Communication method and related apparatus

Abstract

A communication method. The method may be applied to a communication system supporting integrated sensing and communication (ISAC). The method comprises: when a first transmission time of a sensing signal overlaps a second transmission time of a non-sensing signal, determining to send the sensing signal and / or the non-sensing signal in the overlapping time, and sending the sensing signal in the portion of the first transmission time other than the overlapping time in a phase-continuous manner. In this way, if the sensing signal is sent and the non-sensing signal is not sent, the sensing signal can be sent in a phase-continuous manner, thereby improving sensing performance; and if the non-sensing signal is transmitted, the communication quality of the non-sensing signal can be improved, such as reducing latency and improving capacity.

Description

A communication method and related apparatus

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510124998.4, filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on January 26, 2025, entitled "A Communication Method and Related Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

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

[0003] With the development and advancement of communication technology, future cellular networks will not only enable the interconnection of people and things, but also allow network devices and terminal devices to possess sensing capabilities. This enabling technology, which allows communication and sensing functions to coexist, cooperate, and benefit each other, is called integrated sensing and communication (ISAC).

[0004] In ISAC scenarios, sensing signals and communication signals coexist because their transmission parameters are typically different. Therefore, sensing and communication signals often interfere with each other, affecting sensing performance or communication quality.

[0005] Therefore, in situations where sensing signals and communication signals coexist, how to improve sensing performance or communication quality has become an urgent technical problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a communication method for improving sensing performance or communication quality when sensing signals and non-sensing signals coexist. This application also provides corresponding apparatus, computer-readable storage media, and computer program products.

[0007] This application provides a communication method applied to a first communication device or a device within the first communication device. The first communication device may be a network device or a terminal device, and the network device may include an access network device or a core network device. The device within the first communication device may be a component (e.g., a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system) responsible for communication and / or sensing functions within the network device or terminal device, or it may be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the device within the first communication device. Wherein, if the component responsible for communication and / or sensing functions is a chip, the chip may be a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip), or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip. The method includes: when a first transmission time of a sensing signal overlaps with a second transmission time of a non-sensing signal, determining a first signal to be transmitted during the overlapping time; wherein the first signal includes a sensing signal and / or a non-sensing signal, and the transmitting node corresponding to the sensing signal maintains phase continuity during the first transmission time excluding the overlapping time.

[0008] In this application, the first communication device can be a transmitting node, a central node, a sensing function (SF) network element, or a sensing management function (SMF) network element, etc. A transmitting node refers to a node used to transmit sensing signals, also known as a transmitter. The transmitting node can be an access network device or a terminal device. The central node can configure sensing parameters for the transmitting end of the sensing signal, configure sensing parameters for the receiving end of the sensing signal, and / or summarize the sensing results. The central node can be a network device or a terminal device; of course, the central node can also be other types of devices. The SF network element or SMF network element can be a node used for sensing function management; the function and form of the SF network element or SMF network element can be the same as or similar to that of the central node.

[0009] In this application, the sensing signal refers to a radio frequency signal used to sense the environment or a target. The sensing signal may include a sensing reference signal (SERS), a positioning reference signal (PRS), or a sounding reference signal (SRS), etc., and the sensing signal can be transmitted via a beam.

[0010] In this application, non-perceptual signals refer to signals other than perceptual signals, typically referring to various types of communication signals, such as uplink, downlink, or sidelink communication signals.

[0011] In this application, the first transmission time refers to the time used for transmitting the sensing signal, which is typically a period or a time interval. The second transmission time refers to the time used for transmitting the non-sensing signal, which is typically a period or a time interval.

[0012] In this application, the overlap between the first transmission time and the second transmission time can include various situations, such as: the first transmission time includes the second transmission time, the second transmission time includes the first transmission time, and the first transmission time and the second transmission time have an intersection.

[0013] In this application, the overlapping time is usually a period of time, but it can also be multiple periods of time, and this application does not limit this.

[0014] In this application, "the transmitting node corresponding to the sensing signal maintains phase continuity during the first transmission time excluding the overlap time" means that the transmitting node maintains phase continuity when transmitting the sensing signal during the first transmission time excluding the overlap time, or that the transmitting node maintains phase continuity during the first transmission time used to transmit the sensing signal excluding the overlap time. Of course, this application does not exclude the possibility of maintaining phase continuity during the overlap time, or that when the first signal is determined to be a sensing signal, the transmitting node maintains phase continuity when transmitting the sensing signal during the first transmission time, or that the transmitting node maintains phase continuity during the first transmission time used to transmit the sensing signal, etc.

[0015] In the first aspect mentioned above, when the first transmission time of the sensing signal overlaps with the second transmission time of the non-sensing signal, if it is determined that the transmitting node sends the sensing signal during the overlapping time but not the non-sensing signal, the non-sensing signal will not affect the sensing signal. In this way, the transmitting node can maintain phase continuity in sending the sensing signal throughout the entire first transmission time, improving sensing performance. If it is determined that the transmitting node sends the non-sensing signal during the overlapping time, communication quality can be improved regardless of whether the sensing signal is sent during the overlapping time. For example, it ensures timely transmission of the non-sensing signal, thereby reducing communication latency. Furthermore, if the sensing signal is not sent during the overlapping time, the sensing signal will not affect the non-sensing signal, thus improving communication quality.

[0016] In one possible implementation, determining the first signal to be transmitted during the overlapping time includes: determining the first signal to be transmitted during the overlapping time according to a priority, the priority including the priority of the sensed signal and / or the priority of the non-sensed signal.

[0017] In this application, the priority of the sensed signal and / or the priority of the non-sensed signal can be explicitly indicated by a priority identifier, or it can be determined by some priority-related information.

[0018] In this application, if the priority includes the priority of the sensed signal and the priority of the non-sensed signal, the first signal can be determined by comparing the priority of the sensed signal and the priority of the non-sensed signal.

[0019] In this application, if the priority includes the priority of the sensed signal or the priority of the non-sensed signal, the sensed signal or non-sensed signal with priority can be preferentially determined as the first signal.

[0020] In this possible implementation, the first signal to be sent during the overlapping time is determined according to the priority. Higher priority sensing signals or non-sensing signals can be sent first, which is beneficial to ensuring important sensing or non-sensing tasks.

[0021] In one possible implementation, if one of the sensing signals or the sensing signals has a priority and the other does not, the sensing signal or non-sensing signal without priority can be preferentially determined as the first signal.

[0022] In one possible implementation, where the priority of the sensing signal is higher than that of the non-sensing signal, the first signal is the sensing signal; or,

[0023] When the priority of the sensing signal is lower than that of the non-sensing signal, the first signal is the non-sensing signal, or the first signal includes both the sensing signal and the non-sensing signal.

[0024] In this possible implementation, the first signal is determined by comparing the priority of the sensing signal with the priority of the non-sensing signal, which helps to ensure important sensing or non-sensing tasks.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the priority of non-perceived signals is higher than that of perceived signals, satisfying at least one of the following:

[0026] The service type of the non-perceptual signal is the service with the first delay requirement, and the service with the first delay requirement is the service with a transmission delay less than the first threshold; or...

[0027] Transmission resources within the overlapping time period have been preempted by non-perceptible signals; or,

[0028] During the overlap time, the transmitting node cannot maintain phase continuity.

[0029] In this application, the service with the first latency requirement can be a latency-sensitive service, such as ultra-reliable low latency communications (URLLC) service, or mission-critical communication service, etc. The first threshold can be a value configured according to requirements. Of course, the first threshold can be adjusted according to requirements.

[0030] In this application, "the transmitting node cannot maintain phase continuity during the overlapping time" means that during the overlapping time, due to some factors, the transmitting node cannot maintain phase continuity when transmitting sensing signals.

[0031] This possible implementation provides multiple ways to determine that the priority of a non-perceptual signal is higher than that of a perceptual signal, and is not limited to using only priority identifiers for priority comparison, thus improving the flexibility of priority comparison.

[0032] In one possible implementation, during the overlap time, the transmitting node cannot maintain phase continuity satisfying at least one of the following:

[0033] The time length from the start of the first transmission time to the end of the overlap time is greater than the maximum duration for which the transmitting node maintains phase continuity; or,

[0034] The transmission power of the sensed signal during the overlap time is different from the transmission power of the sensed signal outside the overlap time; or,

[0035] The power control parameters corresponding to the sensing signal within the overlap time are different from the power control parameters corresponding to the sensing signal outside the overlap time; or,

[0036] The frequency domain resources of the sensed signal during the overlap time are different from those of the sensed signal outside the overlap time; or,

[0037] During the overlap time, the beam used to transmit sensing signals is switched.

[0038] In this application, the maximum duration for maintaining phase continuity indicates that once the maximum duration is reached, the transmitting node is no longer able to maintain phase continuity and a phase transition will occur. Of course, after a phase transition occurs, if it is not affected by other changes / factors, the transmitting node can maintain phase continuity after the transition for the next maximum duration.

[0039] In this application, changes in the transmission power of the sensed signal during the overlap time can also cause the transmitting node to lose phase continuity.

[0040] In this application, changes in the frequency domain resources of the sensed signal during the overlapping time (e.g., frequency hopping) can also cause the transmitting node to be unable to maintain phase continuity.

[0041] In this application, beam switching occurring within the overlap time will also cause the transmitting node to be unable to maintain phase continuity.

[0042] In one possible implementation, the method further includes sending a first signal during the overlap time.

[0043] In this possible implementation, sending the first signal during the overlapping time can maintain the phase continuity of the sensing signal, thereby improving sensing performance or enhancing the communication quality of non-sensing signals.

[0044] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: acquiring and / or sending first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate the transmission of a sensing signal and / or a non-sensing signal during an overlapping time period.

[0045] In this application, the first communication device can obtain the first instruction information by receiving the first instruction information from other devices, or by determining the first instruction information itself.

[0046] In this application, if the first communication device is a sensing node in a single-site sensing scenario, the first communication device only needs to acquire the first indication information and does not need to send it. If the first communication device is a transmitting node in a dual-site sensing scenario, the first communication device can send the first indication information to the receiving node of the echo signal corresponding to the sensing signal, and / or send the first indication information to the receiving node of the non-sensing signal. Of course, the first communication device can acquire the first indication information before sending it. If the first communication device is a central node, SF network element, or SMF network element, the first communication device can acquire the first indication information and then send it to the transmitting node to notify the transmitting node to send the sensing signal and / or the non-sensing signal.

[0047] In addition, in this application, the first indication information can also be used to indicate that no sensing signal or non-sensing signal is transmitted during the overlapping time.

[0048] In this possible implementation, the first indication information can instruct the receiving node to receive either an echo signal or a non-sensory signal. The receiving node can then determine whether to perform signal reception based on the first indication information. If signal reception is performed, the sensing or communication task can be guaranteed. If signal reception is not performed, the receiving node can enter a sleep or shutdown mode to save energy or reduce power consumption.

[0049] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending a second indication message, the second indication message being used to indicate whether the transmitting node maintains phase continuity or cannot maintain phase continuity during the overlap time.

[0050] In this possible implementation, the second indication information can instruct the receiving node of the echo signal whether the transmitting node should transmit the sensing signal while maintaining phase continuity during the overlap time. This allows the receiving node to process the echo signal using different methods to maximize sensing performance. For example, if the transmitting node transmits the sensing signal with phase continuity during the overlap time, the receiving node can coherently process the echo signal received during the overlap time together with the echo signal received before the overlap time to improve sensing performance. Alternatively, if the transmitting node cannot maintain phase continuity during the overlap time, the receiving node can process the echo signal received during the overlap time separately.

[0051] A second aspect of this application provides a communication method applied to a second communication device or a device within the second communication device. The second communication device can be an access network device or a terminal device. The device within the second communication device can be a component (e.g., a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system) responsible for communication and / or sensing functions within the access network device or terminal device, or it can be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the device within the second communication device. Wherein, if the component responsible for communication and / or sensing functions is a chip, the chip can be a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip), or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip. The method includes: receiving an echo signal and / or a non-sensing signal corresponding to a sensing signal; wherein a first transmission time of the sensing signal overlaps with a second transmission time of the non-sensing signal, and the echo signal and / or the non-sensing signal are received during the overlap time between the first and second transmission times; the transmitting node corresponding to the sensing signal maintains phase continuity during the first transmission time excluding the overlap time.

[0052] In this application, the second communication device may be a receiving node for the echo signal corresponding to the sensing signal and / or a receiving node for the non-sensing signal.

[0053] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving first indication information, the first indication information being used to instruct the transmitting node to send sensing signals and / or non-sensing signals during the overlapping time.

[0054] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving second indication information, the second indication information being used to indicate whether the transmitting node maintains phase continuity or cannot maintain phase continuity during the overlap time.

[0055] A third aspect of this application provides a communication device, comprising: a transceiver unit and a processing unit; wherein,

[0056] The processing unit is configured to determine a first signal transmitted during the overlapping time when the first transmission time of the sensing signal overlaps with the second transmission time of the non-sensing signal; wherein the first signal includes the sensing signal and / or the non-sensing signal, and the transmitting node corresponding to the sensing signal maintains phase continuity during the first transmission time excluding the overlapping time.

[0057] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit is used to send a first signal during the overlapping time.

[0058] In one possible implementation, the processing unit is configured to determine a first signal to be transmitted during the overlapping time based on priority, the priority including the priority of the sensed signal and / or the priority of the non-sensed signal.

[0059] In one possible implementation, where the priority of the sensing signal is higher than that of the non-sensing signal, the first signal is the sensing signal; or,

[0060] When the priority of the sensing signal is lower than that of the non-sensing signal, the first signal is the non-sensing signal, or the first signal includes both the sensing signal and the non-sensing signal.

[0061] In one possible implementation, the priority of non-perceived signals is higher than that of perceived signals, satisfying at least one of the following:

[0062] The service type of the non-perceptual signal is the service with the first delay requirement, and the service with the first delay requirement is the service with a transmission delay less than the first threshold; or...

[0063] Transmission resources within the overlapping time period have been preempted by non-perceptible signals; or,

[0064] During the overlap time, the transmitting node cannot maintain phase continuity.

[0065] In one possible implementation, during the overlap time, the transmitting node cannot maintain phase continuity satisfying at least one of the following:

[0066] The time length from the start of the first transmission time to the end of the overlap time is greater than the maximum duration for which the transmitting node maintains phase continuity; or,

[0067] The transmission power of the sensed signal during the overlap time is different from the transmission power of the sensed signal outside the overlap time; or,

[0068] The power control parameters corresponding to the sensing signal within the overlap time are different from the power control parameters corresponding to the sensing signal outside the overlap time; or,

[0069] The frequency domain resources of the sensed signal during the overlap time are different from those of the sensed signal outside the overlap time; or,

[0070] During the overlap time, the beam used to transmit sensing signals is switched.

[0071] In one possible implementation, the processing unit, or the transceiver unit, is further configured to acquire and / or transmit first indication information, which is used to indicate the transmission of sensing signals and / or non-sensing signals during the overlapping time period.

[0072] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to send a second indication message, which indicates whether the transmitting node maintains phase continuity or cannot maintain phase continuity during the overlap time.

[0073] A fourth aspect of this application provides a communication device, comprising: a transceiver unit and a processing unit; wherein,

[0074] The transceiver unit is used to receive the echo signal and / or non-sensing signal corresponding to the sensing signal; wherein, the first transmission time of the sensing signal overlaps with the second transmission time of the non-sensing signal, and the echo signal and / or non-sensing signal are received during the overlap time of the first transmission time and the second transmission time; the transmitting node corresponding to the sensing signal maintains phase continuity during the first transmission time except for the overlap time.

[0075] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive first indication information, which instructs the transmitting node to send sensing signals and / or non-sensing signals during the overlapping time.

[0076] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive second indication information, which indicates whether the transmitting node maintains phase continuity or cannot maintain phase continuity during the overlap time.

[0077] A fifth aspect of this application provides a communication device comprising one or more processors. The processor is configured to invoke and execute a computer program stored in a memory, such that the processor implements an implementation as described in the first aspect or any of the implementations in the first aspect.

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

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

[0080] Optionally, the communication device further includes a communication interface for communicating with modules outside the communication device.

[0081] The communication device described in the fifth aspect above can be a device or a chip (system) within a device. In some possible designs, when the communication device is a chip system, it can be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete components.

[0082] A sixth aspect of this application provides a communication device comprising one or more processors. The processor is configured to invoke and execute a computer program stored in a memory, such that the processor implements as described in the second aspect or any of the implementations in the second aspect.

[0083] Optionally, the communication device also includes a transceiver; the processor is also used to control the transceiver to send and receive signals.

[0084] Optionally, the communication device includes a memory in which a computer program is stored.

[0085] Optionally, the communication device further includes a communication interface for communicating with modules outside the communication device.

[0086] The communication device described in the sixth aspect above can be a device or a chip (system) within a device. In some possible designs, when the communication device is a chip system, it can be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete components.

[0087] The seventh aspect of this application provides a communication device, which may be a first communication device or a device in the first communication device, or a module or unit (e.g., a chip, a chip system, or a circuit) in the first communication device or a device in the first communication device that performs the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the first aspect or any implementation of the first aspect.

[0088] The eighth aspect of this application provides a communication device, which can be a second communication device / device in a second communication device, or a module or unit (e.g., a chip, a chip system, or a circuit) in a second communication device / device in a second communication device that performs the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the second aspect or any implementation thereof.

[0089] The ninth aspect of this application provides a computer-readable storage medium including computer instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform an implementation as described in the first aspect or any of the first aspects.

[0090] The tenth aspect of this application provides a computer-readable storage medium including computer instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform an implementation as described in the second aspect or any of the second aspects.

[0091] The eleventh aspect of this application provides a computer program product including instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform an implementation as described in the first aspect or any of the first aspects.

[0092] The twelfth aspect of this application provides a computer program product including instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform an implementation as described in the second aspect or any of the second aspects.

[0093] The thirteenth aspect of this application provides a chip device including a processor for calling a program stored in a memory, such that the processor executes the first aspect or any implementation thereof.

[0094] Optionally, the memory may be located inside or outside the chip device.

[0095] The fourteenth aspect of this application provides a chip device including a processor for calling a program stored in a memory, such that the processor executes the second aspect or any implementation thereof described above.

[0096] Optionally, the memory may be located inside or outside the chip device.

[0097] The fifteenth aspect of this application provides a communication system, which includes a first communication device / means in the first communication device and a second communication device / means in the second communication device. The first communication device / means in the first communication device is used to perform the first aspect or any implementation thereof, and the second communication device / means in the second communication device is used to perform the second aspect or any implementation thereof.

[0098] The technical effects of the second, third, or fourth aspects, or any possible implementation of the second, third, or fourth aspects, and the fifth to fifteenth aspects, can be found in the first aspect or the technical effects of different possible implementations of the first aspect, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0099] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0100] Figures 2A and 2B are schematic diagrams of a dual-station sensing scenario provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0101] Figures 2C and 2D are schematic diagrams of a single-station sensing scenario provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0102] Figure 3A is an example diagram of the transmission of sensing signals and non-sensing signals provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0103] Figure 3B is an example diagram of signal phase continuity provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0104] Figure 3C is an example diagram of signal phase discontinuity provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0105] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the communication method provided in this application;

[0106] Figures 5A to 5D are schematic diagrams illustrating multiple examples of overlapping time provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0107] Figure 5E is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the maximum duration of phase continuity and the transmission time of the sensing signal provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0108] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the communication method provided in this application;

[0109] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the communication method provided in this application;

[0110] Figures 7A to 7E are schematic diagrams of single-beam transmission of sensing and non-sensing signals provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0111] Figures 8A to 8D are schematic diagrams of scenarios for dual-beam transmission of sensing signals and non-sensing signals provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0112] Figures 9 to 13 are schematic diagrams of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0113] The embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. As those skilled in the art will understand, with the development of technology and the emergence of new scenarios, the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0114] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments described herein can be implemented in a sequence other than that illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0115] This application provides a communication method for improving sensing performance or communication quality when sensing signals and non-sensing signals coexist. This application also provides corresponding apparatus, computer-readable storage media, and computer program products. These will be described in detail below.

[0116] The technical solutions of this application embodiment can be applied to various communication systems, such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.15.4 standard and IEEE 802.15.4 standard for ultra-wideband (UWB).11 standards (including standards identified as Wi-Fi technology), Bluetooth standard, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA), Wideband-CDMA (W-CDMA), Evolution Data Optimized (EV-DO), 1×EV-DO, EV-DO Revision A, EV-DO Revision B, High Rate Packet Data (HRPD), High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), High Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), High Speed ​​Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), Evolved HSPA (HSPA+), Long Term Evolution (LTE). Evolution of LTE, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, LTE time division duplex (TDD) systems, new radio (NR), Internet of Things (IoT), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication systems, non-terrestrial networks (NTN), or future communication systems.

[0117] In addition to having stronger communication capabilities, the aforementioned communication system can also have sensing capabilities. It can be a communication system with integrated sensing and communication (ISAC). An integrated sensing and communication system means that the communication system can communicate through communication signals (which can also be described as communication channels) and perform sensing and measurement through sensing signals (which can also be described as sensing channels).

[0118] In this application, "perception" refers to using the transmission, reflection, and scattering of radio waves (radio frequency signals) to sense the surrounding environment and detect targets. For example, in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) systems, sensing signals are used to detect other vehicles or objects around vehicles; in imaging systems, sensing signals are used to image target points (buildings, vehicles, and other tangible objects) in the environment. Of course, the communication system in this application can also be an industrial automation system or other communication systems that require sensing.

[0119] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the communication system provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0120] The communication system shown in Figure 1 is primarily a wireless communication system capable of communication, sensing, and / or positioning. This system may include the following components: a mobile device 101; a base station 102; a satellite (or space vehicle) 103; an access point (AP) 104; wireless devices 105 (e.g., portable Wi-Fi 105-1, smartwatch (or wristband) 105-2, vehicle 105-3, mobile phone 105-4, laptop 105-5, static communication / positioning device); a network 106; a network function server 107; and an external client 108. Generally, this communication system enables communication between the mobile device 101 and other devices, positioning of the mobile device 101 and / or other devices, sensing measurements performed by the mobile device 101, and / or combinations thereof. For example, the communication system can estimate the location of the mobile device 101 based on the radio frequency signals received and / or transmitted by the mobile device 101 and the known locations of other components (e.g., satellites, base stations, access points) that transmit and / or receive the radio frequency signals. Additionally, sensing measurements can be performed using wireless devices such as mobile devices, base stations, and satellites (and / or other NTN platforms that can be implemented on aircraft, drones, balloons, etc.). For example, sensing measurements of one or more target objects can be performed using radio frequency signals transmitted by one or more wireless devices. For example, sensing measurements of one or more target objects can be performed using radio frequency signals received by one or more wireless devices.

[0121] Referring to Figure 1, the mobile device 101 can access the network 106 via a base station using the first communication link 110 to send and receive information with network-connected devices (such as the network function server 107). The mobile device can also access the network 106 via an access point (AP) using the second communication link 130 to send and receive information with network-connected devices (such as the network function server 107). The mobile device 101 can use the third communication link 120 to communicate with other devices.

[0122] It should be noted that Figure 1 provides only a general illustration of the various components. Some or all of it may be used, or a component may be copied as appropriate. For example, although Figure 1 shows only one mobile device 101, it should be understood that many terminal devices (e.g., hundreds, thousands, millions, etc.) may use the communication system. Similarly, the communication system may include more or fewer base stations 102 and / or access points 104 than shown in Figure 1. The connections between the various components shown in Figure 1 include data and signaling connections, which may include additional (intermediate) components, direct or indirect physical and / or wireless connections and / or additional networks. Furthermore, components may be rearranged, combined, separated, replaced, and / or omitted depending on the required functionality. In some implementations, for example, an external client 108 may connect directly to a network function server 107. Those skilled in the art will recognize many modifications to the components shown.

[0123] While ground components such as access points (APs) and base stations can be fixed, this is not the case in some implementations. Mobile components can be used. For example, in some implementations, the location of mobile device 101 can be estimated at least in part based on measurements of radio frequency signals transmitted between mobile device 101 and one or more other mobile devices (which may be mobile or fixed). As shown in Figure 1, other mobile devices may include, for example, portable Wi-Fi 105-1, smartwatch (or wristband) 105-2, vehicle 105-3, mobile phone 105-4, laptop 105-5, static communication / positioning devices, or other static and / or mobile devices capable of providing wireless signals for locating mobile device 101, or combinations thereof. The wireless signals from wireless device 105 for locating mobile device 101 may include RF signals using, for example, Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11x (e.g., Wi-Fi), Ultra Wideband (UWB), IEEE 802.15x, or combinations thereof. Wireless device 105 may additionally or alternatively use non-RF wireless signals (such as a camera) to locate mobile device 101, such as infrared signals or other optical technologies.

[0124] Network 106 may include any of a variety of wireless and / or wired networks. Network 106, for example, may include any combination of public and / or private networks, local area networks (LANs) and / or wide area networks (WANs). Furthermore, the network may utilize one or more wired and / or wireless communication technologies. In some implementations, the network may, for example, include cellular or other mobile networks, wireless local area networks (WLANs), wireless wide area networks (WWANs), and / or the Internet.

[0125] Network function server 107 may include one or more servers and / or other computing devices configured to provide network management and / or network auxiliary functions. For example, a location server may determine a location estimate for a mobile device and / or provide data (e.g., “auxiliary data”) to the mobile device to facilitate location measurement and / or location determination. In some implementations, the location server may also include an enhanced serving mobile location center (E-SMLC) that uses a control plane (CP) location solution for LTE radio access for mobile devices to support mobile device positioning. The location server may also include a location management function (LMF) that supports the location of mobile devices using the control plane location solution for NR or LTE radio access.

[0126] A network function server can also be used as a sensing measurement server. A sensing measurement server can be used to coordinate and / or assist in coordinating the sensing measurements of one or more wireless devices within a system on one or more target objects. Wireless devices may include mobile devices, base stations, access points (APs), other mobile devices, satellites, or any combination thereof. Wireless devices capable of performing sensing measurements may be referred to herein as "sensing measurement nodes." To perform sensing measurements, a sensing server can coordinate a sensing session during which one or more RF sensing measurement nodes can perform sensing measurements by transmitting radio frequency signals (e.g., a sensing reference signal (SRS)) and measuring reflected signals or "echo signals." For example, reflected signals and object / target detection can be determined based on channel state information (CSI) received at a receiving device. To facilitate sensing measurements (e.g., within a sensing measurement session between one or more sensing measurement nodes), the sensing server can provide data (e.g., "auxiliary data") to the sensing measurement nodes to facilitate SRS transmission and / or measurement, object / target detection, or any combination thereof. Such data may include an SRS configuration indicating which resources (e.g., time and / or frequency resources) can be used (e.g., within the sensing measurement session) to transmit SRS for sensing measurements. According to some embodiments, the sensing server may include a sensing management function (SMF).

[0127] External client 108 may be a web server or remote application associated with mobile device 101 (e.g., accessible to the user of mobile device 101), or a server, application, or computer system that provides location services to other users. This may include obtaining and providing the location of mobile device 101 (e.g., enabling services such as friend or relative finder, child or pet location). Alternatively or additionally, external client 108 may obtain the location of mobile device 101 and provide it to emergency service providers, government agencies, etc.

[0128] A base station can typically refer to a single physical transmission point located at a base station site or multiple co-located physical transmission points. A transmission reception point (TRP), also known as a transmission / reception point, corresponds to this type of transmission point. In some cases, a base station may include multiple TRPs, for example, each TRP being associated with a different antenna, antenna array, or antenna panel of the base station. As used herein, the transmission function of a TRP can be performed by a transmission point (TP), and / or the reception function of a TRP can be performed by a reception point (RP), which may be physically separate from or different from the TP. That is, a TRP may include both a TP and an RP. A physical transmission point may include the antenna array of a base station, for example, in the case of a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system and / or where the base station employs beamforming. A base station (e.g., a gNB) may be able to transmit different “beams” in different directions and perform “beam scanning,” where signals are transmitted along different directions (e.g., one after another) in different beams.

[0129] A base station can also refer to multiple non-co-located physical transmission points. For example, a physical transmission point can be a distributed antenna system (DAS), which is a spatially separated antenna network connected to a common source via a transmission medium. Another example is a remote radio head (RRH), which is a remote base station connected to a serving base station.

[0130] APs can include Wi-Fi APs, Bluetooth APs, or APs with cellular capabilities (e.g., 4G LTE and / or 5G NR).

[0131] In some implementations, base stations can be owned, maintained, and / or operated by cellular network providers and can employ any of a variety of wireless technologies.

[0132] The satellite can be a satellite in a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) and / or an NTN satellite. GNSS includes the global positioning system (GPS), Galileo, BeiDou, etc.

[0133] Satellites can communicate with one or more base stations and / or one or more user equipment.

[0134] Satellites can be used for communication positioning in one or more ways. For example, a satellite can be part of GNSS. Positioning using RF signals from GNSS satellites can include measuring multiple GNSS signals at a GNSS receiver on a mobile device to perform highly accurate positioning, such as carrier-based positioning. Alternatively or concurrently, satellites can be used for NTN-based positioning; in other words, functionally, satellites can operate as a TRP (or TP) of a network (e.g., LTE and / or NR networks). Specifically, reference signals transmitted by NTN satellites are similar to those transmitted by base stations and are coordinated by a network function server, which can then operate as a location server. In some implementations, the satellites used for NTN-based positioning can be different from those used for GNSS-based positioning. In some implementations, NTN nodes can include non-ground vehicles such as aircraft, balloons, drones, etc., which can supplement or replace NTN satellites. NTN satellites and / or other NTN platforms can be further utilized to perform sensing measurements.

[0135] The communication method provided in this application involves a large amount of sensing content. For ease of understanding, the technical terms involved in this application are briefly introduced below:

[0136] 1. Sensing Node: A communication device used for sensing, which may include a transmitter (Tx), a receiver (Rx), or a transceiver integrated communication device.

[0137] 2. Transmitter: A communication device that transmits communication signals and / or sensing signals (SS), also known as a transmitting node or transmitting device.

[0138] 3. Receiver: A communication device that receives the echo signal corresponding to the communication signal and / or the sensing signal. It can also be called a receiving node or receiving device.

[0139] 4. Sensing Signal: This refers to the radio frequency signal used to sense the environment or target. SS can be a sensing reference signal (SERS), a positioning reference signal (PRS), or a sounding reference signal (SRS), etc. Sensing signals can be transmitted via beams.

[0140] 5. Echo signal (ES): refers to the signal after the sensing signal has been transmitted, reflected or scattered. The sensing result can be determined by measuring the echo signal, which can be received by beamforming.

[0141] 6. Non-sensory signals: can include various signals other than sensing signals, such as various types of communication signals, such as uplink, downlink or sidelink communication signals.

[0142] 7. Beam: A beam is a communication resource. A beam can be wide, narrow, or other types of beams. The technology used to form a beam can be beamforming or other techniques. Beamforming technology can specifically be digital beamforming, analog beamforming, and hybrid digital or analog beamforming. Different beams can be considered different resources. The beam used to transmit signals can be called the transmission beam (Tx beam), and the beam used to receive signals can be called the reception beam (Rx beam). The transmission beam refers to the distribution of signal strength in different directions in space after the signal is transmitted through the antenna, while the reception beam refers to the distribution of signal strength in different directions in space of the wireless signal received from the antenna.

[0143] 8. Central node / sensing function (SF) network element / sensing management function (SMF) network element: refers to the communication device that configures sensing parameters for the transmitting end or receiving end of sensing signals, and / or the communication device that summarizes sensing results.

[0144] 9. The terms "system" and "network" in the embodiments of this application can be used interchangeably. "Multiple" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the related objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, "at least one of A, B, and C" includes A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC. And, unless otherwise specified, the ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" mentioned in the embodiments of this application are used to distinguish multiple objects and are not used to limit the order, sequence, priority, or importance of multiple objects.

[0145] 10. In the embodiments of this application, "send" and "receive" indicate the direction of signal transmission. For example, "send information to XX" can be understood as the destination of the information being XX, which may include sending directly through the air interface or sending indirectly through the air interface by other units or modules. "Receive information from YY" can be understood as the source of the information being YY, which may include receiving directly from YY through the air interface or receiving indirectly from YY through the air interface by other units or modules. "Send" can also be understood as the "output" of the chip interface, and "receive" can also be understood as the "input" of the chip interface.

[0146] In other words, sending and receiving can occur between devices, such as between network devices and terminal devices, or within a device, such as between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within the device via buses, wiring, or interfaces.

[0147] It is understandable that information may undergo necessary processing, such as encoding and modulation, between the source and destination, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar statements in this application can be interpreted in a similar way and will not be elaborated further.

[0148] 11. In the embodiments of this application, "instruction" may include direct instruction and indirect instruction, as well as explicit instruction and implicit instruction. The information indicated by a certain piece of information (hereinafter referred to as instruction information) is called the information to be instructed. In the specific implementation process, there are many ways to indicate the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly indicating the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index. It can also indirectly indicate the information to be instructed by indicating other information, where there is an association between the other information and the information to be instructed; or it can only indicate a part of the information to be instructed, while the other parts of the information to be instructed are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the instruction of specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol predefined) arrangement order of various information, thereby reducing the instruction overhead to a certain extent. This application does not limit the specific method of instruction. It is understood that for the sender of the instruction information, the instruction information can be used to indicate the information to be instructed; for the receiver of the instruction information, the instruction information can be used to determine the information to be instructed.

[0149] In this application, unless otherwise specified, the same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. In the various embodiments of this application, and the various methods / designs / implementations within each embodiment, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terminology and / or descriptions between different embodiments and between the various methods / designs / implementations within each embodiment are consistent and can be mutually referenced. The technical features in different embodiments and the various methods / designs / implementations within each embodiment can be combined to form new embodiments, methods, or implementations based on their inherent logical relationships. The following descriptions of the embodiments of this application do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application.

[0150] The communication method provided in this application can be applied to either a standalone sensing scenario or a joint sensing scenario. A standalone sensing scenario refers to a scenario where a single sensing node obtains the required sensing result after sensing. A joint sensing scenario refers to a scenario where multiple sensing nodes sense the same sensing area, and then each sensing node sends its own determined sensing result to a central node, which then fuses the multiple sensing results to reduce sensing uncertainty and improve sensing performance.

[0151] The individual or combined sensing scenarios involved in the embodiments of this application can be mono-static sensing scenarios, bi-static sensing scenarios, or hybrid sensing scenarios combining mono-static and bi-static approaches. A bi-static sensing scenario refers to a sensing scenario where the transmitter of the sensing signal and the receiver of the echo signal are not the same communication device. A mono-static sensing scenario refers to a sensing scenario where the transmitter of the sensing signal and the receiver of the echo signal belong to the same communication device; a mono-static sensing scenario can also be called a self-sensing scenario. A hybrid sensing scenario combining bi-static and mono-static approaches refers to a sensing scenario where the participating communication devices include both bi-static and bi-static communication devices.

[0152] For an understanding of the dual-station sensing scenario, please refer to Figure 2A or Figure 2B.

[0153] As shown in Figure 2A, in a dual-station sensing scenario, the transmitter emits an SS. When the SS encounters the sensing target, it will be reflected or scattered. The ES generated by the reflection or scattering will be received by the receiver, and the receiver can perform sensing measurements based on the ES.

[0154] As shown in Figure 2B, this dual-station sensing scenario includes two transmitters, four receivers, and multiple target objects. The two transmitters are transmitter Tx201 and transmitter Tx202; the four receivers are receivers Rx203, receiver Rx204, receiver Rx205, and receiver Rx206; the target objects can be various types of buildings or other objects. This dual-station sensing scenario may also include a central node 207, which can configure sensing resources for the transmitters and / or receivers.

[0155] The transmitter Tx201 transmits a sensing signal SS1, and the echo signal ES1 generated by SS1 after passing through the building is received by the receiver Rx203.

[0156] Transmitter Tx202 transmits SS2, and ES2 generated by SS2 passing through a building is received by receiver Rx203; Transmitter Tx202 transmits SS3, and ES3 generated by SS3 passing through a building is received by receiver Rx204; Transmitter Tx202 transmits SS4, and ES4 generated by SS4 passing through a building is received by receiver Rx205; ES5 generated by SS4 passing through a building is received by receiver Rx206.

[0157] It should be noted that SS2, SS3, and SS4 can be sensing signals emitted from the same beam. However, sensing signals within the same beam range will produce echo signals in different directions when encountering buildings at different locations, such as ES2, ES3, ES4, and ES5. Echo signals in different directions can be received by different receiving terminals. Of course, SS2, SS3, and SS4 can also be sensing signals in different beams of the transmitting terminal Tx202.

[0158] In a dual-station sensing scenario, echo signals generated by sensing signals transmitted from the same transmitter can be received by different receivers. For example, ES2 can be received by receiver Rx203, ES3 by receiver Rx204, ES4 by receiver Rx205, and ES5 by receiver Rx206. Echo signals generated by sensing signals transmitted from different transmitters can also be received by the same receiver, such as ES1 and ES2 being received by receiver Rx203. Of course, echo signals generated by sensing signals transmitted from the same transmitter can also be received by only one receiver. This application does not limit the correspondence between transmitters and receivers; it is related to the number of transmitters or receivers within a certain area. In either case, the receiver can determine the sensing result based on its received echo signals. Alternatively, the receiver can send relevant data from the received echo signals to other communication devices for them to determine the sensing result.

[0159] For a single-station perception scenario, please refer to Figure 2C or Figure 2D for understanding.

[0160] As shown in Figure 2C, in a single-station sensing scenario, the sensing node is both the transmitter of the SS (Sensitive Array) and the receiver of the ES (Essential Array). When the SS transmitted by the sensing node encounters the sensing target, it will be reflected or scattered. The ES generated by the reflection or scattering will be received by the sensing node, which can then perform sensing measurements based on the ES.

[0161] As shown in Figure 2D, this single-station sensing scenario may include a central node 207, sensing nodes 208, and multiple target objects. Sensing node 208 includes a transmitter for sensing signals and a receiver for echo signals. The central node 207 can configure resources for sensing nodes 208.

[0162] It should be noted that the single-station perception scenario can include multiple perception nodes, not limited to the one shown in Figure 2D. When there are multiple perception nodes, the central node 207 can also summarize the perception results of multiple perception nodes.

[0163] When sensing node 208 measures targets in the environment, it can emit one or more beams. The sensing signals SS on the one or more beams can detect targets at different locations. The sensing node then receives the corresponding echo signals ES, and can determine the sensing result based on the ES. Of course, sensing node 208 can also send relevant data from the received echo signals to other communication devices, which can then determine the sensing result.

[0164] In the scenarios described in Figures 2B and 2D above, the central node 207 can also be called a sensing function (SF) network element or a sensing management function (SMF) network element, etc.

[0165] In the scenarios described in Figures 2B and 2D above, the receiver, transmitter, and sensing node can all be terminal devices or network devices, and the central node can also be a terminal device or a network device. The receiver, transmitter, sensing node, and central node shown in Figures 2B and 2D are not limited to their specific forms.

[0166] In addition, the mixed single-site and dual-site sensing scenario refers to a scenario that includes both the sensing process of the transmitter and receiver as shown in Figure 2B, and the sensing process of the sensing node as shown in Figure 2D.

[0167] The terminal equipment and network equipment of this application are described below.

[0168] Terminal equipment: can be a wireless terminal device capable of receiving network device scheduling and instruction information. The wireless terminal device can be a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to the user, or a handheld device with wireless connectivity, or other processing device connected to a wireless modem.

[0169] Terminal devices can communicate with one or more core networks or the Internet via a radio access network (RAN). Terminal devices can be mobile terminal devices, such as mobile phones (or "cellular" phones), computers, and data cards. For example, they can be portable, pocket-sized, handheld, computer-embedded, or vehicle-mounted mobile devices that exchange voice and / or data with the RAN. Examples include personal communication service (PCS) phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablets, and computers with wireless transceiver capabilities. Wireless terminal equipment can also be called subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station (MS), remote station, access point (AP), remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal, user agent, subscriber station (SS), customer premises equipment (CPE), terminal, user equipment (UE), mobile terminal (MT), etc.

[0170] By way of example and not limitation, in this embodiment, the terminal device can also be a wearable device. Wearable devices, also known as wearable smart devices or smart wearable devices, are a general term for devices that utilize wearable technology to intelligently design and develop everyday wearables, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. Wearable devices are portable devices that are worn directly on the body or integrated into the user's clothing or accessories. Wearable devices are not merely hardware devices, but also achieve powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. Broadly speaking, wearable smart devices include those that are feature-rich, large in size, and can achieve complete or partial functions without relying on a smartphone, such as smartwatches or smart glasses, as well as those that focus on a specific type of application function and require the use of other devices such as smartphones, such as various smart bracelets, smart helmets, and smart jewelry for vital sign monitoring.

[0171] Terminal devices can also be drones, robots, terminals in device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, virtual reality (VR) terminal devices, augmented reality (AR) terminal devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in telemedicine or telehealth services, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, etc.

[0172] Furthermore, terminal devices can also be terminal devices in future communication systems beyond the fifth generation (5G) (such as 5G Advanced communication systems) or in future evolved public land mobile networks (PLMNs). For example, 5G Advanced networks can further expand the form and function of 5G communication terminals; 5G Advanced terminals include, but are not limited to, vehicles, cellular network terminals (integrating satellite terminal functions), drones, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

[0173] In this embodiment, the terminal device can also obtain artificial intelligence (AI) services provided by the network device. Optionally, the terminal device can also have AI processing capabilities.

[0174] In this embodiment of the application, the terminal device may also have a sensing function, and the terminal device may sense the sensing target by transmitting sensing signals or receiving echo signals.

[0175] It is understood that a terminal can be referred to as a communication device. For example, a terminal can be understood as a device with terminal functions. For example, the device used to implement the functions of a terminal can be a terminal itself; it can also be a device that supports the terminal in implementing those functions, such as a chip system, hardware circuitry, software modules, or a combination of hardware circuitry and software modules. This device can be installed in a terminal or can be used in conjunction with a terminal. In the embodiments of this application, the chip system can be composed of chips or can include chips and other discrete devices.

[0176] Network equipment: This can be any device within a wireless network. For example, a network device can be a RAN node (or device) that connects terminal devices to the wireless network, and can also be called a base station. Currently, some examples of RAN equipment include: base station (BS), evolved NodeB (eNodeB), gNB (gNodeB) in 5G communication systems, transmission reception point (TRP), evolved Node B (eNB), radio network controller (RNC), Node B (NB), home base station (e.g., home evolved Node B, or home Node B, HNB), base band unit (BBU) or wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) access point (AP), terminals that function as base stations in device-to-device (D2D) communication, satellites, drones, unmanned spacecraft, communication balloons, and other non-ground equipment. In addition, in one network architecture, network devices may include central unit (CU) nodes, distributed unit (DU) nodes, or RAN devices that include both CU and DU nodes.

[0177] Optionally, the RAN node can also be a macro base station, micro base station, indoor station, relay node, donor node, or a radio controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario. The RAN node can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, the access network equipment in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be a roadside unit (RSU).

[0178] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, with different RAN nodes each implementing some of the base station's functions. For example, RAN nodes can be CUs, DUs, CUs (control plane, CP), CUs (user plane, UP), or radio units (RUs). CUs and DUs can be configured separately or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio equipment or radio units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), radio heads (RHs), or remote radio heads (RRHs).

[0179] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an open access network (open RAN, O-RAN, or ORAN) system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software modules and hardware modules.

[0180] Communication between access network devices and terminal devices follows a specific protocol layer structure. This protocol layer may include a control plane protocol layer and a user plane protocol layer. The control plane protocol layer may include at least one of the following: radio resource control (RRC) layer, packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, radio link control (RLC) layer, media access control (MAC) layer, or physical (PHY) layer, etc. The user plane protocol layer may include at least one of the following: service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, PDCP layer, RLC layer, MAC layer, or physical layer, etc.

[0181] The correspondence between network elements and their achievable protocol layer functions in the ORAN system can be found in Table 1 below.

[0182] Table 1

[0183] Network devices can be other devices that provide wireless communication functions for terminal devices. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or form of the network device. For ease of description, the embodiments of this application are not limited.

[0184] Network equipment may also include core network equipment, such as the Mobility Management Entity (MME), Home Subscriber Server (HSS), Serving Gateway (S-GW), Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF), and Public Data Network Gateway (PDN gateway or P-GW) in 4th generation (4G) networks; and access and mobility management function (AMF), user plane function (UPF), or session management function (SMF) in 5G networks. Furthermore, this core network equipment may also include other core network equipment in 5G networks and next-generation networks of 5G networks.

[0185] In this embodiment of the application, the network device can also be a network node with AI capabilities, which can provide AI services to terminal devices or other network devices. For example, it can be an AI node, computing power node, RAN node with AI capabilities, core network element with AI capabilities, etc. on the network side (access network or core network).

[0186] In this embodiment of the application, the network device can also be a network node with sensing capabilities, which can provide sensing services for terminal devices or other network devices. The network node can sense the sensing target by transmitting sensing signals or receiving echo signals.

[0187] It is understood that a base station can be referred to as a communication device. For example, a base station can be understood as a device with base station functions. For example, the device used to implement the functions of a base station can be a base station itself; or some components within a base station, such as CU, DU, etc. It can also be a device capable of supporting the base station in implementing this function, such as a chip system, hardware circuit, software module, or hardware circuit plus software module, which can be installed in a base station or used in conjunction with a base station. In the embodiments of this application, the chip system can be composed of chips or can include chips and other discrete devices.

[0188] With the development and advancement of communication technology, more and more communication systems possess integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) functionality. Thus, a transmitter may send both sensing and non-sensing signals. As shown in Figure 3A, within the transmission time window of the sensing signal, the interval between the first and second sensing signals can be called the measurement gap, during which non-sensing signals can be transmitted. However, due to differences in transmission bandwidth, power requirements, etc., between the sensing and non-sensing signals, the power amplifier (PA) of the signal transmitter may switch from a first state (amplifying the sensing signal) to a second state (amplifying the non-sensing signal). The first and second states can each have different transmit power, different gains, and different frequency domain characteristics, such as occupied bandwidth and carrier frequency. This can all cause the signal transmitter to be unable to maintain phase continuity when transmitting sensing signals. In other words, if the signal transmitter transmits non-sensing signals, it will significantly disrupt the phase continuity of the transmitted sensing signals.

[0189] The question of whether a signal transmitter can maintain phase continuity or not (i.e., phase discontinuity) can be understood by referring to Figures 3B and 3C respectively.

[0190] FIG. 3B shows a schematic diagram of a signal transmitter that can transmit signals with continuous phase. In the example shown in FIG. 3B, taking a sine wave as an example, the mathematical expression of the sine wave can be x(t) = sin(a(t)), where the phase a(t) = 2πft + θ, f represents the frequency, t represents the time, and θ represents the initial phase. Exemplarily, θ can be a constant. In practical applications, θ may vary with time.

[0191] In FIG. 3B, the horizontal axis represents the time t, and the vertical axis represents the amplitude (decibels: dB) of the sine wave x(t).

[0192] In the time period from t0 to t1, the frequency of the sine wave signal is f0, the initial phase is θ0, and the phase varying with time can be expressed as a(t) = 2πf0(t - t0) + θ0, where t0 ≤ t < t1. In the time period from t1 to t2, the frequency of the sine wave signal is f1, the initial phase is θ1, and the phase varying with time can be expressed as a(t) = 2πf1(t - t1) + θ1, where t1 ≤ t < t2. In the time period from t2 to t3, the frequency of the sine wave signal is f0, the initial phase is θ2, and the phase varying with time can be expressed as a(t) = 2πf0(t - t2) + θ2, where t2 ≤ t < t3.

[0193] At time t1, a frequency switch occurs, and the frequency of the sine wave signal switches from f0 to f1. The phase infinitely close to t1 before the frequency switch can be expressed as where, is the moment infinitely close to t1 on the left side of t1. The phase infinitely close to t1 after the frequency switch can be expressed as where, is the moment infinitely close to t1 on the right side of t1. Because and are both infinitely close to t1, it can be understood that As can be seen from FIG. 3B, after the frequency of the sine wave signal switches from f0 to f1, the phase of the sine wave signal does not jump and remains in a continuous state, that is, the phase is continuous. At this time, it is necessary to satisfy θ1 = 2πf0(t1 - t0) + θ0.

[0194] At time t2, a frequency switch occurs again, and the frequency of the sine wave signal switches from f1 to f0. The phase infinitely close to t2 before the frequency switch can be expressed as where, is the moment infinitely close to t2 on the left side of t2. The phase infinitely close to t2 after the frequency switch can be expressed as where, is the moment infinitely close to t2 on the right side of t2. Because and Both approach t2 infinitely, so it can be understood that As can be seen from FIG. 3B, after the frequency of the sine wave signal switches from f1 to f0, the phase of the sine wave signal does not jump and remains continuous, that is, the phase is continuous. At this time, it is necessary to satisfy θ2 = 2πf1(t2 - t1) + θ1.

[0195] The scenario shown in FIG. 3B above is for the continuous transmission of the sine wave signal. If the sine wave signal stops transmitting during the time period from t1 to t2, that is, it transmits at frequency f0 during the time periods from t0 to t1 and from t2 to t3 respectively. In this case, to maintain phase continuity, it is necessary to satisfy θ0 = θ2, where θ0 is the initial phase of the time period from t0 to t1, and θ2 is the initial phase of the time period from t2 to t3.

[0196] As shown in FIG. 3C is a schematic diagram of a signal with discontinuous phase. In the example shown in FIG. 3C, taking the sine wave as an example, the mathematical expression and phase expression of the sine wave can be understood by referring to the introduction in the part of FIG. 3C.

[0197] In FIG. 3C, during the time period from t0 to t1, the frequency of the sine wave signal is f0, the initial phase is θ0, and the phase varying with time can be expressed as a(t) = 2πf0(t - t0) + θ0, where t0 ≤ t < t1. During the time period from t1 to t2, the frequency of the sine wave signal is f1, the initial phase is θ1, and the phase varying with time can be expressed as a(t) = 2πf1(t - t1) + θ1, where t1 ≤ t < t2. During the time period from t2 to t3, the frequency of the sine wave signal is f0, the initial phase is θ2, and the phase varying with time can be expressed as a(t) = 2πf0(t - t2) + θ2, where t2 ≤ t < t3.

[0198] At time t1, a frequency switch occurs, and the frequency of the sine wave signal switches from f0 to f1. The phase infinitely close to time t1 before the frequency switch can be expressed as where, [[ID=1十九]] is the moment infinitely close to t1 on the left side of t1. The phase infinitely close to time t1 after the frequency switch can be expressed as where, is the moment infinitely close to t1 on the right side of t1. Because and Both approach t1 infinitely, so it can be understood that As can be seen from FIG. 3C, after the frequency of the sine wave signal switches from f0 to f1, the phase of the sine wave signal jumps, that is, the phase is not continuous. The reason is θ1 ≠ 2πf0(t1 - t0) + θ0.

[0199] At time t2, the frequency switched again, changing from f1 to f0. The phase of the sine wave signal, which was infinitely close to that at time t2 before the frequency switch, can be expressed as: in, Let t2 be the moment infinitely close to t2 to the left of t2. The phase at the moment infinitely close to t2 after the frequency switch can be expressed as: in, This is the moment when the right side of t2 is infinitely close to t2. Because and Both are infinitely close to t2, so they can be understood as As can be seen from Figure 3C, after the frequency of the sine wave signal switches from f0 to f1, the phase of the sine wave signal jumps, that is, the phase is discontinuous. The reason for this is that θ2≠2πf1(t2-t1)+θ1.

[0200] Figures 3B and 3C above illustrate the cases of phase continuity and phase discontinuity. If phase continuity cannot be maintained, it will affect sensing performance, such as speed measurement. However, if there is a task involving the transmission of non-sensing signals, the transmission of sensing signals without transmitting non-sensing signals will inevitably result in a significant transmission delay for the non-sensing signals. Therefore, how to perform signal transmission when sensing and non-sensing signal transmissions conflict becomes a pressing technical problem. Based on this, embodiments of this application provide a communication method to improve sensing performance or communication quality when sensing and non-sensing signals coexist.

[0201] The communication method provided in this application embodiment is described below from the perspective of a first communication device and a second communication device. The first communication device can refer to the device itself, i.e., the first communication device. It can also be a component within the device responsible for communication and / or sensing functions (e.g., a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system), or it can be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first communication device, i.e., a device within the first communication device. If the component responsible for communication and / or sensing functions is a chip, this chip can be a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip. The device can be a network device or a terminal device, and the network device can include access network equipment or core network equipment. The second communication device can refer to the device itself, i.e., the second communication device. The second communication device can also be a component within a device responsible for communication and / or sensing functions (e.g., a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system), or it can be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second communication device, i.e., a device within the second communication equipment. Wherein, if the component responsible for communication and / or sensing functions is a chip, this chip can be a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip), or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip. The device can be an access network device or a terminal device.

[0202] The first communication device can be a transmitting node, a central node, a sensing function (SF) network element, or a sensing management function (SMF) network element, etc. The second communication device can be a receiving node for the echo signal corresponding to the sensing signal and / or a receiving node for the non-sensing signal.

[0203] As shown in Figure 4, the communication method provided in this application embodiment includes:

[0204] S401. The first communication device acquires the first transmission time of the sensing signal and the second transmission time of the non-sensing signal.

[0205] S401 is an optional step.

[0206] In this application, the first transmission time refers to the time used for transmitting the sensing signal, which is typically a period of time or a time interval. The second transmission time refers to the time used for transmitting the non-sensing signal, which is typically a period of time or a time interval.

[0207] S402. When the first transmission time of the sensing signal overlaps with the second transmission time of the non-sensing signal, the first communication device determines a first signal to be transmitted during the overlapping time; wherein the first signal includes the sensing signal and / or the non-sensing signal, and the transmitting node corresponding to the sensing signal maintains phase continuity during the first transmission time excluding the overlapping time.

[0208] In this application, the overlap between the first transmission time and the second transmission time can include various situations, such as: the first transmission time shown in Figure 5A includes the second transmission time, the second transmission time shown in Figure 5B includes the first transmission time, and the first transmission time and the second transmission time shown in Figure 5C or Figure 5D have an intersection.

[0209] In this application, the overlap time is usually a single time period, but it can also be multiple time periods, which is not limited in this application. Taking a single time period as an example, in the example shown in Figure 5A, the overlap time is the second transmission time; in the example shown in Figure 5B, the overlap time is the first transmission time; in the examples shown in Figure 5C or Figure 5D, the overlap time is the portion where the first transmission time and the second transmission time intersect.

[0210] In this application, "the transmitting node corresponding to the sensing signal maintains phase continuity during the first transmission time excluding the overlap time" means that the transmitting node maintains phase continuity when transmitting the sensing signal during the first transmission time excluding the overlap time, or that the transmitting node maintains phase continuity during the first transmission time used to transmit the sensing signal excluding the overlap time. Of course, this application does not exclude the possibility of maintaining phase continuity during the overlap time, or that when the first signal is determined to be a sensing signal, the transmitting node maintains phase continuity when transmitting the sensing signal during the first transmission time, or that the transmitting node maintains phase continuity during the first transmission time used to transmit the sensing signal, etc. For an understanding of phase continuity or phase discontinuity, please refer to the description in Figures 3B or 3C.

[0211] The communication method provided in this application, when the first transmission time of the sensing signal and the second transmission time of the non-sensing signal overlap, if it is determined that the transmitting node sends the sensing signal during the overlapping time but not the non-sensing signal, the non-sensing signal will not affect the sensing signal. In this way, the transmitting node can maintain phase continuity in sending the sensing signal throughout the entire first transmission time, improving sensing performance. If it is determined that the transmitting node sends the non-sensing signal during the overlapping time, communication quality can be improved regardless of whether the sensing signal is sent during the overlapping time. For example, it ensures timely transmission of the non-sensing signal, thereby reducing communication latency. Furthermore, if the sensing signal is not sent during the overlapping time, the sensing signal will not affect the non-sensing signal, thus improving communication quality.

[0212] Optionally, determining the first signal to be transmitted during the overlapping time in S402 above includes: determining the first signal to be transmitted during the overlapping time according to a priority, wherein the priority includes the priority of the sensing signal and / or the priority of the non-sensing signal.

[0213] In this application, the priority of the sensed signal and / or the priority of the non-sensed signal can be explicitly indicated by a priority identifier, or it can be determined by some priority-related information.

[0214] In this application, if the priority includes the priority of the sensed signal and the priority of the non-sensed signal, the first signal can be determined by comparing the priority of the sensed signal and the priority of the non-sensed signal.

[0215] In this application, if the priority includes the priority of the sensing signal or the priority of the non-sensing signal, the sensing signal or non-sensing signal with priority can be preferentially determined as the first signal, or the sensing signal or non-sensing signal without priority can be preferentially determined as the first signal.

[0216] Optionally, if the priority of the sensing signal is higher than the priority of the non-sensing signal, the first signal is a sensing signal; or, if the priority of the sensing signal is lower than the priority of the non-sensing signal, the first signal is a non-sensing signal; or, the first signal includes both sensing and non-sensing signals.

[0217] In this scheme, the first signal to be sent during the overlapping time is determined according to the priority. Priority can be given to sending high-priority sensing signals or non-sensing signals, which is beneficial to ensuring important sensing or non-sensing tasks.

[0218] Generally speaking, the order of transmitting sensing signals and non-sensing signals is usually: high-priority non-sensing signal transmission > continuous phase transmission of sensing signals > low-priority non-sensing signal transmission.

[0219] There are several ways to compare the priority of a sensed signal with that of a non-sensed signal. One or more of the following methods can be used to compare the priority of a sensed signal with that of a non-sensed signal, which will be introduced below.

[0220] Method 1: Compare using priority identifiers;

[0221] Both sensed and non-sense signals can be assigned priority identifiers. For example, the priority identifier for a sensed signal is 0, and the priority identifier for a non-sense signal is 1. A smaller priority identifier value indicates a higher priority, meaning the sensed signal has a higher priority than the non-sense signal. Conversely, a larger priority identifier value indicates a lower priority, meaning the sensed signal has a lower priority than the non-sense signal.

[0222] Method 2: Compare based on the service type of non-sensory signals;

[0223] The service type for non-perceptual signals is the service with the first latency requirement, which is a service whose transmission latency is less than a first threshold. The service with the first latency requirement can be a latency-sensitive service, such as ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC) or mission-critical communication services (such as communication services for public utilities like railways, gas, electricity, and water conservancy). The first threshold can be a value configured according to requirements, and of course, the first threshold can be adjusted according to needs.

[0224] If the service type of the non-perceived signal is determined to be the service with the first delay requirement mentioned above, then the priority of the non-perceived signal can be determined to be higher than that of the perceived signal.

[0225] If the service type of the non-perceived signal is determined to be a service that does not have the first latency requirement, such as a service that is not sensitive to latency, then the priority of the perceived signal can be determined to be higher than that of the non-perceived signal.

[0226] Method 3: Compare the preemption of transmission resources during the overlapping time period;

[0227] If the transmission resources during the overlapping time have been preempted by a non-perceptive signal, or if the transmitting node has preempted the transmission resources during the overlapping time for a non-perceptive signal, then the priority of the non-perceptive signal can be determined to be higher than that of the perceived signal. If the transmission resources have not been preempted by a non-perceptive signal, then the priority of the perceived signal can be higher than that of the non-perceptive signal.

[0228] Method 4: Compare whether the transmitting nodes maintain phase continuity during the overlap time;

[0229] In this application, "the transmitting node cannot maintain phase continuity during the overlapping time" means that during the overlapping time, due to some factors, the transmitting node cannot maintain phase continuity when transmitting sensing signals.

[0230] If the transmitting node cannot maintain phase continuity during the overlap time, it can be determined that the priority of the non-sensing signal is higher than that of the sensing signal.

[0231] If the transmitting node can maintain phase continuity during the overlap time, then the priority of the sensing signal can be determined to be higher than that of the non-sensing signal.

[0232] During the overlap time, the transmitting node cannot maintain phase continuity to satisfy at least one of the following:

[0233] The time length from the start of the first transmission time to the end of the overlap time is greater than the maximum duration for which the transmitting node maintains phase continuity; or,

[0234] The transmission power of the sensed signal during the overlap time is different from the transmission power of the sensed signal outside the overlap time; or,

[0235] The frequency domain resources of the sensed signal during the overlap time are different from those of the sensed signal outside the overlap time; or,

[0236] The power control parameters corresponding to the sensing signal within the overlap time are different from the power control parameters corresponding to the sensing signal outside the overlap time; or,

[0237] During the overlap time, the beam used to transmit sensing signals is switched.

[0238] In this application, the maximum duration for maintaining phase continuity indicates that once the maximum duration is reached, the transmitting node is no longer able to maintain phase continuity and a phase transition will occur. For example, taking Figure 5E above as an example, if the maximum duration for maintaining phase continuity is T, if the time length from t0 to t1 is less than T, and the time length from t0 to t2 is greater than T, and if the overlap time is from t1 to t2, then within the time length from t1 to t2, the transmitting node cannot maintain phase continuity and a phase transition will occur. In this case, it can be determined that the priority of non-sensing signals is higher than the priority of sensing signals.

[0239] Of course, after a phase transition occurs, if it is not affected by other changes, the transmitting node can maintain the phase continuity after the transition for the next maximum duration.

[0240] In this application, changes in the transmission power of the sensed signal during the overlap time can also cause the transmitting node to lose phase continuity. For example, before the power change, the transmission power of the sensed signal is a first transmission power; after the power change, the transmission power of the sensed signal is a second transmission power, and the first transmission power and the second transmission power are not equal. In this case, it can be determined that the priority of the non-sensed signal is higher than the priority of the sensed signal.

[0241] In this application, changes in the frequency domain resources of the sensed signal during the overlapping time (e.g., frequency hopping) can also cause the transmitting node to lose phase continuity. For example, before the frequency domain resource change, the sensed signal is transmitted in frequency range 1; after the frequency domain resource change, the sensed signal is transmitted in frequency range 2, and frequency range 1 and frequency range 2 are not exactly the same. In this case, it can be determined that the priority of the non-sensed signal is higher than the priority of the sensed signal.

[0242] In this application, the switching of the beam used to transmit the sensing signal during the overlap time can also cause the transmitting node to lose phase continuity. For example, before the switch, the sensing signal is transmitted through the first beam, and after the switch, the sensing signal is transmitted through the second beam, which is different from the first beam.

[0243] The above describes various methods for priority comparison, which improves the flexibility of priority comparison.

[0244] The first communication device described above can be a transmitting node, a central node, an SF network element, or an SMF network element, etc. The communication process when the first communication device is a transmitting node is slightly different from the communication process when the first communication device is a central node, an SF network element, or an SMF network element. The following descriptions are based on different accompanying drawings.

[0245] As shown in Figure 6A, taking the first communication device as the transmitting node as an example, the communication method includes:

[0246] S601. When the first transmission time of the sensing signal overlaps with the second transmission time of the non-sensing signal, the transmitting node determines the first signal to be transmitted during the overlapping time; wherein the first signal includes the sensing signal and / or the non-sensing signal.

[0247] The transmitting node maintains phase continuity during the first transmission time, excluding the overlap time.

[0248] This step can be understood by referring to the relevant content in section S401 above.

[0249] S602. During the overlap time, the transmitting node sends sensing signals and / or non-sensing signals.

[0250] S603a. The first receiving node receives the echo signal corresponding to the sensing signal, and / or, S603b. The second receiving node receives the non-sensing signal.

[0251] The first receiving node and the second receiving node can be the same node or different nodes. Additionally, in a single-station sensing scenario, the first receiving node can also be the transmitting node.

[0252] Optionally, the communication method may also include S604 and S605.

[0253] S604. The transmitting node sends first indication information. Correspondingly, the first receiving node and / or the second receiving node receive the first indication information.

[0254] The first indication information is used to indicate that a sensing signal and / or a non-sensing signal is transmitted during the overlap time. Alternatively, the first indication information can also be used to indicate that no sensing signal or non-sensing signal is transmitted during the overlap time.

[0255] Figure 6A shows a dual-station sensing scenario. After the transmitting node obtains the first indication information, it can send the first indication information to the first receiving node of the echo signal corresponding to the sensing signal, and / or send the first indication information to the second receiving node of the non-sensing signal.

[0256] In a single-station sensing scenario, the transmitting node and the first receiving node are the same node, and the transmitting node does not need to send the first indication information.

[0257] In this application, the first indication information can instruct the receiving node to receive echo signals or non-sensory signals. The receiving node can determine whether to perform signal reception based on the first indication information. If it determines to perform signal reception, the sensing or communication tasks can be guaranteed. If it determines not to perform signal reception, the receiving node can enter a sleep or shutdown mode to save energy or reduce power consumption.

[0258] S605. The transmitting node sends the second indication information. Correspondingly, the first receiving node receives the second indication information.

[0259] The second indication information is used to indicate whether the transmitting node maintains phase continuity or cannot maintain phase continuity during the overlap time.

[0260] In this application, the second indication information can instruct the receiving node of the echo signal whether the transmitting node should transmit the sensing signal while maintaining phase continuity during the overlap time. This allows the receiving node to process the echo signal using different methods to maximize sensing performance. For example, if the transmitting node transmits the sensing signal with phase continuity during the overlap time, the receiving node can coherently process the echo signal received during the overlap time together with the echo signal received before the overlap time to improve sensing performance. Alternatively, if the transmitting node cannot maintain phase continuity during the overlap time, the receiving node can process the echo signal received during the overlap time separately.

[0261] In the communication process described in Figure 6A above, if the transmitting node determines to send the sensing signal during the overlapping period of the first transmission time of the sensing signal and the second transmission time of the non-sensing signal, and does not send the non-sensing signal, the non-sensing signal will not affect the sensing signal. In this way, the transmitting node can maintain phase continuity in sending the sensing signal throughout the entire first transmission time, improving sensing performance. If it determines to send the non-sensing signal during the overlapping period, communication quality can be improved regardless of whether the sensing signal is sent during the overlapping period. For example, it ensures timely transmission of the non-sensing signal, thereby reducing communication latency. Furthermore, if the sensing signal is not sent during the overlapping period, the sensing signal will not affect the non-sensing signal, thus improving communication quality.

[0262] As shown in Figure 6B, taking a central node, SF network element, or SMF network element as an example, the communication method may include:

[0263] S611. When the first transmission time of the sensing signal overlaps with the second transmission time of the non-sensing signal, the central node, SF network element, or SMF network element determines the first signal to be transmitted during the overlapping time; wherein the first signal includes the sensing signal and / or the non-sensing signal, and the transmitting node corresponding to the sensing signal maintains phase continuity during the first transmission time excluding the overlapping time.

[0264] This step can be understood by referring to the relevant content in section S401 above.

[0265] S612. The central node, SF network element, or SMF network element sends the first indication information to the transmitting node. Correspondingly, the transmitting node receives the first indication information.

[0266] The first indication information is used to indicate the transmission of sensing signals and / or non-sensing signals during the overlapping time.

[0267] S613. During the overlap time, the transmitting node sends sensing signals and / or non-sensing signals.

[0268] S614a. The first receiving node receives the echo signal corresponding to the sensing signal, and / or, S614b. The second receiving node receives the non-sensing signal.

[0269] The first receiving node and the second receiving node can be the same node. In addition, in a single-station sensing scenario, the first receiving node can also be a transmitting node.

[0270] Optionally, the communication method may also include S615 and S616.

[0271] S615. The transmitting node sends first indication information. Correspondingly, the first receiving node and / or the second receiving node receive the first indication information.

[0272] After receiving the first indication information from the central node, SF network element, or SMF network element, the transmitting node can then send it to the first receiving node and / or the second receiving node.

[0273] In this application, the first indication information can instruct the receiving node to receive echo signals or non-sensory signals. The receiving node can determine whether to perform signal reception based on the first indication information. If it determines to perform signal reception, the sensing or communication tasks can be guaranteed. If it determines not to perform signal reception, the receiving node can enter a sleep or shutdown mode to save energy or reduce power consumption.

[0274] S616. The transmitting node sends the second indication information. Correspondingly, the first receiving node receives the second indication information.

[0275] The second indication information is used to indicate whether the transmitting node maintains phase continuity or cannot maintain phase continuity during the overlap time.

[0276] In this application, the second indication information can instruct the receiving node of the echo signal whether the transmitting node should transmit the sensing signal while maintaining phase continuity during the overlap time. This allows the receiving node to process the echo signal using different methods to maximize sensing performance. For example, if the transmitting node transmits the sensing signal with phase continuity during the overlap time, the receiving node can coherently process the echo signal received during the overlap time together with the echo signal received before the overlap time to improve sensing performance. Alternatively, if the transmitting node cannot maintain phase continuity during the overlap time, the receiving node can process the echo signal received during the overlap time separately.

[0277] In the communication process described in Figure 6B above, the central node, SF network element, or SMF network element can instruct the transmitting node to send the sensing signal and / or the non-sensing signal during the overlapping time when the first transmission time of the sensing signal overlaps with the second transmission time of the non-sensing signal. If it is determined that the transmitting node sends the sensing signal during the overlapping time but not the non-sensing signal, the non-sensing signal will not affect the sensing signal. In this way, the transmitting node can maintain phase continuity in sending the sensing signal throughout the first transmission time, which can improve sensing performance. If it is determined that the transmitting node sends the non-sensing signal during the overlapping time, communication quality can be improved regardless of whether the sensing signal is sent during the overlapping time. For example, it ensures timely transmission of the non-sensing signal, thereby reducing communication latency. Furthermore, if the sensing signal is not sent during the overlapping time, the sensing signal will not affect the non-sensing signal, thus improving communication quality.

[0278] The sensing and non-sensing signals described in the above scheme can be signals that need to be transmitted in the same beam, or signals that need to be transmitted in different beams at the same transmitting node. These will be described separately below.

[0279] 1. Sensing signals and non-sensing signals need to be transmitted in the same beam;

[0280] 1.1 Sensing signals and non-sensing signals are processed using frequency division multiplexing (FDM).

[0281] As shown in Figure 7A, the transmitting node determines that it needs to use beam 1 to transmit a sensing signal occupying frequency range 1, and needs to use beam 1 to transmit a non-sensing signal occupying frequency range 2.

[0282] In this scenario, the first transmission time of the sensing signal is from t0 to t3, and the second transmission time of the non-sensing signal is from t1 to t2. The first transmission time can be understood as the transmission time window of the sensing signal, and the second transmission time as the transmission time window of the non-sensing signal. As shown in Figure 7A, t0 to t3 includes t1 to t2, representing a situation where the first and second transmission times of the sensing signal overlap.

[0283] Because sensing signals need to be transmitted during the time interval from t0 to t1, but non-sensing signals do not need to be transmitted, the transmitting node will transmit sensing signals at the first power, and the transmitting node will maintain phase continuity. This part can be understood by referring to the sinusoidal signal curves during the time interval from t0 to t1 in Figures 3B or 3C.

[0284] If sensing and non-sensing signals are transmitted simultaneously during the time period from t1 to t2, the power of transmitting non-sensing signals is usually different from that of transmitting sensing signals. The power parameter of the transmitting node needs to be adjusted or the power switched in order to complete the transmission of non-sensing signals. This will cause the transmission power of sensing signals to change during the time period from t1 to t2, such as the situation at time t1 in Figure 3C. As a result, the transmitting node cannot maintain phase continuity, that is, phase discontinuity occurs.

[0285] Therefore, the transmitting node can determine before time t1 whether to transmit sensing signals and / or non-sensing signals during the time period from t1 to t2. For details on determining whether to transmit sensing signals and / or non-sensing signals, please refer to the relevant content in section S401 above, as well as the content related to priority.

[0286] If the priority of the sensing signal is higher than that of the non-sensing signal, it can be determined that the sensing signal will be transmitted during the time period from t1 to t2, while the non-sensing signal will not be transmitted. Optionally, the non-sensing signal can be transmitted after the sensing signal transmission has ended. As shown in Figure 7B, the non-sensing signal is transmitted after time t3.

[0287] If the priority of the sensing signal is lower than that of the non-sensing signal, then it can be determined that the non-sensing signal will be transmitted during the time period t1 to t2, while the sensing signal will not be transmitted, prioritizing the transmission of the higher-priority non-sensing signal. As shown in Figure 7C, the non-sensing signal is transmitted during the time period t1 to t2, and the transmission of the sensing signal is stopped. In this case, the transmitting node can maintain phase continuity during the time period t0 to t1 and during the time period t2 to t3.

[0288] In addition, if the frequency range occupied by the non-sensing signal, the power parameters of the non-sensing signal, and the spatial parameters are the same as those of the sensing signal, then transmitting the non-sensing signal may not disrupt phase continuity. In this case, the transmitting node can also maintain phase continuity.

[0289] Of course, if the priority of the sensing signal is lower than that of the non-sensing signal, it can be determined that both non-sensing signals will be transmitted during the time period t1 to t2. This situation can be understood by referring to Figure 7A. In this case, the transmission of the higher-priority non-sensing signal will still be prioritized.

[0290] 1.2 Sensing signals and non-sensing signals are processed using frequency division multiplexing (TDM).

[0291] As shown in Figure 7D, the transmitting node determines whether to use beam 1 to transmit a sensing signal or a non-sensing signal occupying frequency range 1.

[0292] In this scenario, the first transmission time of the sensing signal is from t0 to t3, and the second transmission time of the non-sensing signal is from t1 to t2. The first transmission time can be understood as the transmission time window of the sensing signal, and the second transmission time as the transmission time window of the non-sensing signal. As shown in Figure 7D, t0 to t3 includes t1 to t2, representing a situation where the first and second transmission times of the sensing signal overlap.

[0293] Because sensing signals need to be transmitted during the time interval from t0 to t1, while non-sensing signals do not need to be transmitted, the transmitting node will transmit sensing signals at the first power to maintain phase continuity. This part can be understood by referring to the sinusoidal signal curves during the time interval from t0 to t1 in Figures 3B or 3C.

[0294] If a non-sensory signal is transmitted during the time interval t1 to t2, it will be impossible to continue transmitting a sensing signal, which may result in a loss of phase continuity. For example, the power of the transmitted non-sensory signal may differ from the power of the transmitted sensing signal. Based on this, the transmitting node can determine whether to transmit a sensing signal or a non-sensory signal during the time interval t1 to t2 before time t1. For details on determining whether to transmit a sensing signal or a non-sensory signal, please refer to the relevant content in section S401 above, as well as the content related to priority.

[0295] If the priority of the sensing signal is higher than that of the non-sensing signal, it can be determined that the sensing signal will be transmitted during the time period from t1 to t2, while the non-sensing signal will not be transmitted. Optionally, the non-sensing signal can be transmitted after the sensing signal transmission has ended. As shown in Figure 7B, the non-sensing signal is transmitted after time t3.

[0296] If the priority of the sensing signal is lower than that of the non-sensing signal, then it can be determined that the non-sensing signal will be transmitted during the time period t1 to t2, while the sensing signal will not be transmitted, prioritizing the transmission of the higher-priority non-sensing signal. As shown in Figure 7C, the non-sensing signal is transmitted during the time period t1 to t2, and the sensing signal transmission is stopped. In this case, although the sensing signal is not transmitted during the time period t1 to t2, the transmitting node may still maintain phase continuity. For example, the non-sensing signal can be transmitted at the same power as the sensing signal, and θ0 = θ2, where θ0 is the initial phase of the time period t0 to t1, and θ2 is the initial phase of the time period t2 to t3. This principle can be understood by referring to the relevant content in part 3B of Figure 3B.

[0297] 1.3 Sensing signals and non-sensing signals use different component carriers (CCs) on the same frequency domain resource;

[0298] This method can be understood by referring to the FDM method. The difference is that, as shown in Figure 7E, the sensing signal can be transmitted using carrier component 1, and the non-sensing signal can be transmitted using carrier component 2.

[0299] 2. Sensing signals and non-sensing signals need to be transmitted in different beams at the same transmitting node, i.e., spatial division multiplexing (SDM).

[0300] As shown in Figure 8A, the transmitting node sends a sensing signal through a first beam and a non-sensing signal through a second beam to a second receiving node. The echo signal generated after the sensing signal is reflected or scattered by the sensing target is partially received by the first receiving node and partially by the second receiving node. The first receiving node is the node that receives the echo signal corresponding to the sensing signal.

[0301] In this scenario, the first transmission time of the sensing signal is from t0 to t3, and the second transmission time of the non-sensing signal is from t1 to t2. The first transmission time can be understood as the transmission time window of the sensing signal, and the second transmission time as the transmission time window of the non-sensing signal. As shown in Figure 8B, t0 to t3 includes t1 to t2, representing a situation where the first and second transmission times of the sensing signal overlap. This could cause interference between the sensing signal and the non-sensing signal, or the transmission of the non-sensing signal could disrupt the phase continuity of the sensing signal transmitted by the transmitting node. In this scenario, the reason why the non-sensing signal disrupts the phase continuity of the sensing signal could be that, with a fixed total power, when only the sensing signal is transmitted, all power can be allocated to it. However, when both sensing and non-sensing signals are transmitted simultaneously, the total power may need to be distributed between the two signals. This results in a difference between the transmission power of the sensing signal outside the overlap time and the transmission power within the overlap time, making it impossible to maintain the phase continuity of the transmitted sensing signal.

[0302] Based on this, the transmitting node can adopt the ideas shown in Figures 7A to 7E above, and within the time period t1 to t2, determine whether to transmit sensing signals and / or non-sensing signals according to the priority of sensing signals and the priority of non-sensing signals. For an understanding of how to determine whether to transmit sensing signals and / or non-sensing signals, please refer to the relevant content in section S401 above, as well as the content related to priority.

[0303] If the priority of the sensing signal is higher than that of the non-sensing signal, it can be determined that the sensing signal will be transmitted through the first beam during the time period from t1 to t2, while the non-sensing signal will not be transmitted. The non-sensing signal can be transmitted after the sensing signal transmission ends. As shown in Figure 8C, the non-sensing signal will be transmitted through the second beam after time t3 ends.

[0304] If the priority of the sensing signal is lower than that of the non-sensing signal, then it can be determined that the non-sensing signal will be transmitted through the second beam during the time period from t1 to t2, while the sensing signal will not be transmitted, prioritizing the transmission of the higher-priority non-sensing signal. As shown in Figure 8D, the non-sensing signal is transmitted through the second beam during the time period from t1 to t2, while the transmission of the sensing signal is stopped.

[0305] Of course, if the priority of the sensing signal is lower than that of the non-sensing signal, it can be determined that during the time period t1 to t2, both the non-sensing signal and the sensing signal are transmitted through the second beam. This situation can be understood by referring to Figure 8B. In this case, the transmission of the higher-priority non-sensing signal is still prioritized.

[0306] The communication system and communication method in the embodiments of this application have been described above. The communication device provided in the embodiments of this application will be described below.

[0307] Please refer to Figure 9. This application embodiment provides a communication device 900, which can realize the functions of the first or second communication device in the above method embodiments, and therefore can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments. In this application embodiment, the communication device 900 can be a first or second communication device, or it can be an integrated circuit or component inside the first or second communication device, such as a chip, baseband chip, modem chip, SoC chip (e.g., an SoC chip containing a modem core), SIP chip, communication module, chip system, processor, etc.

[0308] It should be noted that the transceiver unit 902 may include a transmitting unit and a receiving unit, which are used to perform transmitting and receiving respectively.

[0309] In one possible implementation, when the device 900 is used to execute the method performed by the first communication device in FIG4 and related embodiments, the device 900 includes a processing unit 901 and a transceiver unit 902; the processing unit 901 is used to determine a first signal to be transmitted during the overlapping time when the first transmission time of the sensed signal overlaps with the second transmission time of the non-sensing signal; wherein the first signal includes the sensed signal and / or the non-sensing signal, and the transmitting node corresponding to the sensed signal maintains phase continuity during the first transmission time excluding the overlapping time. Alternatively, when the device 900 is used to execute FIG6A or FIG6B, the transceiver unit 902 is used to transmit the first signal during the overlapping time.

[0310] In one possible implementation, when the device 900 is used to execute the method performed by the second communication device in FIG4 and related embodiments, the device 900 includes a processing unit 901 and a transceiver unit 902; the transceiver unit 902 is used to receive echo signals and / or non-sensing signals corresponding to sensing signals; wherein, the first transmission time of the sensing signal overlaps with the second transmission time of the non-sensing signal, and the echo signal and / or non-sensing signal are received during the overlap time of the first transmission time and the second transmission time; the transmitting node corresponding to the sensing signal maintains phase continuity during the first transmission time excluding the overlap time. The processing unit 901 is used to process the echo signal and / or non-sensing signal.

[0311] In one possible design, when the communication device 900 is a terminal device or a communication module within a terminal, the function of the processing unit 901 can be implemented by one or more processors. Specifically, the processor may include a modem chip, a SoC chip (such as a SoC chip containing a modem core), or a SIP chip. The function of the transceiver unit 902 can be implemented by transceiver circuitry.

[0312] In one possible design, when the communication device 900 is a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions in a terminal device, such as a modem chip, a SoC chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core, the function of the processing unit 901 can be implemented by a circuit system in the aforementioned chip that includes one or more processors or processor cores. The function of the transceiver unit 902 can be implemented by the interface circuitry or data transceiver circuitry on the aforementioned chip.

[0313] It should be noted that the information execution process of the unit of the above-mentioned communication device 900 can be specifically described in the method embodiment shown above in this application, and will not be repeated here.

[0314] Please refer to Figure 10, which is another schematic structural diagram of the communication device 1000 provided in this application. The communication device 1000 includes a logic circuit 1001 and an input / output interface 1002. The communication device 1000 can be a chip or an integrated circuit.

[0315] In Figure 9, the transceiver unit 902 can be a communication interface, which can be the input / output interface 1002 in Figure 10. The input / output interface 1002 can include an input interface and an output interface. Alternatively, the communication interface can also be a transceiver circuit, which can include an input interface circuit and an output interface circuit.

[0316] In one possible implementation, when the device 1000 is used to execute the method performed by the first communication device in FIG4 and related embodiments, the logic circuit 1001 is used to determine a first signal to be transmitted during the overlapping time when the first transmission time of the sensing signal overlaps with the second transmission time of the non-sensing signal; wherein the first signal includes the sensing signal and / or the non-sensing signal, and the transmitting node corresponding to the sensing signal maintains phase continuity during the first transmission time excluding the overlapping time; or, when the device 1000 is used to execute FIG6A or FIG6B, the input / output interface 1002 is used to transmit the first signal during the overlapping time.

[0317] In one possible implementation, when the device 1000 is used to execute the method performed by the second communication device in FIG. 4 and related embodiments, the input / output interface 1002 is used to receive the echo signal and / or non-sensing signal corresponding to the sensing signal; wherein, the first transmission time of the sensing signal overlaps with the second transmission time of the non-sensing signal, and the echo signal and / or non-sensing signal are received during the overlap time of the first transmission time and the second transmission time; the transmitting node corresponding to the sensing signal maintains phase continuity during the first transmission time excluding the overlap time. The logic circuit 1001 is used to process the echo signal and / or non-sensing signal.

[0318] The logic circuit 1001 and the input / output interface 1002 can also perform other steps performed by the first or second communication device in any embodiment and achieve corresponding beneficial effects, which will not be elaborated here.

[0319] In one possible implementation, the processing unit 901 shown in FIG9 can be the logic circuit 1001 in FIG10.

[0320] Optionally, the logic circuit 1001 can be a processing device, the functions of which can be partially or entirely implemented in software.

[0321] Optionally, the processing apparatus may include a memory and a processor, wherein the memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor reads and executes the computer program stored in the memory to perform the corresponding processing and / or steps in any of the method embodiments.

[0322] Optionally, the processing device may consist of only a processor. A memory for storing computer programs is located outside the processing device, and the processor is connected to the memory via circuitry / wires to read and execute the computer programs stored in the memory. The memory and processor may be integrated together or physically independent of each other.

[0323] Optionally, the processing device may be one or more chips, or one or more integrated circuits. For example, the processing device may be one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), system-on-chips (SoCs), central processing units (CPUs), network processors (NPs), digital signal processors (DSPs), microcontroller units (MCUs), programmable logic controllers (PLDs), or other integrated chips, or any combination of the above chips or processors.

[0324] Please refer to Figure 11, which shows the communication device 1100 involved in the above embodiments provided in the embodiments of this application. Specifically, the communication device 1100 can be the communication device as a terminal device in the above embodiments. The example shown in Figure 11 is that the terminal device is implemented through the terminal device (or the components in the terminal device).

[0325] The present invention provides a possible logical structure diagram of the communication device 1100, which may include, but is not limited to, at least one processor 1101 and a communication port 1102.

[0326] In Figure 9, the transceiver unit 902 can be a communication interface, which can be the communication port 1102 in Figure 11. The communication port 1102 can include an input interface and an output interface. Alternatively, the communication port 1102 can also be a transceiver circuit, which can include an input interface circuit and an output interface circuit.

[0327] Further optionally, the device may also include at least one of a memory 1103 and a bus 1104. In the embodiments of this application, the at least one processor 1101 is used to control the operation of the communication device 1100.

[0328] Furthermore, the processor 1101 can be a central processing unit, a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field-programmable gate array, or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. It can implement or execute the various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the disclosure of this application. The processor can also be a combination that implements computing functions, such as a combination of one or more microprocessors, a combination of a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, etc. Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0329] It should be noted that the communication device 1100 shown in Figure 11 can be used to implement the steps implemented by the terminal device in the aforementioned method embodiment and achieve the corresponding technical effects of the terminal device. The specific implementation of the terminal device shown in Figure 11 can be referred to the description of the first communication device or the second communication device in the aforementioned method embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0330] Please refer to Figure 12, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 1200 involved in the above embodiments provided in the embodiments of this application. The communication device 1200 can specifically be a communication device as a network device in the above embodiments. The example shown in Figure 12 is that the network device is implemented through a network device (or a component in the network device). The structure of the communication device can refer to the structure shown in Figure 12.

[0331] The communication device 1200 includes at least one processor 1211 and at least one network interface 1214. Optionally, the communication device further includes at least one memory 1212, at least one transceiver 1213, and one or more antennas 1215. The processor 1211, memory 1212, transceiver 1213, and network interface 1214 are connected, for example, via a bus. In this embodiment, the connection may include various interfaces, transmission lines, or buses, etc., and this embodiment is not limited thereto. The antenna 1215 is connected to the transceiver 1213. The network interface 1214 enables the communication device to communicate with other communication devices through a communication link. For example, the network interface 1214 may include a network interface between the communication device and core network equipment, such as an S1 interface; the network interface may also include a network interface between the communication device and other communication devices (e.g., other network devices or core network equipment), such as an X2 or Xn interface.

[0332] In Figure 9, the transceiver unit 902 can be a communication interface, which can be the network interface 1214 in Figure 12. The network interface 1214 can include an input interface and an output interface. Alternatively, the network interface 1214 can also be a transceiver circuit, which can include an input interface circuit and an output interface circuit.

[0333] The processor 1211 is primarily used to process communication protocols and communication data, control the entire communication device, execute software programs, and process data from these programs, for example, to support the actions described in the embodiments of the communication device. The communication device may include a baseband processor and a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor is primarily used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU is primarily used to control the entire terminal device, execute software programs, and process data from these programs. The processor 1211 in Figure 12 can integrate the functions of both a baseband processor and a CPU. Those skilled in the art will understand that the baseband processor and CPU can also be independent processors interconnected via technologies such as buses. Those skilled in the art will understand that a terminal device may include multiple baseband processors to adapt to different network standards, and multiple CPUs to enhance its processing capabilities. Various components of the terminal device can be connected via various buses. The baseband processor can also be described as a baseband processing circuit or a baseband processing chip. The CPU can also be described as a central processing circuit or a central processing chip. The function of processing communication protocols and communication data can be built into the processor or stored in memory as a software program, which is then executed by the processor to implement the baseband processing function.

[0334] The memory is primarily used to store software programs and data. The memory 1212 can exist independently or be connected to the processor 1211. Optionally, the memory 1212 can be integrated with the processor 1211, for example, integrated within a single chip. The memory 1212 can store program code that executes the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and its execution is controlled by the processor 1211. The various types of computer program code being executed can also be considered as drivers for the processor 1211.

[0335] Figure 12 shows only one memory and one processor. In actual terminal devices, there may be multiple processors and multiple memories. Memory can also be called storage medium or storage device, etc. Memory can be a storage element on the same chip as the processor, i.e., an on-chip storage element, or it can be a separate storage element; this application does not limit this.

[0336] Transceiver 1213 can be used to support the reception or transmission of radio frequency signals between a communication device and a terminal. Transceiver 1213 can be connected to antenna 1215. Transceiver 1213 includes a transmitter Tx and a receiver Rx. Specifically, one or more antennas 1215 can receive radio frequency signals. The receiver Rx of transceiver 1213 is used to receive the radio frequency signals from the antennas, convert the radio frequency signals into digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency signals, and provide the digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency signals to processor 1211 so that processor 1211 can perform further processing on the digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency signals, such as demodulation and decoding. In addition, the transmitter Tx in transceiver 1213 is also used to receive the modulated digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency signals from processor 1211, convert the modulated digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency signals into radio frequency signals, and transmit the radio frequency signals through one or more antennas 1215. Specifically, the receiver Rx can selectively perform one or more stages of downmixing and analog-to-digital conversion on the radio frequency signal to obtain a digital baseband signal or a digital intermediate frequency (IF) signal. The order of these downmixing and IF conversion processes is adjustable. The transmitter Tx can selectively perform one or more stages of upmixing and digital-to-analog conversion on the modulated digital baseband signal or digital IF signal to obtain a radio frequency signal. The order of these upmixing and IF conversion processes is also adjustable. The digital baseband signal and the digital IF signal can be collectively referred to as digital signals.

[0337] The transceiver 1213 can also be called a transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver device, etc. Optionally, the device in the transceiver unit that performs the receiving function can be regarded as the receiving unit, and the device in the transceiver unit that performs the transmitting function can be regarded as the transmitting unit. That is, the transceiver unit includes a receiving unit and a transmitting unit. The receiving unit can also be called a receiver, input port, receiving circuit, etc., and the transmitting unit can be called a transmitter, transmitter, or transmitting circuit, etc.

[0338] It should be noted that the communication device 1200 shown in Figure 12 can be used to implement the steps implemented by the network device in the aforementioned method embodiment and achieve the corresponding technical effects of the network device. The specific implementation of the communication device 1200 shown in Figure 12 can be referred to the description of the first communication device or the second communication device in the aforementioned method embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0339] Please refer to Figure 13, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device involved in the above embodiments provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0340] It is understood that the communication device 1300 includes, for example, modules, units, elements, circuits, or interfaces, which are appropriately configured together to execute the technical solutions provided in this application. The communication device 1300 may be the terminal device or network device described above, or a component (e.g., a chip) within these devices, used to implement the methods described in the following method embodiments. The communication device 1300 includes one or more processors 1301. The processor 1301 may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, for example, a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit can be used to control the communication device (e.g., RAN node, terminal, or chip), execute software programs, and process data from the software programs.

[0341] Optionally, in one design, processor 1301 may include program 1303 (sometimes also referred to as code or instructions), which may be executed on processor 1301 to cause communication device 1300 to perform the methods described in the embodiments below. In yet another possible design, communication device 1300 includes circuitry (not shown in FIG13).

[0342] Optionally, the communication device 1300 may include one or more memories 1302 storing a program 1304 (sometimes referred to as code or instructions), which can be run on the processor 1301 to cause the communication device 1300 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments.

[0343] Optionally, the processor 1301 and / or memory 1302 may include AI modules 1307 and 1308, which are used to implement AI-related functions. The AI ​​modules can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of both. For example, the AI ​​module may include a radio intelligence control (RIC) module. For example, the AI ​​module may be a near real-time RIC or a non-real-time RIC.

[0344] Optionally, the processor 1301 and / or memory 1302 may include sensing modules 1309 and 1310, which are used to implement communication or sensing-related functions. The sensing modules may be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of both.

[0345] Optionally, the AI ​​module and the synesthesia module mentioned above can be separate modules or composite modules, and this application does not limit them in this regard.

[0346] Optionally, the processor 1301 and / or memory 1302 may also store data. The processor and memory may be configured separately or integrated together.

[0347] Optionally, the communication device 1300 may further include a transceiver 1305 and / or an antenna 1306. The processor 1301, sometimes referred to as a processing unit, controls the communication device (e.g., a RAN node or terminal). The transceiver 1305, sometimes referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, or transceiver, is used to realize the transmission and reception functions of the communication device through the antenna 1306.

[0348] In Figure 9, the processing unit 901 can be a processor 1301. The transceiver unit 902 shown in Figure 9 can be a communication interface, which can be the transceiver 1305 in Figure 13. The transceiver 1305 can include an input interface and an output interface. Alternatively, the transceiver 1305 can also be a transceiver circuit, which can include an input interface circuit and an output interface circuit.

[0349] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing one or more computer-executable instructions. When the computer-executable instructions are executed by a processor, the processor performs the method described in the possible implementations of the first or second communication device in the foregoing embodiments.

[0350] This application also provides a computer program product (or computer program) that, when executed by a processor, executes the method described above for the possible implementation of the first or second communication device.

[0351] This application also provides a chip system including at least one processor for supporting a communication device in implementing the functions involved in the possible implementations of the communication device described above. Optionally, the chip system further includes an interface circuit that provides program instructions and / or data to the at least one processor. In one possible design, the chip system may further include a memory for storing the program instructions and data necessary for the communication device. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices, wherein the communication device may specifically be the first communication device or the second communication device in the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0352] This application also provides a communication system, which includes the first communication device in any of the above embodiments.

[0353] Optionally, the communication system may also include a second communication device.

[0354] In the embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units, and may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms. Whether a function is implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0355] 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.

[0356] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit. If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: When the first transmission time of the sensing signal overlaps with the second transmission time of the non-sensing signal, a first signal is determined to be transmitted during the overlapping time; wherein the first signal includes the sensing signal and / or the non-sensing signal, and the transmitting node corresponding to the sensing signal maintains phase continuity during the first transmission time excluding the overlapping time.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The determination of the first signal transmitted at the overlap time includes: The first signal to be transmitted during the overlapping time is determined based on priority, which includes the priority of the sensed signal and / or the priority of the non-sensed signal.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the priority of the sensing signal is higher than the priority of the non-sensing signal, the first signal is the sensing signal; or, If the priority of the sensing signal is lower than the priority of the non-sensing signal, the first signal is the non-sensing signal; or, the first signal includes both the sensing signal and the non-sensing signal.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The non-perceiving signal has a higher priority than the perceiving signal, satisfying at least one of the following: The service type of the non-perceptual signal is a service with a first delay requirement, where the service with the first delay requirement is a service with a transmission delay less than a first threshold; or... The transmission resources during the overlapping time period have been preempted by the non-perceptible signal; or... During the overlap time, the transmitting node cannot maintain phase continuity.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, During the overlap time, the transmitting node cannot maintain phase continuity to satisfy at least one of the following: The time length from the start of the first transmission time to the end of the overlap time is greater than the maximum duration for which the transmitting node maintains phase continuity; or, The transmission power of the sensing signal during the overlap time is different from the transmission power of the sensing signal outside the overlap time; or, The power control parameters corresponding to the sensing signal during the overlap time are different from the power control parameters corresponding to the sensing signal outside the overlap time; or... The frequency domain resources of the sensed signal during the overlapping time period are different from the frequency domain resources of the sensed signal outside the overlapping time period; or... During the overlapping time, the beam used to transmit the sensing signal is switched.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first signal is transmitted during the overlap time.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The method further includes: Acquire and / or send first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate the transmission of the sensing signal and / or the non-sensing signal during the overlapping time.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a second indication message, which indicates whether the transmitting node maintains phase continuity or cannot maintain phase continuity during the overlap time.

9. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a unit for performing the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes at least one processor coupled to a memory; the at least one processor is used to perform the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

11. A readable storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores a computer program or instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, implement the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

12. A computer program product, characterized in that, When the computer program product is run on a computer, it causes the computer to perform the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

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