of transmitting antennas of the terminal device is an integer greater than or equal to 2, and the number of receiving antennas is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0082] Other technical effects of the method described in the seventh aspect can be referred to the technical effects of the method described in the fourth or fifth aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0083] Eighthly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a third network device, by a module (e.g., processor, chip, or chip system) applied to the third network device, or by a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the third network device. For ease of description, the following description assumes the method is executed by a third network device. The method includes: receiving a twelfth message from a first network device, and sending a thirteenth message to the first network device based on the twelfth message. The twelfth message indicates the establishment of a communication connection with a terminal device, where the first network device is the primary communication device of the terminal device, and the third network device is the secondary communication device of the terminal device; the thirteenth message indicates that the third network device confirms the establishment of a communication connection with the terminal device.

[0084] In one possible design, the twelfth message includes the identification information of the terminal device and the fourth resource configuration, which is used to instruct the third network device on the resources used to establish a communication connection with the terminal device and to conduct communication.

[0085] In one possible design, after sending the thirteenth message to the first network device according to the twelfth message, the method in the eighth aspect further includes: receiving the fifteenth message from the first network device. The fifteenth message is used to instruct the terminal device to confirm the establishment of a communication connection with the third network device.

[0086] In one possible design, after sending the thirteenth message to the first network device according to the twelfth message, the method in the eighth aspect further includes: receiving the eighth message from the terminal device, and sending the ninth message to the terminal device according to the eighth message. The eighth message is used to request the establishment of a communication connection with the third network device; the ninth message is used to indicate that the establishment of a communication connection with the third network device has been completed.

[0087] In one possible design, the number of transmitting antennas of the terminal device is an integer greater than or equal to 2, and the number of receiving antennas is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0088] A ninth aspect provides a communication device. The communication device includes: a module for performing the method described in the first aspect, such as a transceiver module and a processing module. The transceiver module is used to instruct the transceiver functions of the communication device, and the processing module is used to perform functions of the communication device other than the transceiver functions.

[0089] For example, a transceiver module is used to receive a first message from a first network device and, based on the first message, send a second message to the first network device. The first message indicates the establishment of a sensing connection with a second network device, where the first network device is the primary sensing device of the communication apparatus described in the ninth aspect, and the second network device is the secondary sensing device of the communication apparatus; the second message indicates that the communication apparatus confirms the establishment of a sensing connection with the second network device.

[0090] In one possible design, before receiving the first message from the first network device, the transceiver module is further configured to receive a third message from the first network device and send a measurement report to the first network device based on the third message. The third message includes a measurement configuration for measuring at least one candidate cell, wherein the at least one candidate cell is a cell within the sensing range of at least one network device, and the at least one network device does not include the first network device; the measurement report is determined based on the third message and is used to indicate the sensing capability of each of the at least one candidate cell.

[0091] In one possible design, at least one candidate cell is a cell that performs sensing with the communication device described in the ninth aspect, and at least one candidate cell includes a target cell within the sensing range of the second network device.

[0092] In one possible design, the measurement configuration includes a measurement object and perceived measurement values. The measurement object is used to determine the observation area corresponding to each of the at least one candidate cells, and the measurement parameters are used to indicate the perceived measurement values ​​that need to be measured. A processing module is used to perform perceived measurements on the observation area corresponding to each of the at least one candidate cell based on the measurement object and the perceived measurement values, and obtain a measurement report. A transceiver module is also used to send the measurement report to a first network device. The measurement report includes the perceived measurement values ​​of each of the at least one candidate cell.

[0093] In one possible design, the measurement object includes at least one of the following: sensing distance range, sensing angle range, sensing speed range, or sensing Doppler frequency offset range; the sensing measurement value includes at least one of the following: sensing reference signal received power S-RSRP, sensing signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio S-SINR, sensing reference signal received quality S-RSRQ, sensing received signal strength indication S-RSSI, or sensing channel quality indication S-CQI.

[0094] In one possible design, before receiving the first message from the first network device, the transceiver module is further configured to receive a fourth message from the first network device and, based on the fourth message, send capability information to the first network device. The fourth message is used to request whether the communication device described in the ninth aspect supports establishing a sensing connection with two network devices, one of which is a primary sensing device and the other is a secondary sensing device; the capability information is used to indicate whether the communication device supports establishing a sensing connection with both network devices.

[0095] In one possible design, after sending a second message to the first network device based on the first message, the transceiver module is further configured to send a fifth message to the second network device based on the first message, and receive a sixth message from the second network device. The fifth message is used to request the establishment of a sensory connection with the second network device; the sixth message is used to indicate that the establishment of a sensory connection with the second network device has been completed.

[0096] In one possible design, the first message includes identification information of the second network device and a first resource configuration, the first resource configuration being used to instruct the communication device described in the ninth aspect to establish a sensing connection with the second network device and to use the resources for performing sensing.

[0097] In one possible design, the first message also includes information about an antenna group, which includes a transmitting antenna and / or a receiving antenna used by the communication device and the second network device to perform sensing, as described in the ninth aspect.

[0098] Optionally, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and a receiving module. The transmitting module implements the transmitting function of the communication device described in the ninth aspect, and the receiving module implements the receiving function of the communication device described in the ninth aspect.

[0099] Optionally, the communication device described in the ninth aspect may further include a storage module storing programs or instructions. When the processing module executes the program or instructions, the communication device can perform the method described in the first aspect.

[0100] It is understood that the communication device described in the ninth aspect may be a terminal device, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly that can be disposed in the terminal device, or a device that includes the terminal device, and this application does not limit it in this regard.

[0101] Furthermore, the technical effects of the communication device described in the ninth aspect can be referred to the technical effects of the method described in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0102] A tenth aspect provides a communication device. The communication device includes: a module for performing the method described in the second aspect, such as a transceiver module and a processing module. The transceiver module is used to indicate the transceiver functions of the communication device, and the processing module is used to perform functions of the communication device other than the transceiver functions.

[0103] For example, a transceiver module is used to send a first message to a terminal device and receive a second message from the terminal device. The first message is used to instruct the establishment of a sensing connection with a second network device, and the communication device described in the tenth aspect is the primary sensing device of the terminal device, while the second network device is the secondary sensing device of the terminal device; the second message is used to instruct the terminal device to confirm the establishment of a sensing connection with the second network device.

[0104] In one possible design, before sending the first message to the terminal device, the transceiver module is further configured to send a third message to the terminal device and receive a measurement report from the terminal device. The third message includes a measurement configuration for measuring at least one candidate cell, wherein the at least one candidate cell is a cell within the sensing range of at least one network device, and the at least one network device does not include the communication device described in aspect ten; the measurement report is determined based on the third message and is used to indicate the sensing capability of each of the at least one candidate cell.

[0105] In one possible design, the processing module is used to determine the target cell based on the measurement report. The target cell is a cell within the sensing range of the second network device, and at least one candidate cell includes the target cell; at least one candidate cell is a cell with which the terminal device performs sensing.

[0106] In one possible design, the measurement configuration includes a measurement object and a sensed measurement value. The measurement object is used to determine the observation area corresponding to each candidate cell in at least one candidate cell, and the measurement parameters are used to indicate the sensed measurement value that needs to be measured. The measurement report includes the sensed measurement value of each candidate cell in at least one candidate cell.

[0107] In one possible design, the measurement object includes at least one of the following: sensing distance range, sensing angle range, sensing speed range, or sensing Doppler frequency offset range; the sensing measurement value includes at least one of the following: sensing reference signal received power S-RSRP, sensing signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio S-SINR, sensing reference signal received quality S-RSRQ, sensing received signal strength indication S-RSSI, or sensing channel quality indication S-CQI.

[0108] In one possible design, before sending the first message to the terminal device, the transceiver module is further configured to send a seventh message to the second network device and receive an eighth message from the second network device. The seventh message indicates the establishment of a sensory connection with the terminal device; the eighth message indicates that the second network device confirms the establishment of the sensory connection with the terminal device.

[0109] In one possible design, the seventh message includes the terminal device's identification information and a second resource configuration. The second resource configuration is used to instruct the second network device to establish a sensing connection with the terminal device and to use the resources for performing sensing.

[0110] In one possible design, the transceiver module is also used to send the first message to the terminal device based on the eighth message.

[0111] In one possible design, before sending the first message to the terminal device, the transceiver module is also used to send a fourth message to the terminal device and receive capability information from the terminal device. The fourth message requests whether the terminal device supports establishing a sensing connection with two network devices, one of which is the primary sensing device and the other is the secondary sensing device. The capability information indicates whether the terminal device supports establishing a sensing connection with both network devices.

[0112] In one possible design, after receiving the second message from the terminal device, the transceiver module is further configured to send a ninth message to the second network device based on the second message. The ninth message is used to instruct the terminal device to confirm the establishment of a sensory connection with the second network device.

[0113] In one possible design, the first message includes identification information of the second network device and a first resource configuration, which is used to instruct the terminal device to establish a sensing connection with the second network device and the resources used to perform the sensing connection.

[0114] In one possible design, the first message also includes information about the antenna group, which includes transmitting and / or receiving antennas used by the terminal device and the second network device to perform sensing.

[0115] Optionally, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and a receiving module. The transmitting module implements the transmitting function of the communication device described in the tenth aspect, and the receiving module implements the receiving function of the communication device described in the tenth aspect.

[0116] Optionally, the communication device according to the tenth aspect may further include a storage module storing programs or instructions. When the processing module executes the program or instructions, the communication device can perform the method described in the second aspect.

[0117] It is understood that the communication device described in the tenth aspect may be a first network device, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly that can be disposed in the first network device, or a device that includes the first network device. This application does not limit it in this regard.

[0118] Furthermore, the technical effects of the communication device described in the tenth aspect can be referred to the technical effects of the method described in the second aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0119] Eleventhly, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes: a module for performing the method described in the third aspect, such as a transceiver module and a processing module. The transceiver module is used to indicate the transceiver functions of the communication device, and the processing module is used to perform functions of the communication device other than the transceiver functions.

[0120] For example, the transceiver module is used to receive a seventh message from the first network device. The processing module is used to control the transceiver module to send an eighth message to the first network device based on the seventh message. The seventh message indicates the establishment of a sensing connection with the terminal device, where the first network device is the primary sensing device of the terminal device, and the communication device described in the eleventh aspect is the secondary sensing device of the terminal device; the eighth message indicates that the communication device confirms the establishment of a sensing connection with the terminal device.

[0121] In one possible design, the seventh message includes the identification information of the terminal device and the second resource configuration, which is used to indicate the resources used by the communication device described in the eleventh aspect to establish a sensing connection with the terminal device and to perform sensing.

[0122] In one possible design, after sending the eighth message to the first network device according to the seventh message, the transceiver module is further configured to receive a ninth message from the first network device. The ninth message is used to instruct the terminal device to confirm the establishment of a sensing connection with the communication device described in the eleventh aspect.

[0123] In one possible design, after sending the eighth message to the first network device according to the seventh message, the transceiver module is further configured to receive the fifth message from the terminal device. The processing module is further configured to control the transceiver module to send a sixth message to the terminal device according to the fifth message. The sixth message indicates that a sensing connection with the communication device described in the eleventh aspect has been established.

[0124] Optionally, the transceiver module may include a sending module and a receiving module. The sending module implements the sending function of the communication device described in the eleventh aspect, and the receiving module implements the receiving function of the communication device described in the eleventh aspect.

[0125] Optionally, the communication device described in the eleventh aspect may further include a storage module storing programs or instructions. When the processing module executes the program or instructions, the communication device can perform the method described in the third aspect.

[0126] It is understood that the communication device described in the eleventh aspect may be a second network device, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly that can be disposed in the second network device, or a device that includes the second network device. This application does not limit this.

[0127] Furthermore, the technical effects of the communication device described in the eleventh aspect can be referred to the technical effects of the method described in the third aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0128] In a twelfth aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes: modules for performing the method described in the fourth aspect, such as a transceiver module and a processing module. The transceiver module is used to indicate the transceiver functions of the communication device, and the processing module is used to perform functions of the communication device other than the transceiver functions.

[0129] For example, a transceiver module is used to receive a first message from a first network device. A processing module is used to control the transceiver module to send a second message to the first network device based on the first message. The first message is used to instruct the establishment of a sensing connection with the second network device and a communication connection with a third network device; the first network device is the main sensing device and the main communication device of the communication apparatus described in the twelfth aspect, the second network device is the auxiliary sensing device of the communication apparatus, and the third network device is the auxiliary communication device of the communication apparatus; the second message is used to instruct the communication apparatus to confirm the establishment of a sensing connection with the second network device and to confirm the establishment of a communication connection with the third network device.

[0130] In one possible design, before receiving the first message from the first network device, the transceiver module is further configured to receive a third message from the first network device. The processing module is further configured to control the transceiver module to send a measurement report to the first network device based on the third message. The third message includes a first measurement configuration and a second measurement configuration. The first measurement configuration is used to measure at least one first candidate cell, and the second measurement configuration is used to measure at least one second candidate cell. The at least one first candidate cell is a cell within the sensing range of at least one first-class network device, and the at least one second candidate cell is a cell within the communication range of at least one second-class network device. The at least one first-class network device and the at least one second-class network device do not include the first network device. The measurement report is determined based on the third message and is used to indicate the sensing capability of each of the at least one first candidate cell and the signal quality of each of the at least one second candidate cell.

[0131] In one possible design, at least one first candidate cell is a cell that performs sensing with the communication device described in the twelfth aspect, and at least one second candidate cell is a cell that communicates with the communication device; at least one first candidate cell includes a first target cell within the sensing range of the second network device, and at least one second candidate cell includes a second target cell within the communication range of the third network device.

[0132] In one possible design, the first measurement configuration includes a measurement object and a sensed measurement value. The measurement object is used to determine the observation area corresponding to each of the first candidate cells in at least one first candidate cell, and the measurement parameters are used to indicate the sensed measurement value that needs to be measured.

[0133] In one possible design, the measurement object includes at least one of the following: sensing distance range, sensing angle range, sensing speed range, or sensing Doppler frequency offset range; the sensing measurement value includes at least one of the following: sensing reference signal received power S-RSRP, sensing signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio S-SINR, sensing reference signal received quality S-RSRQ, sensing received signal strength indication S-RSSI, or sensing channel quality indication S-CQI.

[0134] In one possible design, before receiving the first message from the first network device, the transceiver module is further configured to receive a fourth message from the first network device; the processing module is further configured to control the transceiver module to send first capability information to the first network device based on the fourth message. The fourth message requests whether the communication device described in the twelfth aspect supports establishing a sensing connection with two network devices, one of which is a primary sensing device and the other is a secondary sensing device; the first capability information indicates whether the communication device supports establishing a sensing connection with the two network devices. The transceiver module is also configured to receive a fifth message from the first network device; the processing module further configures to control the transceiver module to send second capability information to the first network device based on the fifth message. The fifth message requests whether the communication device supports establishing a communication connection with two network devices, one of which is a primary communication device and the other is a secondary communication device; the second capability information indicates whether the communication device supports establishing a communication connection with the two network devices.

[0135] In one possible design, the first message includes identification information of the second network device, identification information of the third network device, a first resource configuration, and a second resource configuration; the first resource configuration is used to instruct the communication device described in the twelfth aspect to establish a sensing connection with the second network device and to use the resources for performing sensing, and the second resource configuration is used to instruct the communication device to establish a communication connection with the second network device and to use the resources for communication.

[0136] In one possible design, the first message further includes information about the first antenna group and information about the second antenna group; the first antenna group includes the transmitting antenna and / or receiving antenna used by the communication device and the second network device to perform sensing as described in the twelfth aspect, and the second antenna group includes the transmitting antenna and / or receiving antenna used by the communication device to communicate with the third network device.

[0137] In one possible design, the second network device is different from the third network device. After sending a second message to the first network device based on the first message, the processing module is further configured to control the transceiver module to send a sixth message to the second network device based on the first message. The transceiver module is also configured to receive a seventh message sent from the second network device. The sixth message is used to request the establishment of a sensory connection with the second network device; the seventh message is used to indicate that the sensory connection with the second network device has been successfully established.

[0138] In one possible design, after sending a second message to the first network device based on the first message, the processing module is further configured to control the transceiver module to send an eighth message to the third network device based on the first message. The transceiver module is also configured to receive a ninth message from the third network device. The eighth message is used to request the establishment of a communication connection with the third network device; the ninth message is used to indicate that the establishment of a communication connection with the third network device has been completed.

[0139] In one possible design, the second network device is identical to the third network device. After sending a second message to the first network device based on the first message, the processing module is further configured to control the transceiver module to send a sixth message to the second network device based on the first message. The transceiver module is also configured to receive a seventh message from the second network device. The sixth message requests the establishment of a sensory connection and a communication connection with the second network device; the seventh message indicates that the establishment of the sensory connection and the communication connection with the second network device has been completed.

[0140] In one possible design, the number of transmitting antennas of the communication device described in the twelfth aspect is an integer greater than or equal to 2, and the number of receiving antennas is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0141] Optionally, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and a receiving module. The transmitting module implements the transmitting function of the communication device described in the twelfth aspect, and the receiving module implements the receiving function of the communication device described in the twelfth aspect.

[0142] Optionally, the communication device described in the twelfth aspect may further include a storage module storing programs or instructions. When the processing module executes the program or instructions, the communication device can perform the method described in the fourth aspect.

[0143] It is understood that the communication device described in the twelfth aspect may be a terminal device, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly that can be disposed in a terminal device, or a device that includes a terminal device, and this application does not limit it in this regard.

[0144] Furthermore, the technical effects of the communication device described in the twelfth aspect can be referred to the technical effects of the method described in the fourth aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0145] In a thirteenth aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes: modules for performing the method described in the fifth aspect, such as a transceiver module and a processing module. The transceiver module is used to indicate the transceiver functions of the communication device, and the processing module is used to perform functions of the communication device other than the transceiver functions.

[0146] For example, a transceiver module is used to send a first message to a terminal device and receive a second message from the terminal device. The first message is used to instruct the establishment of a sensing connection with a second network device and a communication connection with a third network device; the communication device described in the thirteenth aspect is the main sensing device and the main communication device of the terminal device, the second network device is the auxiliary sensing device of the terminal device, and the third network device is the auxiliary communication device of the terminal device; the second message is used to instruct the terminal device to confirm the establishment of a sensing connection with the second network device and to confirm the establishment of a communication connection with the third network device.

[0147] In one possible design, before sending the first message to the terminal device, the transceiver module is further configured to send a third message to the terminal device and receive a measurement report from the terminal device. The third message includes a first measurement configuration and a second measurement configuration. The first measurement configuration is used to measure at least one first candidate cell, and the second measurement configuration is used to measure at least one second candidate cell. The at least one first candidate cell is a cell within the sensing range of at least one first-class network device, and the at least one second candidate cell is a cell within the communication range of at least one second-class network device. The at least one first-class network device and the at least one second-class network device do not include the communication device described in aspect thirteen. The measurement report is determined based on the third message and is used to indicate the sensing capability of each of the at least one first candidate cell and the signal quality of each of the at least one second candidate cell.

[0148] In one possible design, the processing module is configured to determine, based on a measurement report, a first target cell from at least one first candidate cell and a second target cell from at least one second candidate cell. The first target cell is a cell within the sensing range of a second network device, and the second target cell is a cell within the communication range of a third network device; the at least one first candidate cell is a cell that performs sensing with the terminal device, and the at least one second candidate cell is a cell that communicates with the terminal device.

[0149] In one possible design, the first measurement configuration includes a measurement object and a sensed measurement value. The measurement object is used to determine the observation area corresponding to each of the first candidate cells in at least one first candidate cell, and the measurement parameters are used to indicate the sensed measurement value that needs to be measured.

[0150] In one possible design, the measurement object includes at least one of the following: sensing distance range, sensing angle range, sensing speed range, or sensing Doppler frequency offset range; the sensing measurement value includes at least one of the following: sensing reference signal received power S-RSRP, sensing signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio S-SINR, sensing reference signal received quality S-RSRQ, sensing received signal strength indication S-RSSI, or sensing channel quality indication S-CQI.

[0151] In one possible design, before sending the first message to the terminal device, the transceiver module is further configured to send a fourth message to the terminal device and receive first capability information from the terminal device. The fourth message requests whether the terminal device supports establishing sensing and communication connections with two network devices, one of which is a primary sensing device and the other a secondary sensing device. The first capability information indicates whether the terminal device supports establishing sensing connections with both network devices. The transceiver module is also configured to send a fifth message to the terminal device and receive second capability information from the terminal device. The fifth message requests whether the terminal device supports establishing communication connections with two network devices, one of which is a primary communication device and the other a secondary communication device. The second capability information indicates whether the terminal device supports establishing communication connections with both network devices.

[0152] In one possible design, the second network device differs from the third network device. Before sending the first message to the terminal device, the transceiver module is also used to send a tenth message to the second network device and receive an eleventh message from the second network device. The tenth message is used to indicate the establishment of a sensory connection with the terminal device; the eleventh message is used to indicate that the second network device confirms the establishment of the sensory connection with the terminal device.

[0153] In one possible design, the tenth message includes the identification information of the terminal device and the third resource configuration, which is used to instruct the second network device to establish a sensing connection with the terminal device and to use the resources for performing sensing.

[0154] In one possible design, before sending the first message to the terminal device, the transceiver module is further configured to send a twelfth message to the third network device and receive a thirteenth message from the third network device. The twelfth message indicates the establishment of a communication connection with the terminal device; the thirteenth message indicates that the third network device confirms the establishment of the communication connection with the terminal device.

[0155] In one possible design, the twelfth message includes the identification information of the terminal device and the fourth resource configuration, which is used to instruct the third network device on the resources used to establish a communication connection with the terminal device and to conduct communication.

[0156] In one possible design, after receiving the second message from the terminal device, the transceiver module is further configured to send a fourteenth message to the second network device based on the second message. The fourteenth message is used to instruct the terminal device to confirm the establishment of a sensory connection with the second network device.

[0157] In one possible design, after receiving the second message from the terminal device, the transceiver module is further configured to send a fifteenth message to the third network device based on the second message. The fifteenth message is used to instruct the terminal device to confirm the establishment of a communication connection with the third network device.

[0158] In one possible design, the second network device is identical to the third network device. Before sending the first message to the terminal device, the transceiver module is also used to send a tenth message to the second network device and receive an eleventh message from the second network device. The tenth message is used to indicate the establishment of a sensory connection and a communication connection with the terminal device; the eleventh message is used to indicate that the second network device confirms the establishment of the sensory connection and the communication connection with the terminal device.

[0159] In one possible design, the tenth message includes the terminal device's identification information, a third resource configuration, and a fourth resource configuration; the third resource configuration is used to instruct the second network device to establish a sensing connection with the terminal device and to use the resources used for sensing, and the fourth resource configuration is used to instruct the second network device to establish a communication connection with the terminal device and to use the resources used for communication.

[0160] In one possible design, after receiving the second message from the terminal device, the transceiver module is further configured to send a twelfth message to the second network device based on the second message. The twelfth message is used to instruct the terminal device to confirm the establishment of a sensor connection and a communication connection with the second network device.

[0161] In one possible design, the first message includes identification information of the second network device, identification information of the third network device, a first resource configuration, and a second resource configuration. The first resource configuration is used to instruct the terminal device on the resources used to establish a sensing connection with the second network device and to perform sensing, while the second resource configuration is used to instruct the terminal device on the resources used to establish a communication connection with the second network device and to perform communication.

[0162] In one possible design, the first message also includes information about a first antenna group and information about a second antenna group; the first antenna group includes transmitting and / or receiving antennas used by the terminal device and the second network device to perform sensing, and the second antenna group includes transmitting and / or receiving antennas used by the terminal device and the third network device to perform sensing.

[0163] In one possible design, the number of transmitting antennas of the terminal device is an integer greater than or equal to 2, and the number of receiving antennas is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0164] Optionally, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and a receiving module. The transmitting module implements the transmitting function of the communication device described in the thirteenth aspect, and the receiving module implements the receiving function of the communication device described in the thirteenth aspect.

[0165] Optionally, the communication device described in aspect thirteen may further include a storage module storing programs or instructions. When the processing module executes the program or instructions, the communication device can perform the method described in aspect five.

[0166] It is understood that the communication device described in aspect thirteen may be a first network device, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly that can be disposed in the first network device, or a device that includes the first network device, and this application does not limit it in this regard.

[0167] Furthermore, the technical effects of the communication device described in aspect thirteen can be referred to the technical effects of the method described in aspect five, and will not be repeated here.

[0168] In a fourteenth aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes modules for performing the method described in the sixth aspect, such as a transceiver module and a processing module. The transceiver module is used to indicate the transceiver functions of the communication device, and the processing module is used to perform functions of the communication device other than the transceiver functions.

[0169] For example, a transceiver module is used to receive a tenth message from a first network device. A processing module is used to control the transceiver module to send an eleventh message to the first network device according to the tenth message. The tenth message indicates the establishment of a sensing connection with the terminal device, where the first network device is the primary sensing device of the terminal device, and the communication device described in aspect fourteen is the secondary sensing device of the terminal device; the eleventh message indicates that the communication device confirms the establishment of a sensing connection with the terminal device.

[0170] In one possible design, the tenth message includes identification information of the terminal device and a third resource configuration, the third resource configuration being used to instruct the communication device described in the fourteenth aspect to establish a sensing connection with the terminal device and to use the resources for performing sensing.

[0171] In one possible design, after sending the eleventh message to the first network device according to the tenth message, the transceiver module is further configured to receive the fourteenth message from the first network device. The fourteenth message is used to instruct the terminal device to confirm the establishment of a sensing connection with the communication device described in the fourteenth aspect.

[0172] In one possible design, after sending the eleventh message to the first network device according to the tenth message, the transceiver module is further configured to receive the sixth message from the terminal device. The processing module is further configured to control the transceiver module to send the seventh message to the terminal device according to the sixth message. The sixth message is used to request the establishment of a sensing connection with the communication device described in the fourteenth aspect; the seventh message is used to indicate that the establishment of a sensing connection with the communication device has been completed.

[0173] In one possible design, the number of transmitting antennas of the terminal device is an integer greater than or equal to 2, and the number of receiving antennas is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0174] Optionally, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and a receiving module. The transmitting module implements the transmitting function of the communication device described in the fourteenth aspect, and the receiving module implements the receiving function of the communication device described in the fourteenth aspect.

[0175] Optionally, the communication device described in the fourteenth aspect may further include a storage module storing programs or instructions. When the processing module executes the program or instructions, the communication device can perform the method described in the sixth aspect.

[0176] It is understood that the communication device described in the fourteenth aspect may be a second network device, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly that can be disposed in the second network device, or a device that includes the second network device, and this application does not limit it in this regard.

[0177] Furthermore, the technical effects of the communication device described in aspect fourteen can be referred to the technical effects of the method described in aspect six, and will not be repeated here.

[0178] In a fifteenth aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes: a module for performing the method described in the seventh aspect, such as a transceiver module and a processing module. The transceiver module is used to indicate the transceiver functions of the communication device, and the processing module is used to perform functions of the communication device other than the transceiver functions.

[0179] For example, a transceiver module is used to receive a tenth message from a first network device. A processing module is used to control the transceiver module to send an eleventh message to the first network device according to the tenth message. The tenth message is used to indicate the establishment of a sensing connection and a communication connection with the terminal device, where the first network device is the main sensing device and main communication device of the terminal device, and the communication device described in aspect fifteen is the auxiliary sensing device and auxiliary communication device of the terminal device; the eleventh message is used to indicate that the communication device confirms the establishment of the sensing connection and the communication connection with the terminal device.

[0180] In one possible design, the tenth message includes the identification information of the terminal device, a third resource configuration, and a fourth resource configuration; the third resource configuration is used to indicate the resources used by the communication device described in the fifteenth aspect to establish a sensing connection with the terminal device and to perform sensing, and the fourth resource configuration is used to indicate the resources used by the communication device to establish a communication connection with the terminal device and to perform communication.

[0181] In one possible design, after sending the eleventh message to the first network device according to the tenth message, the transceiver module is further configured to receive a twelfth message from the first network device. The twelfth message is used to instruct the terminal device to confirm the establishment of a sensing connection and a communication connection with the communication device described in the fifteenth aspect.

[0182] In one possible design, after sending the eleventh message to the first network device according to the tenth message, the transceiver module is further configured to receive the sixth message from the terminal device. The processing module is further configured to control the transceiver module to send the seventh message to the terminal device according to the sixth message. The sixth message is used to request the establishment of a sensing connection and a communication connection with the communication device described in the fifteenth aspect; the seventh message is used to indicate that the establishment of the sensing connection and the communication connection with the communication device has been completed.

[0183] In one possible design, the number of transmitting antennas of the terminal device is an integer greater than or equal to 2, and the number of receiving antennas is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0184] Optionally, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and a receiving module. The transmitting module implements the transmitting function of the communication device described in the fifteenth aspect, and the receiving module implements the receiving function of the communication device described in the fifteenth aspect.

[0185] Optionally, the communication device described in aspect fifteen may further include a storage module storing programs or instructions. When the processing module executes the program or instructions, the communication device can perform the method described in aspect seven.

[0186] It is understood that the communication device described in aspect 15 may be a second network device, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly that can be disposed in the second network device, or a device that includes the second network device, and this application does not limit it in this regard.

[0187] Furthermore, the technical effects of the communication device described in aspect fifteen can be referred to the technical effects of the method described in aspect seven, and will not be repeated here.

[0188] In a sixteenth aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes modules for performing the method described in the eighth aspect, such as a transceiver module and a processing module. The transceiver module is used to instruct the transceiver functions of the communication device, and the processing module is used to perform functions of the communication device other than the transceiver functions.

[0189] For example, a transceiver module is used to receive a twelfth message from a first network device. A processing module is used to control the transceiver module to send a thirteenth message to the first network device based on the twelfth message. The twelfth message indicates the establishment of a communication connection with the terminal device, where the first network device is the primary communication device of the terminal device and the third network device is the secondary communication device of the terminal device; the thirteenth message indicates that the communication device described in the sixteenth aspect confirms the establishment of a communication connection with the terminal device.

[0190] In one possible design, the twelfth message includes identification information of the terminal device and a fourth resource configuration, the fourth resource configuration being used to indicate the resources used by the communication device described in the sixteenth aspect to establish a communication connection with the terminal device and to conduct communication.

[0191] In one possible design, after sending the thirteenth message to the first network device according to the twelfth message, the transceiver module is further configured to receive the fifteenth message from the first network device. The fifteenth message is used to instruct the terminal device to confirm the establishment of a communication connection with the communication device.

[0192] In one possible design, after sending the thirteenth message to the first network device according to the twelfth message, the transceiver module is further configured to receive the eighth message from the terminal device. The processing module is further configured to control the transceiver module to send a ninth message to the terminal device according to the eighth message. The eighth message is used to request the establishment of a communication connection with the communication device described in the sixteenth aspect; the ninth message is used to indicate that the establishment of a communication connection with the communication device has been completed.

[0193] In one possible design, the number of transmitting antennas of the terminal device is an integer greater than or equal to 2, and the number of receiving antennas is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0194] Optionally, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and a receiving module. The transmitting module implements the transmitting function of the communication device described in the sixteenth aspect, and the receiving module implements the receiving function of the communication device described in the sixteenth aspect.

[0195] Optionally, the communication device described in the sixteenth aspect may further include a storage module storing programs or instructions. When the processing module executes the program or instructions, the communication device can perform the method described in the eighth aspect.

[0196] It is understood that the communication device described in the sixteenth aspect may be a third network device, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly that can be disposed in a third network device, or a device that includes a third network device, and this application does not limit it in this regard.

[0197] Furthermore, the technical effects of the communication device described in the sixteenth aspect can be referred to the technical effects of the method described in the eighth aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0198] Seventeenth aspect: A communication device is provided. The communication device includes a processor configured to execute the method described in any one of the possible implementations of the first to eighth aspects.

[0199] In one possible design, the communication device described in the seventeenth aspect may further include a transceiver. The transceiver may be a transceiver circuit or an interface circuit. The transceiver can be used for communication between the communication device described in the seventeenth aspect and other communication devices.

[0200] In one possible design, the communication device described in the seventeenth aspect may further include a memory. This memory may be integrated with the processor or disposed separately. The memory may be used to store computer programs and / or data relating to the methods described in any of the first to eighth aspects.

[0201] In the embodiments of this application, the communication device described in the seventeenth aspect may be a terminal device as described in the first or fourth aspect, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly disposed in the terminal device, or an apparatus containing the terminal device; or, the communication device described in the seventeenth aspect may be a first network device as described in the second or fifth aspect, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly disposed in the first network device, or an apparatus containing the first network device; or, the communication device described in the seventeenth aspect may be a second network device as described in the third, or sixth-seventh aspects, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly disposed in the second network device, or an apparatus containing the second network device; or, the communication device described in the seventeenth aspect may be a third network device as described in the eighth aspect, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly disposed in the third network device, or an apparatus containing the third network device.

[0202] Furthermore, the technical effects of the communication device described in the seventeenth aspect can be referred to the technical effects of the method described in any of the implementations of the first to eighth aspects, and will not be repeated here.

[0203] Eighteenth aspect: A communication device is provided. The communication device includes a processor coupled to a memory, the processor being configured to execute a computer program stored in the memory, such that the communication device performs the method described in any possible implementation of any of the first to eighth aspects.

[0204] In one possible design, the communication device described in the eighteenth aspect may further include a transceiver. The transceiver may be a transceiver circuit or an interface circuit. The transceiver can be used for communication between the communication device described in the eighteenth aspect and other communication devices.

[0205] In the embodiments of this application, the communication device described in the eighteenth aspect may be a terminal device as described in the first or fourth aspect, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly disposed in the terminal device, or an apparatus containing the terminal device; or, the communication device described in the eighteenth aspect may be a first network device as described in the second or fifth aspect, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly disposed in the first network device, or an apparatus containing the first network device; or, the communication device described in the eighteenth aspect may be a second network device as described in the third, or sixth-seventh aspects, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly disposed in the second network device, or an apparatus containing the second network device; or, the communication device described in the eighteenth aspect may be a third network device as described in the eighth aspect, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly disposed in the third network device, or an apparatus containing the third network device.

[0206] Furthermore, the technical effects of the communication device described in the eighteenth aspect can be referred to the technical effects of the method described in any of the implementations of the first to eighth aspects, and will not be repeated here.

[0207] In a nineteenth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor and a memory; the memory being configured to store a computer program, which, when executed by the processor, causes the communication device to perform the method described in any one of the implementations of the first to eighth aspects.

[0208] In one possible design, the communication device described in the nineteenth aspect may further include a transceiver. The transceiver may be a transceiver circuit or an interface circuit. The transceiver can be used for communication between the communication device described in the nineteenth aspect and other communication devices.

[0209] In the embodiments of this application, the communication device described in the nineteenth aspect may be a terminal device as described in the first or fourth aspect, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly disposed in the terminal device, or an apparatus containing the terminal device; or, the communication device described in the nineteenth aspect may be a first network device as described in the second or fifth aspect, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly disposed in the first network device, or an apparatus containing the first network device; or, the communication device described in the nineteenth aspect may be a second network device as described in the third, or sixth-seventh aspects, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly disposed in the second network device, or an apparatus containing the second network device; or, the communication device described in the nineteenth aspect may be a third network device as described in the eighth aspect, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly disposed in the third network device, or an apparatus containing the third network device.

[0210] Furthermore, the technical effects of the communication device described in the nineteenth aspect can be referred to the technical effects of the method described in any of the implementations of the first to eighth aspects, and will not be repeated here.

[0211] In a twentieth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor; the processor being configured to be coupled to a memory, and after reading a computer program from the memory, to execute, according to the computer program, the method as described in any one of the first to eighth aspects.

[0212] In one possible design, the communication device described in aspect 20 may further include a transceiver. The transceiver may be a transceiver circuit or an interface circuit. The transceiver can be used for communication between the communication device described in aspect 20 and other communication devices.

[0213] In the embodiments of this application, the communication device described in the twentieth aspect may be a terminal device as described in the first or fourth aspect, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly disposed in the terminal device, or an apparatus containing the terminal device; or, the communication device described in the twentieth aspect may be a first network device as described in the second or fifth aspect, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly disposed in the first network device, or an apparatus containing the first network device; or, the communication device described in the twentieth aspect may be a second network device as described in the third, or sixth-seventh aspects, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly disposed in the second network device, or an apparatus containing the second network device; or, the communication device described in the twentieth aspect may be a third network device as described in the eighth aspect, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly disposed in the third network device, or an apparatus containing the third network device.

[0214] Furthermore, the technical effects of the communication device described in aspect 20 can be referred to the technical effects of the method described in any of the implementations of aspects 1 to 8, and will not be repeated here.

[0215] In a twenty-first aspect, a communication system is provided. The communication system includes: the terminal device described in the first aspect, the first network device described in the second aspect, and the second network device described in the third aspect.

[0216] In a twenty-second aspect, a communication system is provided. The communication system includes: the terminal device described in the fourth aspect, the first network device described in the fifth aspect, the second network device described in the sixth aspect, and the third network device described in the eighth aspect.

[0217] In a twenty-third aspect, a communication system is provided. The communication system includes: the terminal device described in the fourth aspect, the first network device described in the fifth aspect, and the second network device described in the seventh aspect.

[0218] In a twenty-fourth aspect, a communication chip is provided, wherein instructions are stored that, when the chip is operated on a communication device, cause the method described in any one of the first to eighth aspects to be implemented.

[0219] A twenty-fifth aspect provides a computer-readable storage medium comprising: a computer program or instructions; which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method described in any one of the possible implementations of the first to eighth aspects.

[0220] A twenty-sixth aspect provides a computer program product comprising a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method described in any one of the possible implementations of the first to eighth aspects. Attached Figure Description

[0221] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of environmental imaging using radio frequency signals from a cellular network communication system;

[0222] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an MCG and an SCG;

[0223] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a DC scenario;

[0224] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0225] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario provided by an embodiment of this application;

[0226] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario provided by an embodiment of this application;

[0227] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario provided by an embodiment of this application;

[0228] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0229] Figure 9 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0230] Figure 10 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0231] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0232] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0233] For ease of understanding, the technical terms involved in the embodiments of this application will be introduced below.

[0234] 1. Sensing

[0235] Perception can refer to the process by which communication entities in a wireless network determine information about their surrounding environment by sending and receiving signals after they have passed through objects. This environmental information can include information about one or more objects within the environment. Object information can include the object's position, speed, size, or shape. These objects can alter the transmission characteristics of signals, such as changing the transmission direction, transmission gain, transmission delay, or frequency. Therefore, communication entities can achieve perception by detecting these changes in signal transmission characteristics. For example, channel response information obtained through channel estimation can reflect changes in a signal after passing through different transmission environments (or channels). Consequently, when a signal passes through an object, the channel response information can reflect the changes in the object's transmission characteristics.

[0236] For example, channel response information may include channel impulse response (CIR), channel frequency response (CFR), or channel state information (CSI), etc., and this application embodiment does not specifically limit it.

[0237] It should be understood that the "signal after being acted upon by an object" mentioned above may include: a signal after being reflected by an object; a signal after being refracted by an object; a signal after being scattered by an object; a signal after being diffracted by an object; or a signal after being transmitted by an object, etc. The embodiments of this application do not specifically limit this.

[0238] It is understood that the aforementioned objects can be moving or stationary, and can be active or passive. Active objects can refer to those already connected to a communication network, such as base stations, mobile phones, routers, vehicles, drones, and radio frequency identification (RFID) devices. Passive objects can refer to those not connected to a communication network or lacking the ability to connect to a communication network, such as animals, plants, vehicles, and buildings.

[0239] It should be understood that "object" can also be called "scatterer", "reflector", "refractor", "blocker", or "obstacle", etc. In other words, in the embodiments of this application, "object", "scatterer", "reflector", "refractor", "blocker", and "obstacle" can be used interchangeably, which will be uniformly stated here and will not be repeated below.

[0240] It should also be understood that the aforementioned "communication entity" can also be referred to as "network entity," "communication device," "communication equipment," "communication node," or "site." In other words, in the embodiments of this application, "communication entity," "network entity," "communication device," "communication equipment," "communication node," and "site" can be used interchangeably, and will not be elaborated further below.

[0241] 2. Integrated communication and sensing

[0242] With the development and advancement of communication technology, future cellular networks will not only enable the interconnection of people and things, but will also possess sensing capabilities. The enabling technology that achieves the coexistence, mutual assistance, and mutual benefit of communication and sensing functions is called integrated communication and sensing. Integrated communication and sensing, also known as integrated sensing and communication (ISAC), integrated communication and sensing (ICAS), harmonized communication and sensing (HCS), joint sensing and communication (JSAC), or joint communication and sensing (JCAS), is a key technology in future wireless communication systems. It aims to integrate wireless communication and sensing functions into a single system, utilizing the various propagation characteristics of wireless signals to achieve sensing functions such as target localization, detection, imaging, and identification, thereby acquiring information about the surrounding physical environment, improving communication performance, and enhancing user experience. In integrated communication and sensing technology, sensing devices can sense objects in the environment by sending sensing signals and / or receiving echo signals to obtain information such as the position, angle, and speed of targets.

[0243] As research on sensor-communication integration deepens in both academia and industry, using radio frequency (RF) signals from communication systems for environmental perception, such as moving target detection and environmental imaging, has become an increasingly popular research direction. For example, cellular network sensing technology uses RF signals from cellular communication systems for sensing, such as environmental imaging. Its basic principle is similar to synthetic aperture radar (SAR), the main difference being that it does not require a dedicated radar system and can reuse signals from communication systems.

[0244] For example, as shown in Figure 1, taking the interaction between a terminal device and a network device as an example, the terminal device can send a sensing (or detection) signal, and the network device receives the sensing echo signal after the sensing signal has passed through an object in the environment, and performs signal processing on the sensing echo signal to image the environment. This sensing signal can be used solely for sensing purposes, or it can be used simultaneously for communication purposes. This method of two devices cooperating to achieve sensing and imaging is called bi-static sensing. A method where one device independently sends and receives signals to achieve sensing and imaging is called mono-static sensing.

[0245] For example, dual-base sensing can include the following sensing modes:

[0246] (1) Network device sends, terminal device receives: The sensing signal is sent by the network device, and after being acted upon by objects in the environment, the echo signal is received by the terminal device.

[0247] (2) Terminal device sends network device receives: The sensing signal is sent by the terminal device, and after being acted upon by objects in the environment, the echo signal is received by the network device.

[0248] (3) Network device A sends and network device B receives: The sensing signal is sent by network device A, and after being acted upon by objects in the environment, the echo signal is received by network device B.

[0249] (4) Terminal device A sends and terminal device B receives: The sensing signal is sent by terminal device A, and after being acted upon by objects in the environment, the echo signal is received by terminal device B.

[0250] For example, single-base sensing can include the following sensing modes:

[0251] (1) Network device self-transmission and self-reception: The sensing signal is sent by the network device, and after being acted upon by objects in the environment, the echo signal is received by the network device.

[0252] (2) Terminal device self-transmission and self-reception: The sensing signal is sent by the terminal device, and after being acted upon by objects in the environment, the echo signal is received by the terminal device.

[0253] 3. Dual connectivity (DC)

[0254] DC (Connected) refers to the operating mode of a terminal device in Radio Resource Control (RRC) connected mode. DC can mean that the terminal device in RRC connected mode simultaneously establishes (communication) connections with two network devices. Alternatively, it can mean that the network devices configure a master cell group (MCG) and a secondary cell group (SCG) for the terminal device in RRC connected mode to improve the terminal device's connection performance and quality of service. These two network devices include one primary (communication) network device and one secondary (communication) network device. The MCG is the cell group associated with the primary network device, and the SCG is the cell group associated with the secondary network device.

[0255] As shown in Figure 2, an MCG can include one primary cell (PCell) and at least one secondary cell (SCell); an SCG can include one primary secondary cell (PSCell) and at least one SCell. It is understood that DC differs from carrier aggregation (CA). Specifically, in CA, the terminal device has only one primary cell, one RRC entity (located in the primary cell), and one terminal device identifier, such as a cell-radio network temporary identity (C-RNTI). In DC, the terminal device has one PCell and one PSCell. The MCG and SCG each have one RRC entity and one terminal device identifier, respectively. For a detailed description, please refer to existing technologies; further details are omitted here.

[0256] For example, as shown in Figure 3, a DC can allow a terminal device to connect to two network devices (or cells) of different standards simultaneously. For instance, the two network devices of different standards can be a long term evolution (LTE) base station (such as an evolved NodeB, eNodeB) and a 5th generation (5G) base station (such as a next generation NodeB, gNB)). The terminal device can connect to Cell #1 within the communication range of the gNB and Cell #2 within the communication range of the eNodeB to achieve higher data transmission rates, better communication coverage, and flexible switching between different networks.

[0257] It is understandable that the DC (Distributed Network Device) that establishes (communication) connections with two network devices simultaneously can also be called a communication DC (C-DC). In a dual-connectivity configuration based on communication tasks, configuration and management are centered on the master node (or master device, such as the master network device mentioned above) (as shown in Figure 3, eNodeB). The terminal device needs to be a multi-antenna device, that is, it must have at least two transmit (or transmit) antennas and two receive antennas. In other words, the terminal device must be a device with at least 2 transmit (T) and 2 receive (R) antennas. These multiple antennas can be connected to the master node and the auxiliary node (or auxiliary device, such as the auxiliary network device mentioned above) respectively. For sensing scenarios, the terminal device is not limited to a multi-antenna device; that is, the terminal device can be a single-antenna device (such as 1T1R, 1T2R, or 2T1R) or a multi-antenna device (i.e., at least 2T2R).

[0258] Currently, terminal devices can establish sensing connections with network devices and perform sensing by sending sensing signals and / or receiving echo signals to obtain information such as the position, angle, and speed of targets in the environment.

[0259] However, based on the above implementation, the sensing performance is limited by the geometric configuration of the location of a single network device and a terminal device, the available sensing resources, etc., resulting in poor sensing performance. This sensing performance can refer to the sensing performance of the sensing link between the single network device and the terminal device.

[0260] Therefore, how to improve the sensing performance of terminal devices when they participate in sensing is an urgent problem to be solved.

[0261] In summary, in view of the above-mentioned technical problems, the embodiments of this application propose the following technical solutions to improve the sensing performance when the terminal device participates in sensing.

[0262] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0263] The technical solutions of this application embodiment can be applied to various communication systems, such as Bluetooth systems, wireless fidelity (WiFi) systems, long-range radio (LoRa), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication systems, device-to-device (D2D) communication systems, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication systems, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT) communication systems, 4th generation (4G) communication systems such as LTE systems, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, LTE time division duplex (TDD) systems, worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication systems, 5G communication systems such as new radio (NR) systems, inter-satellite communication, satellite communication and other NTN systems, and future communication systems.

[0264] In a communication system, a device can send signals to or receive signals from another device. These signals can include information, signaling, or data. The term "device" can also be replaced with entities, network entities, communication equipment, communication modules, nodes, communication nodes, etc.

[0265] This application will present various aspects, embodiments, or features relating to systems that may include multiple devices, components, modules, etc. It should be understood and appreciated that individual systems may include additional devices, components, modules, etc., and / or may not include all the devices, components, modules, etc. discussed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, combinations of these approaches are also possible.

[0266] In addition, to better understand the embodiments of this application, the following points are made before introducing the embodiments of this application.

[0267] In the embodiments of this application, the words "exemplary," "for example," etc., are used to indicate that they are examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design options. Specifically, the use of the term "exemplary" is intended to present the concept in a concrete manner.

[0268] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "information," "signal," "message," "channel," and "signaling" may sometimes be used interchangeably. It should be noted that, without emphasizing their distinction, their intended meanings are consistent. Similarly, "of," "corresponding (relevant)," and "corresponding" may sometimes be used interchangeably. It should be noted that, without emphasizing their distinction, their intended meanings are consistent. Furthermore, the " / " mentioned in this application can be used to indicate an "or" relationship. It is understood that in this application, "instruction" can include direct instruction, indirect instruction, explicit instruction, and implicit instruction. When describing an instruction information used to indicate A, it can be understood that the instruction information carries A, directly indicates A, or indirectly indicates A.

[0269] In this embodiment, the information indicated by the instruction information is called the information to be instructed. In specific implementations, there are many ways to indicate the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly indicating the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index; or indirectly indicating the information to be instructed by indicating other information, wherein there is an association between the other information and the information to be instructed. Alternatively, only a part of the information to be instructed may be indicated, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the instruction of specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol-defined) arrangement of various pieces of information, thereby reducing instruction overhead to some extent.

[0270] Furthermore, the specific indication method can also be any existing indication method, such as, but not limited to, the above-mentioned indication methods and their various combinations. Specific details of various indication methods can be found in existing technologies, and will not be repeated here. As described above, for example, when multiple pieces of information of the same type need to be indicated, the indication methods for different pieces of information may differ. In the specific implementation process, the required indication method can be selected according to specific needs. This application embodiment does not limit the selected indication method; therefore, the indication methods involved in this application embodiment should be understood to cover various methods that enable the party to be indicated to obtain the information to be indicated.

[0271] The information to be instructed can be sent as a whole or divided into multiple sub-information messages, and the sending period and / or timing of these sub-information messages can be the same or different. This application does not limit the specific sending method. The sending period and / or timing of these sub-information messages can be predefined, for example, according to a protocol, or configured by the transmitting device by sending configuration to the receiving device.

[0272] The terms "first," "second," and various numerical designations used in the embodiments of this application are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. For example, they distinguish different instruction information. Similarly, "first network region" and "second network region" are simply used to distinguish different regions and do not limit their order. Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "first," "second," etc., do not limit the quantity or execution order, and that "first," "second," etc., are not necessarily different.

[0273] "Predefined" or "pre-configured" can be achieved by pre-saving corresponding codes, tables, or other means of indicating relevant information in the device (e.g., including terminal devices and network devices). This application does not limit the specific implementation method. "Saving" can refer to saving in one or more memories. These memories can be separate installations or integrated into the encoder, decoder, processor, or communication device. Alternatively, some memories can be separate installations, while others are integrated into the decoder, processor, or communication device. The type of memory can be any form of storage medium, and this application does not limit this.

[0274] The “protocol” mentioned in the embodiments of this application may refer to standard protocols in the field of communication, such as LTE protocol, NR protocol and related protocols applied to future communication systems. The embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0275] In the embodiments of this application, descriptions such as "when," "under the circumstances," "if," and "if" all refer to the fact that the device (e.g., a terminal device or a network device) will make corresponding processing under certain objective circumstances. They are not time limits, nor do they require the device (e.g., a terminal device or a network device) to make a judgment action when implementing it, nor do they imply any other limitations.

[0276] In the embodiments of this application, "send" and "receive" indicate the direction of signal transmission. For example, "send information to XX" can be understood as the destination of the information being XX, which may include direct transmission via the air interface or indirect transmission by other units or modules via the air interface. "Receive information from YY" can be understood as the source of the information being YY, which may include direct reception from YY via the air interface or indirect reception from YY by other units or modules via the air interface. "Send" can also be understood as the "output" of the chip interface, and "receive" can also be understood as the "input" of the chip interface. In other words, sending and receiving can occur between devices, such as between network devices and terminal devices, or within a device, such as between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within the device via a bus, wiring, or interface.

[0277] In the embodiments of this application, "receive" can be replaced with "monitor", "detect", "acquire", "blind detection", or "obtain", etc., without limitation.

[0278] The network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0279] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application will be described in detail first, taking the communication system shown in FIG4 as an example.

[0280] For example, Figure 4 illustrates a possible, non-limiting communication system. As shown in Figure 4, the communication system 1000 includes a radio access network (RAN) 100 and a core network (CN) 200. Optionally, the communication system 1000 may also include an Internet 300. The RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (110a and 110b in Figure 4, collectively referred to as 110) and at least one terminal (120a-120j in Figure 4, 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 4). The terminal 120 is wirelessly connected to the RAN node 110. The RAN node 110 is wirelessly or wired connected to the core network 200. The core network devices in the core network 200 and the RAN node 110 in the RAN 100 may be different physical devices, or they may be the same physical device integrating core network logical functions and radio access network logical functions.

[0281] RAN 100 can be a 3GPP-related cellular system, such as a 4G, 5G mobile communication system, or a future-oriented evolution system. RAN 100 can also be an open access network (open RAN, O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a Wi-Fi system. RAN 100 can also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0282] RAN node 110, sometimes also referred to as network equipment, access network equipment, RAN entity, or access node, constitutes part of the communication system and is used to help terminals achieve wireless access. Multiple RAN nodes 110 in communication system 1000 can be of the same type or different types. In some scenarios, the roles of RAN node 110 and terminal 120 are relative. For example, network element 120i in Figure 4 can be a helicopter or drone, which can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 120j accessing RAN 100 through network element 120i, network element 120i is a base station; but for base station 110a, network element 120i is a terminal. RAN node 110 and terminal 120 are sometimes both referred to as communication devices. For example, network elements 110a and 110b in Figure 4 can be understood as communication devices with base station functions, and network elements 120a-120j can be understood as communication devices with terminal functions.

[0283] In one possible scenario, the RAN node can be a base station, eNodeB, access point (AP), transmission reception point (TRP), gNB, a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a Wi-Fi system. The RAN node can be a macro base station (as shown in Figure 4, 110a), a micro base station or indoor station (as shown in Figure 4, 110b), a relay node or donor node, or a radio controller in a CRAN scenario. Optionally, the RAN node can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, the access network equipment in V2X technology can be a roadside unit (RSU). All or part of the functions of the RAN node in this application can also be implemented through software functions running on hardware, or through virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). The RAN node can also be equipped with communication modules, circuits, or chips that perform corresponding communication functions. The RAN node can also be configured with program instructions for performing corresponding communication functions and corresponding program instructions. The RAN node in this application can also be a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the RAN node functions.

[0284] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, with each RAN node performing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, RAN nodes can be central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), CU-control plane (CPs), CU-user plane (UPs), or radio units (RUs), etc. CUs and DUs can be separate entities or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs).

[0285] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an O-RAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (Open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0286] This application does not limit the form of the network device. The device used to implement the function of the network device can be the network device itself, or it can be a device that supports the network device in implementing the function, such as a chip system. The device can be installed in the network device or used in conjunction with the network device.

[0287] A terminal can be a device or module that accesses the aforementioned communication system and has corresponding communication functions. A terminal device can be one or more, such as a first terminal device, a second terminal device, etc. A terminal device can be a terminal device with transceiver functions, or it can be a chip or chip system installed in the terminal device. This terminal device can also be referred to as user equipment (UE), access terminal equipment, subscriber unit, user station, mobile station (MS), mobile station, remote station, remote terminal equipment, mobile device, user terminal equipment, terminal equipment, wireless communication equipment, user agent, or user apparatus. The terminal devices in the embodiments of this application may be mobile phones, cellular phones, smartphones, tablets, wireless data cards, personal digital assistants (PDAs), wireless modems, handsets, laptop computers, machine-type communication (MTC) terminal devices, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, virtual reality (VR) terminal devices, augmented reality (AR) terminal devices, IoT devices, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), smart home devices (e.g., refrigerators, televisions, air conditioners, electricity meters, etc.), intelligent robots, robotic arms, workshop equipment, wireless terminal devices in autonomous driving, wireless terminal devices in industrial control, wireless terminal devices in self-driving, wireless terminal devices in remote medical care, wireless terminal devices in smart grids, wireless terminal devices in transportation safety, wireless terminal devices in smart cities, and smart homes. Wireless terminal equipment (e.g., home), vehicle-mounted terminal equipment, roadside units (RSUs) with terminal equipment functions, and flying equipment (e.g., intelligent robots, hot air balloons, drones, airplanes). The terminal equipment in this application can also be a vehicle-mounted module, vehicle-mounted component, vehicle-mounted chip or vehicle-mounted unit, a transport vehicle with wireless communication functions, or a communication module that is built into a vehicle as one or more components or units.The terminal device can also be other devices with terminal device functions. For example, the terminal device can also be a device that performs terminal device functions in D2D communication. This application does not limit the form of the terminal device; the apparatus for implementing the terminal device function can be the terminal device itself, or it can be an apparatus capable of supporting the terminal device in implementing that function, such as a chip system. This apparatus can be installed in the terminal device or used in conjunction with the terminal device. In this application embodiment, the chip system can be composed of chips, or it can include chips and other discrete devices. The terminal device typically contains a communication module, circuit, or chip that performs the corresponding communication function. The terminal device can also be configured with program instructions for performing the corresponding communication function.

[0288] In this communication system, the terminal device can receive a first message from the first network device and determine, based on the first message, to establish a sensing connection with the second network device. The first network device is the primary sensing device of the terminal device, and the second network device is the secondary sensing device of the terminal device. That is, the terminal device can establish a dual sensing connection (sensing DC, S-DC) with both the first and second network devices. This improves sensing efficiency and accuracy, achieves better sensing coverage, and thus enhances the sensing performance of the terminal device when participating in sensing.

[0289] Based on the communication system shown in Figure 4, this embodiment mainly involves the interaction between a terminal device and a network device. The network device may mainly include a first network device and a second network device. Optionally, the network device may also include a third network device.

[0290] The first network device can be the RAN in the communication system shown in Figure 4, or an access point for a network function (NF) in the CN used for sensing, such as a sensing function (SF) or a sensing management function (SMF). That is, the control plane of the first network device can be connected to the CN. It is understood that the first network device can also be a central node in the aforementioned communication system, without limitation. The second and third network devices can be the RAN in the communication system shown in Figure 4, and their user planes can be connected to the CN. It is understood that the terminal device, the first network device, and the second network device can all be devices with sensing capabilities; this application embodiment does not limit whether the third network device has sensing capabilities.

[0291] For example, the following application scenario will be used as an example to specifically introduce the interaction between terminal devices and network devices (first network device, second network device, and third network device).

[0292] Scenario 1: Terminal device, which establishes a dual-connection sensing connection with the first network device and the second network device.

[0293] For example, as shown in Figure 5, the first network device can be the primary sensing device of the terminal device, and the second network device can be the secondary sensing device of the terminal device. The terminal device can perform bi-base sensing with the first and second network devices. This bi-base sensing can be an uplink sensing scenario, for example, the terminal device can send sensing signal #1, and the first network device can receive the sensing echo signal #1 after the sensing signal #1 is acted upon by an object in the environment; or, the terminal device can send sensing signal #2, and the second network device can receive the sensing echo signal #2 after the sensing signal #2 is acted upon by an object in the environment. Alternatively, this bi-base sensing can be a downlink sensing scenario, for example, the first network device can send sensing signal #3, and the terminal device can receive the sensing echo signal #3 after the sensing signal #3 is acted upon by an object in the environment; or, the second network device can send sensing signal #4, and the terminal device can receive the sensing echo signal #4 after the sensing signal #4 is acted upon by an object in the environment. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0294] Scenario 2: Terminal devices establish sensory dual connectivity and communication dual connectivity with the first network device and the second network device.

[0295] For example, as shown in Figure 6, the first network device can be the main sensing device and the main communication device of the terminal device, and the second network device can be the auxiliary sensing device and the auxiliary communication device of the terminal device. The terminal device can perform dual-base sensing with the first network device and the second network device. For details, please refer to the relevant content in Scenario 1 above, which will not be repeated here. At the same time, the terminal device can establish dual communication connections with the first network device and the second network device, which can include uplink communication scenarios and downlink communication scenarios. For details, please refer to the existing implementation, which will not be repeated here.

[0296] Scenario 3: The terminal device establishes a dual-connection for sensing with the first network device and the second network device, and a dual-connection for communication with the first network device and the third network device.

[0297] For example, as shown in Figure 7, the first network device can be the primary sensing device and primary communication device of the terminal device, the second network device can be the secondary sensing device of the terminal device, and the third network device can be the secondary communication device of the terminal device. The terminal device can perform dual-base sensing with the first and second network devices. For details, please refer to the relevant content in Scenario 1 above, which will not be repeated here. At the same time, the terminal device can establish dual communication connections with the first and third network devices, which can include uplink communication scenarios and downlink communication scenarios. For details, please refer to existing implementations, which will not be repeated here.

[0298] Based on the descriptions of scenarios 1-3 above, in the embodiments of this application, the main sensing device can also be replaced with "sensing main device", "sensing main network device", "main sensing network device", "main sensing node", "sensing main node", "sensing main device", "main sensing device", etc., with the same meaning and without limitation; the auxiliary sensing device can also be replaced with "sensing auxiliary device", "sensing auxiliary network device", "auxiliary sensing network device", "auxiliary sensing node", "sensing auxiliary node", "sensing auxiliary device", "auxiliary sensing device", etc., with the same meaning and without limitation; the main communication device can also be replaced with "communication main device", "communication main network device", "main communication network device", "main communication node", "communication main node", "communication main device", "main communication device", etc., with the same meaning and without limitation; the auxiliary communication device can also be replaced with "communication auxiliary device", "communication auxiliary main network device", "auxiliary communication network device", "auxiliary communication node", "communication auxiliary node", "communication auxiliary device", "auxiliary communication device", etc., with the same meaning and without limitation.

[0299] It is understood that Figure 4 above is a simplified schematic diagram for ease of understanding, and may also include other devices, modules or chips, etc., which are not shown in Figure 4.

[0300] For ease of understanding, the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 8-10.

[0301] For example, Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. It is understood that this embodiment uses the terminal device and network device (such as the first network device and the second network device, which may correspond to scenario 1 above) as examples to illustrate the execution subject of the interaction, as shown in Figure 4. However, this embodiment does not limit the execution subject of the interaction. For instance, the method executed by the network device in this embodiment can also be implemented by a module (e.g., circuit, processor, chip, or chip system) in the network device, or by a logic node, logic module, or software that can implement all or part of the network device's functions; the method executed by the terminal device in this embodiment can also be implemented by a communication module in the terminal device, or by a circuit or chip (such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip), or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip) in the terminal device responsible for communication functions.

[0302] As shown in Figure 8, the flow of this communication method is as follows:

[0303] S801, the first network device sends a seventh message to the second network device. Correspondingly, the second network device receives the seventh message from the first network device.

[0304] The seventh message can be used to instruct the establishment of a sensing connection with the terminal device. The first network device can be the primary sensing device of the terminal device, and the second network device can be the secondary sensing device. That is, the terminal device can establish a sensing dual-connection (S-DC) with both the first and second network devices. It can be understood that the primary sensing device is similar to the primary (communication) network device in a communication dual-connection (C-DC), and the secondary sensing device is similar to the secondary (communication) network device in a communication dual-connection. This can be understood with reference to the above.

[0305] The first sensing device can be associated with a primary sensing cell group (or primary sensing cell group, sensing-MCG, S-MCG), and the second network device can be associated with a secondary sensing cell group (or secondary sensing cell group, sensing-SCG, S-SCG). That is, the network device side (such as the first network device) configures an S-MCG and an S-SCG for the terminal device. An S-MCG can include a primary sensing cell (or primary sensing cell, sensing-PCell, S-PCell) and at least one secondary sensing cell (or secondary sensing cell, sensing-SCell, S-SCell); an S-SCG can include a primary and secondary sensing cell (or primary and secondary sensing cell, sensing-PSCell, S-PSCell) and at least one S-SCell. The S-MCG and S-SCG can be similar to the MCG and SCG in dual-connectivity communication, and can be understood with reference to this.

[0306] The first network device, acting as the primary sensing device for the terminal device, can initiate dual connectivity after determining or selecting a secondary sensing device as the second network device for the terminal device. This means it can send a seventh message to the second network device to instruct it to establish a sensing connection with the terminal device. For example, the seventh message can include a request message for the secondary sensing device, or any other possible message; there are no limitations. The seventh message will be described in detail below.

[0307] In one possible design, the seventh message may include the terminal device's identification information and the second resource configuration.

[0308] The terminal device's identification information can be used to indicate or identify the terminal device, such as its identity (ID) and internet protocol (IP) address, without limitation. The second resource configuration can be used to instruct the second network device on the resources used to establish a sensing connection and perform sensing with the terminal device, such as time-domain resources, frequency-domain resources, spatial-domain resources, or code-domain resources, without limitation. This terminal device's identification information can be used by the second network device to determine whether it needs to act as an auxiliary sensing device for the terminal device. The second network device can use the resources indicated by the second resource configuration to establish a sensing connection and perform sensing with the terminal device.

[0309] It is understood that the seventh message may also include any other possible information or parameters. For example, the seventh message may also include information instructing the second network device and the terminal device on the transmitting antenna and / or receiving antenna used to perform sensing, such as the antenna port index and ID of the transmitting antenna and / or receiving antenna used by the second network device and the terminal device to perform sensing, without limitation. It is understood that during the process of the second network device and the terminal device performing sensing, the transmitting antenna can be used for the second network device to transmit sensing signals (i.e., downlink sensing scenario), and the receiving antenna can be used for the second network device to receive sensing echo signals (i.e., uplink sensing scenario).

[0310] It is understood that the naming of the seventh message, the terminal device identification information, and the second resource configuration mentioned above are merely examples, and can be replaced with any other possible names without limitation; the naming of the first network device and the second network device mentioned above are merely examples, and can be replaced with any other possible names, such as first sensing device and second sensing device, or first sensing node and second sensing node, etc., without limitation.

[0311] S802, the second network device sends an eighth message to the first network device based on the seventh message. Correspondingly, the first network device receives the eighth message from the second network device.

[0312] When the second network device determines, based on the seventh message, that it agrees to or accepts establishing a sensing connection with the terminal device, and if the second network device determines that its available sensing resources allow the terminal device to access the connection, it can send an eighth message to the first network device. The eighth message can be used to instruct the second network device to confirm the establishment of the sensing connection with the terminal device; that is, the eighth message can be a response message to the seventh message. For example, if the seventh message is a request message for the auxiliary sensing device, then the eighth message can be a response message for the auxiliary sensing device. Alternatively, the eighth message can be any other possible message, without limitation.

[0313] It is understood that the naming of the eighth message mentioned above is merely an example, and it can be replaced with any other possible naming without limitation.

[0314] S803, the first network device sends a first message to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first message from the first network device.

[0315] It is understood that step S803 is executed after steps S801-S802. That is, before the first network device sends the first message to the terminal device, the first network device and the second network device first interact, that is, execute the above steps S801-S802.

[0316] Based on this, in one possible design, the first network device sends a first message to the terminal device, including:

[0317] The first network device sends the first message to the terminal device according to the eighth message.

[0318] It should be understood that the terminal device has established an RRC connection with the first network device. As the primary sensing device for the terminal device, the first network device, after determining from the received eighth message that the second network device has confirmed the establishment of a sensing connection with the terminal device, can trigger the sending of a first message to the terminal device. This first message can be used to instruct the establishment of a sensing connection with the second network device. For example, this first message can be an RRC (connection) reconfiguration message, or any other possible message, without limitation. This avoids the situation where the second network device does not accept the establishment of a sensing connection with the terminal device, but the first network device still sends the first message to the terminal device, leading to a failure in establishing a sensing connection between the terminal device and the second network device, thus reducing resource overhead. The first message will be described in detail below.

[0319] In one possible design, the first message includes the identification information of the second network device and the first resource configuration.

[0320] The identification information of the second network device can be used to indicate or identify the second network device, such as its ID or IP address, without limitation. The first resource configuration can be used to instruct the terminal device on the resources used to establish a sensing connection and perform sensing with the second network device, such as time-domain resources, frequency-domain resources, spatial-domain resources, or code-domain resources, without limitation. This identification information of the second network device can be used by the terminal device to identify the auxiliary sensing device as the second network device. The terminal device can then use the resources indicated by the first resource configuration to establish a sensing connection and perform sensing with the second network device.

[0321] It is understood that the resources indicated by the first resource configuration and the resources indicated by the second resource configuration may be the same or different, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0322] In one possible design, the first message may also include information about the antenna group (TRX group).

[0323] The antenna group may include transmitting and / or receiving antennas used by the terminal device and the second network device to perform sensing. For example, the information of the antenna group may include, but is not limited to, the antenna port index and ID of the transmitting and / or receiving antennas used by the terminal device and the second network device to perform sensing. It can be understood that during the sensing process between the terminal device and the second network device, the transmitting antenna can be used for the terminal device to transmit sensing signals (i.e., uplink sensing scenario), and the receiving antenna can be used for the terminal device to receive sensing echo signals (i.e., downlink sensing scenario).

[0324] The antenna array includes a single transmitting antenna and / or a multiple receiving antenna, which is not limited in this application embodiment. Based on this, if the terminal device is a single-antenna device (such as 1T1R), it can also perform dual-sensing connectivity, or in other words, a single-antenna terminal device can also enable dual-sensing connectivity.

[0325] Based on the above introduction, the first message may also include any other possible information or parameters, without limitation.

[0326] It is understood that the naming of the first message, the identification information of the second network device, the first resource configuration, and the information of the antenna group are merely examples, and can be replaced with any other possible names without limitation.

[0327] S804, the terminal device sends a second message to the first network device based on the first message. Correspondingly, the first network device receives the second message from the terminal device.

[0328] When the terminal device determines, based on the first message, that it agrees to or accepts establishing a sensing connection with the second network device, it can send a second message to the first network device. The second message can be used to instruct the terminal device to confirm the establishment of the sensing connection with the second network device; that is, the second message can be a response message to the first message. For example, if the first message is an RRC reconfiguration message, the second message can be an RRC reconfiguration complete confirmation message. Alternatively, the second message can be any other possible message, without limitation.

[0329] It is understood that the naming of the second message above is merely an example, and it can be replaced with any other possible naming without limitation.

[0330] In summary, the terminal device can receive a first message from the first network device and determine the establishment of a sensing connection with the second network device based on the first message. The first network device is the primary sensing device of the terminal device, and the second network device is the secondary sensing device. That is, the terminal device can establish dual sensing connections with both the first and second network devices, utilizing a larger observation aperture, greater bandwidth, and diversity gain. This improves sensing efficiency and accuracy, achieves better sensing coverage, and enhances the sensing performance of the terminal device when participating in sensing. Furthermore, this application embodiment develops a method for configuring secondary nodes (such as the aforementioned second network device) with a primary node (as described above) as the core, applicable to dual sensing connection scenarios. This addresses the problem that, compared to communication dual-connection scenarios, the measurement quantities used by the primary sensing device to add the secondary sensing device differ, leading to different serving cells for communication dual-connection and sensing dual-connection, thus causing the data center in the communication scenario to fail to meet the needs of the sensing scenario.

[0331] In conjunction with the above description, in one possible design scheme, before the first network device sends the first message to the terminal device, or before the terminal device receives the first message from the first network device, the above method embodiments may further include:

[0332] The first network device sends a fourth message to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the fourth message from the first network device.

[0333] The terminal device sends capability information to the first network device based on the fourth message. Correspondingly, the first network device receives the capability information from the terminal device.

[0334] The fourth message can be used to request whether the terminal device supports establishing a sensing connection with two network devices. That is, the first network device can use the fourth message to request the terminal device to report capability information, which can be used to indicate whether the terminal device supports (simultaneously) establishing a sensing connection with two network devices, i.e., whether the terminal device supports sensing dual connectivity.

[0335] One of the two network devices is the primary sensing device, and the other is the secondary sensing device. For example, taking the capability information indicating that the terminal device supports establishing a sensing connection with two network devices as an example, the two network devices may include a first network device and a second network device, where the first network device is the primary sensing device and the second network device is the secondary sensing device.

[0336] The terminal device can report to the first network device, based on the fourth message, whether it supports establishing a sensed connection with both network devices (i.e., a sensed dual connection). This allows the first network device to trigger subsequent steps (such as sending a third message to the terminal device as described below) only after determining that the terminal device supports establishing a sensed connection with both network devices. This allows for on-demand triggering and reduces resource overhead. It is understood that in this embodiment, the terminal device supports establishing a sensed connection with two network devices.

[0337] It is understood that the naming of the fourth message and capability information mentioned above is only an example, and it can be replaced with any other possible names without limitation.

[0338] In one possible design, before the first network device sends the first message to the terminal device, or before the terminal device receives the first message from the first network device, the above method embodiment may further include:

[0339] The first network device sends a third message to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the third message from the first network device.

[0340] The terminal device sends a measurement report to the first network device based on the third message. Correspondingly, the first network device receives the measurement report from the terminal device.

[0341] The third message may include a measurement configuration, which can be used to measure at least one candidate cell. The at least one candidate cell can be a cell within the sensing range of at least one network device, which can be a candidate network device selected by the first network device for subsequent determination of auxiliary sensing devices for the terminal device.

[0342] For example, the at least one network device can be a neighboring network device of the first network device, and the at least one candidate cell can be a neighboring sensing cell of the primary sensing cell in the S-MCG. The at least one network device does not include the first network device; that is, the at least one candidate cell is not a cell within the sensing range of the first network device. This application embodiment does not limit the specific implementation of the first network device determining the at least one network device and the at least one candidate cell. The terminal device can determine the measurement report based on the third message; that is, the measurement report can be determined based on the third message. The specific implementation of the terminal device determining the measurement report is described below.

[0343] In one possible design, the measurement configuration may include the measurement object and the sensed measurement value. The terminal device sends a measurement report to the first network device based on a third message, including:

[0344] The terminal device performs sensing measurements on the observation area corresponding to each of the at least one candidate cell, based on the measurement object and the sensing measurement value, and obtains a measurement report.

[0345] The terminal device sends a measurement report to the first network device.

[0346] The measurement object can be used to determine the observation area corresponding to each of the at least one candidate cells. That is, the terminal device can determine the sensing range that needs to be measured for each of the at least one candidate cells based on the measurement object. For example, the measurement object may include at least one of the following: sensing distance range, sensing angle range, sensing velocity range, or sensing Doppler frequency offset range, etc., without limitation. The terminal device can determine the observation area corresponding to each of the at least one candidate cell based on one or more of the sensing distance range, sensing angle range, sensing velocity range, or sensing Doppler frequency offset range. It is understood that the sensing measurement object may also include any other possible parameters, and this embodiment does not limit this.

[0347] Measurement parameters can be used to indicate the sensing measurement values ​​that need to be measured. That is, the terminal device performs measurements within the observation area corresponding to each of the at least one candidate cell to obtain the measurement parameters. For example, the sensing measurement values ​​may include at least one of the following: sensing reference signal receiver power (S-RSRP), sensing signal to interference plus noise ratio (S-SINR), sensing reference signal received quality (S-RSRQ), sensing received signal strength indicator (S-RSSI), or sensing channel quality indicator (S-CQI), to characterize the sensing capability of each of the at least one candidate cell. It is understood that the sensing measurement values ​​may also include any other possible parameters, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0348] It is understood that the measurement configuration may also include any other possible parameters, such as the ID of at least one candidate cell, measurement reporting configuration, such as periodic reporting, measurement event triggered reporting configuration, etc. If the measurement report is a measurement event triggered report, the measurement reporting configuration may also include various measurement event categories, thresholds for each measurement event, duration for each measurement event to meet the triggering conditions, etc., which are not limited in this embodiment of the application.

[0349] Based on the above description, the terminal device can perform sensing measurements on the observation area corresponding to each of the at least one candidate cells, according to the measurement object and the sensing measurement values, to obtain a measurement report. The measurement report can be used to indicate the sensing capability of each of the at least one candidate cells. For example, the measurement report may include the sensing measurement values ​​of each of the at least one candidate cells, such as one or more of S-RSRP, S-SINR, S-RSRQ, S-RSSI, or S-CQI. The terminal device can report the measurement report to the first network device for the first network device to perform subsequent steps, which will be described in detail below.

[0350] In one possible design scheme, the above method embodiment may further include:

[0351] The first network device determines the target cell based on the measurement report.

[0352] The target cell can be a cell within the sensing range of the second network device, and at least one candidate cell can include the target cell. At least one candidate cell can be a cell that performs sensing with the terminal device. That is, at least one candidate cell can include the target cell within the sensing range of the second network device.

[0353] The first network device can select a target cell from at least one candidate cell based on the perceived measurement value of each candidate cell in the measurement report. The target cell may include one or more candidate cells (e.g., denoted as candidate cell group #1). If the target cell includes one candidate cell, then that candidate cell may be an S-PSCell in the S-SCG. If the target cell includes multiple candidate cells (i.e., the aforementioned candidate cell group #1), then one candidate cell in the candidate cell group #1 (denoted as candidate cell #1) may be an S-PSCell, and the other candidate cells in the candidate cell group #1 other than candidate cell #1 may be S-SCells in the S-SCG.

[0354] Taking a target cell that includes a candidate cell and a sensing measurement value that includes S-RSRP as an example, the target cell can be any candidate cell among at least one candidate cell whose S-RSRP is greater than or equal to a first threshold. Alternatively, the S-RSRP of the target cell can be greater than or equal to the S-RSRP of at least one other candidate cell besides the target cell. This application embodiment does not limit the specific value of the first threshold. It is understood that the above is merely an example, and the first network device can determine the target cell in any other possible way; this application embodiment does not limit this method.

[0355] After the first network device determines the target cell, and the target cell is within the sensing range of the second network device, the first network device can determine the second network device as an auxiliary sensing device for the terminal device. The second network device can be one of the above-mentioned at least one network device.

[0356] It should be understood that after the first network device determines the second network device, step S801 can be executed. If the eighth message indicates that the second network device confirms not to establish a sensing connection with the terminal device, or if the second network device does not respond to the eighth message (if it does not respond, it is assumed that the second network device confirms not to establish a sensing connection with the terminal device), the first network device needs to re-determine an auxiliary sensing device for the terminal device. The specific implementation is similar to the first network device determining the second network device described above, and can be understood by reference, without further elaboration. In this embodiment, the second network device confirms the establishment of a sensing connection with the terminal device.

[0357] It is understood that the naming of the third message, measurement report, measurement configuration, candidate cell, measurement object, perceived measurement value, and target cell mentioned above are merely examples, and can be replaced with any other possible names without limitation.

[0358] In one possible design, after the second network device sends the eighth message to the first network device according to the seventh message, or after the first network device receives the second message from the terminal device, the above method embodiment may further include:

[0359] The first network device sends a ninth message to the second network device based on the second message. Correspondingly, the second network device receives the ninth message from the first network device.

[0360] The ninth message can be used to instruct the terminal device to confirm the establishment of a sensing connection with the second network device. That is, the first network device can forward the second message to the second network device via the ninth message, so that the second network device can determine whether the terminal device confirms the establishment of a sensing connection with it. It is understood that the second message and the ninth message can be the same (e.g., transparent transmission) or different (e.g., non-transparent transmission), without limitation. In this embodiment, the terminal device confirms the establishment of a sensing connection with the second network device, and the second network device confirms the establishment of a sensing connection with the terminal device.

[0361] It is understood that the naming of the ninth message mentioned above is merely an example, and it can be replaced with any other possible naming without limitation.

[0362] In one possible design, after the terminal device sends a second message to the first network device based on the first message, or after the second network device sends an eighth message to the first network device based on the seventh message, the above method embodiment may further include:

[0363] Based on the first message, the terminal device sends a fifth message to the second network device. Correspondingly, the second network device receives the fifth message from the terminal device.

[0364] Based on the fifth message, the second network device sends a sixth message to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the sixth message from the second network device.

[0365] That is, after receiving the first message, the terminal device can identify the auxiliary sensing device as the second network device based on the identification information of the second network device, and scan and detect the target cell of the second network device. When the terminal device identifies the target cell and determines that a sensing connection can be established, it can send a fifth message to the second network device based on the first message (such as the first resource configuration and antenna group information in the first message). This fifth message can be used to request the establishment of a sensing connection with the second network device.

[0366] For example, the terminal device can use the resources indicated by the first resource configuration for establishing a sensing connection between the terminal device and the second network device to send a fifth message to the second network device. Correspondingly, the second network device can receive the fifth message from the terminal device according to the resources indicated by the second resource configuration for establishing a sensing connection between the second network device and the terminal device.

[0367] When the second network device determines that it agrees to or accepts the terminal device's sensing connection establishment request, it can connect the terminal device to the target cell to establish a sensing connection and send a sixth message back to the terminal device. The sixth message can be used to indicate that the sensing connection with the second network device has been established; that is, the sixth message can be a response message to the fifth message. For example, the fifth message can be an RRC setup request message, and the sixth message can be an RRC setup complete message. Alternatively, the fifth and sixth messages can be any other possible messages, without limitation.

[0368] Thus, after the terminal device receives the sixth message indicating that a sensing connection with the second network device has been established, it can determine that a sensing connection has been established with the second network device. At this time, the terminal device can realize dual sensing connection. For example, the terminal device can use the resources used by the terminal device and the second network device to perform sensing as indicated by the first resource configuration, as well as the antenna group information, to perform sensing with the second network device, such as sending sensing signals and / or receiving sensing echo signals. Similarly, the second network device can use the resources used by the second network device and the terminal device to perform sensing as indicated by the second resource configuration, such as sending sensing signals and / or receiving sensing echo signals. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0369] It is understood that the naming of the fifth and sixth messages mentioned above is merely an example, and they can be replaced with any other possible names without limitation.

[0370] For example, Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of this application. It is understood that this embodiment uses the terminal device and network device (such as the first network device and the second network device, which can correspond to scenario 2 above, i.e., the second network device is the same as the third network device) as the execution subject of the interaction illustration, as shown in Figure 4. However, this embodiment does not limit the execution subject of the interaction illustration. For example, the method executed by the network device in this embodiment can also be implemented by a module (e.g., circuit, processor, chip, or chip system) in the network device, or a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the network device's functions; the method executed by the terminal device in this embodiment can also be implemented by a communication module in the terminal device or a circuit or chip (such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip), or a SoC chip containing a modem core, or a SIP) chip in the terminal device responsible for communication functions.

[0371] As shown in Figure 9, the flow of this communication method is as follows:

[0372] S901, the first network device sends the tenth message to the second network device. Correspondingly, the second network device receives the tenth message from the first network device.

[0373] The tenth message can be used to instruct the establishment of a sensing connection and a communication connection with the terminal device. The first network device can be the main sensing device and the main communication device of the terminal device, and the second network device can be the auxiliary sensing device and the auxiliary communication device of the terminal device. That is, the terminal device can establish a sensing dual connection (S-DC) and a communication dual connection (C-DC) with the first network device and the second network device. For a detailed description, please refer to step S801 above and the relevant content in the technical terminology section, which will not be repeated here.

[0374] The first network device, acting as the primary sensing and communication device for the terminal device, can initiate dual connectivity after determining or selecting secondary sensing and communication devices as the second network device for the terminal device. This means it can send a tenth message to the second network device to instruct it to establish a sensing and communication connection with the terminal device. For example, the tenth message can include request messages for the secondary sensing and communication devices, or any other possible message, without limitation. The tenth message will be described in detail below.

[0375] In one possible design, the tenth message includes the terminal device's identification information, the third resource configuration, and the fourth resource configuration.

[0376] The terminal device identification information can be used to indicate or identify the terminal device, such as the terminal device's ID, IP address, etc., without limitation. The third resource configuration can be used to instruct the second network device and the terminal device on the resources used to establish a sensing connection and perform sensing. The fourth resource configuration can be used to instruct the second network device and the terminal device on the resources used to establish a communication connection and perform communication. It is similar to the seventh message mentioned above and can be understood by reference, so it will not be elaborated further.

[0377] It is understandable that the tenth message may also include any other possible information or parameters, without limitation.

[0378] It is understood that the naming of the tenth message, the terminal device identification information, the third resource configuration, and the fourth resource configuration mentioned above are merely examples, and they can be replaced with any other possible names without limitation.

[0379] S902, the second network device sends an eleventh message to the first network device according to the tenth message. Correspondingly, the first network device receives the eleventh message from the second network device.

[0380] When the second network device, based on the tenth message, determines that it agrees to or accepts establishing a sensing connection and a communication connection with the terminal device, and if the second network device determines that its available sensing and communication resources are sufficient to allow the terminal device to access, it can send an eleventh message to the first network device. The eleventh message can be used to instruct the second network device to confirm the establishment of the sensing connection and communication connection with the terminal device; that is, the eleventh message can be a response message to the tenth message. For example, if the tenth message is a request message for the auxiliary sensing and communication devices, then the eleventh message can be a response message for the auxiliary sensing and communication devices. Alternatively, the eleventh message can be any other possible message, without limitation.

[0381] It is understood that the naming of the eleventh message above is merely an example, and it can be replaced with any other possible naming without limitation.

[0382] S903, the first network device sends a first message to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first message from the first network device.

[0383] It is understood that step S903 is executed after steps S901-S902. That is, before the first network device sends the first message to the terminal device, the first network device and the second network device first interact, that is, execute the above steps S901-S902.

[0384] Based on this, in one possible design, the first network device sends a first message to the terminal device, including:

[0385] The first network device sends the first message to the terminal device according to the eleventh message.

[0386] It should be understood that the terminal device has established an RRC connection with the first network device. The first network device, acting as the primary sensing and communication device for the terminal device, can trigger the sending of a first message to the terminal device after determining, based on the received eleventh message, that the second network device has confirmed the establishment of a sensing and communication connection with the terminal device. The first message can be used to instruct the establishment of a sensing connection with the second network device and a communication connection with the third network device. Since the second and third network devices are identical, the first message can also be used to instruct the establishment of a sensing and communication connection with the second network device.

[0387] For example, the first message can be an RRC (connection) reconfiguration message, or any other possible message, without limitation. This avoids situations where the second network device does not accept the establishment of a sensory connection and communication connection with the terminal device, but the first network device still sends the first message to the terminal device, causing the establishment of a sensory connection and communication connection between the terminal device and the second network device to fail, thus reducing resource overhead. The first message will be described in detail below.

[0388] In one possible design, the first message includes the identification information of the second network device, the identification information of the third network device, the first resource configuration, and the second resource configuration.

[0389] Since the second and third network devices are identical, the first message may include one of the identification information of the second and third network devices. For example, it may include the identification information of the second network device to indicate or identify the second network device. This identification information could be the ID of the second network device, its IP address, etc., without limitation. The first resource configuration can be used to instruct the terminal device on the resources used to establish a sensing connection with the second network device and to perform sensing. The second resource configuration can be used to instruct the terminal device on the resources used to establish a communication connection with the second network device and to conduct communication. It is similar to the seventh message mentioned above and can be understood with reference to it; further details are omitted.

[0390] It is understood that the resources indicated by the first resource configuration and the resources indicated by the third resource configuration may be the same or different, and this application embodiment does not limit this; the resources indicated by the second resource configuration and the resources indicated by the fourth resource configuration may be the same or different, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0391] In one possible design, the first message also includes information about the first antenna group and information about the second antenna group.

[0392] The first antenna group may include the transmitting antenna and / or receiving antenna used by the terminal device and the second network device to perform sensing. For details, please refer to the information related to the antenna group above, which will not be repeated here.

[0393] The second antenna group may include the transmitting antenna and / or receiving antenna used by the terminal device to communicate with the third network device. For example, the information of the second antenna group may include the antenna port index, ID, etc., of the transmitting antenna and / or receiving antenna used by the terminal device to communicate with the second network device, without limitation. It is understood that during the communication between the terminal device and the second network device, the transmitting antenna used by the terminal device to communicate with the second network device can be used for the terminal device to transmit uplink communication signals (i.e., uplink communication scenario), and the receiving antenna used by the terminal device to communicate with the second network device can be used for the terminal device to receive downlink communication signals (i.e., downlink communication scenario).

[0394] The number of transmitting antennas of the terminal device is an integer greater than or equal to 2, and the number of receiving antennas is an integer greater than or equal to 2. In other words, the terminal device is a multi-antenna device (at least 2T2R) for use in sensing dual connectivity and communication dual connectivity.

[0395] Based on the above introduction, the first message may also include any other possible information or parameters, without limitation.

[0396] It is understood that the naming of the first message, the identification information of the second network device, the first resource configuration, the second resource configuration, the information of the first antenna group, and the information of the second antenna group are merely examples, and can be replaced with any other possible naming without limitation.

[0397] S904, the terminal device sends a second message to the first network device based on the first message. Correspondingly, the first network device receives the second message from the terminal device.

[0398] When the terminal device, based on the first message, determines that it agrees to or accepts establishing a sensory connection and a communication connection with the second network device, it can send a second message to the first network device. The second message can be used to instruct the terminal device to confirm the establishment of a sensory connection with the second network device and to confirm the establishment of a communication connection with the third network device; that is, the second message can be a response message to the first message. For example, if the first message is an RRC reconfiguration message, the second message can be an RRC reconfiguration completion confirmation message; alternatively, the second message can be any other possible message, without limitation.

[0399] It is understood that the naming of the second message above is merely an example, and it can be replaced with any other possible naming without limitation.

[0400] In summary, the terminal device can receive a first message from the first network device and determine, based on the first message, to establish a sensing connection and a communication connection with the second network device. The first network device serves as the primary sensing and communication device for the terminal device, while the second network device serves as its secondary sensing and communication device. That is, the terminal device can establish both sensing and communication dual connections with both the first and second network devices. This allows for the combination of sensing and communication dual connections, expanding the coverage scenarios of the dual connections. Furthermore, sensing and communication dual connections can occur simultaneously, enhancing the overall system performance. For example, it can improve sensing efficiency and accuracy, achieve better sensing coverage, and simultaneously improve the terminal device's connection performance and service quality, thereby enhancing the terminal device's communication performance and sensing performance when participating in sensing.

[0401] In conjunction with the above description, in one possible design scheme, before the first network device sends the first message to the terminal device, or before the terminal device receives the first message from the first network device, the above method embodiments may further include:

[0402] The first network device sends a fourth message to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the fourth message from the first network device.

[0403] The terminal device sends first capability information to the first network device according to the fourth message. Correspondingly, the first network device receives the first capability information from the terminal device.

[0404] The first network device sends a fifth message to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the fifth message from the first network device.

[0405] Based on the fifth message, the terminal device sends the second capability information to the first network device. Correspondingly, the first network device receives the second capability information from the terminal device.

[0406] The fourth message is used to request whether the terminal device supports establishing sensing and communication connections with two network devices, one of which is a primary sensing device and the other is a secondary sensing device. The first capability information can be used to indicate whether the terminal device supports establishing sensing connections with the two network devices. The fifth message can be used to request whether the terminal device supports establishing communication connections with two network devices, one of which is a primary communication device and the other is a secondary communication device. The second capability information can be used to indicate whether the terminal device supports establishing communication connections with the two network devices.

[0407] For example, taking the first capability information indicating that the terminal device supports establishing a sensing connection with two network devices as an example, the two network devices may include a first network device and a second network device, where the first network device is the primary sensing device and the second network device is the secondary sensing device. Taking the second capability information indicating that the terminal device supports establishing a communication connection with two network devices as an example, the first network device is the primary communication device and the second network device is the secondary communication device.

[0408] The terminal device can report to the first network device, based on the fourth message, whether it supports establishing a perceptual connection (i.e., perceptual dual connection) with two network devices, and based on the fifth message, whether it supports establishing a communication connection (i.e., communication dual connection) with two network devices. This allows the first network device to trigger subsequent steps (such as sending a third message to the terminal device as described below) only after determining that the terminal device supports establishing a perceptual connection with two network devices. This allows for on-demand triggering, reducing resource overhead. It is understood that in this embodiment, the terminal device supports establishing both perceptual and communication dual connections with two network devices.

[0409] It is understood that the fourth and fifth messages mentioned above can be contained in the same message or in different messages, without limitation; the first capability information and the second capability information mentioned above can be contained in the same message or in different messages, without limitation.

[0410] It is understood that the naming of the fourth message, the fifth message, the first capability information, and the second capability information is merely an example, and can be replaced with any other possible names without limitation.

[0411] In one possible design, before the first network device sends the first message to the terminal device, or before the terminal device receives the first message from the first network device, the above method embodiment may further include:

[0412] The first network device sends a third message to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the third message from the first network device.

[0413] The terminal device sends a measurement report to the first network device based on the third message. Correspondingly, the first network device receives the measurement report from the terminal device.

[0414] The third message may include a first measurement configuration and a second measurement configuration. The first measurement configuration can be used to measure at least one first candidate cell, and the second measurement configuration can be used to measure at least one second candidate cell. The at least one first candidate cell can be a cell within the sensing range of at least one first-type network device. This at least one first-type network device can be a candidate network device selected by the first network device for subsequently determining auxiliary sensing devices for the terminal device. Its characteristics are similar to the at least one candidate cell and can be understood with reference to the prior art, so they will not be elaborated further. The at least one second candidate cell can be a cell within the communication range of at least one second-type network device. This at least one second-type network device can be a candidate network device selected by the first network device for subsequently determining auxiliary communication devices for the terminal device. For a detailed description of its characteristics, please refer to the prior art, so they will not be elaborated further.

[0415] At least one type of network device and at least one type of network device do not include the first network device; that is, at least one first candidate cell is not a cell within the sensing range of the first network device, and at least one second candidate cell is not a cell within the communication range of the first network device. This application embodiment does not limit the specific implementation of the first network device determining at least one type of network device, at least one first candidate cell, at least one type of network device, and at least one second candidate cell. The terminal device can determine the measurement report based on the third message; that is, the measurement report can be determined based on the third message. Specifically, the terminal device can determine the measurement report based on the first measurement configuration and the second measurement configuration. The first measurement configuration and the second measurement configuration will be described in detail below.

[0416] In one possible design, the first measurement configuration includes a measurement object (e.g., denoted as measurement object #1) and a sensed measurement value.

[0417] The measurement object #1 can be used to determine the observation area corresponding to each of the first candidate cells in at least one first candidate cell. For example, the sensing measurement object can include at least one of the following: sensing distance range, sensing angle range, sensing velocity range, or sensing Doppler frequency offset range, etc. Measurement parameters can be used to indicate the sensing measurement values ​​that need to be measured. For example, the sensing measurement values ​​include at least one of the following: S-RSRP, S-SINR, S-RSRQ, S-RSSI, or S-CQI, etc. For a detailed description, please refer to the above description of the measurement configuration; further details will not be elaborated here.

[0418] The second measurement configuration may include measurement object #2 and measurement reporting configuration. For example, measurement object #2 may include the ID of at least one second candidate cell. The measurement reporting configuration may be used to indicate measurement quantities, such as RSRP, SINR, RSRQ, RSSI, CQI, or precoding matrix indicator (PMI), etc. There are no limitations. For a detailed description, please refer to the existing technology.

[0419] Based on the above description, the terminal device can perform sensing measurements on the observation area corresponding to each of the at least one first candidate cells according to the measurement object #1 and the sensing measurement values ​​to obtain a measurement report #1. This measurement report #1 can be used to indicate the sensing capability of each of the at least one first candidate cells. For example, the measurement report #1 may include the sensing measurement values ​​of each of the at least one first candidate cells, such as one or more of S-RSRP, S-SINR, S-RSRQ, S-RSSI, or S-CQI.

[0420] The terminal device can perform measurements on each of the at least one second candidate cells according to the measurement object #2 and the measurement reporting configuration to obtain a measurement report #2, which can be used to indicate the signal quality of each of the at least one second candidate cells. For example, the measurement report #2 may include one or more of RSRP, SINR, RSRQ, RSSI, CQI, or PMI.

[0421] The measurement report can be used to indicate the sensing capability of each of at least one first candidate cell and the signal quality of each of at least one second candidate cell. That is, the measurement report can include measurement report #1 and measurement report #2. The terminal device can report the measurement report to the first network device for the first network device to perform subsequent steps, which will be described in detail below.

[0422] In one possible design scheme, the above method embodiment may further include:

[0423] Based on the measurement report, the first network device determines a first target cell from at least one first candidate cell and a second target cell from at least one second candidate cell.

[0424] The first target cell can be a cell within the sensing range of the second network device, and the second target cell can be a cell within the communication range of the second network device. At least one first candidate cell can be a cell that performs sensing with the terminal device, and at least one second candidate cell can be a cell that communicates with the terminal device. That is, at least one first candidate cell can include the first target cell within the sensing range of the second network device, and at least one second candidate cell can include the second target cell within the communication range of the second network device.

[0425] The first network device can select a first target cell from at least one first candidate cell based on measurement report #1 in the measurement report, and select a second target cell from at least one second candidate cell based on measurement report #2 in the measurement report. The implementation principle is similar to the above-mentioned "the first network device selects a target cell from at least one candidate cell", which can be understood by reference and will not be elaborated further. It can be understood that the first target cell may include one or more first candidate cells, and the second target cell may include one or more second candidate cells, without limitation.

[0426] After the first network device determines the first target cell and the second target cell, based on the fact that the first target cell is within the sensing range of the second network device and the second target cell is within the communication range of the second network device, the first network device can designate the second network device as an auxiliary sensing device and an auxiliary communication device for the terminal device. This second network device can be one of at least one type of first-class network device or at least one type of second-class network device. It is understood that the first target cell and the second target cell can be the same or different, without limitation.

[0427] It is understood that the naming of the third message, the first measurement configuration, the second measurement configuration, the measurement report, the first candidate cell, the second candidate cell, the first type of network device, the second type of network device, the measurement object, the perceived measurement value, the first target cell, and the second target cell is only an example and can be replaced with any other possible naming without limitation.

[0428] In one possible design, after the second network device sends an eleventh message to the first network device according to the tenth message, or after the first network device receives the second message from the terminal device, the method further includes:

[0429] The first network device sends a twelfth message to the second network device based on the second message. Correspondingly, the second network device receives the twelfth message from the first network device.

[0430] The twelfth message can be used to instruct the terminal device to confirm the establishment of a sensing connection and a communication connection with the second network device. That is, the first network device can forward the second message to the second network device via the twelfth message, so that the second network device can determine whether the terminal device confirms the establishment of a sensing connection and a communication connection with the second network device. It is understood that the second message and the twelfth message can be the same (e.g., transparent transmission) or different (e.g., non-transparent transmission), without limitation. In this embodiment, the terminal device confirms the establishment of a sensing connection and a communication connection with the second network device, and the second network device confirms the establishment of a sensing connection and a communication connection with the terminal device.

[0431] It is understood that the naming of the twelfth message mentioned above is merely an example, and it can be replaced with any other possible name without limitation.

[0432] In one possible design, after the terminal device sends a second message to the first network device based on the first message, or after the second network device sends an eleventh message to the first network device based on the tenth message, the above method embodiment may further include:

[0433] Based on the first message, the terminal device sends a sixth message to the second network device. Correspondingly, the second network device receives the sixth message from the terminal device.

[0434] Based on the sixth message, the second network device sends a seventh message to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the seventh message from the second network device.

[0435] That is, after receiving the first message, the terminal device can identify the auxiliary sensing device and auxiliary communication device as the second network device based on the identification information of the second network device, and scan and detect the first target cell and the second target cell of the second network device. When the terminal device identifies the first target cell and the second target cell, and determines that it can establish a sensing connection with the first target cell and a communication connection with the second target cell, it can send a fifth message to the second network device based on the first message (such as the first resource configuration, the second resource configuration, the information of the first antenna group, and the information of the second antenna group in the first message). This fifth message can be used to request the establishment of a sensing connection and a communication connection with the second network device.

[0436] When the second network device determines that it agrees to or accepts the terminal device's sensing connection establishment request and communication connection establishment request, it can connect the terminal device to the first target cell and the second target cell to establish sensing and communication connections. It then sends a seventh message back to the terminal device, indicating that the sensing and communication connections with the second network device have been successfully established. That is, the seventh message can be a response to the sixth message. For example, the sixth message can be an RRC connection establishment request message, and the seventh message can be an RRC connection establishment completion message. Alternatively, the sixth and seventh messages can be any other possible messages, without limitation.

[0437] Thus, after the terminal device receives the seventh message indicating that a sensing connection with the second network device has been established, it can determine that a sensing connection and a communication connection have been established with the second network device. At this time, the terminal device can realize dual sensing and dual communication connections. For example, the terminal device can use the resources indicated by the first resource configuration for performing sensing with the second network device, as well as the information of the first antenna group, to perform sensing with the second network device. Similarly, the second network device can use the resources indicated by the third resource configuration for performing sensing with the terminal device to perform sensing with the terminal device. As another example, the terminal device can use the resources indicated by the second resource configuration for communicating with the second network device, as well as the information of the second antenna group, to communicate with the second network device. Similarly, the second network device can use the resources indicated by the fourth resource configuration for communicating with the terminal device to communicate with the terminal device. This embodiment of the application does not limit the scope of these limitations.

[0438] It is understood that the naming of the sixth and seventh messages mentioned above is merely an example, and they can be replaced with any other possible names without limitation.

[0439] For example, Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of this application. It is understood that this embodiment uses the terminal device and network devices (such as the first network device, the second network device, and the third network device, which correspond to scenario 3 above, i.e., the second network device and the third network device are different) as the execution entities for the interaction illustration, as shown in Figure 4. However, this embodiment does not limit the execution entity of the interaction illustration. For example, the method executed by the network device in this embodiment can also be implemented by a module (e.g., circuit, processor, chip, or chip system) in the network device, or by a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the network device's functions; the method executed by the terminal device in this embodiment can also be implemented by a communication module in the terminal device, or by a circuit or chip (such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip), or a SoC chip containing a modem core, or a SIP) chip responsible for communication functions in the terminal device.

[0440] As shown in Figure 10, the flow of this communication method is as follows:

[0441] S1001, the first network device sends a tenth message to the second network device. Correspondingly, the second network device receives the tenth message from the first network device.

[0442] The tenth message can be used to instruct the establishment of a sensing connection with the terminal device. The first network device can be the primary sensing device of the terminal device, and the second network device can be the secondary sensing device of the terminal device.

[0443] In one possible design, the tenth message includes the terminal device's identification information and third-party resource configuration.

[0444] The terminal device's identification information can be used to indicate or identify the terminal device. The third resource configuration can be used to instruct the second network device on the resources used to establish a sensing connection with the terminal device and to perform sensing operations.

[0445] It is understood that the specific description of step S1001 is similar to that of step S801 above, and can be referred to for understanding without further elaboration. The naming of the tenth message, the terminal device identification information, and the third resource configuration mentioned above are only examples, and can be replaced with any other possible naming without limitation.

[0446] S1002, the second network device sends an eleventh message to the first network device according to the tenth message. Correspondingly, the first network device receives the eleventh message from the second network device.

[0447] When the second network device determines, based on the tenth message, that it agrees to or accepts establishing a sensing connection with the terminal device, it may send an eleventh message to the first network device. The eleventh message may be used to instruct the second network device to confirm the establishment of a sensing connection with the terminal device. In other words, the eleventh message may be a response message to the tenth message.

[0448] It is understood that the specific description of step S1002 is similar to that of step S802 above, and can be used for reference and understanding without further elaboration. The naming of the eleventh message above is only an example, and it can be replaced with any other possible naming without limitation.

[0449] S1003, the first network device sends the twelfth message to the third network device. Correspondingly, the third network device receives the twelfth message from the first network device.

[0450] The twelfth message can be used to instruct the establishment of a communication connection with the terminal device. The first network device can be the primary communication device of the terminal device, and the third network device can be the secondary communication device of the terminal device. That is, the terminal device can establish dual communication connections (C-DC) with both the first and third network devices. For a detailed description, please refer to the relevant content in the above technical terminology section, which will not be repeated here.

[0451] The first network device, acting as the primary communication device for the terminal device, can initiate a dual connection after determining or selecting a secondary communication device as the third network device for the terminal device. This means it can send a twelfth message to the third network device to instruct it to establish a communication connection with the terminal device. For example, the twelfth message can include a request message for the secondary communication device, or any other possible message, without limitation. The twelfth message will be described in detail below.

[0452] In one possible design, the twelfth message includes the terminal device's identification information and the fourth resource configuration.

[0453] The terminal device identification information can be used to indicate or identify the terminal device. The fourth resource configuration can be used to indicate the resources used by the third network device to establish a communication connection with the terminal device and to conduct communication. The terminal device identification information can be used by the third network device to determine whether it needs to act as an auxiliary communication device for the terminal device. The third network device can use the resources indicated by the fourth resource configuration to establish a communication connection with the terminal device and to conduct communication.

[0454] It is understandable that the twelfth message may also include any other possible information or parameters, without limitation.

[0455] It is understood that the naming of the twelfth message, the terminal device identification information, and the fourth resource configuration is merely an example, and can be replaced with any other possible naming without limitation.

[0456] S1004, the third network device sends a thirteenth message to the first network device according to the twelfth message. Correspondingly, the first network device receives the thirteenth message from the third network device.

[0457] When the third network device determines, based on the twelfth message, that it agrees to or accepts establishing a communication connection with the terminal device, it may send a thirteenth message to the first network device. The thirteenth message can be used to instruct the third network device to confirm the establishment of the communication connection with the terminal device; that is, the thirteenth message can be a response message to the twelfth message. For example, if the twelfth message is a request message added by the secondary communication device, then the thirteenth message can be a response message added by the secondary communication device. Alternatively, the thirteenth message can be any other possible message, without limitation.

[0458] It is understood that the naming of the thirteenth message above is merely an example, and it can be replaced with any other possible naming without limitation.

[0459] S1005, the first network device sends a first message to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first message from the first network device.

[0460] It is understood that step S1005 is executed after steps S1001-S1004. That is, before the first network device sends the first message to the terminal device, the first network device, the second network device, and the third network device first interact, i.e., execute the above steps S1001-S1004.

[0461] Based on this, in one possible design, the first network device sends a first message to the terminal device, including:

[0462] The first network device sends the first message to the terminal device based on the eleventh and thirteenth messages.

[0463] It should be understood that the terminal device has established an RRC connection with the first network device. The first network device, acting as the primary sensing and communication device for the terminal device, can trigger the sending of a first message to the terminal device after confirming, based on the received eleventh message, that the second network device has confirmed the establishment of a sensing connection with the terminal device, and based on the received thirteenth message, that the third network device has confirmed the establishment of a communication connection with the terminal device. The first message can be used to indicate the establishment of a sensing connection with the second network device and the establishment of a communication connection with the third network device.

[0464] In one possible design, the first message includes the identification information of the second network device, the identification information of the third network device, the first resource configuration, and the second resource configuration.

[0465] The identification information of the second network device can be used to indicate or identify the second network device, such as its ID or IP address, without limitation. Similarly, the identification information of the third network device can be used to indicate or identify the third network device, such as its ID or IP address, without limitation. The first resource configuration can be used to instruct the terminal device on the resources used to establish a sensing connection with the second network device and to perform sensing operations. The second resource configuration can be used to instruct the terminal device on the resources used to establish a communication connection with the second network device and to conduct communication operations.

[0466] In one possible design, the first message also includes information about the first antenna group and information about the second antenna group.

[0467] The first antenna group may include a transmitting antenna and / or a receiving antenna used by the terminal device and the second network device to perform sensing, and the second antenna group may include a transmitting antenna and / or a receiving antenna used by the terminal device and the third network device to communicate.

[0468] The number of transmitting antennas of the terminal device is an integer greater than or equal to 2, and the number of receiving antennas is an integer greater than or equal to 2. In other words, the terminal device is a multi-antenna device (at least 2T2R) for use in sensing dual connectivity and communication dual connectivity.

[0469] It is understandable that the specific description of the first message can be found in the description of the first message in step S903 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0470] It is understood that the naming of the first message, the identification information of the second network device, the identification information of the third network device, the first resource configuration, the second resource configuration, the information of the first antenna group, and the information of the second antenna group are merely examples, and can be replaced with any other possible names without limitation.

[0471] S1006, the terminal device sends a second message to the first network device based on the first message. Correspondingly, the first network device receives the second message from the terminal device.

[0472] The second message can be used to instruct the terminal device to confirm the establishment of a sensing connection with the second network device and to confirm the establishment of a communication connection with the third network device. Its implementation principle is similar to that of step S904 above, and can be understood by reference without further explanation.

[0473] It is understood that the naming of the second message above is merely an example, and it can be replaced with any other possible naming without limitation.

[0474] In summary, the terminal device can receive a first message from the first network device and determine, based on the first message, to establish a sensing connection with the second network device and a communication connection with the third network device. The first network device serves as the primary sensing and communication device for the terminal device, the second network device as the secondary sensing device, and the third network device as the secondary communication device. That is, the terminal device can establish dual sensing connections with both the first and second network devices, and dual communication connections with both the first and third network devices. This allows for the combination of dual sensing and dual communication connections, expanding the coverage scenarios of the dual connections. Furthermore, dual sensing and dual communication connections can occur simultaneously, enhancing the overall performance of the system. For example, it can improve sensing efficiency and accuracy, achieve better sensing coverage, and simultaneously improve the connection performance and service quality of the terminal device, thereby improving the communication performance and sensing performance of the terminal device when participating in sensing.

[0475] In conjunction with the above description, in one possible design scheme, before the first network device sends the first message to the terminal device, or before the terminal device receives the first message from the first network device, the above method embodiments may further include:

[0476] The first network device sends a fourth message to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the fourth message from the first network device.

[0477] The terminal device sends first capability information to the first network device according to the fourth message. Correspondingly, the first network device receives the first capability information from the terminal device.

[0478] The first network device sends a fifth message to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the fifth message from the first network device.

[0479] Based on the fifth message, the terminal device sends the second capability information to the first network device. Correspondingly, the first network device receives the second capability information from the terminal device.

[0480] The fourth message is used to request whether the terminal device supports establishing sensing and communication connections with two network devices, one of which is the primary sensing device and the other is the secondary sensing device. The first capability information can be used to indicate whether the terminal device supports establishing sensing connections with the two network devices. The fifth message can be used to request whether the terminal device supports establishing communication connections with the two network devices, one of which is the primary communication device and the other is the secondary communication device. The second capability information can be used to indicate whether the terminal device supports establishing communication connections with the two network devices. For a detailed description, please refer to the relevant content in the method shown in Figure 9 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0481] It is understood that the naming of the fourth message, the fifth message, the first capability information, and the second capability information is merely an example, and can be replaced with any other possible names without limitation.

[0482] In one possible design, before the first network device sends the first message to the terminal device, or before the terminal device receives the first message from the first network device, the above method embodiment may further include:

[0483] The first network device sends a third message to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the third message from the first network device.

[0484] The terminal device sends a measurement report to the first network device based on the third message. Correspondingly, the first network device receives the measurement report from the terminal device.

[0485] The third message may include a first measurement configuration and a second measurement configuration. The first measurement configuration may be used to measure at least one first candidate cell, and the second measurement configuration may be used to measure at least one second candidate cell. The at least one first candidate cell may be a cell within the sensing range of at least one first type of network device, and the at least one second candidate cell may be a cell within the communication range of at least one second type of network device. The at least one first type of network device and the at least one second type of network device may not include the first network device.

[0486] The measurement report can be determined based on the third message. The measurement report can be used to indicate the sensing capability of each of the first candidate cells in at least one first candidate cell, and the signal quality of each of the second candidate cells in at least one second candidate cell. For a detailed description, please refer to the relevant content in the method shown in Figure 9 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0487] In one possible design, the first measurement configuration includes the measurement object and the sensed measurement value.

[0488] The measurement object can be used to determine the observation area corresponding to each of the first candidate cells in at least one first candidate cell. For example, the sensing measurement object can include at least one of the following: sensing distance range, sensing angle range, sensing velocity range, or sensing Doppler frequency offset range, etc. Measurement parameters can be used to indicate the sensing measurement values ​​that need to be measured. For example, the sensing measurement values ​​include at least one of the following: S-RSRP, S-SINR, S-RSRQ, S-RSSI, or S-CQI, etc. For a detailed description, please refer to the above description of the measurement configuration; further details will not be elaborated here.

[0489] Measurement parameters can be used to indicate the sensing measurement values ​​that need to be measured. For example, sensing measurement values ​​include at least one of the following: S-RSRP, S-SINR, S-RSRQ, S-RSSI, or S-CQI, etc. For a detailed description, please refer to the description of the measurement configuration above, which will not be repeated here. For a detailed description, please refer to the description of the method shown in Figure 9 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0490] In one possible design scheme, the above method embodiment may further include:

[0491] Based on the measurement report, the first network device determines a first target cell from at least one first candidate cell and a second target cell from at least one second candidate cell.

[0492] In this method, the first target cell can be a cell within the sensing range of the second network device, and the second target cell can be a cell within the communication range of the third network device; at least one first candidate cell can be a cell that performs sensing with the terminal device, and at least one second candidate cell can be a cell that communicates with the terminal device. That is, at least one first candidate cell can include the first target cell within the sensing range of the second network device, and at least one second candidate cell can include the second target cell within the communication range of the third network device. For a detailed description, please refer to the relevant content in the method shown in Figure 9 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0493] It is understood that the naming of the third message, the first measurement configuration, the second measurement configuration, the measurement report, the first candidate cell, the second candidate cell, the first type of network device, the second type of network device, the measurement object, the perceived measurement value, the first target cell, and the second target cell is only an example and can be replaced with any other possible naming without limitation.

[0494] In one possible design, after the second network device sends an eleventh message to the first network device according to the tenth message, or after the first network device receives the second message from the terminal device, the method further includes:

[0495] The first network device sends a fourteenth message to the second network device based on the second message. Correspondingly, the second network device receives the fourteenth message from the first network device.

[0496] The fourteenth message can be used to instruct the terminal device to confirm the establishment of a sensing connection with the second network device. That is, the first network device can forward the second message to the second network device via the fourteenth message, so that the second network device can determine whether the terminal device confirms the establishment of a sensing connection with the second network device. It is understood that the second message and the fourteenth message can be the same (e.g., transparent transmission) or different (e.g., non-transparent transmission), and there is no limitation. In this embodiment, the terminal device confirms the establishment of a sensing connection with the second network device, and the second network device confirms the establishment of a sensing connection with the terminal device.

[0497] It is understood that the naming of the fourteenth message mentioned above is merely an example, and it can be replaced with any other possible naming without limitation.

[0498] In one possible design, after the third network device sends the thirteenth message to the first network device according to the twelfth message, or after the first network device receives the second message from the terminal device, the method further includes:

[0499] The first network device sends a fifteenth message to the third network device based on the second message. Correspondingly, the third network device receives the fifteenth message from the first network device.

[0500] The fifteenth message can be used to instruct the terminal device to confirm the establishment of a communication connection with the third network device. That is, the first network device can forward the second message to the third network device via the fifteenth message, so that the third network device can determine whether the terminal device confirms the establishment of a communication connection with it. It is understood that the second message and the fifteenth message can be the same (e.g., transparent transmission) or different (e.g., non-transparent transmission), and there is no limitation. In this embodiment, the terminal device confirms the establishment of a communication connection with the third network device, and the third network device confirms the establishment of a communication connection with the terminal device.

[0501] It is understood that the naming of the above fifteenth message is merely an example, and it can be replaced with any other possible name without limitation.

[0502] In one possible design, after the terminal device sends a second message to the first network device based on the first message, or after the second network device sends an eleventh message to the first network device based on the tenth message, the above method embodiment may further include:

[0503] Based on the first message, the terminal device sends a sixth message to the second network device. Correspondingly, the second network device receives the sixth message from the terminal device.

[0504] Based on the sixth message, the second network device sends a seventh message to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the seventh message from the second network device.

[0505] The sixth message can be used to request the establishment of a sensing connection with the second network device, and the seventh message can be used to indicate that the establishment of a sensing connection with the second network device has been completed. For details, please refer to the relevant content in the method shown in Figure 8 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0506] It is understood that the naming of the sixth and seventh messages mentioned above is merely an example, and they can be replaced with any other possible names without limitation.

[0507] In one possible design, after the terminal device sends a second message to the first network device based on the first message, or after the third network device sends a thirteenth message to the first network device based on the twelfth message, the above method embodiment may further include:

[0508] Based on the first message, the terminal device sends an eighth message to the third network device. Correspondingly, the third network device receives the eighth message from the terminal device.

[0509] The third network device sends a ninth message to the terminal device based on the sixth message. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the ninth message from the third network device.

[0510] The eighth message can be used to request the establishment of a communication connection with the third network device; the ninth message can be used to indicate that the establishment of a communication connection with the third network device has been completed. For details, please refer to the relevant content in the method shown in Figure 9 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0511] It is understood that the naming of the eighth and ninth messages mentioned above is merely an example, and they can be replaced with any other possible names without limitation.

[0512] The communication method provided by the embodiments of this application has been described in detail above with reference to Figures 8-10. The communication apparatus used to perform the communication method provided by the embodiments of this application is described in detail below with reference to Figures 11-12.

[0513] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application. As exemplarily shown in Figure 11, the communication device 1100 includes a transceiver module 1101 and a processing module 1102. For ease of explanation, Figure 11 only shows the main components of the communication device 1100.

[0514] The transceiver module 1101 is used to perform the transceiver function of the method shown in Figures 8-10 above, and the processing module 1102 is used to perform other functions of the method shown in Figures 8-10 above besides the transceiver function.

[0515] Optionally, the transceiver module 1101 may include a transmitting module (not shown in FIG11) and a receiving module (not shown in FIG11). The transmitting module is used to implement the transmitting function of the communication device 1100, and the receiving module is used to implement the receiving function of the communication device 1100.

[0516] Optionally, the communication device 1100 may further include a storage module (not shown in FIG11) that stores programs or instructions. When the processing module 1102 executes the program or instructions, the communication device 1100 can perform the functions of the terminal device and / or network device in the methods shown in FIG8-FIG10 above.

[0517] It is understood that the communication device 1100 may be a terminal device, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly that can be disposed in a terminal device, or a device that includes a terminal device; or, the communication device 1100 may be a network device, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly that can be disposed in a network device, or a device that includes a network device. The embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0518] Furthermore, the technical effects of the communication device 1100 can be referred to the technical effects of the communication method shown in Figures 8-10, and will not be repeated here.

[0519] For example, Figure 12 is a second schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. This communication device can be a first sensing device or a first communication device, or it can be a chip (system) or other component or assembly of the first sensing device or the first communication device. As shown in Figure 12, the communication device 1200 may include a processor 1201. Optionally, the communication device 1200 may also include a memory 1202 and / or a transceiver 1203. The processor 1201 is coupled to the memory 1202 and the transceiver 1203, and may be connected via a communication bus.

[0520] The following is a detailed description of each component of the communication device 1200 with reference to Figure 12:

[0521] The processor 1201 is the control center of the communication device 1200. It can be a single processor or a collective term for multiple processing elements. For example, the processor 1201 can be one or more central processing units (CPUs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the embodiments of this application, such as one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

[0522] Optionally, the processor 1201 can perform various functions of the communication device 1200 by running or executing software programs stored in the memory 1202 and calling data stored in the memory 1202, such as performing the communication methods shown in Figures 8-10 above.

[0523] In a specific implementation, as one embodiment, processor 1201 may include one or more CPUs, such as CPU0 and CPU1 shown in FIG12.

[0524] In a specific implementation, as one embodiment, the communication device 1200 may also include multiple processors, such as processors 1201 and 1204 shown in FIG. 12. Each of these processors may be a single-core processor (single-CPU) or a multi-core processor (multi-CPU). Here, a processor may refer to one or more devices, circuits, and / or processing cores used to process data (e.g., computer program instructions).

[0525] The memory 1202 is used to store the software program that executes the solution of this application, and is controlled by the processor 1201 to execute it. The specific implementation method can be referred to the above method embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0526] Optionally, the memory 1202 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device capable of storing static information and instructions, random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage device capable of storing information and instructions, or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital universal optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer, but not limited thereto. The memory 1202 may be integrated with the processor 1201 or may exist independently and be coupled to the processor 1201 through the interface circuit of the communication device 1200 (not shown in FIG. 12). This application embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0527] Transceiver 1203 is used for communication with other communication devices. For example, if communication device 1200 is a network device, transceiver 1203 can be used to communicate with a terminal device or with another network device.

[0528] Optionally, transceiver 1203 may include a receiver and a transmitter (not shown separately in Figure 12). The receiver is used to implement the receiving function, and the transmitter is used to implement the transmitting function.

[0529] Optionally, the transceiver 1203 can be integrated with the processor 1201 or exist independently and be coupled to the processor 1201 through the interface circuit of the communication device 1200 (not shown in FIG12). This application embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0530] It should be noted that the structure of the communication device 1200 shown in Figure 12 does not constitute a limitation on the communication device. The actual communication device may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0531] Furthermore, the technical effects of the communication device 1200 can be referred to the technical effects of the communication method described in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0532] This application provides a communication system. The communication system may include the terminal device, the first network device, and the second network device described in the above method embodiments; or, the communication system may include the terminal device, the first network device, the second network device, and the third network device described in the above method embodiments.

[0533] It should be understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application can be a CPU, but it can also be other general-purpose processors, DSPs, ASICs, FPGAs, or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc.

[0534] It should also be understood that the memory in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can be ROM, programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), EEPROM, or flash memory. Volatile memory can be RAM, which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0535] The above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, by software, hardware (such as circuits), firmware, or any other combination thereof. When implemented using software, the above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions or computer programs. When the computer instructions or computer programs are loaded or executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more sets of available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., DVD), or a semiconductor medium. A semiconductor medium can be a solid-state drive.

[0536] It should be understood that the term "and / or" in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. A and B can be singular or plural. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates an "or" relationship between the preceding and following related objects, but it can also represent an "and / or" relationship. Please refer to the context for a more accurate understanding.

[0537] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "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, or c can mean: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0538] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the order of the above-mentioned processes does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0539] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0540] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0541] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0542] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0543] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0544] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0545] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a terminal device, the method includes: Receive a first message from a first network device; wherein the first message is used to indicate the establishment of a sensing connection with a second network device, the first network device being the primary sensing device of the terminal device, and the second network device being the secondary sensing device of the terminal device; Based on the first message, a second message is sent to the first network device; wherein the second message is used to instruct the terminal device to confirm the establishment of a sensing connection with the second network device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before receiving the first message from the first network device, the method further includes: Receive a third message from the first network device; wherein the third message includes a measurement configuration for measuring at least one candidate cell, the at least one candidate cell being a cell within the sensing range of at least one network device, the at least one network device not including the first network device; According to the third message, a measurement report is sent to the first network device; wherein the measurement report is determined according to the third message, and the measurement report is used to indicate the sensing capability of each of the at least one candidate cells.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The at least one candidate cell is a cell that performs sensing with the terminal device, and the at least one candidate cell includes a target cell within the sensing range of the second network device.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The measurement configuration includes a measurement object and a sensed measurement value. The measurement object is used to determine the observation area corresponding to each candidate cell in the at least one candidate cell. The measurement parameters are used to indicate the sensed measurement value that needs to be measured. Sending a measurement report to the first network device according to the third message includes: Based on the measurement object and the sensing measurement value, sensing measurements are performed on the observation area corresponding to each of the at least one candidate cells to obtain the measurement report; wherein, the measurement report includes the sensing measurement value of each of the at least one candidate cells; The measurement report is sent to the first network device.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The measurement object includes at least one of the following: sensing distance range, sensing angle range, sensing speed range, or sensing Doppler frequency offset range; the sensing measurement value includes at least one of the following: sensing reference signal received power S-RSRP, sensing signal to interference plus noise ratio S-SINR, sensing reference signal received quality S-RSRQ, sensing received signal strength indication S-RSSI, or sensing channel quality indication S-CQI.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, Before receiving the first message from the first network device, the method further includes: Receive a fourth message from the first network device; wherein the fourth message is used to request whether the terminal device supports establishing a sensing connection with two network devices, one of the two network devices being a primary sensing device and the other being a secondary sensing device; According to the fourth message, capability information is sent to the first network device; wherein, the capability information is used to indicate whether the terminal device supports establishing a sensing connection with the two network devices.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, After sending a second message to the first network device according to the first message, the method further includes: Based on the first message, a fifth message is sent to the second network device; wherein the fifth message is used to request the establishment of a sensory connection with the second network device; Receive a sixth message from the second network device; wherein the sixth message is used to indicate that a sensing connection with the second network device has been established.

8. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a first network device, the method includes: Send a first message to the terminal device; wherein the first message is used to instruct the establishment of a sensing connection with a second network device, the first network device being the primary sensing device of the terminal device, and the second network device being the secondary sensing device of the terminal device; A second message is received from the terminal device; wherein the second message is used to instruct the terminal device to confirm the establishment of a sensing connection with the second network device.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, Before sending the first message to the terminal device, the method further includes: Send a third message to the terminal device; wherein the third message includes a measurement configuration for measuring at least one candidate cell, the at least one candidate cell being a cell within the sensing range of at least one network device, the at least one network device not including the first network device; Receive a measurement report from the terminal device; wherein the measurement report is determined according to the third message, and the measurement report is used to indicate the sensing capability of each of the at least one candidate cells.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: Based on the measurement report, a target cell is determined; wherein the target cell is a cell within the sensing range of the second network device, and the at least one candidate cell includes the target cell, and the at least one candidate cell is a cell that performs sensing with the terminal device.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The measurement configuration includes a measurement object and a sensed measurement value. The measurement object is used to determine the observation area corresponding to each of the at least one candidate cells. The measurement parameters are used to indicate the sensed measurement value that needs to be measured. The measurement report includes the sensed measurement value of each of the at least one candidate cells.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The measurement object includes at least one of the following: sensing distance range, sensing angle range, sensing speed range, or sensing Doppler frequency offset range; the sensing measurement value includes at least one of the following: sensing reference signal received power S-RSRP, sensing signal to interference plus noise ratio S-SINR, sensing reference signal received quality S-RSRQ, sensing received signal strength indication S-RSSI, or sensing channel quality indication S-CQI.

13. The method according to any one of claims 8-12, characterized in that, Before sending the first message to the terminal device, the method further includes: Send a seventh message to the second network device; wherein the seventh message is used to indicate the establishment of a sensing connection with the terminal device; The system receives an eighth message from the second network device; wherein the eighth message is used to instruct the second network device to confirm the establishment of a sensing connection with the terminal device.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The seventh message includes the identification information of the terminal device and the second resource configuration, the second resource configuration being used to instruct the second network device to establish a sensing connection with the terminal device and the resources used to perform sensing.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, Sending the first message to the terminal device includes: According to the eighth message, the first message is sent to the terminal device.

16. The method according to any one of claims 8-15, characterized in that, Before sending the first message to the terminal device, the method further includes: Send a fourth message to the terminal device; wherein the fourth message is used to request whether the terminal device supports establishing a sensing connection with two network devices, one of the two network devices being a primary sensing device and the other being a secondary sensing device. The terminal device receives capability information; wherein the capability information is used to indicate whether the terminal device supports establishing a sensing connection with two network devices.

17. The method according to any one of claims 8-16, characterized in that, The method further includes: According to the second message, a ninth message is sent to the second network device; wherein the ninth message is used to instruct the terminal device to confirm the establishment of a sensing connection with the second network device.

18. The method according to any one of claims 1-17, characterized in that, The first message includes the identification information of the second network device and a first resource configuration, the first resource configuration being used to indicate the resources used by the terminal device to establish a sensing connection with the second network device and to execute the sensing connection.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The first message also includes information about the antenna group, which includes the transmitting antenna and / or receiving antenna used by the terminal device and the second network device to perform sensing.

20. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a second network device, the method includes: Receive a seventh message from a first network device; wherein the seventh message is used to indicate the establishment of a sensing connection with a terminal device, the first network device being the primary sensing device of the terminal device, and the second network device being the secondary sensing device of the terminal device; According to the seventh message, an eighth message is sent to the first network device; wherein the eighth message is used to instruct the second network device to confirm the establishment of a sensing connection with the terminal device.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The seventh message includes the identification information of the terminal device and the second resource configuration, the second resource configuration being used to instruct the second network backup to establish a sensing connection with the terminal device and to use the resources for performing sensing.

22. The method according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that, After sending the eighth message to the first network device according to the seventh message, the method further includes: The terminal device receives a ninth message from the first network device; wherein the ninth message is used to instruct the terminal device to confirm the establishment of a sensing connection with the second network device.

23. The method according to any one of claims 20-22, characterized in that, After sending the eighth message to the first network device according to the seventh message, the method further includes: Receive a fifth message from the terminal device; wherein the fifth message is used to request the establishment of a sensing connection with the second network device; According to the fifth message, a sixth message is sent to the terminal device; wherein the sixth message is used to indicate that a sensing connection with the second network device has been established.

24. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes modules for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1-23.

25. A communication device, characterized in that, include: At least one processor; The at least one processor is configured to run a computer program or instructions to enable the method as described in any one of claims 1-23 to be implemented.

26. A communication chip, characterized in that, It stores instructions that, when the chip is running on a communication device, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1-23 to be implemented.

27. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-23.

28. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes: a computer program or instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-23.

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