Communication method, communication device, communication system and storage medium

Abstract

Provided in the present disclosure are a communication method, a communication device, a communication system and a storage medium. The method comprises: receiving a first request sent by a second network element, wherein the first request is used for requesting a sensing service; determining for the sensing service at least one of a first device, a second device, and a third network element, wherein the first device is configured to send a sensing signal, the second device is configured to receive the sensing signal, and the third network element is a relay node between at least one of the first device and the second device and the first network element; and sending first information to at least one of the first device and the second device by means of the third network element, wherein the first information is used for indicating execution of the sensing service. The method of the present disclosure can ensure smooth execution of a sensing service.

Description

Communication methods, communication equipment, communication systems, storage media Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to communication methods, communication devices, communication systems, and storage media. Background Technology

[0002] In communication systems, Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) technology, as a new technology, is commonly used in fields such as automobiles, medical care, drones, and smart cities to perform feature perception on perceived targets. It can improve spectrum efficiency, reduce latency, and enhance reliability in various applications. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure provides communication methods, communication devices, communication systems, and storage media.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a communication method is provided, executed by a first network element, the method comprising:

[0005] Receive a first request sent by the second network element, the first request being used to request sensing services;

[0006] For the sensing service, at least one of a first device, a second device, and a third network element is determined; wherein, the first device is used to transmit sensing signals, the second device is used to receive the sensing signals, and the third network element is: a relay node between at least one of the first device, the second device, and the first network element;

[0007] The third network element sends first information to at least one of the first device and the second device, the first information being used to instruct the execution of the sensing service.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a communication method is provided, executed by a third network element, the method comprising:

[0009] Receive first information sent by a first network element, the first information being used to instruct the execution of sensing services;

[0010] Send the first information to at least one of the first device and the second device;

[0011] Wherein, the first device is used to send sensing signals, the second device is used to receive the sensing signals, and the third network element is: a relay node between at least one of the first device and the second device and the first network element; at least one of the first device, the second device, and the third network element is determined by the first network element.

[0012] According to a third aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a communication method is proposed, executed by a fourth network element, the method comprising:

[0013] The system receives a second request sent by a first network element. The second request is used to request the determination of a third network element. The third network element is a relay node between the first network element and at least one of the first device and the second device. The first device is used to send a sensing signal, and the second device is used to receive the sensing signal.

[0014] Send a first response to the first network element, the first response including at least one of the configuration file of the third network element and the usage time period of the configuration file.

[0015] According to a fourth aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a communication method is proposed, executed by a fifth network element, the method comprising:

[0016] The network element receives at least one of a third request and a subscription request sent by a first network element. The third request is used to request at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices. The subscription request is used to instruct the first network element to subscribe to at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices. The relevant information of one or more candidate first devices is used to determine a first device, and the first device is used to send a sensing signal. The relevant information of one or more candidate second devices is used to determine a second device, and the second device is used to receive the sensing signal.

[0017] Send at least one of a second response and a subscription response to the first network element, wherein the second response is a response message to the third request and includes at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices; the subscription response is a response message to the subscription request and includes at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices.

[0018] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided for a communication system, the communication system including at least one of a first network element, a second network element, a third network element, a first device, and a second device, the method comprising:

[0019] The second network element sends a first request to the first network element, the first request being used to request sensing services;

[0020] The first network element determines at least one of a first device, a second device, and a third network element for the sensing service; wherein, the first device is used to transmit sensing signals, the second device is used to receive the sensing signals, and the third network element is: a relay node between at least one of the first device, the second device, and the first network element;

[0021] The first network element sends first information to at least one of the first device and the second device through the third network element. The first information is used to instruct the execution of the sensing service.

[0022] According to a sixth aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a first network element is proposed, comprising:

[0023] The transceiver module is used to receive a first request sent by the second network element, the first request being used to request sensing services;

[0024] The processing module is used to determine at least one of a first device, a second device, and a third network element for the sensing service; wherein the first device is used to transmit sensing signals, the second device is used to receive the sensing signals, and the third network element is a relay node between at least one of the first device, the second device, and the first network element;

[0025] The transceiver module is further configured to send first information to at least one of the first device and the second device via the third network element, wherein the first information is used to instruct the execution of the sensing service.

[0026] According to a seventh aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a third network element is proposed, comprising:

[0027] The transceiver module is used to receive first information sent by the first network element, and the first information is used to instruct the execution of sensing services;

[0028] The transceiver module is further configured to send the first information to at least one of the first device and the second device;

[0029] Wherein, the first device is used to send sensing signals, the second device is used to receive the sensing signals, and the third network element is: a relay node between at least one of the first device and the second device and the first network element; at least one of the first device, the second device, and the third network element is determined by the first network element.

[0030] According to an eighth aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a fourth network element is proposed, comprising:

[0031] The transceiver module is used to receive a second request sent by a first network element. The second request is used to request the determination of a third network element. The third network element is a relay node between the first network element and at least one of the first device and the second device. The first device is used to send a sensing signal, and the second device is used to receive the sensing signal.

[0032] The transceiver module is further configured to send a first response to the first network element, the first response including at least one of the configuration file of the third network element and the usage time period of the configuration file.

[0033] According to a ninth aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a fifth network element is proposed, comprising:

[0034] The transceiver module is configured to receive at least one of a third request and a subscription request sent by a first network element. The third request is used to request at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices. The subscription request is used to instruct the first network element to subscribe to at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices. The relevant information of one or more candidate first devices is used to determine a first device, which is used to send a sensing signal. The relevant information of one or more candidate second devices is used to determine a second device, which is used to receive the sensing signal.

[0035] The transceiver module is further configured to send at least one of a second response and a subscription response to the first network element, wherein the second response is a response message to the third request and includes at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices; the subscription response is a response message to the subscription request and includes at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices.

[0036] According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided, comprising:

[0037] One or more processors;

[0038] The processor is configured to invoke instructions to cause the communication device to execute any of the communication methods described in the first to fourth aspects.

[0039] According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, including at least one of a first network element, a third network element, a fourth network element, and a fifth network element, wherein the first network element is configured to implement the communication method described in the first aspect, the third network element is configured to implement the communication method described in the second aspect, the fourth network element is configured to implement the communication method described in the third aspect, and the fifth network element is configured to implement the communication method described in the fourth aspect.

[0040] According to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided that stores instructions, which, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform a communication method as described in any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0041] In a thirteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a communication device, implements the communication method as described in any of the first to fourth aspects.

[0042] In a fourteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the communication method as described in any of the first to fourth aspects.

[0043] It is understood that the aforementioned network devices, terminals, communication devices, communication systems, storage media, program products, and computer programs are all used to execute the methods proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0044] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent and readily understood from the following description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0045] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of some communication systems provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0046] Figure 2A is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0047] Figure 2B is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0048] Figure 3A is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0049] Figure 3B is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0050] Figure 3C is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0051] Figure 3D is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0052] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram of an integrated sensing and communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0053] Figures 4B and 4C are schematic diagrams of SF according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0054] Figure 4D is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0055] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first network element provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0056] Figure 5B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a third network element provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0057] Figure 5C is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fourth network element provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0058] Figure 5D is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fifth network element provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0059] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0060] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0061] This disclosure provides embodiments of a communication method, a communication device, a communication system, and a storage medium.

[0062] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure propose a communication method executed by a first network element, the method comprising:

[0063] Receive a first request sent by the second network element, the first request being used to request sensing services;

[0064] For the sensing service, at least one of a first device, a second device, and a third network element is determined; wherein, the first device is used to transmit sensing signals, the second device is used to receive the sensing signals, and the third network element is: a relay node between at least one of the first device, the second device, and the first network element;

[0065] The third network element sends first information to at least one of the first device and the second device, the first information being used to instruct the execution of the sensing service.

[0066] In the above embodiments, the first network element can determine at least one of the sensing signal transmitter (i.e., the first device) and the sensing signal receiver (i.e., the second device). The first network element can also determine the relay node between at least one of the sensing signal transmitter and the sensing signal receiver and the first network element. Thus, the first network element can instruct the sensing signal transmitter and the sensing signal receiver to perform sensing services based on the relay node, thereby ensuring the smooth execution of the sensing services.

[0067] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first request includes at least one of the following: second information, the second information being used to indicate the sensing area of ​​the sensing service; and third information, the third information being used to indicate the sensing time period of the sensing service.

[0068] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the second information includes at least one of the following: the longitude of the sensing area; the latitude of the sensing area; the shape of the sensing area; the tracking area identifier (TAI) corresponding to the sensing area; and the cell identifier (Cell ID) corresponding to the sensing area.

[0069] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the third information includes at least one of the following: the start time of the sensing time period; the end time of the sensing time period; and the duration of the sensing time period.

[0070] In the above embodiments, it is explained what the first request may specifically include, so that the first network element can accurately determine the requirements of the sensing service based on the content included in the first request, and select a sensing signal transmitter and a sensing signal receiver that can execute the sensing service to meet the requirements of the sensing service. Then, the first network element can subsequently instruct the sensing signal transmitter and the sensing signal receiver to execute the sensing service through the third network element, so as to ensure the smooth execution of the sensing service and also to ensure that the execution result of the sensing service meets the requirements of the sensing service.

[0071] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, determining the third network element includes:

[0072] Send a second request to the fourth network element, the second request being used to request the determination of the third network element;

[0073] Receive a first response sent by the fourth network element, wherein the first response includes at least one of the configuration file of the third network element and the usage time period of the configuration file;

[0074] The third network element is determined based on the first response.

[0075] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the second request includes at least one of the following: the network element type of the third network element; second information; third information; a set identifier of the set to which the third network element belongs; and a region identifier of the region to which the third network element belongs.

[0076] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the configuration file includes at least one of the following: the network element type of the third network element; the network element identifier corresponding to the third network element; the fully qualified domain name (FQDN) corresponding to the third network element; and the Internet Protocol (IP) address corresponding to the third network element.

[0077] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, determining at least one of the first device and the second device includes:

[0078] The first device is determined from one or more candidate first devices based on at least one of the sensing area of ​​the sensing service, the sensing time period of the sensing service, and relevant information of one or more candidate first devices;

[0079] The second device is determined from one or more candidate second devices based on at least one of the sensing area of ​​the sensing service, the sensing time period of the sensing service, and relevant information of one or more candidate second devices;

[0080] Wherein, the candidate first device satisfies a first condition, and the candidate second device satisfies a second condition; the first condition includes at least one of the following: the sensing area of ​​the candidate first device at least partially overlaps with the sensing area of ​​the sensing service, and the sensing time period of the candidate first device at least partially overlaps with the sensing time period of the sensing service; the second condition includes at least one of the following: the sensing area of ​​the candidate second device at least partially overlaps with the sensing area of ​​the sensing service, and the sensing time period of the candidate second device at least partially overlaps with the sensing time period of the sensing service.

[0081] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0082] The sensing mode of the sensing service is determined based on at least one of the sensing area of ​​the sensing service, the sensing time period of the sensing service, relevant information of one or more candidate first devices, and relevant information of one or more candidate second devices; wherein the first information is used to instruct the execution of the sensing service based on the sensing mode.

[0083] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0084] Determine at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices.

[0085] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the relevant information of the candidate first device includes at least one of the following: the device identifier of the candidate first device, the device type of the candidate first device, the control plane perception capability of the candidate first device, the user plane perception capability of the candidate first device, the perception area of ​​the candidate first device, and the perception time period of the candidate first device;

[0086] The relevant information of the candidate second device includes at least one of the following: the device identifier of the candidate second device, the device type of the candidate second device, the control plane perception capability of the candidate second device, the user plane perception capability of the candidate second device, the perception area of ​​the candidate second device, and the perception time period of the candidate second device.

[0087] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, determining at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices includes:

[0088] Based on the local storage information of the first network element, at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices is determined.

[0089] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, determining at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices includes:

[0090] Send at least one of a third request and a subscription request to at least one of the third network element and the fifth network element. The third request is used to request at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices. The subscription request is used to instruct the first network element to request to subscribe to at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices.

[0091] The system receives at least one of a second response sent by at least one of the third network element and the fifth network element, and at least one of a subscription response. The second response is a response message to the third request and includes at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and one or more candidate second devices. The subscription response is a response message to the subscription request and includes at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and one or more candidate second devices.

[0092] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the third request includes at least one of the following: second information; third information; fourth information, the fourth information being used to indicate at least one of requesting information related to one or more candidate first devices and information related to one or more candidate second devices.

[0093] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the subscription request includes at least one of the following: second information; third information; a subscription event, the subscription event being used to trigger at least one of the third network element and the fifth network element to send a subscription notification; an event identifier of the subscription event; and the subscription object of the subscription event.

[0094] The subscription event includes at least one of the following: an update of the candidate first device included in the sensing area of ​​the sensing service; an update of the candidate second device included in the sensing area of ​​the sensing service; an update of the relevant information of the candidate first device included in the sensing area of ​​the sensing service; and an update of the relevant information of the candidate second device included in the sensing area of ​​the sensing service.

[0095] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the subscription response further includes at least one of the following: a subscription result; a subscription identifier; and a subscription time period.

[0096] In the above embodiments, a method is provided for determining the first device, the second device, and the third network element, so that the first network element can determine the first device for transmitting sensing signals, the second device for receiving sensing signals, and the third network element for acting as a relay node that meet the requirements of sensing services, so that the first device, the second device, and the third network element can be used to accurately execute sensing services.

[0097] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is further used to request at least one of sensing measurement data and sensing results; wherein the sensing measurement data is obtained by measuring the sensing signal, and the sensing results are determined based on the sensing measurement data;

[0098] The method further includes: receiving at least one of the sensing measurement data and the sensing result sent by at least one of the first device and the second device through the third network element; the first network element receiving the sensing measurement data and determining the sensing result based on the sensing measurement data; and sending the sensing result to the second network element.

[0099] In the above embodiments, it is explained how the first network element requests at least one of the sensing measurement data and sensing results from at least one of the first device and the second device through the third network element, so that the first network element can obtain at least one of the sensing measurement data and sensing results. Then, the first network element can send the obtained sensing measurement data and sensing results to the sensing result user through the second network element, so that the sensing result user can perform corresponding processing based on the sensing measurement data and sensing results, thereby meeting the sensing result user's needs for sensing services.

[0100] Secondly, this disclosure provides a communication method executed by a third network element, the method comprising:

[0101] Receive first information sent by a first network element, the first information being used to instruct the execution of sensing services;

[0102] Send the first information to at least one of the first device and the second device;

[0103] Wherein, the first device is used to send sensing signals, the second device is used to receive the sensing signals, and the third network element is: a relay node between at least one of the first device and the second device and the first network element; at least one of the first device, the second device, and the third network element is determined by the first network element.

[0104] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0105] The first network element receives at least one of a third request and a subscription request, wherein the third request is used to request at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and one or more candidate second devices, and the subscription request is used to instruct the first network element to subscribe to at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and one or more candidate second devices;

[0106] Send at least one of a second response and a subscription response to the first network element, wherein the second response is a response message to the third request and includes at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices; the subscription response is a response message to the subscription request and includes at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices.

[0107] Wherein, the candidate first device satisfies a first condition, and the candidate second device satisfies a second condition; the first condition includes at least one of the following: the sensing area of ​​the candidate first device at least partially overlaps with the sensing area of ​​the sensing service, and the sensing time period of the candidate first device at least partially overlaps with the sensing time period of the sensing service; the second condition includes at least one of the following: the sensing area of ​​the candidate second device at least partially overlaps with the sensing area of ​​the sensing service, and the sensing time period of the candidate second device at least partially overlaps with the sensing time period of the sensing service.

[0108] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the third request includes at least one of the following: second information, the second information being used to indicate the sensing area of ​​the sensing service; third information, the third information being used to indicate the sensing time period of the sensing service; and fourth information, the fourth information being used to indicate at least one of requesting information related to one or more candidate first devices and information related to one or more candidate second devices.

[0109] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the subscription request includes at least one of the following: second information; third information; a subscription event, the subscription event being used to trigger at least one of the third network element and the fifth network element to send a subscription notification; an event identifier of the subscription event; and the subscription object of the subscription event.

[0110] The subscription event includes at least one of the following: an update of the candidate first device included in the sensing area of ​​the sensing service; an update of the candidate second device included in the sensing area of ​​the sensing service; an update of the relevant information of the candidate first device included in the sensing area of ​​the sensing service; and an update of the relevant information of the candidate second device included in the sensing area of ​​the sensing service.

[0111] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the subscription response further includes at least one of the following: subscription result; subscription identifier; subscription time period.

[0112] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the relevant information of the candidate first device includes at least one of the following: the device identifier of the candidate first device, the device type of the candidate first device, the control plane perception capability of the candidate first device, the user plane perception capability of the candidate first device, the perception area of ​​the candidate first device, and the perception time period of the candidate first device;

[0113] The relevant information of the candidate second device includes at least one of the following: the device identifier of the candidate second device, the device type of the candidate second device, the control plane perception capability of the candidate second device, the user plane perception capability of the candidate second device, the perception area of ​​the candidate second device, and the perception time period of the candidate second device.

[0114] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is further used to request at least one of sensing measurement data and sensing results; wherein the sensing measurement data is obtained by measuring the sensing signal, and the sensing results are determined based on the sensing measurement data;

[0115] The method further includes: receiving at least one of the sensing measurement data and the sensing result sent by at least one of the first device and the second device; and sending at least one of the sensing measurement data and the sensing result to the first network element. In a third aspect, embodiments of this disclosure propose a communication method executed by a fourth network element, the method comprising:

[0116] The system receives a second request sent by a first network element. The second request is used to request the determination of a third network element. The third network element is a relay node between the first network element and at least one of the first device and the second device. The first device is used to send a sensing signal, and the second device is used to receive the sensing signal.

[0117] Send a first response to the first network element, the first response including at least one of the configuration file of the third network element and the usage time period of the configuration file.

[0118] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the second request is sent after the first network element receives the first request, the first request being used to request a sensing service, and the first request including at least one of the following:

[0119] The second information is used to indicate the sensing area of ​​the sensing service;

[0120] The third information is used to indicate the sensing time period of the sensing service.

[0121] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the second information includes at least one of the following: the longitude of the sensing area; the latitude of the sensing area; the shape of the sensing area; the tracking area identifier (TAI) corresponding to the sensing area; and the cell identifier (Cell ID) corresponding to the sensing area.

[0122] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the third information includes at least one of the following: the start time of the sensing time period; the end time of the sensing time period; and the duration of the sensing time period.

[0123] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the second request includes at least one of the following: the network element type of the third network element; second information; third information; a set identifier of the set to which the third network element belongs; and a region identifier of the region to which the third network element belongs.

[0124] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the configuration file includes at least one of the following: the network element type of the third network element; the network element identifier corresponding to the third network element; the fully qualified domain name (FQDN) corresponding to the third network element; and the Internet Protocol (IP) address corresponding to the third network element.

[0125] Fourthly, this disclosure provides a communication method executed by a fifth network element, the method comprising:

[0126] The network element receives at least one of a third request and a subscription request sent by a first network element. The third request is used to request at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices. The subscription request is used to instruct the first network element to subscribe to at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices. The relevant information of one or more candidate first devices is used to determine a first device, and the first device is used to send a sensing signal. The relevant information of one or more candidate second devices is used to determine a second device, and the second device is used to receive the sensing signal.

[0127] Send at least one of a second response and a subscription response to the first network element, wherein the second response is a response message to the third request and includes at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices; the subscription response is a response message to the subscription request and includes at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices.

[0128] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, at least one of the third request and the subscription request is sent after the first network element receives the first request, the first request being used to request a sensing service, and the first request including at least one of the following:

[0129] The second information is used to indicate the sensing area of ​​the sensing service;

[0130] The third information is used to indicate the sensing time period of the sensing service.

[0131] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the second information includes at least one of the following: the longitude of the sensing area; the latitude of the sensing area; the shape of the sensing area; the tracking area identifier (TAI) corresponding to the sensing area; and the cell identifier (Cell ID) corresponding to the sensing area.

[0132] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the third information includes at least one of the following: the start time of the sensing time period; the end time of the sensing time period; and the duration of the sensing time period.

[0133] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the candidate first device satisfies a first condition, and the candidate second device satisfies a second condition; the first condition includes at least one of the following: the sensing area of ​​the candidate first device at least partially overlaps with the sensing area of ​​the sensing service, and the sensing time period of the candidate first device at least partially overlaps with the sensing time period of the sensing service; the second condition includes at least one of the following: the sensing area of ​​the candidate second device at least partially overlaps with the sensing area of ​​the sensing service, and the sensing time period of the candidate second device at least partially overlaps with the sensing time period of the sensing service.

[0134] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the relevant information of the candidate first device includes at least one of the following: the device identifier of the candidate first device, the device type of the candidate first device, the control plane perception capability of the candidate first device, the user plane perception capability of the candidate first device, the perception area of ​​the candidate first device, and the perception time period of the candidate first device;

[0135] The relevant information of the candidate second device includes at least one of the following: the device identifier of the candidate second device, the device type of the candidate second device, the control plane perception capability of the candidate second device, the user plane perception capability of the candidate second device, the perception area of ​​the candidate second device, and the perception time period of the candidate second device.

[0136] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the third request includes at least one of the following: second information; third information; fourth information, the fourth information being used to indicate at least one of requesting information related to one or more candidate first devices and information related to one or more candidate second devices.

[0137] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the subscription request includes at least one of the following: second information; third information; a subscription event, the subscription event being used to trigger at least one of the third network element and the fifth network element to send a subscription notification; an event identifier of the subscription event; and the subscription object of the subscription event.

[0138] The subscription event includes at least one of the following: an update of the candidate first device included in the sensing area of ​​the sensing service; an update of the candidate second device included in the sensing area of ​​the sensing service; an update of the relevant information of the candidate first device included in the sensing area of ​​the sensing service; and an update of the relevant information of the candidate second device included in the sensing area of ​​the sensing service.

[0139] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the subscription response further includes at least one of the following: a subscription result; a subscription identifier; and a subscription period.

[0140] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method for a communication system, the communication system including at least one of a first network element, a second network element, a third network element, a fourth network element, a fifth network element, a first device, and a second device, the method comprising:

[0141] The second network element sends a first request to the first network element, the first request being used to request sensing services;

[0142] The first network element determines at least one of a first device, a second device, and a third network element for the sensing service; wherein, the first device is used to transmit sensing signals, the second device is used to receive the sensing signals, and the third network element is: a relay node between at least one of the first device, the second device, and the first network element;

[0143] The first network element sends first information to at least one of the first device and the second device through the third network element. The first information is used to instruct the execution of the sensing service.

[0144] Sixthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a first network element, comprising:

[0145] The transceiver module is used to receive a first request sent by the second network element, the first request being used to request sensing services;

[0146] The processing module is used to determine at least one of a first device, a second device, and a third network element for the sensing service; wherein the first device is used to transmit sensing signals, the second device is used to receive the sensing signals, and the third network element is a relay node between at least one of the first device, the second device, and the first network element;

[0147] The transceiver module is further configured to send first information to at least one of the first device and the second device via the third network element, wherein the first information is used to instruct the execution of the sensing service.

[0148] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure propose a third network element, including:

[0149] The transceiver module is used to receive first information sent by the first network element, and the first information is used to instruct the execution of sensing services;

[0150] The transceiver module is further configured to send the first information to at least one of the first device and the second device;

[0151] Wherein, the first device is used to send sensing signals, the second device is used to receive the sensing signals, and the third network element is: a relay node between at least one of the first device and the second device and the first network element; at least one of the first device, the second device, and the third network element is determined by the first network element.

[0152] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure propose a fourth network element, including:

[0153] The transceiver module is used to receive a second request sent by a first network element. The second request is used to request the determination of a third network element. The third network element is a relay node between the first network element and at least one of the first device and the second device. The first device is used to send a sensing signal, and the second device is used to receive the sensing signal.

[0154] The transceiver module is further configured to send a first response to the first network element, the first response including at least one of the configuration file of the third network element and the usage time period of the configuration file.

[0155] Ninthly, embodiments of this disclosure propose a fifth network element, including:

[0156] The transceiver module is configured to receive at least one of a third request and a subscription request sent by a first network element. The third request is used to request at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices. The subscription request is used to instruct the first network element to subscribe to at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices. The relevant information of one or more candidate first devices is used to determine a first device, which is used to send a sensing signal. The relevant information of one or more candidate second devices is used to determine a second device, which is used to receive the sensing signal.

[0157] The transceiver module is further configured to send at least one of a second response and a subscription response to the first network element, wherein the second response is a response message to the third request and includes at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices; the subscription response is a response message to the subscription request and includes at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices.

[0158] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a first network element, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the first network element is configured to perform the method as described in the first aspect and optional implementations thereof.

[0159] In one aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a third network element, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the third network element is used to perform the method as described in the second aspect and optional implementations of the second aspect.

[0160] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a fourth network element, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the fourth network element is configured to perform the method as described in the third aspect and optional implementations thereof.

[0161] In a thirteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a fifth network element, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the fifth network element is configured to perform the methods described in the fourth aspect and optional implementations thereof.

[0162] In a fourteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system comprising: a first network element, a third network element, a fourth network element, and a fifth network element; wherein the first network element is configured to perform the method described in the first aspect and its optional implementations, the third network element is configured to perform the method described in the second aspect and its optional implementations, the fourth network element is configured to perform the method described in the third aspect and its optional implementations, and the fifth network element is configured to perform the method described in the fourth aspect and its optional implementations.

[0163] In a fifteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the methods described in the first aspect, optional implementations of the first aspect, the second aspect, optional implementations of the second aspect, the third aspect, optional implementations of the third aspect, and the fourth aspect, optional implementations of the fourth aspect.

[0164] In a sixteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the methods described in the first aspect, optional implementations of the first aspect, the second aspect, optional implementations of the second aspect, the third aspect, optional implementations of the third aspect, and the fourth aspect, optional implementations of the fourth aspect.

[0165] In a seventeenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods described in the first aspect, optional implementations of the first aspect, the second aspect, optional implementations of the second aspect, the third aspect, optional implementations of the third aspect, and the fourth aspect, optional implementations of the fourth aspect.

[0166] It is understood that the aforementioned network devices, terminals, communication devices, communication systems, storage media, program products, and computer programs are all used to execute the methods proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0167] This disclosure provides embodiments of communication methods, communication devices, communication systems, and storage media. In some embodiments, terms such as communication method and information processing method may be used interchangeably.

[0168] This disclosure is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, each step in a particular embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementation methods in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, for example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments. In all embodiments of this disclosure, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terminology and / or descriptions between the embodiments are consistent and can be mutually referenced. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0169] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0170] In this embodiment of the disclosure, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a," "an," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "this," etc., can mean "one and only one," or "one or more," "at least one," etc. For example, when using articles such as "a," "an," "the," etc. in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as either a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0171] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0172] In some embodiments, the terms "at least one of A or B, at least one of A and B", "one or more", "a plurality of", "multiple" and the like can be used interchangeably.

[0173] In some embodiments, the notation "at least one of A and B", "A and / or B", "A in one case, B in another", "in response to one case A, in response to another case B", etc., may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of whether there is a branch B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of whether there is a branch A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, both A and B are executed. The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0174] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions, depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of whether a branch B exists); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of whether a branch A exists); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, and C.

[0175] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. Similarly, if the object being described is "information", then "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0176] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0177] In some embodiments, terms such as "time / frequency" and "time-frequency domain" refer to the time domain and / or frequency domain.

[0178] In some embodiments, terms such as “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “when…”, “if…”, etc. can be used interchangeably. These descriptions all refer to the device making a corresponding action under certain objective circumstances. They do not necessarily limit the time, nor do they require the device to make a judgment action when implementing it, nor do they mean that there must be other limitations.

[0179] In some embodiments, the terms “greater than,” “greater than or equal to,” “not less than,” “more than,” “more than or equal to,” “not less than,” “higher than,” “higher than or equal to,” “not lower than,” and “above” can be used interchangeably, as can the terms “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not greater than,” “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not more than,” “lower than,” “lower than or equal to,” “not higher than,” and “below”.

[0180] In some embodiments, devices, etc., may be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to those described in the embodiments. Terms such as “device,” “equipment,” “circuit,” “network element,” “network function,” “network device,” “function,” “node,” “unit,” “section,” “system,” “network,” “chip,” “chip system,” “entity,” and “subject” are interchangeable.

[0181] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0182] In some embodiments, the terms "access network device (AN device)," "radio access network device (RAN device)," "base station (BS)," "radio base station," "fixed station," "node," "access point," "transmission point (TP)," "reception point (RP)," "transmission / reception point (TRP)," "panel," "antenna panel," "antenna array," "cell," "macro cell," "small cell," "femto cell," "pico cell," "sector," "cell group," "serving cell," "carrier," "component carrier," and "bandwidth part (BWP)" can be used interchangeably.

[0183] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal", "terminal device", "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal", "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", "subscriber station", "mobile unit", "subscriber unit", "wireless unit", "remote unit", "mobile device", "wireless device", "wireless communication device", "remote device", "mobile subscriber station", "access terminal", "mobile terminal", "wireless terminal", "remote terminal", "handset", "user agent", "mobile client", and "client" can be used interchangeably.

[0184] In some embodiments, access network devices, core network devices, or network devices can be replaced by terminals. For example, embodiments of this disclosure can also be applied to structures where communication between access network devices, core network devices, or network devices and terminals is replaced by communication between multiple terminals (e.g., device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, the structure can also be configured such that the terminal has all or part of the functions of the access network device. Furthermore, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can be replaced with terms corresponding to communication between terminals (e.g., "sidelink"). For example, uplink channel, downlink channel, etc., can be replaced with sidelink channel, and uplink link, downlink, etc., can be replaced with sidelink link.

[0185] In some embodiments, the terminal may be replaced by an access network device, a core network device, or a network device. In this case, the access network device, core network device, or network device may also be configured to have all or some of the functions of the terminal.

[0186] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0187] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0188] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0189] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 may include core network equipment, terminals, and access network equipment.

[0190] In some embodiments, the terminal includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: mobile phone, wearable device, Internet of Things (IoT) device, Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) device, car with communication capabilities, smart car, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal device in industrial control, wireless terminal device in self-driving, wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, wireless terminal device in smart grid, wireless terminal device in transportation safety, wireless terminal device in smart city, and wireless terminal device in smart home.

[0191] In some embodiments, the access network device is, for example, a node or device that connects a terminal to a wireless network. The access network device may include at least one of the following in a 5G communication system: evolved Node B (eNB), next-generation eNB (ng-eNB), next-generation Node B (gNB), node B (NB), home node B (HNB), home evolved node B (HeNB), radio backhaul device, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), base band unit (BBU), mobile switching center, base station in a 6G communication system, open RAN, cloud RAN, base station in other communication systems, and access node in a Wi-Fi system, but is not limited thereto.

[0192] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of this disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within access network devices involved in the embodiments of this disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of Open RAN. The processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented by software or programs.

[0193] In some embodiments, the access network device may be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU may also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can separate the protocol layer of the access network device. Some of the protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining part or all of the protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU and centrally controlled by the CU. However, this is not the only possibility.

[0194] In some embodiments, the core network equipment may be a single device, including a first network element, a second network element, a third network element, a fourth network element, a fifth network element, etc., or it may be multiple devices or a group of devices, each including all or part of the first network element, the second network element, the third network element, the fourth network element, the fifth network element, etc. Network elements may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of the Evolved Packet Core (EPC), the 5G Core Network (5GCN), and the Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0195] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first network element can be used to provide sensing functionality, and the first network element can be, for example, a sensing function (SF) network element.

[0196] Optionally, in some embodiments, the second network element can be used to send a first request to the first network element. The first request is used to request a sensing service. Optionally, the first request can also be called a sensing request. In some embodiments, the second network element may include at least one of the following: Network Exposure Function (NEF), Gateway Mobile Location Centre (GMLC), and Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) network element.

[0197] Optionally, in some embodiments, the third network element can be used to provide access and mobility management functions, and the second network element can be, for example, an AMF network element. Optionally, when the second network element is an AMF network element, the third network element and the second network element can be the same network element or different network elements.

[0198] Optionally, in some embodiments, the fourth network element can be used to provide network storage functionality, and the fourth network element can be, for example, a Network Repository Function (NRF) network element.

[0199] Optionally, in some embodiments, the fifth network element can be used to provide sensing data management functions, such as a Sensing Data Management Function (SDMF) network element.

[0200] In some embodiments, the functions implemented by at least one of the first network element, second network element, third network element, fourth network element, and fifth network element described above can also be implemented by the access network device.

[0201] It is understood that the communication system described in this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0202] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1, or to some of the main bodies, but are not limited thereto. The main bodies shown in FIG1 are illustrative. The communication system may include all or some of the main bodies in FIG1, or may include other main bodies outside of FIG1. ​​The number and form of each main body are arbitrary. Each main body may be physical or virtual. The connection relationship between the main bodies is illustrative. The main bodies may not be connected or may be connected. The connection can be in any way, it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, it can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0203] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 6th generation mobile communication system (6G), 5G New Radio (NR), Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR), New Radio Access (NX), Future Generation Radio Access (FX), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), and IEEE 802.20, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth (a registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) systems, systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems built upon them, etc. Furthermore, multiple systems can be combined (e.g., a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0204] Optionally, when performing sensing services based on ISAC technology in a communication system, it is usually necessary for the sensing signal transmitter to send a sensing signal to the sensing signal receiver. After receiving the sensing signal, the sensing signal receiver can obtain sensing measurement data based on the received sensing signal. This sensing measurement data can be used to determine the sensing result, which may include, for example, the shape of the sensing target, the size of the sensing target, the direction of movement of the sensing target, the speed of movement of the sensing target, the position of the sensing target, the distance or relative motion direction between the sensing target and the sensing signal receiver.

[0205] In some embodiments, when a sensing service needs to be executed, the terminal or application function (AF) sends a sensing request to the sensing function (SF) network element. The sensing request may include information such as the target sensing area and target sensing time period for the sensing service. Based on the target sensing area and / or target sensing time period information included in the sensing request, the SF network element can determine sensing signal transmitters and receivers that meet the sensing service requirements from candidate devices. Optionally, in some embodiments, the SF network element also needs to determine a serving access and mobility management function (AMF) network element. This serving AMF network element can act as a relay node between at least one of the sensing signal transmitters and receivers and the SF network element, so that the SF network element can instruct the sensing signal transmitters and receivers to execute the sensing service through the serving AMF network element.

[0206] However, there is currently no method for determining candidate devices or serving AMF network elements.

[0207] Figure 2A is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2A, this embodiment of the disclosure relates to a communication method for a communication system 100; the method includes:

[0208] Step 2101: The second network element sends a first request to the first network element.

[0209] Optionally, the first network element may receive a first request sent by the second network element. In some embodiments, the first request may be used to request sensing services; in some embodiments, the first request may also be called a sensing request or other names, which are not specifically limited herein.

[0210] Optionally, the first request may include at least one of the following: second information, third information.

[0211] Optionally, the second information can be used to indicate the sensing area of ​​the sensing service. Optionally, the sensing area of ​​the sensing service can refer to the area that the sensing service aims to sense, such as the environment, equipment, people, equipment speed, and person speed within that sensing area. In some embodiments, the second information may include at least one of the following: the longitude of the sensing area; the latitude of the sensing area; the shape of the sensing area; a description of the shape of the sensing area; a Tracking Area Identity (TAI) corresponding to the sensing area; and a Cell ID corresponding to the sensing area.

[0212] Optionally, the third information can be used to indicate the sensing time period of the sensing service. Optionally, the sensing time period of the sensing service can refer to the time period occupied by the execution process of the sensing service. In some embodiments, the third information may include at least one of the following: the start time of the sensing time period; the end time of the sensing time period; and the duration of the sensing time period.

[0213] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first network element can be an SF network element. SF can be a single Network Function (NF) or two separate Network Functions, namely SF-C and SF-U. Optionally, SF-C can send and receive sensing-related messages through the control plane and collect and process sensing measurement data. SF-U can send and receive sensing-related messages through the user plane and collect and process sensing measurement data.

[0214] Optionally, the second network element can be an AMF network element, a NEF network element, or a GMLC network element. Optionally, the specific network element that is the second network element can be determined based on the first request triggering procedure. In some embodiments, the first request can be triggered by a Mobile Originated (MO) procedure, or the first request can be triggered by a Mobile Terminated (MT) procedure.

[0215] Optionally, when the first request is triggered by the MO procedure, the terminal can trigger the sending of the first request. The terminal sends the first request to the access network equipment (such as the base station or RAN), the access network equipment then sends the first request to the AMF network element, and finally, the AMF network element sends the first request to the SF network element. That is, the sending process of the first request is: UE->RAN->AMF->SF. At this time, the second network element can be the AMF network element.

[0216] In other embodiments, when the first request is triggered via the MT process, it can be sent by an Application Function (AF) network element. The AF network element can send the first request to the NEF network element, which in turn sends it to the SF network element. That is, the sending process for the first request is: AF->NEF->SF. In this case, the second network element can be the NEF network element. Alternatively, the AF network element can send the first request to the NEF network element, which then sends it to the GMLC network element, which in turn sends it to the SF network element. That is, the sending process for the first request is: AF->NEF->GMLC->SF. In this case, the second network element can be the GMLC network element. Alternatively, the AF network element can send the first request to the NEF network element, the NEF network element can send the first request to the GMLC network element, the GMLC network element can send the first request to the AMF network element, and the AMF network element can then send the first request to the SF network element. That is, the sending process of the first request is: AF->NEF->GMLC->AMF->SF. In this case, the second network element can be the AMF network element.

[0217] Step 2102: The first network element sends a second request to the fourth network element.

[0218] Optionally, the fourth network element can be, for example, an NRF network element.

[0219] Optionally, the second request can be used to request the identification of a third network element. In some embodiments, the third network element can be a relay node between at least one of the first device and the second device and the first network element. In some embodiments, the first device can be used to transmit sensing signals; optionally, the first device can be a sensing signal transmitting device (or sensing signal transmitting end). The second device can be used to receive sensing signals; optionally, the second device can be a sensing signal receiving device (or sensing signal receiving end). Optionally, the first device and the second device can also be referred to as sensing entities. In some embodiments, the first device can be, for example, a terminal or an access network device, and the second device can be, for example, a terminal or an access network device. The first device and the second device can be the same device or different devices. Optionally, the third network element can be, for example, an AMF network element. For example, the third network element can be understood as: a serving AMF network element of at least one of the first device and the second device. Optionally, when the second network element is an AMF network element, the third network element and the second network element can be the same network element or different network elements.

[0220] Optionally, the second request can be used to request the identification of a third network element that satisfies at least one of the second information and / or the third information.

[0221] Optionally, the second request may include at least one of the following: the network element type of the third network element; the second information mentioned above; the third information mentioned above; the set identifier of the set to which the third network element belongs; and the region identifier of the region to which the third network element belongs.

[0222] Optionally, the network element type of the aforementioned third network element can be, for example, an AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) set; the set identifier can be, for example, the set identifier of the AMF Set to which the third network element belongs; and the region identifier can be, for example, the region identifier of the AMF Region corresponding to the second network element. In some embodiments, the region to which the third network element belongs may completely overlap with the sensing region of the aforementioned sensing service, or the region to which the third network element belongs may at least partially overlap with the sensing region of the sensing service, or the region to which the third network element belongs may not overlap with the sensing region of the sensing service.

[0223] Optionally, the aforementioned second request may be referred to as Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request or other names, which are not specifically limited herein.

[0224] Step 2103: The fourth network element sends a first response to the first network element.

[0225] Optionally, the first response may include at least one of the third network element's profile and the usage period of the profile. Optionally, the aforementioned "usage period" may also be referred to as the validity period or other names, which are not specifically limited in this disclosure.

[0226] In some embodiments, the configuration file may include at least one of the following: the network element type of the third network element; the network element identifier corresponding to the third network element; the fully qualified domain name (FQDN) corresponding to the third network element; and the Internet Protocol (IP) address corresponding to the third network element.

[0227] Optionally, the network element identifier corresponding to the aforementioned third network element may include, for example, the Global Unique AMF Identifier (GUAMI).

[0228] Optionally, in some embodiments, the fourth network element may determine a suitable third network element based on at least one of the sensing area of ​​the sensing service, the sensing time period of the sensing service, the set identifier of the set to which the third network element belongs, and the area identifier of the area to which the third network element belongs, as described in the second request. The first response may include at least one of the configuration file of the determined suitable third network element and the usage time period of the configuration file. Optionally, the "suitable third network element" may satisfy at least one of the following conditions: it can serve as a relay node between the first network element and devices within the sensing area of ​​the sensing service (i.e., a third network element that satisfies the second information); it can serve as a relay node between the first network element and devices within the sensing area of ​​the sensing service during the sensing time period of the sensing service (i.e., a third network element that satisfies the third information); it belongs to the set identified by the set identifier in the second request; and it belongs to the area identified by the area identifier in the second request. Optionally, the phrase "can serve as a relay node between the first network element and devices within the sensing area of ​​the sensing service" may be understood, for example, as: the service area of ​​the third network element includes the sensing area of ​​the sensing service, or the service area of ​​the third network element at least partially overlaps with the sensing area of ​​the sensing service.

[0229] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first response may be referred to as an Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Response message or other names, which are not specifically limited in this disclosure.

[0230] Step 2104: The first network element determines at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices.

[0231] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first network element may determine at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices based on locally stored information.

[0232] Optionally, the candidate first device may include a device that satisfies a first condition. In some embodiments, the first condition may include at least one of the following: the sensing area of ​​the candidate first device at least partially overlaps with the sensing area of ​​the sensing service (i.e., the candidate first device satisfies the second information), and the sensing time period of the candidate first device at least partially overlaps with the sensing time period of the sensing service (i.e., the candidate first device satisfies the third information).

[0233] Optionally, the sensing area of ​​the candidate first device mentioned above may refer to the area that the candidate first device can sense. In some embodiments, the sensing area of ​​the candidate first device may also be referred to as the effective sensing area of ​​the candidate first device. Optionally, the sensing time period of the candidate first device mentioned above may refer to the time periods during which the candidate first device can perform sensing services. In some embodiments, the sensing time period of the candidate first device may also be referred to as the effective sensing time period of the candidate first device.

[0234] In some embodiments, the phrase "the sensing area of ​​the candidate first device at least partially overlaps with the sensing area of ​​the sensing service" can be understood, for example, as: the candidate first device can send sensing signals within the sensing area of ​​the sensing service, and the phrase "the sensing time period of the candidate first device at least partially overlaps with the sensing time period of the sensing service" can be understood, for example, as: the candidate first device can send sensing signals within the sensing time period of the sensing service.

[0235] Optionally, the candidate second device may include a device that satisfies a second condition, which may include at least one of the following: the sensing area of ​​the candidate second device at least partially overlaps with the sensing area of ​​the sensing service (i.e., the candidate second device satisfies the second information), and the sensing time period of the candidate second device at least partially overlaps with the sensing time period of the sensing service (i.e., the candidate second device satisfies the third information).

[0236] Optionally, the sensing area of ​​the candidate second device mentioned above may refer to the area that the candidate second device can sense. In some embodiments, the sensing area of ​​the candidate second device may also be referred to as the effective sensing area of ​​the candidate second device. Optionally, the sensing time period of the candidate second device mentioned above may refer to the time periods during which the candidate second device can perform sensing services. In some embodiments, the sensing time period of the candidate second device may also be referred to as the effective sensing time period of the candidate second device.

[0237] In some embodiments, the phrase "the sensing area of ​​the candidate second device at least partially overlaps with the sensing area of ​​the sensing service" can be understood, for example, as: the candidate second device can receive sensing signals within the sensing area of ​​the sensing service, and the phrase "the sensing time period of the candidate second device at least partially overlaps with the sensing time period of the sensing service" can be understood, for example, as: the candidate second device can receive sensing signals within the sensing time period of the sensing service.

[0238] Optionally, the relevant information of the candidate first device may include at least one of the following: the device identifier of the candidate first device, the device type of the candidate first device, the control plane perception capability of the candidate first device, the user plane perception capability of the candidate first device, the perception area of ​​the candidate first device, and the perception time period of the candidate first device.

[0239] Optionally, the relevant information of the candidate second device may include at least one of the following: the device identifier of the candidate second device, the device type of the candidate second device, the control plane perception capability of the candidate second device, the user plane perception capability of the candidate second device, the perception area of ​​the candidate second device, and the perception time period of the candidate second device.

[0240] Optionally, the aforementioned device type may refer to a terminal or an access network device. For example, the device type of a candidate first device may be a terminal, and the device type of a candidate second device may be an access network device.

[0241] Optionally, the device identifier mentioned above is determined based on the device type. In some embodiments, when the device type is a terminal, the device identifier can be a Subscriber Permanent Identifier (SUPI), and when the device type is an access network device, the device identifier can be a RAN node ID.

[0242] Optionally, the control plane perception capability described above may include at least one of the following: the type of perception signal that the control plane supports transmitting, the type of perception result that the control plane supports generating, and the minimum perception latency that the control plane can achieve; the user plane perception capability described above may include at least one of the following: the type of perception signal that the user plane supports transmitting, the type of perception result that the user plane supports generating, and the minimum perception latency that the user plane can achieve.

[0243] Optionally, in some embodiments, the local storage information of the first network element may refer to: the relevant information of all communication devices stored locally by the first network element. In some embodiments, the first network element may determine at least one of one or more candidate first devices that meet the first condition and one or more candidate second devices that meet the second condition based on the local storage information. Then, it may determine at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and one or more candidate second devices.

[0244] Step 2105: The first network element determines the first device from one or more candidate first devices based on at least one of the sensing area of ​​the sensing service, the sensing time period of the sensing service, and relevant information of one or more candidate first devices.

[0245] Optionally, the first network element may determine one or more candidate first devices that can realize the sensing service as the first device based on at least one of the sensing area of ​​the sensing service, the sensing time period of the sensing service, and relevant information of one or more candidate first devices.

[0246] Optionally, the first device determined by the first network element can be a device with high efficiency in performing sensing services among all candidate first devices, or a device with good performance in performing sensing services.

[0247] Step 2106: The first network element determines the second device from one or more candidate second devices based on at least one of the sensing area of ​​the sensing service, the sensing time period of the sensing service, and relevant information of one or more candidate second devices.

[0248] Optionally, the first network element may determine one or more candidate second devices that can realize the sensing service as the second device based on at least one of the sensing area of ​​the sensing service, the sensing time period of the sensing service, and relevant information of one or more candidate second devices.

[0249] Optionally, the second device determined by the first network element can be a device with high efficiency in performing sensing services among all candidate second devices, or a device with good performance in performing sensing services.

[0250] Step 2107: The first network element determines the sensing mode of the sensing service based on at least one of the sensing area of ​​the sensing service, the sensing time period of the sensing service, the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices, and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices.

[0251] Optionally, the sensing mode may include, for example, a bistatic mode or a monostatic mode.

[0252] In some embodiments, the sensing mode may include at least one of the following:

[0253] Base station A transmits and base station B receives (i.e., TRP-TRP Bistatic): Base station A transmits a sensing signal, which is then reflected, refracted, or scattered by the sensing target and received by base station B, which measures the sensing signal.

[0254] Base station monostatic transmission and reception (TRP): Base station A transmits a sensing signal, which is then received by base station A after being reflected, refracted, or scattered by the sensing target. Base station A then measures the sensing signal.

[0255] Base station transmits to terminal receive (i.e., TRP-UE Bistatic): The base station transmits sensing signals, which are then reflected, refracted, or scattered by the sensing target and received by the terminal, which then measures the sensing signals.

[0256] Terminal transmits to base station (i.e., UE-TRP Bistatic): The terminal sends a sensing signal, which is then reflected, refracted, or scattered by the sensing target and received by the base station, which measures the sensing signal.

[0257] Terminal A transmits and Terminal B receives (i.e., UE-UE Bistatic): Terminal A sends a sensing signal, which is then reflected, refracted, or scattered by the sensing target and received by Terminal B. Terminal B then measures the sensing signal.

[0258] Terminal Monostatic (UE): Terminal A sends a sensing signal, which is then received by Terminal A after being reflected, refracted, or scattered by the sensing target. Terminal A then measures the sensing signal.

[0259] Optionally, the sensing mode determined by the first network element can be a mode that achieves higher efficiency, or a mode that achieves better performance.

[0260] Step 2108: The first network element sends the first information to at least one of the first device and the second device through the third network element.

[0261] In some embodiments, the first information can be used to instruct the execution of a sensing service. In other embodiments, the first information can be used to instruct the execution of a sensing service based on a sensing mode. In still other embodiments, the first information can be used to request at least one of sensing measurement data and sensing results; in some embodiments, the sensing measurement data can be obtained by measuring sensing signals, and the sensing results can be determined based on the sensing measurement data. For example, the sensing measurement data can be obtained by a second device (i.e., a sensing signal receiver) measuring the sensing signals. The second device can be a terminal or an access network device. After determining the sensing measurement data, the second device can send the sensing measurement data to the first device. At least one of the first and second devices can determine the sensing results based on the sensing measurement data. The sensing results may include, for example, the shape of the sensing target, the size of the sensing target, the direction of movement of the sensing target, the speed of movement of the sensing target, the position of the sensing target, the distance or relative direction of movement between the sensing target and the sensing signal receiver, etc.

[0262] Optionally, the process of the first network element sending the first information to at least one of the first and second devices through the third network element may include, for example, the first network element sending the first information to the third network element, and the third network element sending the first information to at least one of the first and second devices. In some embodiments, the third network element may transmit the first information transparently. For example, after receiving the first information sent by the first network element, the third network element may not parse and / or process the first information, but may directly forward the first information to at least one of the first and second devices. In other embodiments, the third network element may also transmit the first information non-transparently. For example, after receiving the first information sent by the first network element, the third network element may perform some processing on the first information, such as parsing, compression, format conversion, etc., and then send the processed first information to at least one of the first and second devices. Optionally, the process of the first network element sending information to at least one of the first and second devices through the third network element in subsequent steps is similar to this part, and will not be described again hereafter.

[0263] Step 2109: At least one of the first device and the second device sends at least one of the sensing measurement data and sensing results to the first network element through the third network element.

[0264] Optionally, as can be seen from the foregoing, the first device and the second device can be either a terminal or an access network device. In some embodiments, if the terminal sends at least one of the sensing measurement data and sensing results to the first network element through a third network element, the terminal can send at least one of the sensing measurement data and sensing results to the first network element through the N1 interface or by the user; if the access network device sends at least one of the sensing measurement data and sensing results to the first network element through a third network element, the access network device can send at least one of the sensing measurement data and sensing results to the first network element through the N2 interface or by the user.

[0265] Optionally, in some embodiments, when the first network element receives sensing measurement data, the first network element can determine the sensing result based on the sensing measurement data.

[0266] Optionally, the process of at least one of the first device and the second device sending at least one of the sensing measurement data and sensing results to the first network element through the third network element may include, for example, at least one of the first device and the second device sending the sensing measurement data and / or sensing results to the third network element, and the third network element sending the sensing measurement data and / or sensing results to the first network element. In some embodiments, the third network element may transmit the sensing measurement data and / or sensing results transparently. For example, after receiving the sensing measurement data and / or sensing results sent by at least one of the first device and the second device, the third network element may not parse and / or process at least one of the sensing measurement data and sensing results, but may directly forward the sensing measurement data and / or sensing results to the first network element. In other embodiments, the third network element may also transmit sensing measurement data and / or sensing results non-transparently. For example, after receiving sensing measurement data and / or sensing results from at least one of the first and second devices, the third network element may perform some processing on the sensing measurement data and / or sensing results, such as parsing, compression, format conversion, etc., and then send the processed sensing measurement data and / or processed sensing results back to the first network element. Optionally, the process of at least one of the first and second devices sending information to the first network element through the third network element in subsequent steps is similar to this part, and will not be described again hereafter.

[0267] Step 2110: The first network element sends the sensing result to the second network element.

[0268] Optionally, after receiving the sensing result sent by the first network element, the second network element can send the sensing result to the initiating end of the first request (such as the AF or terminal in step 2101 above), thereby completing the overall sensing service process.

[0269] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps 2101 to 2110. For example, steps 2104+2105+2106 may be implemented as independent embodiments, and steps 2102+2103 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0270] In some embodiments, steps 2105 and 2106 may be performed in an alternate order or simultaneously.

[0271] In some embodiments, step 2107 may be performed in an order that is interchanged with or concurrently with any of steps 2105-2106.

[0272] In some embodiments, step 2107 may be performed optionally, and may or may not be performed.

[0273] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0274] Figure 2B is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2B, this embodiment of the disclosure relates to a communication method for a communication system 100; the method includes:

[0275] Step 2201: The second network element sends a first request to the first network element.

[0276] Step 2202: The first network element sends a second request to the fourth network element.

[0277] Step 2203: The fourth network element sends a first response to the first network element.

[0278] For a detailed explanation of steps 2201-2203, please refer to the above description of steps 2101-2103.

[0279] Step 2204: The first network element sends at least one of the third request and subscription request to at least one of the third network element and the fifth network element.

[0280] Optionally, the fifth network element can be, for example, a network element that stores sensing data, such as an SDMF network element.

[0281] Optionally, the third request can be used to request at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices. Optionally, the third request can be used to request at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices that satisfies at least one of the second and third information. Optionally, the third request may include at least one of the following: second information; third information; fourth information. A detailed description of "second information" and "third information" can be found in the description of step 2101 above. In some embodiments, the fourth information may be used to indicate a request for at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices. For example, the fourth information may include at least one of Sensing Entity Indication and Sensing Capability Indication. Optionally, the Sensing Entity Indication may be used to indicate that the first network element is requesting information related to a sensing entity, and the sensing entity may be understood as: a sensing signal transmitter (i.e., the first device) and a sensing signal receiver (i.e., the second device). The Sensing Capability Indication may be used to indicate that the first network element is requesting the sensing capability of the sensing entity, and the sensing capability may be understood as at least one of the following: control plane sensing capability supported by the sensing entity and user plane sensing capability supported by the sensing entity.

[0282] Optionally, the subscription request can be used to instruct the first network element to request subscription to at least one of the following: information related to one or more candidate first devices, and information related to one or more candidate second devices. Optionally, the subscription request can be used to instruct the first network element to request subscription to at least one of the following: information related to one or more candidate first devices, and information related to one or more candidate second devices, satisfying at least one of the following: second information; third information; a subscription event; an event identifier for the subscription event; or a subscription object for the subscription event. For a detailed description of the "second information" and "third information," please refer to the description in step 2101 above.

[0283] Optionally, the subscription object of the subscription event may include, for example, any candidate first device or any candidate second device that satisfies at least one of the second and third information. Optionally, in some embodiments, the subscription event may include at least one of the following: the information of the candidate first device included in the sensing area of ​​the sensing service is updated; the information of the candidate second device included in the sensing area of ​​the sensing service is updated. Optionally, the above-mentioned "updating of the information of the candidate first device or the candidate second device" may refer to: adding a new candidate first device or a new candidate second device, deleting an existing candidate first device or an existing candidate second device, adding information of an existing candidate first device or an existing candidate second device, deleting information of an existing candidate first device or an existing candidate second device, or modifying information of an existing candidate first device or an existing candidate second device. For example, the subscription event may include at least one of the following: a new candidate first device enters the sensing area of ​​the sensing service, a candidate first device leaves the sensing area of ​​the sensing service, a new candidate second device enters the sensing area of ​​the sensing service, a candidate second device leaves the sensing area of ​​the sensing service, the capability of a candidate first device changes within the sensing area of ​​the sensing service, or the capability of a candidate second device changes within the sensing area of ​​the sensing service.

[0284] Optionally, the subscription event can be used to trigger at least one of the third network element and the fifth network element to send a subscription notification. The subscription notification is a message notifying the first network element that a subscription event has occurred. For example, after subscription is completed, when a subscription event occurs, at least one of the third network element and the fifth network element can send a subscription notification. Optionally, in some embodiments, the subscription notification may include at least one of the following: updated information about one or more candidate first devices and updated information about one or more candidate second devices after the subscription event occurs.

[0285] For a detailed introduction to the above-mentioned "information related to one or more candidate first devices and information related to one or more candidate second devices", please refer to step 2104 above.

[0286] Optionally, in some embodiments, the third request sent by the first network element to the fifth network element may be, for example, referred to as...

[0287] Nsdmf_SEDiscovery_Request or other names; a third request sent from the first network element to the third network element may be called, for example, Namf_Sensing_ProvideSeInfo request or other names. Optionally, the above subscription request may be called, for example, Nsdmf_SEDiscovery_Request or other names.

[0288] Namf_EventExposure_Subscriber_Request or other names, which are not specifically limited in this disclosure.

[0289] Step 2205: At least one of the third network element, the fifth network element, sends a second response or a subscription response to the first network element.

[0290] Optionally, the second response can be a response message to the third request, and the second response may include at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices. Optionally, the subscription response can be a response message to the subscription request, and the subscription response may include at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices. Optionally, the subscription response may also include at least one of the following: subscription result, subscription correlation ID, and subscription time period. Optionally, "subscription result" may indicate whether the subscription was successful, and the subscription time period may refer to, for example, the valid time period of the subscription or the expiration time of the subscription. Optionally, in some embodiments, after sending the subscription response, when the subscription event is triggered, at least one of the third network element and the fifth network element sends a subscription notification to the first network element. For example, when the third network element or the fifth network element determines that a subscription event has occurred, it sends a subscription notification to the first network element; in other embodiments, the subscription notification may not be sent based on a subscription event trigger, for example, the third network element or the fifth network element may periodically send a subscription notification to the first network element.

[0291] Optionally, in some embodiments, the second response sent by the fifth network element to the first network element may include, for example, Nsdmf_SEDiscovery_Response or other names; the second response sent by the third network element to the first network element may include, for example, Namf_Sensing_ProvideSeInfo response or other names. Optionally, the above-mentioned subscription response may include, for example, Namf_EventExposure_Subscriber_Response or other names, and this disclosure does not specifically limit it.

[0292] Optionally, in some embodiments, the subscription notification sent by the fifth network element to the first network element may include, for example, Nsdmf_SEDiscovery_Notify or other names; the subscription notification sent by the third network element to the first network element may include, for example, Namf_EventExposure_Subscriber_Notify or other names, and this disclosure does not specifically limit it.

[0293] In some embodiments, the aforementioned candidate first device and candidate second device may be determined by a third network element or a fifth network element based on the content included in the third request. Optionally, when the third network element or the fifth network element receives the third request, it may traverse the relevant information of all devices stored therein, and determine one or more candidate first devices and one or more candidate second devices based on at least one of the sensing area and sensing time period of the sensing service, and send the relevant information of the one or more candidate first devices and one or more candidate second devices to the first network element in a second response. In other embodiments, when the third network element or the fifth network element receives a subscription request, it may traverse the relevant information of all devices stored therein, and determine one or more candidate first devices and one or more candidate second devices based on at least one of the sensing area and sensing time period of the sensing service, and when a subscription event is determined to have occurred, send the relevant information of the one or more candidate first devices and one or more candidate second devices to the first network element in a second response. Optionally, the first device and second device determined by the third network element or the fifth network element may be devices with high efficiency in the execution of the sensing service, or devices with good performance in the execution of the sensing service.

[0294] Step 2206: The first network element determines the first device from one or more candidate first devices based on at least one of the sensing area of ​​the sensing service, the sensing time period of the sensing service, and relevant information of one or more candidate first devices.

[0295] Step 2207: The first network element determines the second device from one or more candidate second devices based on at least one of the sensing area of ​​the sensing service, the sensing time period of the sensing service, and relevant information of one or more candidate second devices.

[0296] Step 2208: The first network element determines the sensing mode of the sensing service based on at least one of the sensing area of ​​the sensing service, the sensing time period of the sensing service, the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices, and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices.

[0297] Step 2209: The first network element sends the first information to at least one of the first device and the second device through the third network element.

[0298] Step 2210: At least one of the first device and the second device sends at least one of the sensing measurement data and sensing results to the first network element through the third network element.

[0299] Step 2211: The first network element sends the sensing result to the second network element.

[0300] For a detailed explanation of steps 2206-2211, please refer to the description of steps 2205-2210 above.

[0301] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps 2201 to 2211. For example, steps 2204+2205+2206+2207 may be implemented as independent embodiments, and steps 2202+2203 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0302] In some embodiments, steps 2206, 2207, and 2208 may be performed in an interchangeable order or simultaneously.

[0303] In some embodiments, step 2108 may be performed optionally, and may or may not be performed.

[0304] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0305] In some embodiments, steps 2204 and 2205 in the embodiment of FIG. 2B and step 2104 in the embodiment of FIG. 2A can coexist. For example, in some embodiments, for the embodiment of FIG. 2A, steps 2204 and 2205 can be executed before or after step 2104, provided that other steps besides step 2104 remain unchanged; or, step 2104 can be executed simultaneously with either step 2204 or step 2205. In other embodiments, for the embodiment of FIG. 2B, step 2104 can be executed before or after either step 2204 or step 2205, provided that other steps besides step 2204 and step 2205 remain unchanged; or, step 2104 can be executed simultaneously with either step 2204 or step 2205.

[0306] Figure 3A is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3A, this embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method for a first network element, the method comprising:

[0307] Step 3101: Receive the first request sent by the second network element.

[0308] Step 3102: Determine at least one of the first device, the second device, and the third network element for the sensing service.

[0309] Step 3103: Send first information to at least one of the first device and the second device through the third network element.

[0310] Optionally, the first request is used to request a sensing service; optionally, the first device is used to send a sensing signal, the second device is used to receive the sensing signal, and the third network element is: a relay node between at least one of the first device and the second device and the first network element; optionally, the first information is used to instruct the execution of the sensing service.

[0311] Optionally, the first request includes at least one of the following: second information, which indicates the sensing area of ​​the sensing service; and third information, which indicates the sensing time period of the sensing service.

[0312] Optionally, the second information includes at least one of the following: the longitude of the sensing area; the latitude of the sensing area; the shape of the sensing area; the tracking area identifier (TAI) corresponding to the sensing area; and the cell identifier (Cell ID) corresponding to the sensing area.

[0313] Optionally, the third information includes at least one of the following: the start time of the sensing time period; the end time of the sensing time period; and the duration of the sensing time period.

[0314] Optionally, determining the third network element includes: sending a second request to a fourth network element, the second request being used to request the determination of the third network element; receiving a first response sent by the fourth network element, the first response including at least one of the configuration file of the third network element and the usage time period of the configuration file; and determining the third network element based on the first response.

[0315] Optionally, the second request includes at least one of the following: the network element type of the third network element; second information; third information; the set identifier of the set to which the third network element belongs; and the region identifier of the region to which the third network element belongs.

[0316] Optionally, the configuration file includes at least one of the following: the network element type of the third network element; the network element identifier corresponding to the third network element; the fully qualified domain name (FQDN) corresponding to the third network element; and the Internet Protocol (IP) address corresponding to the third network element.

[0317] Optionally, determining at least one of the first device and the second device includes:

[0318] The first device is determined from one or more candidate first devices based on at least one of the sensing area of ​​the sensing service, the sensing time period of the sensing service, and relevant information of one or more candidate first devices;

[0319] The second device is determined from one or more candidate second devices based on at least one of the sensing area of ​​the sensing service, the sensing time period of the sensing service, and relevant information of one or more candidate second devices;

[0320] Wherein, the candidate first device satisfies a first condition, and the candidate second device satisfies a second condition; the first condition includes at least one of the following: the sensing area of ​​the candidate first device at least partially overlaps with the sensing area of ​​the sensing service, and the sensing time period of the candidate first device at least partially overlaps with the sensing time period of the sensing service; the second condition includes at least one of the following: the sensing area of ​​the candidate second device at least partially overlaps with the sensing area of ​​the sensing service, and the sensing time period of the candidate second device at least partially overlaps with the sensing time period of the sensing service.

[0321] Optionally, the method further includes: determining the sensing mode of the sensing service based on at least one of the sensing area of ​​the sensing service, the sensing time period of the sensing service, relevant information of one or more candidate first devices, and relevant information of one or more candidate second devices; wherein the first information is used to instruct the execution of the sensing service based on the sensing mode.

[0322] Optionally, the method further includes: determining at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices.

[0323] Optionally, the relevant information of the candidate first device includes at least one of the following: the device identifier of the candidate first device, the device type of the candidate first device, the control plane perception capability of the candidate first device, the user plane perception capability of the candidate first device, the perception area of ​​the candidate first device, and the perception time period of the candidate first device;

[0324] The relevant information of the candidate second device includes at least one of the following: the device identifier of the candidate second device, the device type of the candidate second device, the control plane perception capability of the candidate second device, the user plane perception capability of the candidate second device, the perception area of ​​the candidate second device, and the perception time period of the candidate second device.

[0325] Optionally, determining at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices includes: determining at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices based on the local storage information of the first network element.

[0326] Optionally, determining at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices includes: sending at least one of a third request and a subscription request to at least one of the third network element and the fifth network element, wherein the third request is used to request at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices, and the subscription request is used to instruct the first network element to request to subscribe to at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices;

[0327] The system receives at least one of a second response sent by at least one of the third network element and the fifth network element, and at least one of a subscription response. The second response is a response message to the third request and includes at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and one or more candidate second devices. The subscription response is a response message to the subscription request and includes at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and one or more candidate second devices.

[0328] Optionally, the third request includes at least one of the following: second information; third information; fourth information, wherein the fourth information is used to indicate at least one of requesting information related to one or more candidate first devices and information related to one or more candidate second devices.

[0329] Optionally, the subscription request includes at least one of the following: second information; third information; a subscription event, the subscription event being used to trigger at least one of the third network element and the fifth network element to send a subscription notification; an event identifier of the subscription event; and the subscription object of the subscription event.

[0330] The subscription event includes at least one of the following: an update of the candidate first device included in the sensing area of ​​the sensing service; an update of the candidate second device included in the sensing area of ​​the sensing service; an update of the relevant information of the candidate first device included in the sensing area of ​​the sensing service; and an update of the relevant information of the candidate second device included in the sensing area of ​​the sensing service.

[0331] Optionally, the subscription response may further include at least one of the following: subscription result; subscription identifier; subscription period.

[0332] Optionally, the first information is further used to request at least one of sensing measurement data and sensing results; wherein the sensing measurement data is obtained by measuring the sensing signal, and the sensing results are determined based on the sensing measurement data;

[0333] The method further includes: receiving at least one of the sensing measurement data and the sensing result sent by at least one of the first device and the second device through the third network element; the first network element receiving the sensing measurement data and determining the sensing result based on the sensing measurement data; and sending the sensing result to the second network element.

[0334] For a detailed description of steps 3101-3103, please refer to the above embodiment description.

[0335] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps 3101 to 3103. For example, step 3101 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, and step 3102 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, but are not limited thereto.

[0336] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0337] Figure 3B is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3B, the present disclosure relates to a communication method for a third network element, the method comprising:

[0338] Step 3201: Receive the first information sent by the first network element;

[0339] Step 3202: Send first information to at least one of the first device and the second device.

[0340] Optionally, the first information is used to instruct the execution of sensing services.

[0341] Optionally, the first device is used to transmit a sensing signal, the second device is used to receive the sensing signal, and the third network element is a relay node between at least one of the first device and the second device and the first network element; at least one of the first device, the second device, and the third network element is determined by the first network element.

[0342] Optionally, the method further includes: receiving at least one of a third request and a subscription request sent by the first network element, wherein the third request is used to request at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices, and the subscription request is used to instruct the first network element to request to subscribe to at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices;

[0343] Send at least one of a second response and a subscription response to the first network element, wherein the second response is a response message to the third request and includes at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices; the subscription response is a response message to the subscription request and includes at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices.

[0344] Wherein, the candidate first device satisfies a first condition, and the candidate second device satisfies a second condition; the first condition includes at least one of the following: the sensing area of ​​the candidate first device at least partially overlaps with the sensing area of ​​the sensing service, and the sensing time period of the candidate first device at least partially overlaps with the sensing time period of the sensing service; the second condition includes at least one of the following: the sensing area of ​​the candidate second device at least partially overlaps with the sensing area of ​​the sensing service, and the sensing time period of the candidate second device at least partially overlaps with the sensing time period of the sensing service.

[0345] Optionally, the third request includes at least one of the following: second information, which indicates the sensing area of ​​the sensing service; third information, which indicates the sensing time period of the sensing service; and fourth information, which indicates at least one of requesting information related to one or more candidate first devices and information related to one or more candidate second devices.

[0346] Optionally, the subscription request includes at least one of the following: second information; third information; a subscription event, the subscription event being used to trigger at least one of the third network element and the fifth network element to send a subscription notification; an event identifier of the subscription event; and the subscription object of the subscription event.

[0347] The subscription event includes at least one of the following: an update of the candidate first device included in the sensing area of ​​the sensing service; an update of the candidate second device included in the sensing area of ​​the sensing service; an update of the relevant information of the candidate first device included in the sensing area of ​​the sensing service; and an update of the relevant information of the candidate second device included in the sensing area of ​​the sensing service.

[0348] Optionally, the subscription response may further include at least one of the following: subscription result; subscription identifier; subscription period.

[0349] Optionally, the relevant information of the candidate first device includes at least one of the following: the device identifier of the candidate first device, the device type of the candidate first device, the control plane perception capability of the candidate first device, the user plane perception capability of the candidate first device, the perception area of ​​the candidate first device, and the perception time period of the candidate first device;

[0350] The relevant information of the candidate second device includes at least one of the following: the device identifier of the candidate second device, the device type of the candidate second device, the control plane perception capability of the candidate second device, the user plane perception capability of the candidate second device, the perception area of ​​the candidate second device, and the perception time period of the candidate second device.

[0351] Optionally, the first information is further used to request at least one of sensing measurement data and sensing results; wherein the sensing measurement data is obtained by measuring the sensing signal, and the sensing results are determined based on the sensing measurement data;

[0352] The method further includes: receiving at least one of the sensing measurement data and the sensing result sent by at least one of the first device and the second device;

[0353] Send at least one of the sensing measurement data and the sensing result to the first network element.

[0354] For a detailed description of steps 3201-3202, please refer to the above embodiment description.

[0355] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps 3201 to 3202. For example, step 3201 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, and step 3202 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, but are not limited thereto.

[0356] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0357] Figure 3C is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3C, this disclosure relates to a communication method for a fourth network element, the method comprising:

[0358] Step 3301: Receive the second request sent by the first network element;

[0359] Step 3302: Send the first response to the first network element.

[0360] Optionally, the second request is used to request the determination of a third network element, wherein the third network element is a relay node between at least one of the first device and the second device and the first network element, wherein the first device is used to send a sensing signal and the second device is used to receive the sensing signal;

[0361] Optionally, the first response includes at least one of the configuration file of the third network element and the usage time period of the configuration file.

[0362] Optionally, the second request is sent after the first network element receives the first request. The first request is used to request a sensing service, and the first request includes at least one of the following: second information, which is used to indicate the sensing area of ​​the sensing service; and third information, which is used to indicate the sensing time period of the sensing service.

[0363] Optionally, the second information includes at least one of the following: the longitude of the sensing area; the latitude of the sensing area; the shape of the sensing area; the tracking area identifier (TAI) corresponding to the sensing area; and the cell identifier (Cell ID) corresponding to the sensing area.

[0364] Optionally, the third information includes at least one of the following: the start time of the sensing time period; the end time of the sensing time period; and the duration of the sensing time period.

[0365] Optionally, the second request includes at least one of the following: the network element type of the third network element; second information; third information; the set identifier of the set to which the third network element belongs; and the region identifier of the region to which the third network element belongs.

[0366] Optionally, the configuration file includes at least one of the following: the network element type of the third network element; the network element identifier corresponding to the third network element; the fully qualified domain name (FQDN) corresponding to the third network element; and the Internet Protocol (IP) address corresponding to the third network element.

[0367] For a detailed description of steps 3301-3302, please refer to the above embodiment description.

[0368] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps 3301 to 3302. For example, step 3301 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, and step 3302 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, but are not limited thereto.

[0369] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0370] Figure 3D is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3D, the present disclosure relates to a communication method for a fifth network element, the method comprising:

[0371] Step 3401: Receive at least one of the third request and subscription request sent by the first network element;

[0372] Step 3402: Send at least one of the following to the first network element: a second response or a subscription response.

[0373] Optionally, the third request is used to request at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices, and the subscription request is used to instruct the first network element to request to subscribe to at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices; wherein, the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices is used to determine a first device, the first device is used to send a sensing signal, and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices is used to determine a second device, the second device is used to receive the sensing signal;

[0374] Optionally, the second response is a response message to the third request, and the second response includes at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices; the subscription response is a response message to the subscription request, and the subscription response includes at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices.

[0375] Optionally, at least one of the third request and the subscription request is sent after the first network element receives the first request. The first request is used to request a sensing service, and the first request includes at least one of the following: second information, which is used to indicate the sensing area of ​​the sensing service; and third information, which is used to indicate the sensing time period of the sensing service.

[0376] Optionally, the second information includes at least one of the following: the longitude of the sensing area; the latitude of the sensing area; the shape of the sensing area; the tracking area identifier (TAI) corresponding to the sensing area; and the cell identifier (Cell ID) corresponding to the sensing area.

[0377] Optionally, the third information includes at least one of the following: the start time of the sensing time period; the end time of the sensing time period; and the duration of the sensing time period.

[0378] Optionally, the candidate first device satisfies a first condition, and the candidate second device satisfies a second condition; the first condition includes at least one of the following: the sensing area of ​​the candidate first device at least partially overlaps with the sensing area of ​​the sensing service, and the sensing time period of the candidate first device at least partially overlaps with the sensing time period of the sensing service; the second condition includes at least one of the following: the sensing area of ​​the candidate second device at least partially overlaps with the sensing area of ​​the sensing service, and the sensing time period of the candidate second device at least partially overlaps with the sensing time period of the sensing service.

[0379] Optionally, the relevant information of the candidate first device includes at least one of the following: the device identifier of the candidate first device, the device type of the candidate first device, the control plane perception capability of the candidate first device, the user plane perception capability of the candidate first device, the perception area of ​​the candidate first device, and the perception time period of the candidate first device;

[0380] The relevant information of the candidate second device includes at least one of the following: the device identifier of the candidate second device, the device type of the candidate second device, the control plane perception capability of the candidate second device, the user plane perception capability of the candidate second device, the perception area of ​​the candidate second device, and the perception time period of the candidate second device.

[0381] Optionally, the third request includes at least one of the following: second information; third information; fourth information, wherein the fourth information is used to indicate at least one of requesting information related to one or more candidate first devices and information related to one or more candidate second devices.

[0382] Optionally, the subscription request includes at least one of the following: second information; third information; a subscription event, the subscription event being used to trigger at least one of the third network element and the fifth network element to send a subscription notification; an event identifier of the subscription event; and the subscription object of the subscription event.

[0383] The subscription event includes at least one of the following: an update of the candidate first device included in the sensing area of ​​the sensing service; an update of the candidate second device included in the sensing area of ​​the sensing service; an update of the relevant information of the candidate first device included in the sensing area of ​​the sensing service; and an update of the relevant information of the candidate second device included in the sensing area of ​​the sensing service.

[0384] Optionally, the subscription response may further include at least one of the following: subscription result; subscription identifier; subscription period.

[0385] For a detailed description of steps 3401-3402, please refer to the above embodiment description.

[0386] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps 3401 to 3402. For example, step 3401 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, and step 3402 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, but are not limited thereto.

[0387] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0388] The following is an exemplary description of the above method:

[0389] The rapid development of wireless communication technology and the increasing demand for high-quality data transmission have spurred the research and development of advanced communication systems. Among these, the convergence of sensing and communication is a particularly promising technology that has the potential to revolutionize multiple industries, including automotive, healthcare, drones, and smart cities.

[0390] Sensing and communication integration technology utilizes radio frequency (RF) signals to simultaneously achieve sensing and communication functions. This integration can improve spectrum efficiency, reduce latency, and enhance reliability across a variety of applications. Sensing and communication integration technology is particularly important for mobile operators, user equipment (UE) vendors, automakers, and subscribers because it can significantly improve the overall user experience, increase network efficiency, and open up new business opportunities.

[0391] Optionally, Figure 4A is a schematic diagram of an integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in which different roles exist:

[0392] Target object or environment (or perceived target): The target object for which the perceived information is determined.

[0393] Sensing signal transmitter: A device that transmits radio signals to a target object. It can be a user equipment (UE) or a radio access network (RAN) node.

[0394] Sensing signal receiver: A device that detects sensing information based on radio signals reflected from a target object. It can also be a user equipment (UE) or a radio access network (RAN) node.

[0395] Sensing data processor: A device that collects and processes sensing information to generate sensing results. It can be a user equipment (UE), a radio access network (RAN) node, a core network entity, or an application server.

[0396] Sensing result users: authorized devices that request or subscribe to sensing information and consume the output calculated from the sensing information, such as user equipment (UE) applications, ISAC service application servers, core network entities, or radio access network (RAN) nodes.

[0397] Optionally, for a sensing target, the sensing result may include shape, size, orientation, speed, position, distance between objects, or relative motion (e.g., between the target object and the sensing signal receiver).

[0398] Optionally, for the target environment, the perception results may include parameters describing the environment's space or state.

[0399] Optionally, the perceived result may be semi-processed data, not the final result.

[0400] Figures 4B and 4C are schematic diagrams of SF according to embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in Figures 4B and 4C, SF can be a single network function (NF) or two single network functions (SF-C and SF-U).

[0401] Optionally, SF-C can send and receive sensing messages and collect and process sensing measurement data through the control plane.

[0402] Optionally, the SF-U can send and receive sensing messages and collect and process sensing measurement data through the user plane.

[0403] Optionally, in a possible 5G-A / 6G Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) architecture, one approach is to connect the Radio Access Network (RAN) to the Serving Function (SF) / User Plane Function (SF-U) / Control Plane Function (SF-C) via the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF). Both RAN nodes and User Equipment (UEs) can act as sensing entities (i.e., sensing transmitters and sensing receivers). When the SF receives a sensing request, the request may also contain information about the sensing service area (or target sensing area) and sensing time period. The SF needs to select a suitable sensing entity that matches the sensing service area and sensing time period information and then transmit the sensing request to the selected sensing entity through the Serving AMF.

[0404] However, it is unclear how the Service Function (SF) obtains the list of candidate sensed entities and the Service Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) of the selected sensed entities.

[0405] Optionally, in order to deliver the sensing request to the sensing entity that meets the required time and area information, embodiments of this disclosure propose a method that enables the SF to obtain a list of candidate sensing entities and the service AMF information of the selected sensing entity. Figure 4D is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method according to an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 4D, the method of this disclosure embodiment may include:

[0406] 1. SF receives a sensing request containing area information and optional time information.

[0407] Optionally, the area information indicates the target sensing area, and the time information indicates the target sensing time point or time period. The area information can be described, for example, by longitude, latitude, or shape and its description, or by Tracking Area Identifier (TAI) or Cell Identifier (Cell ID). The time information can be described by a time point or time period (start time and end time, or start time and duration).

[0408] Optionally, the awareness request received by the SF can be in either a Mobile Initiation (MO) or Mobile Termination (MT) scenario. In the MT scenario, the SF may receive the awareness request from the Network Exposure Function (NEF), Gateway Mobility Center (GMLC), or Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF). In the MO scenario, the SF may receive the awareness request from the AMF.

[0409] In some embodiments, the MT case is: Application Function (AF) -> NEF -> SF; AF -> NEF -> GMLC -> SF; or AF -> NEF -> GMLC -> AMF -> SF.

[0410] In some embodiments, the MO scenario is: User Equipment (UE) -> Radio Access Network (RAN) -> AMF -> SF.

[0411] 2. In order to obtain the service AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) of the area indicated by the perception request, the SF (Service Function) sends an Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request message to the NRF (Network Function Repository).

[0412] Optionally, Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request includes the type of the target NF (Network Function), indicating that the NF type is AMF, and the target sensing area information / target TAI (Tracking Area Identifier), i.e., the area information received in the sensing request, and optionally includes the AMF region and the AMF set.

[0413] Optionally, SF->NRF: Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request(Target NF type (i.e., AMF), AMF region, AMF set, Target TAI / region information).

[0414] 3. The NRF message contains the NF instance profile (i.e., AMF profile) that satisfies the request and its validity period. The NF instance profile includes the NF type (i.e., AMF), the NF instance ID (i.e., GUAMI), and the AMF's FQDN (fully qualified domain name) or IP address.

[0415] Optionally, NRF->SF: Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Response(NF type (i.e., AMF), NF instance ID (i.e., GUAMI), AMF's FQDN or IP address, and the validity period of the discovery result).

[0416] 4-5. SF retrieval can provide available / candidate sensing entities that meet the target sensing area and time information provided in the sensing request.

[0417] Optionally, the sensed entity information can be stored locally, or stored in the AMF (for sensed entities of UE and RAN node types), or stored in a dedicated NF (Network Function) (e.g., SDMF (Sensed Data Management Function), for sensed entities of UE and RAN node types).

[0418] Optionally, SF sends a message including target sensing area information and (if any) target time information to request / subscribe to a list of available / candidate sensing entities that satisfy the target sensing area and (if any) target time information.

[0419] Optionally, SF can locally retrieve available / candidate perceived entities:

[0420] In some embodiments, SF retrieves locally stored sensing entity IDs, their available / valid sensing areas, and available / valid sensing times / time periods, and selects candidate / available sensing entities that can partially / fully satisfy the target sensing area information and (if any) target time information.

[0421] Optionally, requesting SDMF to obtain available / candidate sensing entities:

[0422] In some embodiments, for SDMF, the request message can be: Nsdmf_SEDiscovery_Request(Target Sensing Area Information, Target Time Information, Sensing Entity Indicator, Sensing Capability Indicator). The Sensing Entity Indicator indicates that the information requested by SF is a sensing entity (i.e., a RAN node and / or a UE). The Sensing Capability Indicator indicates that the information requested by SF is the sensing capability of the sensing entity.

[0423] In some embodiments, SDMF retrieves the stored sensing entity ID, available / valid sensing area, and available / valid sensing time / time period, and sends a response message to SF. The response message can be Nsdmf_SEDiscovery_Response(Sensing Entity ID / List, Sensing Entity Type, Sensing Capability, Sensing User Plane Capability, Valid Sensing Area, Valid Sensing Time). The sensing entity ID can be the UE ID (e.g., SUPI) and / or the RAN node ID. The sensing entity type indicates whether the sensing entity is a UE or a RAN node.

[0424] Optionally, requesting the AMF to obtain available / candidate sensing entities:

[0425] In some embodiments, the SF sends a subscription request and subscription response message, or a request and response message, to the service AMF obtained from the NRF in step 3.

[0426] Optionally, the request and response messages can be:

[0427] In some embodiments, SF->AMF: Namf_Sensing_ProvideSeInfo request (target sensing area information, target time information, sensing entity indication, sensing capability indication)

[0428] In some implementations, AMF->SF: Namf_Sensing_ProvideSeInfo response (Sensed Entity ID / List, Sensed Entity Type, Sensed Capabilities, Sensed User Plane Capabilities, Sensed Valid Area, Sensed Valid Time)

[0429] Optionally, the subscription request and subscription response messages can be:

[0430] In some embodiments, SF->AMF: Namf_EventExposure_Subscriber_Request(Event Reporting Target = "Any UE" or "Any Sensing Entity", Event ID = "UE enters / leaves within the target sensing area" or "Sensing Entity enters / leaves within the target sensing area" or "UE available within the target sensing area" or "Sensing Entity available within the target sensing area" or "UE available within the target sensing area and target time / period" or "Sensing Entity available within the target sensing area and target time / period", and "UE sensing capability", "Sensing capability of the sensing entity")

[0431] In some implementations, AMF->SF: Namf_EventExposure_Subscriber_Response(subscription result, subscription association ID, expiration time, perceived entity ID / list, perceived entity type, perceived capability, perceived user plane capability, perceived valid area, perceived valid time)

[0432] 6. Based on the list of candidate / available sensing entities and their sensing areas, sensing times, sensing capabilities, and sensing user plane capabilities, SF determines the sensing entities and sensing modes (bistatic or monostatic) in the sensing request.

[0433] 7.SF collects sensing measurement data / results from RAN nodes and / or UEs.

[0434] 7a. If a UE receiver is selected, the SF sends a sensing measurement data / result collection request to the UE through the selected AMF. The UE returns the requested sensing measurement data / results through the N1 interface / user plane.

[0435] 7b. If RAN is selected, the SF sends a sensing measurement data / result collection request to the RAN through the selected AMF. The RAN node returns the requested sensing measurement data / results through the N2 interface / user plane.

[0436] Optionally, if sensing measurement data were collected in step 7, SF will calculate the sensing results.

[0437] 8. SF sends a perception response message containing the perception results to NEF / GMLC / AMF.

[0438] Optionally, as can be seen from the above, in the embodiments of this disclosure, the SF can select a suitable sensing entity based on the obtained candidate sensing entity list, taking into account the target sensing area and the target sensing time. The SF can transmit the sensing request to the selected sensing entity through the service's AMF.

[0439] Alternatively, the method disclosed herein can achieve the following:

[0440] 1. SF receives a sensing request containing target sensing area and target time information.

[0441] 2. SF obtains the Service AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) for the target-aware area from the NRF (Network Functions Repository).

[0442] 3. SF obtains a list of candidate sensing entities, which fully or partially satisfies the target sensing area and target time information.

[0443] 4. SF selects the perceived entity based on the candidate list.

[0444] 5. SF transmits the perception request to the selected perception entity through the service AMF.

[0445] Optionally, in this implementation or embodiment, without contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, and optional methods or examples can be arbitrarily combined and can be arbitrarily combined with other implementations or embodiments.

[0446] Optionally, the various implementation methods or embodiments mentioned in this disclosure can be arbitrarily combined. For example, some or all of the steps of different implementation methods or embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a certain implementation method or embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with other implementation methods or optional examples of other implementation methods or embodiments.

[0447] This disclosure also proposes an apparatus (also referred to as a communication device, etc.) for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is proposed that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. Furthermore, another apparatus is proposed that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network functional node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0448] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0449] In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. Furthermore, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a Neural Network Processing Unit (NPU), a Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), or a Deep Learning Processing Unit (DPU).

[0450] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first network element proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The first network element is used to execute any of the above methods. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 5A, the first network element may include at least one of a processing module, a transceiver module, etc. In some embodiments, the transceiver module is used to receive a first request sent by a second network element, the first request being used to request a sensing service; the processing module is used to determine at least one of a first network element, a second device, and a third network element for the sensing service; wherein, the first network element is used to send a sensing signal, the second device is used to receive the sensing signal, and the third network element is a relay node between at least one of the first network element, the second device, and the first network element; the transceiver module is further used to send first information to at least one of the first network element and the second device through the third network element, the first information being used to instruct the execution of the sensing service.

[0451] Optionally, the transceiver module is used to execute at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps 2101, 2102, 2103, 2108, 2109, 2110, 2201, 2202, 2203, 2204, 2205, 2209, 2210, 2211, 3101, 3103, but not limited thereto) performed by the first network element in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here. Optionally, the processing module is used to execute at least one of the other steps (e.g., steps 2104, 2105, 2206, 2207, 2206, 2207, 2208, 3102, but not limited thereto) performed by the first network element in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here.

[0452] Optionally, the first request includes at least one of the following: second information, which indicates the sensing area of ​​the sensing service; and third information, which indicates the sensing time period of the sensing service.

[0453] Optionally, the second information includes at least one of the following: the longitude of the sensing area; the latitude of the sensing area; the shape of the sensing area; the tracking area identifier (TAI) corresponding to the sensing area; and the cell identifier (Cell ID) corresponding to the sensing area.

[0454] Optionally, the third information includes at least one of the following: the start time of the sensing time period; the end time of the sensing time period; and the duration of the sensing time period.

[0455] Optionally, determining the third network element includes: sending a second request to a fourth network element, the second request being used to request the determination of the third network element; receiving a first response sent by the fourth network element, the first response including at least one of the configuration file of the third network element and the usage time period of the configuration file; and determining the third network element based on the first response.

[0456] Optionally, the second request includes at least one of the following: the network element type of the third network element; second information; third information; the set identifier of the set to which the third network element belongs; and the region identifier of the region to which the third network element belongs.

[0457] Optionally, the configuration file includes at least one of the following: the network element type of the third network element; the network element identifier corresponding to the third network element; the fully qualified domain name (FQDN) corresponding to the third network element; and the Internet Protocol (IP) address corresponding to the third network element.

[0458] Optionally, determining at least one of the first device and the second device includes:

[0459] The first device is determined from one or more candidate first devices based on at least one of the sensing area of ​​the sensing service, the sensing time period of the sensing service, and relevant information of one or more candidate first devices;

[0460] The second device is determined from one or more candidate second devices based on at least one of the sensing area of ​​the sensing service, the sensing time period of the sensing service, and relevant information of one or more candidate second devices;

[0461] Wherein, the candidate first device satisfies a first condition, and the candidate second device satisfies a second condition; the first condition includes at least one of the following: the sensing area of ​​the candidate first device at least partially overlaps with the sensing area of ​​the sensing service, and the sensing time period of the candidate first device at least partially overlaps with the sensing time period of the sensing service; the second condition includes at least one of the following: the sensing area of ​​the candidate second device at least partially overlaps with the sensing area of ​​the sensing service, and the sensing time period of the candidate second device at least partially overlaps with the sensing time period of the sensing service.

[0462] Optionally, the method further includes: determining the sensing mode of the sensing service based on at least one of the sensing area of ​​the sensing service, the sensing time period of the sensing service, relevant information of one or more candidate first devices, and relevant information of one or more candidate second devices; wherein the first information is used to instruct the execution of the sensing service based on the sensing mode.

[0463] Optionally, the method further includes: determining at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices.

[0464] Optionally, the relevant information of the candidate first device includes at least one of the following: the device identifier of the candidate first device, the device type of the candidate first device, the control plane perception capability of the candidate first device, the user plane perception capability of the candidate first device, the perception area of ​​the candidate first device, and the perception time period of the candidate first device;

[0465] The relevant information of the candidate second device includes at least one of the following: the device identifier of the candidate second device, the device type of the candidate second device, the control plane perception capability of the candidate second device, the user plane perception capability of the candidate second device, the perception area of ​​the candidate second device, and the perception time period of the candidate second device.

[0466] Optionally, determining at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices includes: determining at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices based on the local storage information of the first network element.

[0467] Optionally, determining at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices includes: sending at least one of a third request and a subscription request to at least one of the third network element and the fifth network element, wherein the third request is used to request at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices, and the subscription request is used to instruct the first network element to request to subscribe to at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices;

[0468] The system receives at least one of a second response sent by at least one of the third network element and the fifth network element, and at least one of a subscription response. The second response is a response message to the third request and includes at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and one or more candidate second devices. The subscription response is a response message to the subscription request and includes at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and one or more candidate second devices.

[0469] Optionally, the third request includes at least one of the following: second information; third information; fourth information, wherein the fourth information is used to indicate at least one of requesting information related to one or more candidate first devices and information related to one or more candidate second devices.

[0470] Optionally, the subscription request includes at least one of the following: second information; third information; a subscription event, the subscription event being used to trigger at least one of the third network element and the fifth network element to send a subscription notification; an event identifier of the subscription event; and the subscription object of the subscription event.

[0471] The subscription event includes at least one of the following: an update of the candidate first device included in the sensing area of ​​the sensing service; an update of the candidate second device included in the sensing area of ​​the sensing service; an update of the relevant information of the candidate first device included in the sensing area of ​​the sensing service; and an update of the relevant information of the candidate second device included in the sensing area of ​​the sensing service.

[0472] Optionally, the subscription response may further include at least one of the following: subscription result; subscription identifier; subscription period.

[0473] Optionally, the first information is further used to request at least one of sensing measurement data and sensing results; wherein the sensing measurement data is obtained by measuring the sensing signal, and the sensing results are determined based on the sensing measurement data;

[0474] The method further includes: receiving at least one of the sensing measurement data and the sensing result sent by at least one of the first device and the second device through the third network element; the first network element receiving the sensing measurement data and determining the sensing result based on the sensing measurement data; and sending the sensing result to the second network element.

[0475] Figure 5B is a schematic diagram of the structure of the third network element proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The third network element is used to execute any of the above methods. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 5B, the third network element may include at least one of a processing module, a transceiver module, etc. In some embodiments, the transceiver module is used to receive first information sent by the first network element, the first information being used to instruct the execution of a sensing service; the transceiver module is also used to send the first information to at least one of a first device and a second device; wherein, the first device is used to send a sensing signal, the second device is used to receive the sensing signal, and the third network element is a relay node between at least one of the first device, the second device, and the first network element; at least one of the first device, the second device, and the third network element is determined by the first network element.

[0476] Optionally, the transceiver module described above is used to perform at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps 2108, 2109, 2110, 2204, 2205, 2209, 2210, 2211, 3201, 3202, but not limited thereto) performed by the third network element in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here. Optionally, the processing module described above is used to perform at least one of the other steps performed by the third network element in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here.

[0477] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0478] The first network element receives at least one of a third request and a subscription request, wherein the third request is used to request at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and one or more candidate second devices, and the subscription request is used to instruct the first network element to subscribe to at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and one or more candidate second devices;

[0479] Send at least one of a second response and a subscription response to the first network element, wherein the second response is a response message to the third request and includes at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices; the subscription response is a response message to the subscription request and includes at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices.

[0480] Wherein, the candidate first device satisfies a first condition, and the candidate second device satisfies a second condition; the first condition includes at least one of the following: the sensing area of ​​the candidate first device at least partially overlaps with the sensing area of ​​the sensing service, and the sensing time period of the candidate first device at least partially overlaps with the sensing time period of the sensing service; the second condition includes at least one of the following: the sensing area of ​​the candidate second device at least partially overlaps with the sensing area of ​​the sensing service, and the sensing time period of the candidate second device at least partially overlaps with the sensing time period of the sensing service.

[0481] Optionally, the third request includes at least one of the following: second information, which indicates the sensing area of ​​the sensing service; third information, which indicates the sensing time period of the sensing service; and fourth information, which indicates at least one of requesting information related to one or more candidate first devices and information related to one or more candidate second devices.

[0482] Optionally, the subscription request includes at least one of the following: second information; third information; a subscription event, the subscription event being used to trigger at least one of the third network element and the fifth network element to send a subscription notification; an event identifier of the subscription event; and the subscription object of the subscription event.

[0483] The subscription event includes at least one of the following: an update of the candidate first device included in the sensing area of ​​the sensing service; an update of the candidate second device included in the sensing area of ​​the sensing service; an update of the relevant information of the candidate first device included in the sensing area of ​​the sensing service; and an update of the relevant information of the candidate second device included in the sensing area of ​​the sensing service.

[0484] Optionally, the subscription response may further include at least one of the following: subscription result; subscription identifier; subscription period.

[0485] Optionally, the relevant information of the candidate first device includes at least one of the following: the device identifier of the candidate first device, the device type of the candidate first device, the control plane perception capability of the candidate first device, the user plane perception capability of the candidate first device, the perception area of ​​the candidate first device, and the perception time period of the candidate first device;

[0486] The relevant information of the candidate second device includes at least one of the following: the device identifier of the candidate second device, the device type of the candidate second device, the control plane perception capability of the candidate second device, the user plane perception capability of the candidate second device, the perception area of ​​the candidate second device, and the perception time period of the candidate second device.

[0487] Optionally, the first information is further used to request at least one of sensing measurement data and sensing results; wherein the sensing measurement data is obtained by measuring the sensing signal, and the sensing results are determined based on the sensing measurement data;

[0488] The method further includes: receiving at least one of the sensing measurement data and the sensing result sent by at least one of the first device and the second device; and sending at least one of the sensing measurement data and the sensing result to the first network element.

[0489] Figure 5C is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fourth network element proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The fourth network element is used to perform any of the above methods. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 5C, the fourth network element may include at least one of a processing module, a transceiver module, etc. In some embodiments, the transceiver module is used to receive a second request sent by a first network element, the second request being used to request the determination of a third network element, the third network element being a relay node between at least one of a first device, a second device and the first network element, the first device being used to send a sensing signal, and the second device being used to receive the sensing signal; the transceiver module is also used to send a first response to the first network element, the first response including at least one of the configuration file of the third network element and the usage time period of the configuration file.

[0490] Optionally, the transceiver module described above is used to perform at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps 2102, 2103, 2202, 2203, 3301, 3302, but not limited thereto) performed by the fourth network element in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here. Optionally, the processing module described above is used to perform at least one of the other steps performed by the fourth network element in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here.

[0491] Optionally, the second request is sent after the first network element receives the first request. The first request is used to request a sensing service, and the first request includes at least one of the following: second information, which is used to indicate the sensing area of ​​the sensing service; and third information, which is used to indicate the sensing time period of the sensing service.

[0492] Optionally, the second information includes at least one of the following: the longitude of the sensing area; the latitude of the sensing area; the shape of the sensing area; the tracking area identifier (TAI) corresponding to the sensing area; and the cell identifier (Cell ID) corresponding to the sensing area.

[0493] Optionally, the third information includes at least one of the following: the start time of the sensing time period; the end time of the sensing time period; and the duration of the sensing time period.

[0494] Optionally, the second request includes at least one of the following: the network element type of the third network element; second information; third information; the set identifier of the set to which the third network element belongs; and the region identifier of the region to which the third network element belongs.

[0495] Optionally, the configuration file includes at least one of the following: the network element type of the third network element; the network element identifier corresponding to the third network element; the fully qualified domain name (FQDN) corresponding to the third network element; and the Internet Protocol (IP) address corresponding to the third network element.

[0496] Figure 5D is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fifth network element proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The fifth network element is used to perform any of the above methods. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 5D, the fifth network element may include at least one of a processing module, a transceiver module, etc. In some embodiments, the transceiver module is used to receive at least one of a third request and a subscription request sent by the first network element. The third request is used to request at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices. The subscription request is used to instruct the first network element to subscribe to at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices. The relevant information of one or more candidate first devices is used to determine a first device, which is used to send a sensing signal. The relevant information of one or more candidate second devices is used to determine a second device, which is used to receive the sensing signal. The transceiver module is also used to send at least one of a second response and a subscription response to the first network element. The second response is a response message to the third request and includes at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices. The subscription response is a response message to the subscription request and includes at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices.

[0497] Optionally, the transceiver module described above is used to perform at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps 2204, 2205, 3401, 3402, but not limited thereto) performed by the fifth network element in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here. Optionally, the processing module described above is used to perform at least one of the other steps performed by the fifth network element in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here.

[0498] Optionally, at least one of the third request and the subscription request is sent after the first network element receives the first request. The first request is used to request a sensing service, and the first request includes at least one of the following: second information, which is used to indicate the sensing area of ​​the sensing service; and third information, which is used to indicate the sensing time period of the sensing service.

[0499] Optionally, the second information includes at least one of the following: the longitude of the sensing area; the latitude of the sensing area; the shape of the sensing area; the tracking area identifier (TAI) corresponding to the sensing area; and the cell identifier (Cell ID) corresponding to the sensing area.

[0500] Optionally, the third information includes at least one of the following: the start time of the sensing time period; the end time of the sensing time period; and the duration of the sensing time period.

[0501] Optionally, the candidate first device satisfies a first condition, and the candidate second device satisfies a second condition; the first condition includes at least one of the following: the sensing area of ​​the candidate first device at least partially overlaps with the sensing area of ​​the sensing service, and the sensing time period of the candidate first device at least partially overlaps with the sensing time period of the sensing service; the second condition includes at least one of the following: the sensing area of ​​the candidate second device at least partially overlaps with the sensing area of ​​the sensing service, and the sensing time period of the candidate second device at least partially overlaps with the sensing time period of the sensing service.

[0502] Optionally, the relevant information of the candidate first device includes at least one of the following: the device identifier of the candidate first device, the device type of the candidate first device, the control plane perception capability of the candidate first device, the user plane perception capability of the candidate first device, the perception area of ​​the candidate first device, and the perception time period of the candidate first device;

[0503] The relevant information of the candidate second device includes at least one of the following: the device identifier of the candidate second device, the device type of the candidate second device, the control plane perception capability of the candidate second device, the user plane perception capability of the candidate second device, the perception area of ​​the candidate second device, and the perception time period of the candidate second device.

[0504] Optionally, the third request includes at least one of the following: second information; third information; fourth information, wherein the fourth information is used to indicate at least one of requesting information related to one or more candidate first devices and information related to one or more candidate second devices.

[0505] Optionally, the subscription request includes at least one of the following: second information; third information; a subscription event, the subscription event being used to trigger at least one of the third network element and the fifth network element to send a subscription notification; an event identifier of the subscription event; and the subscription object of the subscription event.

[0506] The subscription event includes at least one of the following: an update of the candidate first device included in the sensing area of ​​the sensing service; an update of the candidate second device included in the sensing area of ​​the sensing service; an update of the relevant information of the candidate first device included in the sensing area of ​​the sensing service; and an update of the relevant information of the candidate second device included in the sensing area of ​​the sensing service.

[0507] Optionally, the subscription response may further include at least one of the following: subscription result; subscription identifier; subscription period.

[0508] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 6100 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 6100 can be a network device (e.g., access network device, core network device, etc.), a terminal (e.g., user equipment, etc.), a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing any of the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 6100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0509] As shown in Figure 6A, the communication device 6100 is used to execute any of the above methods. In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 includes one or more processors 6101. The processor 6101 may be a general-purpose processor or a special-purpose processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor may be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit may be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Optionally, the communication device 6100 is used to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 6101 are used to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 6100 to execute any of the above methods.

[0510] In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 further includes one or more transceivers 6102. When the communication device 6100 includes one or more transceivers 6102, the transceiver 6102 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps 2101, 2102, 2103, 2108, 2109, 2110, 2201, 2202, 2203, 2204, 2205, 2209, 2210, 2211, 3101, 3103, 3201, 3202, 3301, 3302, 3401, 3402, but not limited thereto), and the processor 6101 performs at least one of the other steps (e.g., steps 2104, 2105, 2206, 2207, 2206, 2207, 2208, 3102, but not limited thereto). In optional embodiments, the transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, interface, etc., can be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably; the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0511] In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 further includes one or more memories 6103 for storing data and / or instructions. Optionally, one or more processors 6101 are used to invoke instructions stored in the memory 6103 to cause the communication device 6100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, all or part of the memory 6103 may also be located outside the communication device 6100. In an optional embodiment, the communication device 6100 may include one or more interface circuits 6104. Optionally, the interface circuit 6104 is connected to the memory 6102 and can be used to receive data and / or instructions from the memory 6102 or other devices, and can be used to send data and / or instructions to the memory 6102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 6104 can read data and / or instructions stored in the memory 6102 and send the data and / or instructions to the processor 6101.

[0512] The communication device 6100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 6100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 6100 may not be limited by FIG. 6A. The communication device may be a standalone device or a part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the IC collection may also include storage components for storing data, programs and / or instructions; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0513] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of the structure of chip 6200 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 6100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of chip 6200 shown in Figure 6B, but it is not limited thereto.

[0514] Chip 6200 includes one or more processors 6201. Chip 6200 is used to perform any of the methods described above.

[0515] In some embodiments, chip 6200 further includes one or more interface circuits 6202. Optionally, terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pin can be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 6200 further includes one or more memories 6203 for storing data and / or instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 6203 may be located outside of chip 6200. Optionally, interface circuit 6202 is connected to memory 6203, and interface circuit 6202 can be used to receive data and / or instructions from memory 6203 or other devices, and interface circuit 6202 can be used to send data and / or instructions to memory 6203 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 6202 can read data and / or instructions stored in memory 6203 and send the data and / or instructions to processor 6201.

[0516] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 6202 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method (e.g., steps 2101, 2103, 2105, 3102, and 4102, but not limited thereto). The interface circuit 6202 performing the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method refers, for example, to the interface circuit 6202 performing data and / or instruction interaction between the processor 6201, the chip 6200, the memory 6203, or the transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 6201 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps 2102, 2104, 2106, 3101, and 4101, but not limited thereto).

[0517] The modules and / or devices described in the various embodiments, such as virtual devices, physical devices, and chips, can be combined or separated arbitrarily as needed. Optionally, some or all steps can also be performed collaboratively by multiple modules and / or devices, which is not limited here.

[0518] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0519] This disclosure also proposes a program product, including a program and / or instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, cause the communication device to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product. Optionally, the program product is stored on the storage medium.

[0520] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

[0521] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs. When the computer program is loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this disclosure are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media may be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., high-density digital video discs (DVDs)), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks (SSDs)).

[0522] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this disclosure.

[0523] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0524] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this disclosure, but the scope of protection of this disclosure is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of this disclosure should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method, executed by the first network element, includes: Receive a first request sent by the second network element, the first request being used to request sensing services; For the sensing service, at least one of a first device, a second device, and a third network element is determined; wherein, the first device is used to transmit sensing signals, the second device is used to receive the sensing signals, and the third network element is: a relay node between at least one of the first device, the second device, and the first network element; The third network element sends first information to at least one of the first device and the second device, the first information being used to instruct the execution of the sensing service.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first request includes at least one of the following: The second information is used to indicate the sensing area of ​​the sensing service; The third information is used to indicate the sensing time period of the sensing service.

3. The method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, in, The second information includes at least one of the following: The longitude of the sensing area; The latitude of the sensing area; The shape of the sensing area; The tracking area identifier (TAI) corresponding to the sensing area; The sensing area corresponds to the Cell ID; The third information includes at least one of the following: The start time of the sensing time period; The end time of the sensing period; The duration of the sensing period.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The determination of the third network element includes: Send a second request to the fourth network element, the second request being used to request the determination of the third network element; Receive a first response sent by the fourth network element, wherein the first response includes at least one of the configuration file of the third network element and the usage time period of the configuration file; The third network element is determined based on the first response.

5. The method as described in claim 4, characterized in that, in, The second request includes at least one of the following: The network element type of the third network element; Second information; Third information; The set identifier of the set to which the third network element belongs; The area identifier of the region to which the third network element belongs; The configuration file includes at least one of the following: The network element type of the third network element; The network element identifier corresponding to the third network element; The fully qualified domain name (FQDN) corresponding to the third network element; The Internet Protocol (IP) address corresponding to the third network element.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The determination of at least one of the first device and the second device includes: The first device is determined from one or more candidate first devices based on at least one of the sensing area of ​​the sensing service, the sensing time period of the sensing service, and relevant information of one or more candidate first devices; The second device is determined from one or more candidate second devices based on at least one of the sensing area of ​​the sensing service, the sensing time period of the sensing service, and relevant information of one or more candidate second devices; Wherein, the candidate first device satisfies a first condition, and the candidate second device satisfies a second condition; the first condition includes at least one of the following: the sensing area of ​​the candidate first device at least partially overlaps with the sensing area of ​​the sensing service, and the sensing time period of the candidate first device at least partially overlaps with the sensing time period of the sensing service; the second condition includes at least one of the following: the sensing area of ​​the candidate second device at least partially overlaps with the sensing area of ​​the sensing service, and the sensing time period of the candidate second device at least partially overlaps with the sensing time period of the sensing service.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The method further includes: The sensing mode of the sensing service is determined based on at least one of the sensing area of ​​the sensing service, the sensing time period of the sensing service, relevant information of one or more candidate first devices, and relevant information of one or more candidate second devices; wherein the first information is used to instruct the execution of the sensing service based on the sensing mode.

8. The method as described in claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: Determine at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices.

9. The method as described in any one of claims 6-8, characterized in that, The relevant information of the candidate first device includes at least one of the following: the device identifier of the candidate first device, the device type of the candidate first device, the control plane perception capability of the candidate first device, the user plane perception capability of the candidate first device, the perception area of ​​the candidate first device, and the perception time period of the candidate first device; The relevant information of the candidate second device includes at least one of the following: the device identifier of the candidate second device, the device type of the candidate second device, the control plane perception capability of the candidate second device, the user plane perception capability of the candidate second device, the perception area of ​​the candidate second device, and the perception time period of the candidate second device.

10. The method as described in claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, Determining at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices includes one or more of the following: Based on the local storage information of the first network element, at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices is determined; Send at least one of a third request and a subscription request to at least one of the third network element and the fifth network element; receive at least one of a second response and a subscription response sent by at least one of the third network element and the fifth network element; Wherein, the third request is used to request at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and one or more candidate second devices; the subscription request is used to instruct the first network element to request to subscribe to at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and one or more candidate second devices; the second response is a response message to the third request, and the second response includes at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and one or more candidate second devices; the subscription response is a response message to the subscription request, and the subscription response includes at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and one or more candidate second devices.

11. The method as described in claim 10, characterized in that, in, The third request includes at least one of the following: Second information; Third information; The fourth information is used to indicate at least one of the following: information related to one or more candidate first devices, and information related to one or more candidate second devices; The subscription request includes at least one of the following: Second information; Third information; A subscription event, wherein the subscription event is used to trigger at least one of the third network element and the fifth network element to send a subscription notification; The event identifier of the subscribed event; The subscription object of the subscription event; The subscription events include at least one of the following: The candidate first device included in the sensing area of ​​the sensing service is updated; The candidate second devices included in the sensing area of ​​the sensing service are updated; Within the sensing area of ​​the sensing service, the relevant information of the candidate first device is updated; Within the sensing area of ​​the sensing service, the relevant information of the candidate second devices included is updated; The subscription response also includes at least one of the following: Subscription results; Subscription identifier; Subscription period.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1-11, characterized in that, The first information is also used to request at least one of sensing measurement data and sensing results; wherein the sensing measurement data is obtained by measuring the sensing signal, and the sensing results are determined based on the sensing measurement data; The method further includes: The third network element receives at least one of the sensing measurement data and the sensing result sent by at least one of the first device and the second device. The sensing result is determined based on the sensing measurement data; wherein, the first network element receives the sensing measurement data; The sensing result is sent to the second network element.

13. A communication method, characterized in that, The method, executed by a third network element, includes: Receive first information sent by a first network element, the first information being used to instruct the execution of sensing services; Send the first information to at least one of the first device and the second device; Wherein, the first device is used to send sensing signals, the second device is used to receive the sensing signals, and the third network element is: a relay node between at least one of the first device and the second device and the first network element; at least one of the first device, the second device, and the third network element is determined by the first network element.

14. The method as described in claim 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first network element receives at least one of a third request and a subscription request, wherein the third request is used to request at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and one or more candidate second devices, and the subscription request is used to instruct the first network element to subscribe to at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and one or more candidate second devices; Send at least one of a second response and a subscription response to the first network element, wherein the second response is a response message to the third request and includes at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices; the subscription response is a response message to the subscription request and includes at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices. Wherein, the candidate first device satisfies a first condition, and the candidate second device satisfies a second condition; the first condition includes at least one of the following: the sensing area of ​​the candidate first device at least partially overlaps with the sensing area of ​​the sensing service, and the sensing time period of the candidate first device at least partially overlaps with the sensing time period of the sensing service; the second condition includes at least one of the following: the sensing area of ​​the candidate second device at least partially overlaps with the sensing area of ​​the sensing service, and the sensing time period of the candidate second device at least partially overlaps with the sensing time period of the sensing service.

15. The method as described in claim 14, characterized in that, in, The third request includes at least one of the following: The second information is used to indicate the sensing area of ​​the sensing service; The third information is used to indicate the sensing time period of the sensing service; The fourth information is used to indicate at least one of the following: information related to one or more candidate first devices, and information related to one or more candidate second devices; The subscription request includes at least one of the following: Second information; Third information; A subscription event, wherein the subscription event is used to trigger at least one of the third network element and the fifth network element to send a subscription notification; The event identifier of the subscribed event; The subscription object of the subscription event; The subscription events include at least one of the following: The candidate first device included in the sensing area of ​​the sensing service is updated; The candidate second devices included in the sensing area of ​​the sensing service are updated; Within the sensing area of ​​the sensing service, the relevant information of the candidate first device is updated; Within the sensing area of ​​the sensing service, the relevant information of the candidate second devices included is updated; The subscription response also includes at least one of the following: Subscription results; Subscription identifier; Subscription period.

16. The method as described in claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The relevant information of the candidate first device includes at least one of the following: the device identifier of the candidate first device, the device type of the candidate first device, the control plane perception capability of the candidate first device, the user plane perception capability of the candidate first device, the perception area of ​​the candidate first device, and the perception time period of the candidate first device; The relevant information of the candidate second device includes at least one of the following: the device identifier of the candidate second device, the device type of the candidate second device, the control plane perception capability of the candidate second device, the user plane perception capability of the candidate second device, the perception area of ​​the candidate second device, and the perception time period of the candidate second device.

17. The method according to any one of claims 13-16, characterized in that, The first information is also used to request at least one of sensing measurement data and sensing results; wherein the sensing measurement data is obtained by measuring the sensing signal, and the sensing results are determined based on the sensing measurement data; The method further includes: Receive at least one of the sensing measurement data and the sensing result sent by at least one of the first device and the second device; Send at least one of the sensing measurement data and the sensing result to the first network element.

18. A communication method, characterized in that, The method, executed by the fourth network element, includes: The system receives a second request sent by a first network element. The second request is used to request the determination of a third network element. The third network element is a relay node between the first network element and at least one of the first device and the second device. The first device is used to send a sensing signal, and the second device is used to receive the sensing signal. Send a first response to the first network element, the first response including at least one of the configuration file of the third network element and the usage time period of the configuration file.

19. The method as described in claim 18, characterized in that, The second request is sent after the first network element receives the first request. The first request is used to request sensing services, and the first request includes at least one of the following: The second information is used to indicate the sensing area of ​​the sensing service; The third information is used to indicate the sensing time period of the sensing service.

20. The method as described in claim 19, characterized in that, in, The second information includes at least one of the following: The longitude of the sensing area; The latitude of the sensing area; The shape of the sensing area; The tracking area identifier (TAI) corresponding to the sensing area; The sensing area corresponds to the Cell ID; The third information includes at least one of the following: The start time of the sensing time period; The end time of the sensing period; The duration of the sensing period.

21. The method according to any one of claims 18-20, characterized in that, in, The second request includes at least one of the following: The network element type of the third network element; Second information; Third information; The set identifier of the set to which the third network element belongs; The area identifier of the region to which the third network element belongs; The configuration file includes at least one of the following: The network element type of the third network element; The network element identifier corresponding to the third network element; The fully qualified domain name (FQDN) corresponding to the third network element; The Internet Protocol (IP) address corresponding to the third network element.

22. A communication method, characterized in that, The method, executed by the fifth network element, includes: The network element receives at least one of a third request and a subscription request sent by a first network element. The third request is used to request at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices. The subscription request is used to instruct the first network element to subscribe to at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices. The relevant information of one or more candidate first devices is used to determine a first device, and the first device is used to send a sensing signal. The relevant information of one or more candidate second devices is used to determine a second device, and the second device is used to receive the sensing signal. Send at least one of a second response and a subscription response to the first network element, wherein the second response is a response message to the third request and includes at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices; the subscription response is a response message to the subscription request and includes at least one of the relevant information of one or more candidate first devices and the relevant information of one or more candidate second devices.

23. The method as described in claim 22, characterized in that, At least one of the third request and the subscription request is sent after the first network element receives the first request. The first request is used to request the sensing service, and the first request includes at least one of the following: The second information is used to indicate the sensing area of ​​the sensing service; The third information is used to indicate the sensing time period of the sensing service.

24. The method as described in claim 23, characterized in that, in, The second information includes at least one of the following: The longitude of the sensing area; The latitude of the sensing area; The shape of the sensing area; The tracking area identifier (TAI) corresponding to the sensing area; The sensing area corresponds to the Cell ID; The third information includes at least one of the following: The start time of the sensing time period; The end time of the sensing period; The duration of the sensing period.

25. The method according to any one of claims 22-24, characterized in that, The candidate first device satisfies a first condition, and the candidate second device satisfies a second condition; the first condition includes at least one of the following: the sensing area of ​​the candidate first device at least partially overlaps with the sensing area of ​​the sensing service, and the sensing time period of the candidate first device at least partially overlaps with the sensing time period of the sensing service; the second condition includes at least one of the following: the sensing area of ​​the candidate second device at least partially overlaps with the sensing area of ​​the sensing service, and the sensing time period of the candidate second device at least partially overlaps with the sensing time period of the sensing service.

26. The method according to any one of claims 22-25, characterized in that, The relevant information of the candidate first device includes at least one of the following: the device identifier of the candidate first device, the device type of the candidate first device, the control plane perception capability of the candidate first device, the user plane perception capability of the candidate first device, the perception area of ​​the candidate first device, and the perception time period of the candidate first device; The relevant information of the candidate second device includes at least one of the following: the device identifier of the candidate second device, the device type of the candidate second device, the control plane perception capability of the candidate second device, the user plane perception capability of the candidate second device, the perception area of ​​the candidate second device, and the perception time period of the candidate second device.

27. The method according to any one of claims 22-26, characterized in that, in, The third request includes at least one of the following: Second information; Third information; The fourth information is used to indicate at least one of the following: information related to one or more candidate first devices, and information related to one or more candidate second devices; The subscription request includes at least one of the following: Second information; Third information; A subscription event, wherein the subscription event is used to trigger at least one of the third network element and the fifth network element to send a subscription notification; The event identifier of the subscribed event; The subscription object of the subscription event; The subscription events include at least one of the following: The candidate first device included in the sensing area of ​​the sensing service is updated; The candidate second devices included in the sensing area of ​​the sensing service are updated; Within the sensing area of ​​the sensing service, the relevant information of the candidate first device is updated; Within the sensing area of ​​the sensing service, the relevant information of the candidate second devices included is updated; The subscription response also includes at least one of the following: Subscription results; Subscription identifier; Subscription period.

28. A communication method for a communication system, the communication system comprising at least one of a first network element, a second network element, a third network element, a first device, and a second device, the method comprising: The second network element sends a first request to the first network element, the first request being used to request sensing services; The first network element determines at least one of a first device, a second device, and a third network element for the sensing service; wherein, the first device is used to transmit sensing signals, the second device is used to receive the sensing signals, and the third network element is: a relay node between at least one of the first device, the second device, and the first network element; The first network element sends first information to at least one of the first device and the second device through the third network element. The first information is used to instruct the execution of the sensing service.

29. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device is used to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, 13 to 17, 18 to 21, and 22 to 27.

30. A communication system, characterized in that, The method includes at least one of a first network element, a third network element, a fourth network element, and a fifth network element, wherein the first network element is configured to implement the method of any one of claims 1 to 12, the third network element is configured to implement the method of any one of claims 13 to 17, the fourth network element is configured to implement the method of any one of claims 18 to 21, and the fifth network element is configured to implement the method of any one of claims 22 to 27.

31. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that, When the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device performs the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, 13 to 17, 18 to 21, and 22 to 27.

32. A program product comprising at least one of a program and instructions, characterized in that, When at least one of the programs or instructions is executed by a communication device, it implements the method of any one of claims 1 to 12, 13 to 17, 18 to 21, and 22 to 27.

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