Information transmission method and apparatus, network device, and communication system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an information transmission method and device, network equipment and communication system, and relates to the technical field of communication. The method comprises the following steps: an application function node sends a subscription request for a target application provided by another application function node, and obtains target information corresponding to the subscription request; if it is determined that the target application meets a trigger condition, the application function node receives the target information through an information providing network element in the network; and corresponding operations are performed according to the target information. The present disclosure can obtain target information of a target application in another application function node through a network.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and more specifically, to an information transmission method, an information transmission device, a network device, and a communication system. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, applications can interact with each other to run business processes or retrieve related information.

[0003] In related technologies, applications can only determine whether a service is running or obtain other information through interaction at the application layer. Furthermore, application functional nodes cannot subscribe to relevant information from other application functional nodes on the network. This approach has certain limitations: its application scope is limited and it lacks universality, resulting in low operational efficiency and poor convenience.

[0004] It should be noted that the information in the background section above is only used to enhance the understanding of the background of this disclosure, and therefore may include information that does not constitute prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an information transmission method, information transmission device, network equipment, and communication system, thereby overcoming, to at least a certain extent, the problem of being unable to obtain relevant information of the target application provided by other application function nodes due to limitations and defects in related technologies.

[0006] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an information transmission method is provided, comprising: an application function node sending a subscription request for a target application provided by another application function node, and obtaining target information corresponding to the subscription request; if it is determined that the target application meets a triggering condition, the application function node receiving the target information through an information providing network element in the network; and performing a corresponding operation based on the target information.

[0007] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the application function node sends a subscription request for a target application provided by another application function node, including: sending the subscription request for the target application provided by another application function node according to the type of the application function node.

[0008] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the step of sending the subscription request for the target application provided by other application function nodes according to the type of the application function node includes: if the application function node is a first type of network element, the application function node sends the subscription request to a network open function node in the network; the network open function node sends the subscription request to a user database to associate the report events of the application function node with the target application and store them in the user database.

[0009] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the step of sending the subscription request for the target application provided by other application function nodes according to the type of the application function node includes: if the application function node is a second type of network element, the application function node sends the subscription request to a user database in the network to associate the report events of the application function node with the target application and store them in the user database.

[0010] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, associating the application function node with the reporting events of the target application includes: adjusting the association information corresponding to the target application in the target user's subscription information, and binding the application function node with the reporting events of the target application.

[0011] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, obtaining the target information corresponding to the subscription request includes: obtaining the subscription information of the target user from the user database based on the information providing network element corresponding to the session state, and obtaining the target information based on the subscription information.

[0012] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the step of obtaining the target user's subscription information from the user database based on the information provided by the network element corresponding to the session state, and obtaining the target information based on the subscription information, includes: if the session state is that the target user has established or modified a session, obtaining the subscription information from the user database based on the session management function node, and obtaining the target information based on the subscription information; if the session state is that the target user has established or modified a policy association, obtaining the subscription information from the user database based on the policy and billing control node, and obtaining the target information based on the subscription information.

[0013] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the step of receiving the target information through an information providing network element in the network if the target application is determined to meet the triggering condition includes: if the target application is determined to meet the triggering condition, the application function node receives the target information sent by the network open function node and provided by the information providing network element.

[0014] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the triggering conditions include: the target user establishing a session with the target application, and the target application meeting the reporting conditions.

[0015] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, after an application function node sends a subscription request for a target application provided by another application function node, the method further includes: if the application function node is a first type of network element, the network open function node converts the information in the subscription request according to parameter information in the network; if the application function node is a second type of network element, the information in the subscription request remains unchanged.

[0016] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an information transmission apparatus is provided, comprising: a subscription request sending module, configured to send a subscription request for a target application provided by another application function node, and obtain target information corresponding to the subscription request; a target information receiving module, configured to receive the target information through an information providing network element in the network if it is determined that the target application meets a triggering condition; and an operation execution module, configured to perform a corresponding operation based on the target information.

[0017] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a network device is provided, comprising: a processor; and a memory for storing executable instructions of the processor; wherein the processor is configured to perform the information transmission method described in any one of the preceding claims by executing the executable instructions.

[0018] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a communication system is provided, comprising: a terminal device; and a network device as described in any of the preceding claims, configured to allow an application function node to receive target information corresponding to a subscription request for a target application provided by another application function node from an information providing network element in the network, and to perform a corresponding operation based on the target information.

[0019] The information transmission method, information transmission device, network equipment, and communication system provided in this disclosure send subscription requests for target applications provided by other application function nodes to the network through application function nodes. When the target application meets the triggering conditions, the target information corresponding to the subscription request is provided to the application function node through the information providing network element in the network. On the one hand, based on the non-interactive layer, the open functions of the network can be used to provide certain open information to the target application without the participation of the target application. It is possible to obtain the target information of the target application provided by other application function nodes from the information providing network element in the network, so as to obtain the usage of the target user when using the target application provided by other application function nodes through the network, avoiding the limitations of related technologies, increasing the application scope and universality, and improving convenience. On the other hand, the target information of the target application can be provided to the application function node through the information providing network element, realizing the function of the application function node subscribing to the relevant information of other application function nodes from the network, increasing comprehensiveness and improving operational efficiency.

[0020] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure. It is obvious that the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of this disclosure, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any inventive effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This diagram schematically illustrates a system architecture for information transmission according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 2 The flowchart illustrates an information transmission method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 3 The flowchart illustrating the conversion operation in an embodiment of this disclosure is shown schematically.

[0025] Figure 4 The flowchart illustrating the acquisition of target information is shown in the present disclosure embodiment.

[0026] Figure 5 This illustration shows a schematic diagram of obtaining target information through different paths according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 6 This illustration shows a flowchart of receiving target information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 7 This schematic diagram illustrates the interactive process of information transmission by a first type of network element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 8 This diagram illustrates the interactive process of information transmission by a second type of network element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 9 This schematic diagram illustrates how a first type of network element in an embodiment of this disclosure transmits information via different paths.

[0031] Figure 10 This schematic diagram illustrates how a second type of network element in an embodiment of this disclosure transmits information via different paths.

[0032] Figure 11 A schematic block diagram of an information transmission device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0033] Figure 12A schematic block diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0034] Figure 13 A schematic block diagram of a network device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, example embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided to make this disclosure more comprehensive and complete, and to fully convey the concept of the example embodiments to those skilled in the art. The described features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to give a full understanding of embodiments of this disclosure. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the technical solutions of this disclosure can be practiced with one or more of the specific details omitted, or other methods, components, apparatus, steps, etc., can be employed. In other instances, well-known technical solutions are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring various aspects of this disclosure.

[0036] Furthermore, the accompanying drawings are merely illustrative of this disclosure and are not necessarily drawn to scale. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar parts, and therefore repeated descriptions of them will be omitted. Some block diagrams shown in the drawings are functional entities and do not necessarily correspond to physically or logically independent entities. These functional entities may be implemented in software, in one or more hardware modules or integrated circuits, or in different network and / or processor devices and / or microcontroller devices.

[0037] In communication scenarios, the application layer services used by users are provided by the operator's own application function nodes or by third-party application function nodes.

[0038] The current network capability openness function can provide user plane information for the application corresponding to the application function node (AF) for either the operator itself or a third party. For example, the application function node (AF) can subscribe to user plane management-related information for one or more users, such as changes to DNAI and N6 routing information, to the information providing network element (SMF). Then, based on the received information, the application function node (AF) can send corresponding policies or scheduling requests to the network PCF to optimize the service experience.

[0039] However, in current technologies, Application Functional Nodes (AFs) cannot subscribe to information from other Application Functional Nodes on the network. Generally, applications can only determine whether a service is running or obtain other information through application-layer interactions. For example, a carrier might want to develop a value-added SMS service where, when a user is detected using a third-party application, the carrier's SMS system can push relevant value-added SMS messages to that user. However, this functionality cannot be implemented through the network.

[0040] In this embodiment of the disclosure, in order to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, an information transmission method is provided, which can be applied to network devices. Figure 1 The diagram illustrates the architecture of a communication system used to implement information transmission methods.

[0041] refer to Figure 1 As shown, the system architecture 100 may include network device 110, which may be a device that communicates with terminal device 120 (or a communication terminal, terminal). Network device 110 can provide communication coverage for a specific geographical area and can communicate with terminals located within that coverage area. Optionally, network device 110 may be a base station (BTS) in a GSM or CDMA system, a base station (NodeB, NB) in a WCDMA system, an evolved Node B (eNB or eNodeB) in an LTE system, or a radio controller in a Cloud Radio Access Network (CRAN). Alternatively, the network device may be a mobile switching center, relay station, access point, vehicle-mounted equipment, wearable device, hub, switch, bridge, router, network-side equipment in a 5G network, or network equipment in a future evolved Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), etc.

[0042] The system architecture 100 also includes at least one terminal 120 located within the coverage area of ​​network device 110. As used herein, "terminal" includes, but is not limited to, devices configured to receive / transmit communication signals via wired connections, such as via Public Switched Telephone Networks (PSTN), Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), digital cable, direct cable connection; and / or another data connection / network; and / or via a wireless interface, such as for cellular networks, Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), digital television networks such as DVB-H networks, satellite networks, AM-FM broadcast transmitters; and / or another terminal. A terminal configured to communicate via a wireless interface may be referred to as a "wireless communication terminal," "wireless terminal," or "mobile terminal." Examples of mobile terminals include, but are not limited to, satellite or cellular phones; personal communications system (PCS) terminals that can combine cellular radiotelephone with data processing, fax, and data communication capabilities; PDAs that may include radiotelephones, pagers, Internet / intranet access, web browsers, notebooks, calendars, and / or Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers; and conventional laptop and / or handheld receivers or other electronic devices that include radiotelephone transceivers.

[0043] The aforementioned terminal equipment can be user equipment with wireless transceiver capabilities or a chip system installed in such user equipment. For example, the aforementioned terminal equipment can also be referred to as a station (STA), user equipment (UE), access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, wireless communication equipment, user agent, or user device. The aforementioned terminal equipment includes, but is not limited to: mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, virtual reality (VR) terminal equipment, augmented reality (AR) terminal equipment, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving vehicles, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, and sensor-type devices such as monitoring terminals.

[0044] Optionally, the terminal devices 120 can communicate directly with each other via Device to Device (D2D).

[0045] Alternatively, a 5G system or 5G network may also be referred to as a New Radio (NR) system or NR network.

[0046] Figure 1 An exemplary network device and a terminal device are shown. Optionally, the system architecture 100 may include multiple network devices and each network device may include other numbers of terminal devices within its coverage area. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0047] Optionally, the system architecture 100 may also include other network entities such as a network controller and a mobility management entity, which is not limited in this embodiment.

[0048] It should be understood that Figure 1 This is a simplified diagram for ease of understanding only, showing only terminal devices and network devices (such as base stations). In embodiments of this application, the system architecture may also include other network devices (such as core network devices) or other terminal devices. Figure 1 It was not drawn in the middle.

[0049] The aforementioned communication system can be applied to LTE, 5G, or other similar networks, or future networks, and this application does not specifically limit its application. Furthermore, the network devices and terminal devices in the above system architecture may have different names in different networks; those skilled in the art will understand that the names do not limit the devices themselves.

[0050] Next, refer to Figure 2 The information transmission method in the embodiments of this disclosure is described in detail below.

[0051] In step S210, the application function node sends a subscription request for the target application provided by other application function nodes, and obtains the target information corresponding to the subscription request.

[0052] In this embodiment, the application function node interacts with the 3GPP core network to provide services, allowing trusted application functions to directly interact with relevant network functions. The application function node can be either the operator's own or a third-party application function node. The application function node provides the application-layer services used by the user and can be any application function node, such as the operator's IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) or other systems; no limitation is made here. Each application can have a corresponding application function node, and one application function node can provide one or more applications.

[0053] The target application can be an application provided by other application function nodes, which are different from the target application node. The target application can be any one or more applications provided by other application function nodes, determined specifically based on actual business needs. Multiple target applications can be provided by the same application function node or by different application function nodes; this is not limited here. For example, application function node 1 is the SMS system in the operator's IMS system. The target application can be an application provided by another application function node 2, which is different from application function node 1 represented by the operator's IMS system. The applications provided by other application function nodes can include application 1, application 2, etc., and the target application can be application 1. That is, the SMS system in the operator's IMS system can subscribe to the usage of application 1 corresponding to other application function node 2.

[0054] A subscription request can be an information request targeting a target user and a target application. The subscription request is used to obtain relevant information about the target user's use of the target application provided by other application function nodes. This information describes the usage of the target application or its status information. The target user can be a single user or a user group; this is not limited here. In some embodiments, the subscription request may include, but is not limited to, the following information: user information, application status, and other optional conditions. User information refers to the target user (or target user group) ID, target application ID, or target service provider ID. Application status refers to the target report information or event corresponding to the target application, such as the start / end notification of the target application, the traffic volume of the target application, etc. Other optional conditions include, but are not limited to, the target server address, network service area, subscription duration or validity information, and reporting threshold for the target application. The subscription duration represents the valid duration of the subscription request, and the reporting threshold describes the triggering condition for the target report information or event. If the reporting threshold is exceeded, the target report information is triggered. The reporting threshold can be, for example, a traffic threshold or a usage duration threshold. For example, the reporting threshold can be a total traffic volume greater than 500MB or a duration exceeding one hour.

[0055] When an application function node sends a subscription request for a target application provided by another application function node, the application function node can either send the subscription request directly to the user database, or first send it to a network open function node, which then forwards it to the user database. The specific method depends on the type of application function node. The type of application function node can be determined based on its source; for example, it can include a first type of network element and a second type of network element. The first type of network element can be a third-party deployed network element, while the second type of network element is a network element deployed by the operator itself.

[0056] Figure 3 The flowchart illustrating the sending of a subscription request is shown in the image. Figure 3 As shown, the main steps include:

[0057] In step S310, if the application function node is a first type of network element, the application function node sends the subscription request to the user database through the network open function node;

[0058] In step S320, if the application function node is a second type of network element, the application function node sends the subscription request to the user database.

[0059] In this embodiment, the process of sending subscription requests when the application function node is a first-type network element is firstly described. Sending a subscription request for a target application by an application function node includes: the application function node sending a subscription request for the target application provided by other application function nodes to a network exposure function node, which then sends it to the user database. The application function node generates an information subscription request for the target application. Further, a subscription request for a target user in a target application can be sent to a network exposure function node in the network. The network can be a 5GC network, but the network in this embodiment is not limited to this. It should be noted that in 3GPP standards TS23.501 / 502 / 503, the Network Exposure Function (NEF) is located between the 5G core network and external third-party application functions (and possibly some internal AFs), responsible for managing externally exposed network data. All external applications wishing to access data within the 5G core network must go through the NEF. The NEF provides corresponding security guarantees to ensure the security of external applications accessing the 3GPP network, providing functions such as external application QoS customization capabilities, mobility state event subscription, and AF request distribution. NEF uses a standardized interface (Nudr) to store information as structured data in a unified data repository. Network Open Functions (NEF) receive information from other network functions (based on the public functions of those other network functions). The stored information can be accessed by NEF and "reopened" to other network functions and application functions for other purposes, such as analysis.

[0060] In this embodiment, the Network Open Function Node (NEF) can perform conversion operations on the information in the received subscription request based on the type of the Application Function Node. If the Application Function Node is a first-type network element, the NEF will perform conversion operations on the received information, which may include conversion / translation. Specifically, the information in the received subscription request can be format-converted according to the parameter information in the network, such as converting the target user (or target user group) ID, application ID, user information, etc., to meet the network parameter format. For example, if the information in the subscription request of a first-type network element is a phone number, which uses a network identifier in the network, the phone number needs to be converted into a network identifier. Through the conversion operation, the need for network security isolation can be met, improving security. If the Application Function Node is a second-type network element, no conversion operation may be performed on the information in the received subscription request, that is, the information in the subscription request remains unchanged.

[0061] After transforming the information in the subscription request, the Network Open Function Node can send the subscription request from the Application Function Node to the User Database (UDR) to associate the report events of the Application Function Node and the target application in the User Database and store them therein.

[0062] The following describes the process of sending subscription requests when the application function node is a type 2 network element. If the application function node is a network element deployed by the operator itself, the application function node can directly send the subscription request to the user database.

[0063] A user database can contain all the information about a target user, such as reporting information, usage information, and so on. For example, a user database can contain information indicating that a user can only use certain services in certain places, or information indicating that a user should report relevant information to the network when using a certain application.

[0064] In the user database, information related to the target application within the target user's subscription information can be modified. Subscription information may include, but is not limited to: user level, user's basic traffic, QoS (Quality of Service) standards assigned to a specific application, and relevant information corresponding to the target application. The information used for modification can be a portion of the subscription information, such as reporting information required when using a particular application, including but not limited to the routes corresponding to that application.

[0065] After adjusting the relevant information corresponding to the target application in the subscription information, the application function nodes can be associated with the target application's reporting events. This association can be achieved through binding. Based on this, a relationship can be established between the application function nodes and the target application's reporting events. Furthermore, the application function nodes can be associated with the target user and the target application's reporting events corresponding to the subscription request, enabling the application function nodes to be associated with the target application's reporting events when the target user uses the target application, and ensuring that the target application's reporting events correspond to the received subscription requests. For example, an application function node may request multiple users simultaneously. Therefore, it is necessary to identify the target user and fill the application function node with the information that the target user needs to report when using the target application (the target application's reporting events), thereby achieving binding between multiple pieces of information. This bound information can then be stored in the user database. Based on this, the user database can store subscription requests, target users, target application reporting events, and the binding information obtained from the binding between application function nodes.

[0066] After storing the binding information in the user database, the target information corresponding to the subscription request can be retrieved. The target information can be the binding information between the bound application function node and the target application's reporting events, or the reporting events of the target application corresponding to the subscription request—that is, the information that needs to be reported to the network when using the target application. The target information can vary depending on the type of target application, and is determined based on actual needs. In some embodiments, the target information may include usage data, status reports, etc. For example, the target information may be the cumulative usage time, start / end status, and traffic usage information of the target application bound to the application function node.

[0067] In this embodiment of the disclosure, when obtaining the target information corresponding to the subscription request, based on the specific network structure, the subscription information of the bound requesting application function node AF1 and the target application's report event can be obtained from the user database through an information providing network element in the network. The information providing network element can directly send the obtained target information to the application function node, or it can send it to the network open function node, so that the network open function node can obtain the target information and send it to the application function node. Here, the example of using the network open function node is used for illustration.

[0068] Information providing network elements are used to retrieve the required target information from the user database. The information providing network element can be determined based on the session state; different session states correspond to different information providing network elements. The session state can be a session with the target application, specifically including session establishment state or policy state. Session establishment state can involve establishing or modifying a session, while policy state can involve establishing or modifying policy associations. A session refers to the target user's session within the target application. Policy associations refer to the session policies used by the user to establish a session with the network, which can include bandwidth, network speed, access policies, application scope, etc. For example, policy associations can specify where these policies cannot be used and where they can be used.

[0069] Based on this, network elements can be provided according to the information corresponding to the session state to obtain the target user's subscription information from the user database, and the target information can be obtained based on the subscription information. By obtaining the subscription information, it is possible to determine which node obtains which information and thus modify which policies during connection establishment. Furthermore, by obtaining the target information based on the subscription information, it is possible to determine the information that needs to be reported to the network when using the target application, namely, the application function node bound to the subscription request in the user database and the reporting events of the target application.

[0070] Figure 4 The flowchart illustrating the acquisition of target information is shown in the figure. (Refer to...) Figure 4 As shown, the main steps include:

[0071] In step S410, if the session status indicates that the target user has established or modified a session, the subscription information is obtained from the user database according to the session management function node, and the target information is obtained according to the subscription information.

[0072] In this embodiment of the disclosure, if the session state indicates that the target user has established or modified a session, the corresponding information-providing network element is a session management function (SMF) node. The SMF node can perform the following functions: session establishment, modification, and release; UE IP address allocation; determination of the session's SSC mode, etc. The SMF node obtains the target user's subscription information from the user database, determines which node to obtain which information, and further obtains the target application's target information based on the subscription information. Specifically, it obtains the binding information formed by the bound requester application function node and the target application's reporting events to obtain the information that needs to be reported during the use of the target application.

[0073] In step S420, if the session state is that the target user has established or modified a policy association, the subscription information is obtained from the user database according to the policy and billing control node, and the target information is obtained according to the subscription information.

[0074] In this embodiment of the disclosure, if the session state indicates that the target user has established or modified a policy association, the corresponding information-providing network element is the Policy and Charging Control (PCF) node. The PCF node includes the following functions: accessing target information related to policy decisions in a unified data repository, providing policy rules, etc. The PCF node obtains the target user's subscription information from the user database, can determine which node obtained which information, and can also identify relevant reports subscribed to by application function nodes for the target application. Further, based on the subscription information, it obtains the target information of the target application, that is, it obtains the target information of the bound requesting application function node and the target application's reporting events, to obtain the information that needs to be reported during the use of the target application.

[0075] Figure 5 The diagram illustrates the process of obtaining target information through different paths. (Refer to...) Figure 5As shown, when session state 500 is state 1 (establishing or modifying a session), the target information 503 of the target application is obtained from the user database 502 through the session management function node 501, i.e., through path 1. When session state 500 is state 2 (establishing or modifying a policy association for a target user), the target information 503 of the target application is obtained from the user database 502 through the policy and charging control node 504. By using different session states, target information can be obtained from the user database through different information providing network elements and different paths, which can improve the accuracy and timeliness of obtaining target information.

[0076] Next, continue to refer to Figure 2 As shown, in step S220, if it is determined that the target application meets the triggering conditions, the application function node receives the target information through the information providing network element in the network.

[0077] In this embodiment of the disclosure, a triggering condition is used to trigger the reporting of target information. The triggering condition can be the establishment of a session between the target user and the target application, and the target application meeting the reporting conditions. Establishing a session between the target user and the target application can create resources and generate traffic for the session related to the target user and the target application, that is, the target user begins using the services provided by the target application. Based on the target user's use of the target application, it can be further determined whether the target application meets the reporting conditions. The reporting conditions can be determined based on reporting thresholds, or based on information contained in the subscription request.

[0078] Figure 6 The flowchart for receiving target information is illustrated in the diagram. (Refer to...) Figure 6 As shown, the main steps include:

[0079] In step S610, it is determined whether the target application meets the triggering condition; if yes, proceed to step S620; if no, proceed to step S630.

[0080] In step S620, the application function node receives the target information provided by the information providing network element;

[0081] In step S630, the application function node is unable to receive target information.

[0082] In this embodiment of the disclosure, if a target user uses a target application and the target application meets the reporting conditions, the application function node can be triggered to receive target information provided by an information providing network element in the network. Specifically, if the application function node is a first-type network element, and its subscription request process involves a network open function node, the process of obtaining target information may include: the information providing network element obtaining target information from the user database and sending it to the network open function node, which then sends the target information to the application function node for receipt, thus enabling the application function node to obtain target information via the network. That is, the subscription events or information of the requested target user or target user group with the target application are provided to the application function node via the network. If the application function node is a second-type network element, and its subscription request process does not involve a network open function node, the process of obtaining target information may include: the information providing network element obtaining target information from the user database and sending it to the application function node for receipt, thus enabling the application function node to obtain target information via the network.

[0083] In some embodiments, if the application function node is a first type of network element, and the session state is that the target user has established or modified a session, the corresponding information-providing network element is the session management function node. The session management function node retrieves the target information from the user database and sends it to the network open function node, which then sends the target information to the application function node, thus enabling the application function node to receive the target information obtained by the session management function node through the network open function node. If the session state is that the target user has established or modified a policy association, the corresponding information-providing network element is the policy and charging control node. The policy and charging control node retrieves the target information from the user database and sends it to the network open function node, which then sends the target information to the application function node, thus enabling the application function node to receive the target information obtained by the policy and charging control node through the network open function node.

[0084] If the application function node is a type II network element, the explanation is as follows: If the session state indicates that the target user has established or modified a session, the corresponding information-providing network element is the session management function node. The session management function node retrieves the target information from the user database and sends it to the application function node. If the session state indicates that the target user has established or modified a policy association, the corresponding information-providing network element is the policy and charging control node. The policy and charging control node retrieves the target information from the user database and sends it to the application function node, thus enabling the application function node to receive the target information obtained by the policy and charging control node.

[0085] If the target user uses the target application and the target application does not meet the reporting conditions, or if the target user does not use the target application, the target application can be considered not to meet the triggering conditions. In this case, the application function node cannot receive the target information through the network.

[0086] The technical solution in this disclosure embodiment enables application function nodes to receive target information of target applications provided by different application function nodes through triggering conditions and different paths, thereby realizing the function of obtaining relevant information of other applications through the network, increasing comprehensiveness and application scope.

[0087] In step S230, the corresponding operation is performed based on the target information.

[0088] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the corresponding operations associated with different target information can be the same or different, and the corresponding operations can be determined according to business needs. The corresponding operations can be push operations, adjustment operations, service activation, etc.

[0089] Figure 7 The diagram illustrates the interactive flow of information transmission for the first type of network element. (Refer to...) Figure 7 As shown, it mainly includes Application Function Node AF1, Network Open Function Node NEF, User Database UDR, Session Management Function Node SMF, Policy and Charging Control Node PCF, and Application Function Node AF2 of the target application. The interaction process mainly includes the following steps:

[0090] In step S701, the application function node AF1 generates a subscription request for the target user and the target application, and sends the subscription request to the associated network open function node NEF.

[0091] The subscription request includes: user (or user group) ID, target application ID or target service provider ID, target reporting information or events, and other optional conditions. Other optional conditions may include, but are not limited to, target server address, network service zone, subscription duration or validity information, and reporting thresholds.

[0092] In step S702, the Network Open Function Node (NEF) sends the subscription request from the Application Function Node (AF1) to the User Database (UDR).

[0093] Step S703: Modify the relevant information corresponding to the target application in the target user's subscription information in the user database UDR, and bind the requesting application function node AF1 with the target application's report event for storage.

[0094] Step S704: When a target user or a user in a target user group establishes or modifies a session, the session management function node SMF reads the target user's subscription information from the user database UDR, and obtains the target information of the bound requesting application function node AF1 and the target application's report event from the user database based on the subscription information.

[0095] Step S705: When a target user or a user group of a target user establishes or modifies a policy association, the Policy and Billing Control Node (PCF) reads the target user's subscription information from the User Database (UDR) and obtains the target information of the bound requesting application function node (AF1) and the target application's reporting event from the user database based on the subscription information.

[0096] Step S706: The target user in the terminal device UE establishes a session with the target application provided by the application function node AF2.

[0097] In step S707, the Session Management Function Node (SMF) provides the requested target information to the requesting Application Function Node (AF1) via the Network Open Function Node (NEF).

[0098] In step S708, the Policy and Accounting Control Node (PCF) provides the requested target information to the requesting Application Function Node (AF1) via the Network Open Function Node (NEF).

[0099] Step S709: The application function node AF1 performs the corresponding operation based on the received target information.

[0100] The technical solution in this embodiment provides the application function node AF1 with target information of the target application provided by other application function nodes requested by the subscription request through the network open function node, session management function node, or policy and charging control node in the network, thereby increasing the comprehensiveness and accuracy.

[0101] Figure 8 The diagram illustrates the interactive flow of information transmission for the second type of network element. (Refer to...) Figure 8 As shown, it mainly includes application function node AF1, user database UDR, session management function node SMF, policy and charging control node PCF, and target application application function node AF2. The interaction process mainly includes the following steps:

[0102] In step S801, the application function node AF1 generates a subscription request for the target user and the target application, and sends the subscription request to the user database UDR.

[0103] Step S802: Modify the relevant information corresponding to the target application in the target user's subscription information in the user database UDR, and bind the requesting application function node AF1 with the target application's report event for storage.

[0104] Step S803: When a target user or a user of a target user group establishes or modifies a session, the session management function node SMF reads the target user's subscription information from the user database UDR, and obtains the target information of the bound requesting application function node AF1 and the target application's report event from the user database based on the subscription information.

[0105] In step S804, when a target user or a user group of a target user establishes or modifies a policy association, the Policy and Accounting Control Node (PCF) reads the target user's subscription information from the User Database (UDR) and obtains the target information of the bound requesting application function node (AF1) and the target application's reporting event from the user database based on the subscription information.

[0106] Step S805: The target user in the terminal device UE establishes a session with the target application provided by the application function node AF2.

[0107] Step S806: The Session Management Function Node (SMF) provides the requested target information to the requesting Application Function Node (AF1).

[0108] In step S807, the Policy and Accounting Control Node (PCF) provides the requested target information to the requesting Application Function Node (AF1).

[0109] In step S808, the application function node AF1 performs the corresponding operation based on the received target information.

[0110] The technical solution in this disclosure provides the application function node AF1 with target information of the target application provided by other application function nodes requested by the subscription request through the session management function node or policy and billing control node in the network, which can increase the comprehensiveness and accuracy.

[0111] Figure 9 The diagram illustrates the transmission path for information transmission by the first type of network element. (Refer to...) Figure 9 As shown, it mainly includes Application Function Node AF1, Network Open Function Node NEF, User Database UDR, Session Management Function Node SMF, Policy and Charging Control Node PCF, and Application Function Node AF2 of the target application. The interaction process mainly includes the following steps:

[0112] When the application function node is a first-type network element, the application function node AF1 generates a subscription request for the target user and the target application, and sends the subscription request to the associated network open function node NEF.

[0113] The Network Open Function Node (NEF) sends a subscription request to the User Database (UDR) to bind the reporting events of the target application to the Function Node (AF1).

[0114] When a target user or a user group establishes or modifies a session, the Session Management Function (SMF) node retrieves the target information from the User Data Repository (UDR), i.e., path 1. When a target user or a user group establishes or modifies a policy association, the Policy and Accounting Control (PCF) node retrieves the target information from the User Data Repository (UDR), i.e., path 2.

[0115] The target user in the terminal device establishes a session with the target application provided by the application function node AF2.

[0116] The Session Management Function Node (SMF) transmits the target information to the Network Open Function Node (NEF), which then sends the target information to the Application Function Node (AF1), i.e., path 1. The Policy and Charging Control Node (PCF) transmits the target information to the NEF, which then sends the target information to the Application Function Node (AF1), i.e., path 2.

[0117] Figure 10 The diagram illustrates the transmission path for information transmission by the second type of network element. (Refer to...) Figure 10 As shown, it mainly includes application function node AF1, user database UDR, session management function node SMF, policy and charging control node PCF, and target application application function node AF2. The interaction process mainly includes the following steps:

[0118] When the application function node is a second type of network element, the application function node AF1 generates a subscription request for the target user and the target application, and sends the subscription request to the user database UDR to bind the application function node AF1 with the report event of the target application.

[0119] When a target user or a user group establishes or modifies a session, the Session Management Function (SMF) node retrieves the target information from the User Data Repository (UDR), i.e., path 1. When a target user or a user group establishes or modifies a policy association, the Policy and Accounting Control (PCF) node retrieves the target information from the User Data Repository (UDR), i.e., path 2.

[0120] The target user in the terminal device establishes a session with the target application provided by the application function node AF2.

[0121] The Session Management Function (SMF) node sends the target information to the Application Function Node (AF1), i.e., path 1. The Policy and Charging Control (PCF) node then transmits the target information to the Application Function Node (AF1), i.e., path 2.

[0122] Based on the above interaction process, application function nodes can subscribe to target information of other third-party applications supported by other application processors (AFs), such as relevant traffic information. Furthermore, based on this target information, relevant value-added SMS messages can be pushed to the user through the operator's SMS system.

[0123] If an operator wants to develop related SMS value-added services, when it detects that a user is using a third-party application, i.e., target application 1, the operator's own deployed network element, such as the SMS system AF1 in the operator's IMS system, can subscribe to the usage information of target application 1 provided by the application function node AF2 as target information, such as the cumulative usage time of the target application. Based on this target information, the SMS system AF1 can push relevant package information to the user to realize service value-added services.

[0124] In some embodiments, certain applications may utilize off-peak hours to perform service upgrades. For example, background traffic can be used to pre-negotiate transmission times and rates with the network. However, it is possible that within a pre-defined timeframe, users may suddenly require other high-value, high-bandwidth services. If the application function node AF1 corresponding to the background traffic application can subscribe to the start / end status report of the target service provided by application function node AF2 from the network, the transmission of the background traffic service can be adjusted or suspended in real time, thereby optimizing resource utilization on both the application function node AF1 and the network side.

[0125] The technical solution in this disclosure, on the one hand, can leverage the open capabilities of the 5G core network based on a non-interactive layer to provide certain open information to the target application without its participation. This allows the information-providing network element to obtain information about the user's usage of target applications provided by different application function nodes, avoiding the limitations of related technologies where other information can only be obtained through interactions between application layers or where application function nodes cannot obtain information about user usage of other applications through the network. This fills the gap where application function nodes cannot obtain information about user usage of other applications from the 5G network, increasing application scope and versatility, and improving convenience. On the other hand, it can provide target information about target applications provided by different application function nodes to application function nodes through the network's information-providing network element, enabling application function nodes to subscribe to relevant information from other application function nodes, increasing comprehensiveness and improving operational efficiency. This can provide the network with more opportunities to develop value-added services for application function nodes (AFs). It can solve the problem of application function nodes (AFs) subscribing to event information related to applications provided by other application function nodes (AFs) that are different from their own, without affecting the target application or its corresponding application function node (AF).

[0126] This disclosure also provides an information transmission device. (See reference...) Figure 11 As shown, the information transmission method 1100 mainly includes the following modules:

[0127] The subscription request sending module 1101 is used for application function nodes to send subscription requests for target applications provided by other application function nodes, and to obtain target information corresponding to the subscription requests;

[0128] Target information receiving module 1102 is used to receive target information through information providing network elements in the network if it is determined that the target application meets the triggering conditions;

[0129] The operation execution module 1103 is used to perform corresponding operations based on the target information.

[0130] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the application function node sends a subscription request for a target application provided by another application function node, including: sending the subscription request for the target application provided by another application function node according to the type of the application function node.

[0131] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the step of sending the subscription request for the target application provided by other application function nodes according to the type of the application function node includes: if the application function node is a first type of network element, the application function node sends the subscription request to a network open function node in the network; the network open function node sends the subscription request to a user database to associate the report events of the application function node with the target application and store them in the user database.

[0132] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the step of sending the subscription request for the target application provided by other application function nodes according to the type of the application function node includes: if the application function node is a second type of network element, the application function node sends the subscription request to a user database in the network to associate the report events of the application function node with the target application and store them in the user database.

[0133] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, associating the application function node with the reporting events of the target application includes: adjusting the association information corresponding to the target application in the target user's subscription information, and binding the application function node with the reporting events of the target application.

[0134] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, obtaining the target information corresponding to the subscription request includes: obtaining the subscription information of the target user from the user database based on the information providing network element corresponding to the session state, and obtaining the target information based on the subscription information.

[0135] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the step of obtaining the target user's subscription information from the user database based on the information provided by the network element corresponding to the session state, and obtaining the target information based on the subscription information, includes: if the session state is that the target user has established or modified a session, obtaining the subscription information from the user database based on the session management function node, and obtaining the target information based on the subscription information; if the session state is that the target user has established or modified a policy association, obtaining the subscription information from the user database based on the policy and billing control node, and obtaining the target information based on the subscription information.

[0136] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the step of receiving the target information through an information providing network element in the network if the target application is determined to meet the triggering condition includes: if the target application is determined to meet the triggering condition, the application function node receives the target information sent by the network open function node and provided by the information providing network element.

[0137] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the triggering conditions include: the target user establishing a session with the target application, and the target application meeting the reporting conditions.

[0138] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, after an application function node sends a subscription request for a target application provided by another application function node, the method further includes: if the application function node is a first type of network element, the network open function node converts the information in the subscription request according to parameter information in the network; if the application function node is a second type of network element, the information in the subscription request remains unchanged.

[0139] The specific details of each module in the aforementioned information transmission device have been described in detail in the corresponding information transmission method, so they will not be repeated here.

[0140] This disclosure also provides a communication system 1200, which mainly includes a terminal device 1201 and a network device 1202. The network device can be a base station, and the terminal device can be a mobile phone.

[0141] The application function node AF1 in the network device sends a subscription request for the target application on the terminal device to the network open function node NEF. The network open function node NEF then sends the subscription request to the user database to bind the reporting events of the application function node and the target application. The information providing network element retrieves the target information corresponding to the subscription request from the user database. When the target user and the target application on the terminal device establish a connection and the triggering conditions are met, the information providing network element retrieves the target information from the information providing network element through the network open function node and sends it to the application function node, enabling it to obtain information from other applications through the network.

[0142] It should be noted that although several modules or units for the device used to perform actions have been mentioned in the detailed description above, this division is not mandatory. In fact, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the features and functions of two or more modules or units described above can be embodied in one module or unit. Conversely, the features and functions of one module or unit described above can be further divided and embodied by multiple modules or units.

[0143] Furthermore, although the steps of the method in this disclosure are described in a specific order in the accompanying drawings, this does not require or imply that the steps must be performed in that specific order, or that all the steps shown must be performed to achieve the desired result. Additional or alternative steps may be omitted, multiple steps may be combined into one step, and / or a step may be broken down into multiple steps.

[0144] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, a network device capable of implementing the above-described method is also provided.

[0145] Those skilled in the art will understand that various aspects of this disclosure can be implemented as a system, method, or program product. Therefore, various aspects of this disclosure can be specifically implemented in the following forms: a completely hardware implementation, a completely software implementation (including firmware, microcode, etc.), or a combination of hardware and software aspects, collectively referred to herein as a "circuit," "module," or "system."

[0146] The following reference Figure 13 To describe a network device 1300 according to such an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 13 The network device 1300 shown is merely an example and should not impose any limitations on the functionality and scope of use of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0147] like Figure 13As shown, the network device 1300 is presented in the form of a general-purpose computing device. The components of the network device 1300 may include, but are not limited to: at least one processing unit 1310, at least one storage unit 1320, a bus 1330 connecting different system components (including storage unit 1320 and processing unit 1310), and a display unit 1340.

[0148] The storage unit stores program code that can be executed by the processing unit 1310, causing the processing unit 1310 to perform the steps described in the "Exemplary Methods" section of this specification according to various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. For example, the processing unit 1310 can perform actions such as... Figure 2 The steps are shown in the figure.

[0149] Storage unit 1320 may include readable media in the form of volatile storage units, such as random access memory (RAM) 13201 and / or cache memory 13202, and may further include read-only memory (ROM) 13203.

[0150] Storage unit 1320 may also include a program / utility 13204 having a set (at least one) of program modules 13205, such program modules 13205 including but not limited to: operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules and program data, each or some combination of these examples may include an implementation of a network environment.

[0151] Bus 1330 can represent one or more of several types of bus structures, including a memory cell bus or memory cell controller, a peripheral bus, a graphics acceleration port, a processing unit, or a local bus using any of the various bus structures.

[0152] Network device 1300 can also communicate with one or more external devices 1400 (e.g., keyboard, pointing device, Bluetooth device, etc.), one or more devices that enable users to interact with network device 1300, and / or any device that enables network device 1300 to communicate with one or more other computing devices (e.g., router, modem, etc.). This communication can be performed via input / output (I / O) interface 1350. Furthermore, network device 1300 can also communicate with one or more networks (e.g., local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and / or public networks, such as the Internet) via network adapter 1360. As shown, network adapter 1360 communicates with other modules of network device 1300 via bus 1330. It should be understood that, although not shown in the figures, other hardware and / or software modules can be used in conjunction with network device 1300, including but not limited to: microcode, device drivers, redundant processing units, external disk drive arrays, RAID systems, tape drives, and data backup storage systems.

[0153] From the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily understand that the exemplary embodiments described herein can be implemented by software or by combining software with necessary hardware. Therefore, the technical solutions according to the embodiments of this disclosure can be embodied in the form of a software product, which can be stored in a non-volatile storage medium (such as a CD-ROM, USB flash drive, external hard drive, etc.) or on a network, including several instructions to cause a computing device (such as a personal computer, server, terminal device, or network device, etc.) to execute the methods according to the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0154] In exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is also provided, on which a program product capable of implementing the methods described above is stored. In some possible implementations, various aspects of this disclosure may also be implemented as a program product including program code that, when the program product is run on a terminal device, causes the terminal device to perform the steps of the various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure described in the "Exemplary Methods" section above.

[0155] The program product for implementing the above-described method according to embodiments of the present disclosure may employ a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) and include program code, and may run on a terminal device, such as a personal computer. However, the program product of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In this document, the readable storage medium may be any tangible medium containing or storing a program that may be used by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0156] The program product may employ any combination of one or more readable media. A readable medium may be a readable signal medium or a readable storage medium. A readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any combination thereof. More specific examples of readable storage media (a non-exhaustive list) include: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable disk, a hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fiber, portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0157] Computer-readable signal media may include data signals propagated in baseband or as part of a carrier wave, carrying readable program code. Such propagated data signals may take various forms, including but not limited to electromagnetic signals, optical signals, or any suitable combination thereof. A readable signal medium may also be any readable medium other than a readable storage medium, capable of sending, propagating, or transmitting programs for use by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0158] The program code contained on the readable medium may be transmitted using any suitable medium, including but not limited to wireless, wired, optical fiber, RF, etc., or any suitable combination thereof.

[0159] Program code for performing the operations of this disclosure can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Java and C++, and conventional procedural programming languages ​​such as C or similar languages. The program code can execute entirely on the user's computing device, partially on the user's computing device, as a standalone software package, partially on the user's computing device and partially on a remote computing device, or entirely on a remote computing device or server. In cases involving remote computing devices, the remote computing device can be connected to the user's computing device via any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or it can be connected to an external computing device (e.g., via the Internet using an Internet service provider).

[0160] Furthermore, the above figures are merely illustrative of the processes included in the method according to exemplary embodiments of this disclosure and are not intended to be limiting. It is readily understood that the processes shown in the above figures do not indicate or limit the temporal order of these processes. Additionally, it is readily understood that these processes may be executed synchronously or asynchronously, for example, in multiple modules.

[0161] Other embodiments of this disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention described herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this disclosure that follow the general principles of this disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not invented by this disclosure. The specification and embodiments are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this disclosure are indicated by the claims.

Claims

1. An information transmission method, characterized in that, include: Based on the type of application function node, send subscription requests for target applications provided by other application function nodes, and obtain the target information corresponding to the subscription requests; If the target application is determined to meet the triggering conditions, the application function node receives the target information through the information providing network element in the network. The triggering conditions include establishing a session between the target user and the target application, and the target application meeting the reporting conditions; Perform the corresponding operation based on the target information.

2. The information transmission method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of sending subscription requests for target applications provided by other application function nodes according to the type of the application function node includes: If the application function node is a first type of network element, the application function node will send the subscription request to the network open function node in the network; The network open function node sends the subscription request to the user database to associate the application function node with the report events of the target application and store them in the user database.

3. The information transmission method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of sending subscription requests for target applications provided by other application function nodes according to the type of the application function node includes: If the application function node is a second type of network element, the application function node sends the subscription request to the user database in the network to associate the application function node with the report event of the target application and store it in the user database.

4. The information transmission method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The association between the application function node and the reporting events of the target application includes: Adjust the association information in the target user's subscription information corresponding to the target application, and bind the application function node to the target application's report event.

5. The information transmission method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The step of obtaining the target information corresponding to the subscription request includes: Based on the information corresponding to the session state, the network element obtains the target user's subscription information from the user database, and obtains the target information based on the subscription information.

6. The information transmission method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The step of providing network elements with information corresponding to the session state to obtain the target user's subscription information from the user database, and obtaining the target information based on the subscription information, includes: If the session status indicates that the target user has established or modified the session, the subscription information is obtained from the user database according to the session management function node, and the target information is obtained according to the subscription information. If the session state indicates that the target user has established or modified a policy association, the subscription information is obtained from the user database according to the policy and billing control node, and the target information is obtained according to the subscription information.

7. The information transmission method according to claim 3, characterized in that, If it is determined that the target application meets the triggering conditions, the application function node receives the target information through an information providing network element in the network, including: If it is determined that the target application meets the triggering condition, the application function node receives the target information sent by the network open function node and provides the network element based on the information.

8. The information transmission method according to claim 1, characterized in that, After the application function node sends a subscription request for the target application provided by other application function nodes, the method further includes: If the application function node is a first type of network element, the network open function node converts the information in the subscription request according to the parameter information in the network; If the application function node is a second type of network element, the information in the subscription request remains unchanged.

9. An information transmission device, characterized in that, include: The subscription request sending module is used to send subscription requests for target applications provided by other application function nodes according to the type of application function node, and to obtain the target information corresponding to the subscription request; The target information receiving module is used to receive the target information through an information providing network element in the network if it is determined that the target application meets the triggering conditions. The triggering conditions include establishing a session between the target user and the target application, and the target application meeting the reporting conditions; The operation execution module is used to perform corresponding operations based on the target information.

10. A network device, characterized in that, include: processor; as well as Memory for storing the executable instructions of the processor; The processor is configured to execute the information transmission method of any one of claims 1 to 8 by executing the executable instructions.

11. A communication system, characterized in that, include: Terminal equipment; The network device as described in claim 10 is configured to receive target information corresponding to a subscription request for a target application provided by another application function node from an information providing network element in the network, and perform corresponding operations based on the target information.

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