Digital twin subsystem and service provider

Abstract

The present application discloses a digital twin subsystem and service provision device, belonging to the field of communication technology. The specific implementation scheme is as follows: a digital twin subsystem includes: a digital twin user equipment DT-UE, and at least one of a digital twin application function DT-AF, a digital twin core network DT-CN function, a digital twin radio access network DT-RAN function, and a first function for providing digital twin control and / or management; the DT-UE is used to provide terminal functions related to the digital twin network; the DT-AF is used to provide data network services related to the digital twin network; the DT-CN function is used to provide core network services related to the digital twin network; and the DT-RAN function is used to provide radio access network services related to the digital twin network.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application belongs to the field of communication technology, and specifically relates to a digital twin subsystem and a service providing device. Background Art

[0002] With the emergence of new mobile network services and the continued expansion of network scale, network operations and maintenance are becoming increasingly complex. Therefore, digital twins are considered a key direction for future mobile communication networks, providing intelligent operation and maintenance and intelligent autonomy throughout their entire lifecycle. However, there is currently no clear approach to building digital twins of physical communication networks. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The embodiments of the present application provide a digital twin subsystem and a service providing device to construct a digital twin solution corresponding to a physical communication network.

[0004] In a first aspect, a digital twin subsystem is provided, comprising:

[0005] A digital twin user equipment DT-UE, and at least one of a digital twin application function DT-AF, a digital twin core network DT-CN function, a digital twin radio access network DT-RAN function, and a first function for providing digital twin control and / or management;

[0006] Among them, the DT-UE is used to provide terminal functions related to the digital twin network; the DT-AF is used to provide data network services related to the digital twin network; the DT-CN function is used to provide core network services related to the digital twin network; and the DT-RAN function is used to provide wireless access network services related to the digital twin network.

[0007] In a second aspect, a service providing device is provided, which is applied to the DT-AF in the digital twin subsystem as described above, and the device includes:

[0008] The first execution module is used to provide data network services related to the digital twin network.

[0009] In a third aspect, a service providing device is provided, which is applied to the first function in the digital twin subsystem described above, and the device includes:

[0010] The second execution module is used to provide digital twin control and / or management.

[0011] In a fourth aspect, a computer program / program product is provided, wherein the computer program / program product is stored in a non-transitory storage medium, and the program / program product is used to implement the functions of the module in the second aspect or the third aspect above.

[0012] In an embodiment of the present application, a digital twin subsystem can be introduced, which includes a DT-UE, and at least one of a DT-AF, a DT-CN function, a DT-RAN function, and a first function for providing digital twin control and / or management, so that a digital twin solution corresponding to the physical communication network can be constructed to flexibly support digital twin services as needed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a digital twin subsystem provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0014] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the process of DTCF providing digital twin services in an embodiment of the present application;

[0015] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the network management system in the embodiment of the present application;

[0016] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the digital twin related process in the embodiment of the present application;

[0017] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a digital twin service request process in an embodiment of the present application;

[0018] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a digital twin service authentication process in an embodiment of the present application;

[0019] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a digital twin business interaction process in an embodiment of the present application;

[0020] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a service providing device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0021] Figure 9 It is a structural diagram of another service providing device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The following will be combined with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of this application to clearly describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the embodiments described are part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0023] The terms "first," "second," and the like in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not used to describe a specific order or precedence. It should be understood that the terms used in this manner are interchangeable where appropriate, so that the embodiments of this application can be implemented in an order other than that illustrated or described herein, and that the objects distinguished by "first" and "second" are generally of the same type, and do not limit the number of objects. For example, the first object can be one or more. In addition, the term "and / or" in the specification and claims refers to at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the objects connected are in an "or" relationship.

[0024] It is worth noting that the technology described in the embodiments of the present application is not limited to the Long Term Evolution (LTE) / LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) system, but can also be used in other wireless communication systems, such as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), Single-carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) and other systems. The terms "system" and "network" in the embodiments of the present application are often used interchangeably, and the technology described can be used for the systems and radio technologies mentioned above, as well as for other systems and radio technologies, such as 5th Generation (5G) communication systems, 6th Generation (6G) communication systems, etc.

[0025] In order to facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present application, the following contents are first described.

[0026] Digital twins make full use of data such as physical models, sensor updates, and operation history, integrate multi-disciplinary, multi-physical quantity, multi-scale, and multi-probability simulation processes, complete mapping in virtual space, and thus reflect the entire life cycle of the corresponding physical equipment.

[0027] Network Function Virtualization (NFV) builds a virtualized network function infrastructure based on common hardware resources, enabling telecommunications network deployment through hardware and software separation. NFV technology allows for flexible allocation of hardware resources to enable sharing or isolation of hardware resources for different network functions. Furthermore, for example, based on the 5G core network service-oriented architecture, 5G core network functions can also be shared or isolated based on business scenario requirements.

[0028] Optionally, the physical network functions in the embodiments of the present application include wireless access network functions (such as base stations) and core network functions in the physical network, wherein the core network functions may include but are not limited to mobility management entity (MME), access mobility management function (AMF), session management function (SMF), user plane function (UPF), serving gateway (SGW), PDN gateway (PDN Gate Way), policy control function (PCF), policy and charging rules function unit (PCRF), GPRS service support node (SGSN), gateway GPRS support node (Gateway GPRS Support Node, GGSN), unified data management (UDM), unified data storage (UDR), home subscriber server (HSS) and application function (AF), etc.

[0029] Optionally, the physical terminal in the embodiment of the present application, such as the user equipment (UE), can be a mobile phone, a tablet computer (Tablet Personal Computer), a laptop computer (Laptop Computer) or a notebook computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld computer, a netbook, an ultra-mobile personal computer (UMPC), a mobile Internet device (Mobile Internet Device, MID), a wearable device (Wearable Device) or a vehicle-mounted device (VUE), a pedestrian terminal (PUE) and other terminal-side devices, and wearable devices include: smart watches, bracelets, headphones, glasses, etc.

[0030] Below, in combination with the accompanying drawings, the digital twin subsystem and service providing device provided in the embodiments of the present application are described in detail through some embodiments and their application scenarios.

[0031] See Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a digital twin subsystem provided in an embodiment of the present application, such as Figure 1 As shown, the digital twin subsystem (DTS) 10 includes at least: digital twin user equipment (DT-UE) 11, and at least one of a digital twin application function (DT-AF) 12, a digital twin core network (DT-CN) function 13, a digital twin radio access network (DT-RAN) function 14 and a first function 15 for providing digital twin control and / or management.

[0032] Optionally, DT-UE 11 is used to provide terminal functions related to the digital twin network, including but not limited to performing at least one of the following: interacting with network functions to control messages, transmitting user-plane data with network functions and data network functions, etc. DT-AF 12 is used to provide data network services related to the digital twin network, including but not limited to interacting with DT-UE to perform at least one of the following: digital twin service configuration, digital twin service control, digital twin service information, etc. DT-CN function 13 is used to provide core network services related to the digital twin network, and the corresponding functional scope includes but is not limited to access and mobility management functions, session management functions, user-plane functions, etc. of the digital twin domain. DT-RAN function 14 is used to provide wireless access network services related to the digital twin network, and the corresponding functional scope includes but is not limited to wireless access network digital twin control functions, wireless link control and user-plane functions, etc.

[0033] Optionally, the first function 15 is a newly added network function, which can be called a digital twin control function (DTCF) or a digital twin management function (DTMF), etc., and is mainly used to provide digital twin control and / or management, etc. The first function 15 can be introduced in the core network control plane and can interact with the control plane network function through a service-based interface.

[0034] In some embodiments, the first function and the digital twin network function can be integrated or separated. When separated, the first function is the interface for the digital twin network function to interact with the physical network, and the corresponding function can be completed by other separate functions.

[0035] In some embodiments, the digital twin subsystem can be introduced based on the existing 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) network architecture, or on the basis of a future 3GPP network architecture, without limitation.

[0036] Therefore, in the embodiments of the present application, a digital twin subsystem can be introduced, which includes a DT-UE, as well as at least one of a DT-AF, a DT-CN function, a DT-RAN function, and a first function for providing digital twin control and / or management, thereby constructing a digital twin solution corresponding to the physical communication network and flexibly supporting digital twin services as needed. Furthermore, with the help of the digital twin subsystem in the present application, it is possible to effectively solve the problems of air interface multiplexing and terminal multiplexing in digital twins, as well as solve the problems of air interface and terminal digital twins in mobile networks.

[0037] In an embodiment of the present application, according to the digital twin business requirements, the digital twin network function in the digital twin subsystem can be: a digital twin domain model of the digital twin network function, or a mirror image of the physical network function corresponding to the digital twin network function. Among them, the digital twin domain model of the digital twin network function may be inconsistent with the physical network function corresponding to the digital twin network function, such as the corresponding processing process is inconsistent, and the corresponding output is highly similar when the input is the same. When the digital twin network function is a mirror image of its corresponding physical network function, the digital twin network function is consistent with the corresponding physical network function, such as the corresponding processing process is consistent, and the corresponding output is also the same when the input is the same.

[0038] For example, the DT-UE may be a digital twin domain model of the DT-UE or a mirror image of a physical UE; and / or, the DT-AF may be a digital twin domain model of the DT-AF or a mirror image of a corresponding physical network function; and / or, the DT-CN function may be a digital twin domain model of the DT-CN function or a mirror image of a corresponding physical network function; and / or, the DT-RAN function may be a digital twin domain model of the DT-RAN function or a mirror image of a corresponding physical network function.

[0039] In some optional embodiments, the DT-RAN function can be based on the digital twin domain model from the N2 and N3 interface twin-related interaction messages, or it can be a mirror of one or some cells in the digital twin domain, which means that its internal processing is exactly the same as the internal processing of the corresponding physical network function, and is not simulated based on the model.

[0040] In an embodiment of the present application, the first function can perform digital twin-related interactions with the physical network function so that the digital twin network function and the physical network function remain synchronized and isolated. The first function can interact with the DT-CN function (such as DT-AMF, DT-SMF, DT-UPF, etc.), the DT-RAN function (such as DT-gNB-CU, etc.) and / or the DT-UE to complete the digital twin function. The relevant process includes at least one of the following:

[0041] 1) Based on the digital twin network configuration information, obtain the physical network function status information required by the digital twin network function, so that the digital twin network function status is synchronized with the physical network function status.

[0042] 2) Based on the digital twin network configuration information, by interacting with the physical network core network CN function, the DT-UE context of the digital twin domain is established, so that the digital twin network function is isolated from the physical network function.

[0043] 3) Perform digital twin configuration on DT-RAN functions and / or DT-UE to complete digital twin-related network functions and processes.

[0044] 4) When it is necessary to provide digital twin services to the outside world, digital twin services are provided by interacting with the Network Exposure Function (NEF).

[0045] 5) Directly or indirectly interact with DT-AF to exchange digital twin business-related information, such as digital twin business control information, digital twin business data, digital twin business reports, etc.

[0046] 6) When billing is required, the charging function exchanges charging information, such as a Charging Data Record (CDR). The charging information can be generated by the first function or by other digital twin network functions. For example, the first function can charge according to the number of digital twin services, or the DT-UPF can report the information to the first function based on traffic billing, and the first function is then responsible for interacting with the CHR.

[0047] Optionally, when a digital twin configuration is performed on the DT-RAN function and / or the DT-UE, the first function is used to perform at least one of the following:

[0048] Registering digital twins of DT-RAN functions and / or DT-UEs;

[0049] Digital twin authentication of DT-RAN functions and / or DT-UE;

[0050] Perform digital twin configuration updates on DT-RAN functions and / or DT-UE;

[0051] Perform DT-UE session management;

[0052] Perform DT-UE context management.

[0053] Optionally, when providing digital twin services by interacting with NEF, the first function is specifically used to: receive a subscription or unsubscription request message for a digital twin service whose subscription event is from NEF, send a subscription response message to NEF, and monitor the content of the subscription message; when the subscription message content is monitored to be generated, send a notification message to NEF.

[0054] It should be noted that if the first function provides digital twin services through NEF, it is necessary to add digital twin as an open event (event exposure using NEF) and add digital twin monitoring events (monitoring event) and information flow (information flow).

[0055] In one implementation, a definition of a mobile network digital twin service may be added to the existing list of events for monitoring capability.

[0056] For example, Figure 2 As shown, taking DTCF as the first function as an example, the relevant processes of DTCF providing digital twin services through interaction with NEF may include:

[0057] Step 21: After the external function subscribes to the digital twin service from NEF, where the event is the digital twin service (digital twin network service), NEF sends a subscription (or unsubscription) request message to DTCF, such as Ndts_EventExposure_(Un)Subscribe Request, for the subscription event being the digital twin service.

[0058] Step 22: After receiving the above subscription (or unsubscription) request message, DTCF sends a subscription (or unsubscription) response message based on the subscribed digital twin related information in the subscription (or unsubscription) request message, such as sending Ndts_EventExposure_(Un)Subscribe Response;

[0059] Step 23: If the subscription request is accepted, DTCF needs to monitor whether the subscribed digital twin information is generated. Further, if there is corresponding subscription information, the subscribed information is sent to NEF through a notification message (such as Ndts_EventExposure_Notify).

[0060] In the embodiment of the present application, the DT-AF can provide data network services related to the digital twin network and initiate digital twin services based on the user authorization information of the DT-UE. The initiation of digital twin services may include at least one of the following:

[0061] -DT-AF sends digital twin service configuration information (also called control information) to DT-UE;

[0062] -DT-AF receives the configuration success message or configuration failure message sent by DT-UE; if the DT-UE supports the digital twin service, it replies with the configuration success message; if the UE does not support the digital twin service, it needs to reply with the configuration failure message;

[0063] -DT-AF reports the configuration failure information fed back by DT-UE to the first function;

[0064] -DT-AF sends digital twin service start information and / or termination information to DT-UE;

[0065] -DT-AF sends and / or receives digital twin business messages.

[0066] Optionally, the DT-AF can perform digital twin service interaction with the DT-UE and exchange at least one of the following information:

[0067] Digital twin business control information;

[0068] Digital twin business data;

[0069] Digital Twin Business Report.

[0070] In an embodiment of the present application, when the digital twin network involves user-level data or user participation, the first function may perform at least one of the following:

[0071] 1) Before performing the digital twin service, if the physical UE related to the digital twin service is in an idle state, the physical network function is triggered to perform the paging process of the physical UE to wake up the physical UE to perform the corresponding digital twin service.

[0072] 2) Trigger and / or establish the N1 termination of the digital twin domain based on the digital twin configuration information. For example, when the DT-UE is configured in pure digital twin mode, the first function can trigger the physical AMF to perform the configuration update process of the relevant UE, migrating the UE N1 termination from the physical AMF to the corresponding function in the digital twin domain.

[0073] 3) Control the authentication process related to DT-UE and / or digital twin network functions. For example, the first function can execute the authentication process related to DT-UE and / or digital twin network functions, or trigger the AMF to execute the authentication process related to DT-UE and / or digital twin network functions.

[0074] 4) When user billing is involved, billing information, such as Charging Data Record (CDR), is exchanged with the billing function. The billing information can be generated by the first function or by other digital twin network functions.

[0075] In the embodiment of the present application, the first function may also be used to perform at least one of the following:

[0076] (1) Forward and / or process digital twin business requests and responses.

[0077] It should be noted that the digital twin service request and response in (1) can be processed by the first function or forwarded by the first function to other network functions in the digital twin subsystem for processing. For example, when the digital twin network involves user-level data or user participation, the first function can forward and / or process the digital twin service request and response.

[0078] Optionally, when processing digital twin service requests and responses, the first function is used to: when the digital twin network and the physical network share N1 termination, receive the digital twin service request message and send the digital twin service response message by interacting with the N1 termination or the physical network function where the N1termination is located.

[0079] Optionally, the digital twin service request message includes digital twin service type information, which is used to indicate that the service requested by the digital twin service request message is a digital twin service, so that the corresponding network function interacts with the first function to complete the digital twin service request, acceptance, or rejection. In addition, the digital twin service request message can carry a digital twin service identifier (DTS identifier) ​​information unit to facilitate identification of services in the case of multiple digital twin services.

[0080] In one embodiment, the digital twin service type information can be based on the 24.501 message type definition, and the digital twin service type definition can be added through unused fields or reserved fields.

[0081] In some embodiments, if necessary, the physical UE may also initiate a digital twin service request based on the slice.

[0082] (2) Forward and / or process digital twin business session management.

[0083] It should be noted that the digital twin business session management in (2) can be processed by the first function, or forwarded by the first function to other network functions in the digital twin subsystem for processing. For example, when the digital twin network involves user-level data or user participation, the first function can forward and / or process the digital twin business session management.

[0084] Optionally, when forwarding and / or processing digital twin service session management, the first function is configured to: when the digital twin network and the physical network share an N1 termination, forward and / or process messages related to the digital twin service session management by interacting with the N1 termination or the physical network function where the N1 termination resides. For example, service session management includes processes such as establishment, modification, and release.

[0085] (3) Forward and / or process digital twin authentication.

[0086] It should be noted that the digital twin authentication in (3) can be processed by the first function, or it can be forwarded by the first function to other network functions in the digital twin subsystem for processing.

[0087] Optionally, when processing digital twin authentication, the first function is used to: send a digital twin authentication request message and receive a digital twin authentication response message; wherein the digital twin authentication request message and the digital twin authentication response message include a digital twin service identifier, which is used to indicate the digital twin service content for which authentication is requested.

[0088] Furthermore, the first function is specifically used to: send a digital twin authentication request message to the physical network core network function, and receive a digital twin authentication response message fed back by the physical network core network function; wherein, the digital twin authentication request message is used by the physical network core network function to send a digital twin authentication control message to the physical UE, and receive a digital twin authentication result message fed back by the physical UE.

[0089] (4) When the digital twin network has an independent N1 termination, establish and / or configure the digital twin N1 termination for the DT-UE.

[0090] The following combination Figures 3 to 7 The embodiments of the present application are described in detail.

[0091] Example 1

[0092] In this embodiment 1, the first function is DTCF as an example, see Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the network management system in the embodiment of the present application. Figure 3 As shown, the network management system 30 includes at least a digital twin network function 31 and a core network control plane function 32 of the physical network. The digital twin network function 31 includes at least DT-UDM, DT-AUSF, DT-AF, DT-AMF, DT-SMF, and DT-UPF, and these network functions can exchange information. The core network control plane function 32 includes at least NSSF, NEF, NRF, PCF, UDM, AF, NSSAAF, AUSF, AMF, SMF, SCP, and DTCF, and these network functions can exchange information. In addition, the digital twin network function 31 can interact with the DT-UE through the DT-RAN function, and the core network control plane function 32 can interact with the physical UE through the physical RAN, or the physical UPF and physical RAN.

[0093] Optionally, this embodiment can be based on the 5G system and introduce DTCF in the core network control plane of the physical network, which can interact with the control plane network function through a service-oriented interface. The digital twin network function can be integrated with DTCF or separated. When separated, DTCF is the interface for the digital twin network function to interact with the physical network, and the background functions can be completed by other separate functions. The digital twin network function contains different functions according to different digital twin requirements. For example, when UE access and mobility management are not involved and N1 termination is shared with the physical network, there is no DT-AMF function in the digital twin network.

[0094] like Figure 4 As shown, the digital twin-related processes in this embodiment 1 may include:

[0095] Step 401: DTCF receives digital twin task information sent by the network management function MnS, such as DT-CN information, DT-RAN information, DT-UE information, etc., and interacts with the physical network function based on the information to obtain status information, and then updates the digital twin network function status to synchronize the two.

[0096] Optionally, if the digital twin task involves the RAN, the DTCF configures the DT-RAN. This configuration may include frequency and access policies. If the DT-RAN shares resources with the physical network RAN, the DTCF must send DT-RAN configuration activation and deactivation messages. Optionally, the DT-RAN authenticates the DTCF and related configurations to ensure isolation between the digital twin network and the physical network.

[0097] Optionally, if the digital twin task involves UE, DTCF interacts with the physical network core network function to query the UE context information based on the corresponding DT-UE identification information.

[0098] Step 402: Optionally, if the UE involved in the digital twin task is in an idle state, the DTCF sends a UE activation request to the physical network core network AMF, so that the AMF can change the UE from the idle state to the connected state through paging or other enhanced methods.

[0099] Step 403a: Optionally, if the digital twin network and the physical network share N1 termination, the DTCF sends a sharing request (such as N1 termination digital twin share request) to the physical network AMF.

[0100] Step 404a: AMF feeds back a sharing response (e.g., N1 termination digital twin shareresponse) to DTCF. AMF can support transparent transmission of digital twin related NAS messages.

[0101] Step 403b: Optionally, if the digital twin network has an independent N1 termination and the UE configuration information (in a certain time interval) is a pure digital twin mode, the DTCF sends an N1 termination migration request to the physical network core network AMF.

[0102] Step 404b: AMF updates the UE configuration with the physical UE, and migrates the UE to the digital twin domain AMF through re-registration, and optionally performs UE and digital twin network authentication.

[0103] Step 405: When the physical UE performs digital twin services, it initiates a digital twin service request (such as a service request) to the AMF in the physical network through a NAS message. For example, when the digital twin network and the physical network share N1termination, this request message is processed and interacted with in the digital twin domain by the DTCF.

[0104] Step 406: AMF and DTCF exchange digital twin business information.

[0105] Step 407: Optionally, DTCF triggers digital twin service authentication to complete the UE digital twin related security process.

[0106] Step 408 and step 409: Optionally, DTCF performs session management related to digital twin services (such as session management). Session management messages also need to be transparently transmitted by the physical network AMF when sharing N1 termination, and processed and interacted by DTCF.

[0107] Step 410: The AMF transparently transmits the service acceptance / rejection message or session management message to the physical UE through the NAS message.

[0108] Example 2

[0109] In the second embodiment, the first function is DTCF as an example, see Figure 5 As shown, a digital twin business request process may include:

[0110] Step 51: The DT-UE sends a service request (such as a service request) message to the AMF in the physical network. The service request message carries digital twin service type information, which is used to indicate that the requested service is a digital twin service.

[0111] Step 52: AMF sends a digital twin service request (such as digital twin service request) message to DTCF based on the digital twin service type information. This digital twin service request message carries the digital twin service type information.

[0112] Step 53a: Optionally, if the DT-CN accepts the requested digital twin service, the DTCF sends a digital twin service accept message to the AMF.

[0113] Step 54a: The AMF sends a service accept message (such as service accept) to the DT-UE.

[0114] Step 53b: Optionally, if the DT-CN rejects the requested digital twin service, the DTCF sends a digital twin service reject message to the AMF.

[0115] Step 54b: AMF sends a service reject (e.g., service reject) message to DT-UE.

[0116] Optionally, the above-mentioned digital twin service request may carry a digital twin service identifier (DTSidentifier) ​​information unit to facilitate identification of services in multiple digital twin service situations.

[0117] It should be noted that the above service request message, service acceptance message and service rejection message can be supported by AMF transparent transmission of NAS messages.

[0118] Example 3

[0119] In this embodiment 3, the first function is DTCF as an example, see Figure 6 As shown, a digital twin business authentication process may include:

[0120] Step 61: DTCF sends a digital twin authentication request (such as digital twin specific authentication request) message to the AMF of the physical network; the digital twin authentication request message may carry information such as DTSID and / or S-NSSAI.

[0121] Step 62: The AMF transparently transmits the digital twin authentication command (such as DT-SPECIFICAUTHENTICAITON COMMAND), DTS ID and / or S-NSSAI information to the physical UE through NAS message 1. This NAS message 1 contains the digital twin authentication control information unit for identifying the message.

[0122] Step 63: The physical UE transparently transmits the digital twin authentication result (such as DT-SPECIFICAUTHENTICAITON RESULT), DTS ID and / or S-NSSAI information to the AMF through NAS message 2. This NAS message 2 contains the digital twin authentication result information unit for identifying the message.

[0123] In one embodiment, a definition scheme for two message types (DT-SPECIFIC AUTHENTICAITON COMMAND and DT-SPECIFIC AUTHENTICAITON RESULT) is based on the 24.501 message type definition in the 5G system, and a new digital twin authentication message type definition is added.

[0124] Step 64: AMF feeds back a digital twin authentication response (such as digital twin specific authentication response) message to DTCF. The digital twin authentication response message may carry information such as DTS ID and / or S-NSSAI.

[0125] It should be pointed out that for each message in the above authentication process, the digital twin service identifier (DTSidentifier) ​​information unit is a mandatory field to ensure the authentication process.

[0126] Example 4

[0127] In this fourth embodiment, taking the first function as DTCF as an example, see Figure 7 As shown, a digital twin service interaction process between a DT-AF and a DT-UE may include:

[0128] Step 71: The DT-AF sends digital twin service control information to the DT-UE via a digital twin service control request message (e.g., digital twin service control request). The digital twin service control information is used to configure the digital twin service and exception reporting. For example, the configuration of the digital twin service can include the service type, such as File Transfer Protocol (FTP), and / or the corresponding IP address (Internet Protocol address) information of the service.

[0129] Step 72: Based on the information on the terminal side, the DT-UE feeds back success information to the DT-AF through a digital twin service control response (such as digital twin service control request) message.

[0130] Step 73: The DT-AF sends a digital twin service enable message to the DT-UE so that the DT-UE can start the digital twin service.

[0131] It should be pointed out that Figure 7 What is shown in the figure is the case where the DT-UE feedback is successful. However, in addition to this, the DT-UE can also feedback failure information in the response message based on the information on the terminal side. At this time, the DT-AF sends a digital twin service disable message to the DT-UE.

[0132] Optionally, if the DT-UE starts the digital twin service, step 74a-1 and / or step 74a-b may be executed. Alternatively, if the DT-UE fails to initiate the digital twin service, step 74b may be executed.

[0133] Step 74a-1: The DT-UE and the DT-AF exchange digital twin service data. During the interaction, the network-side digital twin function can collect relevant digital twin service information and report it to the DT-AF.

[0134] Step 74a-2: The DT-UE sends a digital twin service report to the DT-AF. If digital twin service processing is required on the terminal side, the corresponding service information needs to be reported to the DT-AF.

[0135] Step 74b: The DT-UE sends a digital twin service reject (e.g., digital twin service reject) message to the DT-AF.

[0136] Step 75: The DT-AF sends a digital twin service disable message (e.g., digital twin service disable) to the DT-UE.

[0137] Step 76: The DT-UE sends a digital twin service disable complete message to the DT-AF.

[0138] See Figure 8 , Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a service providing device provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 1 DT-AF in the digital twin system shown in Figure 2. Figure 8 As shown, the service providing device 80 includes:

[0139] The first execution module 81 is used to provide data network services related to the digital twin network.

[0140] Optionally, the first execution module 81 is configured to initiate a digital twin service according to user authorization information of the DT-UE; wherein the initiation of the digital twin service includes at least one of the following:

[0141] Sending digital twin service configuration information to the DT-UE;

[0142] Receiving configuration success information or configuration failure information sent by the DT-UE;

[0143] Reporting the configuration failure information fed back by the DT-UE to the first function;

[0144] Sending digital twin service start information and / or termination information to the DT-UE;

[0145] Send and / or receive digital twin business messages.

[0146] Optionally, the first execution module 81 is configured to: when the DT-AF and the DT-UE perform digital twin service interaction, exchange at least one of the following information:

[0147] Digital twin business control information;

[0148] Digital twin business data;

[0149] Digital Twin Business Report.

[0150] It is understandable that the service providing device 90 provided in the embodiment of the present application can achieve Figure 1 The related processes that can be implemented by the DT-AF shown in the figure achieve the same technical effects, and are not described here again to avoid repetition.

[0151] See Figure 9 , Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a service providing device provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 1 The first function in the digital twin system shown in Figure 9 As shown, the service providing device 90 includes:

[0152] The second execution module 91 is used to provide digital twin control and / or management.

[0153] Optionally, the second execution module 91 is configured to perform at least one of the following:

[0154] Based on the digital twin network configuration information, obtain the physical network function status information required by the digital twin network function;

[0155] Based on the digital twin network configuration information, the DT-UE context of the digital twin domain is established by interacting with the core network functions of the physical network;

[0156] Performing digital twin configuration on the DT-RAN function and / or the DT-UE;

[0157] When digital twin services need to be provided externally, digital twin services are provided by interacting with the network open function NEF;

[0158] Directly or indirectly interact with the DT-AF regarding digital twin service information;

[0159] When billing is required, billing information is exchanged with the billing function.

[0160] Optionally, when a digital twin configuration is performed on the DT-RAN function and / or the DT-UE, the second execution module 91 is configured to perform at least one of the following:

[0161] Performing digital twin registration for the DT-RAN function and / or the DT-UE;

[0162] Performing digital twin authentication on the DT-RAN function and / or the DT-UE;

[0163] performing a digital twin configuration update on the DT-RAN function and / or the DT-UE;

[0164] Performing session management of the DT-UE;

[0165] Perform context management of the DT-UE.

[0166] Optionally, when providing digital twin services by interacting with NEF, the second execution module 91 is configured to execute the following:

[0167] Receive a subscription or unsubscription request message for a digital twin service from the NEF, send a subscription response message to the NEF, and monitor the content of the subscription message;

[0168] When the subscription message content is monitored to be generated, a notification message is sent to the NEF.

[0169] Optionally, when the digital twin network involves user-level data or user participation, the second execution module 91 is configured to perform at least one of the following:

[0170] Before performing the digital twin service, if the physical UE related to the digital twin service is in an idle state, the physical network function is triggered to perform the paging process of the physical UE;

[0171] Trigger and / or establish N1 termination of the digital twin domain based on the digital twin configuration information;

[0172] Control the authentication process related to DT-UE and / or digital twin network functions;

[0173] When it comes to user billing, it exchanges billing information with the billing function.

[0174] Optionally, the second execution module 91 is further configured to execute at least one of the following:

[0175] Forward and / or process digital twin business requests and responses;

[0176] Forward and / or process digital twin business session management;

[0177] Forwarding and / or processing digital twin authentication;

[0178] When the digital twin network has an independent N1 termination, establish and / or configure the digital twin N1 termination for the DT-UE.

[0179] Optionally, when processing digital twin business requests and responses, the second execution module 91 is used to:

[0180] When the digital twin network and the physical network share N1 termination, the digital twin service request message is received and the digital twin service response message is sent by interacting with the N1 termination or the physical network function where the N1 termination is located.

[0181] Optionally, the digital twin business request message includes digital twin service type information, and the digital twin business type information is used to indicate that the business requested by the digital twin business request message is a digital twin business.

[0182] Optionally, when forwarding and / or processing digital twin service session management, the second execution module 91 is used to:

[0183] When the digital twin network and the physical network share N1 termination, digital twin service session management related messages are forwarded and / or processed by interacting with the N1 termination or the physical network function where the N1 termination is located.

[0184] Optionally, when processing digital twin authentication, the second execution module 91 is used to:

[0185] Send a digital twin authentication request message and receive a digital twin authentication response message;

[0186] Among them, the digital twin authentication request message and the digital twin authentication response message include a digital twin service identifier, and the digital twin service identifier is used to indicate the digital twin service content for which authentication is requested.

[0187] Optionally, the second execution module 91 is used to: send the digital twin authentication request message to the physical network core network function, and receive the digital twin authentication response message fed back by the physical network core network function;

[0188] Among them, the digital twin authentication request message is used by the physical network core network function to send a digital twin authentication control message to the physical UE, and receive the digital twin authentication result message fed back by the physical UE.

[0189] It is understandable that the service providing device 90 provided in the embodiment of the present application can achieve Figure 1 The related processes that can be implemented by the first function shown and achieve the same technical effects are not described here to avoid repetition.

[0190] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprises," "includes," or any other variations thereof are intended to encompass non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus comprising a series of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not explicitly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. In the absence of further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising a ..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus comprising the element.

[0191] The embodiments of the present application are described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, but the present application is not limited to the above-mentioned specific implementation methods. The above-mentioned specific implementation methods are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Under the guidance of this application, ordinary technicians in this field can also make many forms without departing from the purpose of this application and the scope of protection of the claims, all of which are within the protection of this application.

Claims

1. A digital twin subsystem, characterized in that: include: A digital twin user equipment DT-UE, configured to provide a first function of digital twin control and / or management, and at least one of a digital twin application function DT-AF, a digital twin core network DT-CN function, and a digital twin radio access network DT-RAN function; Among them, the DT-UE is used to provide terminal functions related to the digital twin network; the DT-AF is used to provide data network services related to the digital twin network; the DT-CN function is used to provide core network services related to the digital twin network; the DT-RAN function is used to provide radio access network services related to the digital twin network; Among them, when the digital twin network involves user-level data or user participation, the first function is used to trigger and / or establish the N1 termination of the digital twin domain according to the digital twin configuration information.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The digital twin network function in the digital twin subsystem is: the digital twin domain model of the digital twin network function; or, the digital twin network function in the digital twin subsystem is: the mirror image of the physical network function corresponding to the digital twin network function.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The first function is configured to perform at least one of the following: Based on the digital twin network configuration information, obtain the physical network function status information required by the digital twin network function; Based on the digital twin network configuration information, the DT-UE context of the digital twin domain is established by interacting with the core network functions of the physical network; Performing digital twin configuration on the DT-RAN function and / or the DT-UE; When digital twin services need to be provided externally, digital twin services are provided by interacting with the network open function NEF; Directly or indirectly interact with the DT-AF regarding digital twin service information; When billing is required, billing information is exchanged with the billing function.

4. The system according to claim 3, characterized in that When a digital twin configuration is performed on the DT-RAN function and / or the DT-UE, the first function is configured to perform at least one of the following: Performing digital twin registration for the DT-RAN function and / or the DT-UE; Performing digital twin authentication on the DT-RAN function and / or the DT-UE; performing a digital twin configuration update on the DT-RAN function and / or the DT-UE; Performing session management of the DT-UE; Perform context management of the DT-UE.

5. The system according to claim 3, wherein: When providing digital twin services by interacting with NEF, the first function is used to: Receive a subscription or unsubscription request message for a digital twin service from the NEF, send a subscription response message to the NEF, and monitor the content of the subscription message; When the subscription message content is monitored to be generated, a notification message is sent to the NEF.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The DT-AF is used to: initiate a digital twin service according to the user authorization information of the DT-UE; The initiation of the digital twin service includes at least one of the following: Sending digital twin service configuration information to the DT-UE; Receiving configuration success information or configuration failure information sent by the DT-UE; Reporting the configuration failure information fed back by the DT-UE to the first function; Sending digital twin service start information and / or termination information to the DT-UE; Send and / or receive digital twin business messages.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein: When the digital twin network involves user-level data or user participation, the first function is further configured to perform at least one of the following: Before performing the digital twin service, if the physical UE related to the digital twin service is in an idle state, the physical network function is triggered to perform the paging process of the physical UE; Control the authentication process related to the DT-UE and / or digital twin network functions; When it comes to user billing, it exchanges billing information with the billing function.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The first function is configured to perform at least one of the following: Forward and / or process digital twin business requests and responses; Forward and / or process digital twin business session management; Forwarding and / or processing digital twin authentication; When the digital twin network has an independent N1 termination, establish and / or configure the digital twin N1 termination for the DT-UE.

9. The system according to claim 8, characterized in that When processing digital twin business requests and responses, the first function is used to: When the digital twin network and the physical network share N1 termination, the digital twin service request message is received and the digital twin service response message is sent by interacting with the N1 termination or the physical network function where the N1 termination is located.

10. The system according to claim 9, characterized in that The digital twin business request message includes digital twin service type information, and the digital twin business type information is used to indicate that the business requested by the digital twin business request message is a digital twin business.

11. The system according to claim 8, wherein: When forwarding and / or processing digital twin service session management, the first function is used to: When the digital twin network and the physical network share N1 termination, digital twin service session management related messages are forwarded and / or processed by interacting with the N1 termination or the physical network function where the N1 termination is located.

12. The system according to claim 8, wherein: When processing digital twin authentication, the first function is used to: Send a digital twin authentication request message and receive a digital twin authentication response message; Among them, the digital twin authentication request message and the digital twin authentication response message include a digital twin service identifier, and the digital twin service identifier is used to indicate the digital twin service content for which authentication is requested.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein: The first function is specifically used to: send the digital twin authentication request message to the physical network core network function, and receive the digital twin authentication response message fed back by the physical network core network function; Among them, the digital twin authentication request message is used by the physical network core network function to send a digital twin authentication control message to the physical UE, and receive the digital twin authentication result message fed back by the physical UE.

14. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The DT-AF is configured to: when performing digital twin service interaction with the DT-UE, exchange at least one of the following information: Digital twin business control information; Digital twin business data; Digital Twin Business Report.

15. A service providing device, characterized in that: Applied to the first function in the digital twin subsystem according to claim 1, the device comprises: a second execution module for providing digital twin control and / or management; When the digital twin network involves user-level data or user participation, the second execution module is used to trigger and / or establish the N1 termination of the digital twin domain according to the digital twin configuration information.

16. The device according to claim 15, characterized in that The second execution module is configured to execute at least one of the following: Based on the digital twin network configuration information, obtain the physical network function status information required by the digital twin network function; Based on the digital twin network configuration information, the DT-UE context of the digital twin domain is established by interacting with the core network functions of the physical network; Performing digital twin configuration on the DT-RAN function and / or the DT-UE; When digital twin services need to be provided externally, digital twin services are provided by interacting with the network open function NEF; Directly or indirectly interact with the DT-AF regarding digital twin service information; When billing is required, billing information is exchanged with the billing function.

17. The device according to claim 16, characterized in that When a digital twin configuration is performed on the DT-RAN function and / or the DT-UE, the second execution module is configured to perform at least one of the following: Performing digital twin registration for the DT-RAN function and / or the DT-UE; Performing digital twin authentication on the DT-RAN function and / or the DT-UE; performing a digital twin configuration update on the DT-RAN function and / or the DT-UE; Performing session management of the DT-UE; Perform context management of the DT-UE.

18. The device according to claim 16, characterized in that When providing digital twin services by interacting with NEF, the second execution module is used to perform the following: Receive a subscription or unsubscription request message for a digital twin service from the NEF, send a subscription response message to the NEF, and monitor the content of the subscription message; When the subscription message content is monitored to be generated, a notification message is sent to the NEF.

19. The device according to claim 15, characterized in that When the digital twin network involves user-level data or user participation, the second execution module is configured to further perform at least one of the following: Before performing the digital twin service, if the physical UE related to the digital twin service is in an idle state, the physical network function is triggered to perform the paging process of the physical UE; Control the authentication process related to DT-UE and / or digital twin network functions; When it comes to user billing, it exchanges billing information with the billing function.

20. The device according to claim 15, wherein The second execution module is configured to execute at least one of the following: Forward and / or process digital twin business requests and responses; Forward and / or process digital twin business session management; Forwarding and / or processing digital twin authentication; When the digital twin network has independent N1 termination, establish and / or configure digital twin N1 termination for DT-UE.

21. The device according to claim 20, characterized in that When processing digital twin business requests and responses, the second execution module is used to: When the digital twin network and the physical network share N1 termination, the digital twin service request message is received and the digital twin service response message is sent by interacting with the N1 termination or the physical network function where the N1 termination is located.

22. The device according to claim 21, characterized in that The digital twin business request message includes digital twin service type information, and the digital twin business type information is used to indicate that the business requested by the digital twin business request message is a digital twin business.

23. The device according to claim 20, characterized in that When forwarding and / or processing digital twin service session management, the second execution module is used to: When the digital twin network and the physical network share N1 termination, digital twin service session management related messages are forwarded and / or processed by interacting with the N1 termination or the physical network function where the N1 termination is located.

24. The device according to claim 20, characterized in that When processing digital twin authentication, the second execution module is used to: Send a digital twin authentication request message and receive a digital twin authentication response message; Among them, the digital twin authentication request message and the digital twin authentication response message include a digital twin service identifier, and the digital twin service identifier is used to indicate the digital twin service content for which authentication is requested.

25. The device according to claim 24, characterized in that The second execution module is used to: send the digital twin authentication request message to the physical network core network function, and receive the digital twin authentication response message fed back by the physical network core network function; Among them, the digital twin authentication request message is used by the physical network core network function to send a digital twin authentication control message to the physical UE, and receive the digital twin authentication result message fed back by the physical UE.

Images