Information processing method and apparatus, communication device, and storage medium

Abstract

The embodiment of the disclosure provides an information processing method and device, a communication device and a storage medium. A network exposure function (NEF) network element sends a second request message to a unified data management (UDM) network element according to a first request message sent by a network data analysis function (NWDAF) network element in a VPLMN; wherein the first request message is used to request to obtain a collection result and / or an analysis result of user data from a home public land mobile network (HPLMN) of a roaming UE; the first request message includes: an identifier of the roaming UE; a response message of the second request message sent by the UDM network element is received; wherein the response message of the second request message includes: user consent information corresponding to the identifier of the roaming UE; wherein the user consent information is used for the NEF network element to determine whether to agree to obtain the collection result and / or the analysis result of the user data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to, but is not limited to, the field of wireless communication technology, and particularly to an information processing method and apparatus, communication equipment and storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] In roaming scenarios, it may be necessary to collect user data or usage analysis of roaming user equipment (UE) from the visited public land mobile network (VPLMN) and the home public land mobile network (HPLMN).

[0003] In this scenario, user data can be exchanged between different network devices, such as between different network devices within a VPLMN and an HPLMN.

[0004] However, in related technologies, solutions for data and analytics exchange in roaming scenarios may expose user privacy information from the HPLMN to the VPLMN, which could potentially compromise user privacy. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure provides an information processing method and apparatus, a communication device and a storage medium.

[0006] The first aspect of this disclosure provides an information processing method, wherein the method is executed by a Network Exposure Function (NEF) network element, the method comprising:

[0007] Based on the first request message sent by the Network Data Analysis Function (NWDAF) network element in the VPLMN, a second request message is sent to the Unified Data Management (UDM) network element; wherein, the first request message is used to request the collection results and / or analysis results of user data from the home public land mobile network (HPLMN) of the roaming UE; the first request message includes: the identifier (ID) of the roaming UE;

[0008] The response message to the second request message sent by the UDM network element is received; wherein the response message to the second request message includes: user consent information corresponding to the identifier of the roaming UE; the user consent information is used by the NEF network element to determine whether to agree to the acquisition of the user data collection results and / or analysis results.

[0009] A second aspect of this disclosure provides an information processing method, wherein the method is executed by a UDM network element, the method comprising:

[0010] Receive a second request message sent by a NEF network element; wherein the second request message is sent based on a first request message from a VPLMN; the first request message is used to request the collection results and / or analysis results of user data from the HPLMN of the roaming UE; the first request message includes: the identifier of the roaming UE;

[0011] According to the second request message, a response message is sent to the NEF network element; wherein, the response message includes: user consent information corresponding to the identifier of the roaming UE; wherein, the user consent information is used by the NEF network element to determine whether to agree to the collection results and / or the acquisition of the user data.

[0012] A third aspect of this disclosure provides an information processing method, wherein the method is executed by an NWDAF network element in a VPLMN, the method comprising:

[0013] A response message to a first request message sent by a NEF network element is received; wherein the first request message is used to request the collection results and / or analysis results of user data from the HPLMN of the roaming UE; the first request message includes: the identifier of the roaming UE; the response message to the first request message is sent based on user consent information corresponding to the identifier of the roaming UE; wherein the user consent information is used by the NEF network element to determine whether to agree to the acquisition of the collection results and / or analysis results of the user data.

[0014] A fourth aspect of this disclosure provides an information processing apparatus, wherein the apparatus is applied to a NEF network element, the apparatus comprising:

[0015] The sending module is configured to send a second request message to a UDM network element based on a first request message sent by an NWDAF network element in a VPLMN; wherein, the first request message is used to request the collection results and / or analysis results of user data from the HPLMN of the roaming UE; the first request message includes: the identifier of the roaming UE;

[0016] The receiving module is configured to receive a response message to the second request message sent by the UDM network element; wherein the response message to the second request message includes: user consent information corresponding to the identifier of the roaming UE;

[0017] The processing module is used to determine, based on the user consent information, whether the NEF network element agrees to the collection and / or analysis results of the user data.

[0018] A fifth aspect of this disclosure provides an information processing apparatus, wherein the apparatus is applied to a UDM network element, the apparatus comprising:

[0019] The receiving module is configured to receive a second request message sent by a NEF network element; wherein the second request message is sent based on a first request message from a VPLMN; the first request message is used to request the collection results and / or analysis results of user data from the HPLMN of the roaming UE; the first request message includes: the identifier of the roaming UE;

[0020] The sending module is configured to send a response message to the NEF network element according to the second request message; wherein the response message includes: user consent information corresponding to the identifier of the roaming UE; wherein the user consent information is used by the NEF network element to determine whether to agree to the collection results and / or analysis results of the user data.

[0021] A sixth aspect of this disclosure provides an information processing apparatus, wherein an NWDAF network element applied in a VPLMN is included, the apparatus comprising:

[0022] The receiving module is configured to receive a response message to a first request message sent by a NEF network element; wherein the first request message is used to request the collection results and / or analysis results of user data from the HPLMN of the roaming UE; the first request message includes: the identifier of the roaming UE; the response message to the first request message is sent based on user consent information corresponding to the identifier of the roaming UE; wherein the user consent information is used by the NEF network element to determine whether to agree to the acquisition of the collection results and / or analysis results of the user data.

[0023] A seventh aspect of this disclosure provides a communication device, wherein the communication device includes:

[0024] processor;

[0025] Memory used to store the processor's executable instructions;

[0026] The processor is configured to implement the information processing method described in any one of the first, second, or third aspects when running the executable instructions.

[0027] The eighth aspect of this disclosure provides a communication system, which includes: a Network Open Function (NEF) network element, a Unified Data Management (UDM) network element, and an NWDAF network element in a Virtual PLM (Virtual Realm Network).

[0028] The NEF network element is used to perform the information processing method as described in the first aspect;

[0029] The UDM network element is used to perform the information processing method as described in the second aspect;

[0030] The NWDAF network element is used to perform the information processing method as described in the third aspect.

[0031] A ninth aspect of this disclosure provides a computer storage medium storing a computer executable program, which, when executed by a processor, implements the information processing method described in any one of the first, second, or third aspects.

[0032] The technical solution provided in this disclosure involves the NEF network element sending a second request message to the UDM network element based on a first request message sent by the NWDAF network element in the VPLMN, and obtaining a response message for the second request message. Thus, the NEF can determine whether to agree to the NWDAF network element in the VPLMN obtaining the collection results and / or analysis results of user data from the HPLMN of the roaming UE through the first request message, based on the user consent information included in the response message. Therefore, the risk of leaking the user data of the HPLMN of the roaming UE to the VPLMN can be reduced, and user privacy information can be protected.

[0033] 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 the embodiments of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0034] 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 embodiments of this disclosure.

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a wireless communication system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0036] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0037] Figure 3This is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0038] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0039] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0040] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0041] Figure 7 This is a structural diagram of an information processing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0042] Figure 8 This is a structural diagram of an information processing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0043] Figure 9 This is a structural diagram of an information processing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0044] Figure 10 This is a block diagram illustrating a communication device according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0045] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with those of this disclosure. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0046] The terminology used in this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the embodiments disclosed herein. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used herein are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used herein refers to and includes any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0047] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used to describe various information in embodiments of this disclosure, such information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish information of the same type from one another. For example, a first parameter may also be referred to as a second parameter without departing from the scope of embodiments of this disclosure, and similarly, a second parameter may also be referred to as a first parameter. Depending on the context, the word "if" as used herein may be interpreted as "when," "when," or "in response to a determination."

[0048] Please refer to Figure 1 This illustration shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a wireless communication system provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 1 As shown, the wireless communication system is a communication system based on cellular mobile communication technology. The wireless communication system may include: several UEs 11 and several access devices 12.

[0049] UE11 can be a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to a user. UE11 can communicate with one or more core networks via a Radio Access Network (RAN). UE11 can be an IoT UE, such as a sensor device, a mobile phone (or "cellular" phone), and a computer with an IoT UE. For example, it can be a fixed, portable, pocket-sized, handheld, computer-embedded, or vehicle-mounted device. Examples include a station (STA), subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, access point, remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal, user agent, user device, or user equipment (UE). Alternatively, UE11 can be a device in an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Alternatively, UE11 can be a vehicle-mounted device, such as a vehicle computer with wireless communication capabilities, or a wireless communication device connected to an external vehicle computer. Alternatively, UE11 can also be a roadside device, such as a street light, traffic light, or other roadside device with wireless communication capabilities.

[0050] Access device 12 can be a network-side device in a wireless communication system. This wireless communication system can be a 4G system (also known as Long Term Evolution, LTE); or it can be a 5G system (also known as a New Radio, NR, or 5G NR system). Alternatively, it can be the next generation after 5G. In this case, the access network in the 5G system can be called NG-RAN (New Generation-Radio Access Network). Alternatively, it can be an MTC system.

[0051] The access device 12 can be an evolved NB (eNB) used in a 4G system. Alternatively, the access device 12 can also be a gNB (gNB) using a centralized-distributed architecture in a 5G system. When the access device 12 adopts a centralized-distributed architecture, it typically includes a central unit (CU) and at least two distributed units (DUs). The central unit is equipped with a protocol stack of the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, and the Media Access Control (MAC) layer; the distributed units are equipped with a physical (PHY) layer protocol stack. This disclosure does not limit the specific implementation of the access device 12.

[0052] Access device 12 and UE11 can establish a wireless connection via a wireless air interface. In different implementations, the wireless air interface is a wireless air interface based on the fourth-generation mobile communication network technology (4G) standard; or, the wireless air interface is a wireless air interface based on the fifth-generation mobile communication network technology (5G) standard, such as a new air interface; or, the wireless air interface can also be a wireless air interface based on a next-generation mobile communication network technology standard based on 5G.

[0053] In one embodiment, user equipment 11 can also establish E2E (End to End) or D2D (Device to Device) connections. Examples include V2V (vehicle to vehicle), V2I (vehicle to Infrastructure), and V2P (vehicle to pedestrian) communication scenarios in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication.

[0054] In one embodiment, network device 12 may be located in a communication system integrated with a satellite communication system and be able to provide connectivity services for the satellite, enabling the satellite to access the core network. For example, network device 12 may be an access network device with satellite gateway functionality in the communication system, such as a gateway device, ground station device, or non-terrestrial network gateway (NTN-Gateway).

[0055] In one embodiment, the wireless communication system may further include a network management device 13. A plurality of network devices 12 are connected to the network management device 13.

[0056] In one embodiment, the network management device 13 may be a core network device in a wireless communication system. For example, the core network device 13 may be a Mobility Management Entity (MME) in an Evolved Packet Core (EPC). Alternatively, the core network device may also be a Serving Gateway (SGW), a Public Data Network Gateway (PGW), a Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF), or a Home Subscriber Server (HSS), etc. The implementation of the core network device 13 is not limited in this disclosure.

[0057] In one embodiment, the network management device 13 may be a network exposure function (NEF), a network data analysis function (NWDAF), a unified data management (UDM), a network function (NF), etc. The implementation of the network management device 13 is not limited in this disclosure.

[0058] In this embodiment, NEF, UDM, NWDAF, etc., may be implemented by a single physical device or by multiple physical devices. It is understood that NEF, UDM, NWDAF, etc., in this embodiment may be a logical functional module within a physical device or a logical functional module composed of multiple physical devices; this embodiment does not impose any limitations on this.

[0059] To facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art, this disclosure provides multiple embodiments to clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure. Of course, those skilled in the art will understand that the multiple embodiments provided in this disclosure can be executed individually, or in combination with the methods of other embodiments in this disclosure, or individually or in combination with some methods in other related technologies; this disclosure does not limit these aspects.

[0060] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an exemplary embodiment. The information processing method is executed by a NEF network element, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the method includes:

[0061] Step 201: Based on the first request message sent by the NWDAF network element in the VPLMN, send a second request message to the UDM network element; wherein, the first request message is used to request the collection results and / or analysis results of user data from the HPLMN of the roaming UE; the first request message includes: the identifier of the roaming UE;

[0062] Step 202: Receive a response message to the second request message sent by the UDM network element; wherein the response message to the second request message includes: user consent information corresponding to the identifier of the roaming UE; wherein the user consent information is used by the NEF network element to determine whether to agree to the acquisition of the user data collection results and / or analysis results.

[0063] The information processing method provided in this embodiment is executed by a NEF network element, which may be a Home Network Open Function (H-NEF) network element or a Visiting Network Open Function (V-NEF) network element.

[0064] The first request message can be sent from the Consumer network element in the VPLMN to the NWDAF network element in the VPLMN, and then sent from the NWDAF network element in the VPLMN to the NEF network element.

[0065] The consumer network element can be, for example, a network function (NF) or an application function (AF).

[0066] The collection and / or analysis results of user data obtained from the HPLMN of the roaming UE are used for service optimization by consumer network elements in the VPLMN.

[0067] The roaming UE can be any UE that moves from the UE's HPLMN to the VPLMN. This UE includes, but is not limited to, mobile phones, tablets, wearable devices, and / or vehicle-mounted devices.

[0068] The first request may include one or more identifiers of roaming UEs. The identifier of the roaming UE included in the first request may be a user identifier of the roaming UE. For example, the identifier of the roaming UE may be a Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI).

[0069] In some examples, the first request may include, but is not limited to, the identifier of the roaming UE, the identifier of the data processor, and the identifier of the data analysis service.

[0070] The identifier of the data processor is used to identify the service provider that provides data analysis services to the UE, and may include, but is not limited to, the ID of HPLMN, the ID of VPLMN, etc.

[0071] The identifier for the data analysis service can be the name of the data analysis service, used to indicate the purpose of data processing.

[0072] User data obtained from the roaming UE's HPLMN includes, but is not limited to, subscription data and user behavior data.

[0073] Contractual data can be data related to contracts signed between a roaming UE and its home network operator, including, for example, service activation, service deactivation, and / or service changes. The services referred to here are those provided by the roaming user's home network.

[0074] User behavior data may include: network access data and / or service usage data of roaming UEs within the network coverage area of ​​their home network.

[0075] In some examples, the analysis results of roaming UE user data can be the results obtained by analyzing subscription data and user behavior data obtained from the roaming UE's HPLMN. These analysis results include: service preference analysis results, network access preference analysis results, and Quality of Experience (QoE) results for the roaming UE within the network coverage area of ​​its home network.

[0076] In some examples, the first request can be used to request analysis results of user data from the roaming UE's HPLMN.

[0077] In some examples, the first request can be used to request the collection and analysis results of user data from the roaming UE's HPLMN.

[0078] The user consent information corresponding to the roaming UE's identifier can be used by the NEF network element to determine whether to agree to provide the VPLMN with the collection results and / or analysis results of user data obtained from the roaming UE's HPLMN. In step 201, based on the first request message sent by the NWDAF network element in the VPLMN, the NEF network element sends a Nudm_SDM_GetRequest message to the UDM network element; wherein, this message includes: the identifier of the roaming UE.

[0079] In step 202, the NEF network element receives the Nudm_SDM_Get Response message sent by the UDM network element; the message includes user consent information corresponding to the identifier of the roaming UE.

[0080] This disclosure provides an information processing method in which a NEF network element sends a second request message to a UDM network element based on a first request message sent by an NWDAF network element in a VPLMN, and obtains a response message for the second request message. Thus, the NEF can determine whether to agree to the NWDAF network element in the VPLMN obtaining the collection results and / or analysis results of user data from the HPLMN of the roaming UE through the first request message, based on the user consent information included in the response message. Therefore, it can reduce the risk of leaking the user data of the HPLMN of the roaming UE to the VPLMN, and achieve the protection of user privacy information.

[0081] In one embodiment, the method further includes:

[0082] Determine whether the NEF network element locally stores the user consent information;

[0083] Sending the second request message to the Unified Data Management (UDM) network element includes:

[0084] When the NEF network element does not store the user consent information locally, it sends the second request message to the UDM network element.

[0085] In some examples, the NEF network element queries whether the user consent information corresponding to the identifier of the roaming UE is stored locally. If the user consent information is not found locally, the second request message is sent to the UDM network element.

[0086] It is understood that when the NEF network element does not store the user consent information locally, the NEF network element does not need to send the second request message to the UDM network element, and can skip step 202.

[0087] In one embodiment, the method further includes:

[0088] Store the user consent information.

[0089] In some examples, the user consent information of the roaming UE can be stored in association with the identifier of the roaming UE.

[0090] In this embodiment, by storing the user consent information of the roaming UE, if the NEF network element subsequently receives a request message requesting to obtain the collection results and / or analysis results of user data from the HPLMN of the roaming UE, it can directly obtain the user consent information of the roaming UE locally from the NEF network element, thereby eliminating the need to obtain the user consent information of the roaming UE from the UDM, reducing signaling interaction with the UDM, and lowering signaling overhead.

[0091] In one embodiment, the method may further include:

[0092] Based on the user consent information, determine whether to agree to the NWDAF network element in the VPLMN obtaining the collection results and / or analysis results of user data from the HPLMN of the roaming UE.

[0093] In some examples, the system determines whether to agree to allow the NWDAF network element in the VPLMN to obtain the collection results and / or analysis results of user data from the HPLMN of the roaming UE based on whether the network identifier of the VPLMN and / or the network element identifier of the NWDAF network element and / or the data analysis service of the NWDAF network element meets the user consent information.

[0094] In one embodiment, the method may further include:

[0095] Based on at least one of the operator's policies and regulatory policies and the user's consent information, determine whether to consent to the collection and / or analysis of the user data.

[0096] In one embodiment, the user consent information includes at least one of the following:

[0097] The identifier of the roaming UE;

[0098] The network identifier of the HPLMN and / or the network identifier of the VPLMN;

[0099] Identification information for data analytics services;

[0100] User consent result; wherein, the user consent result is used to indicate whether or not the user agrees to the processing of data according to the data analysis service.

[0101] In some examples, the network identifier of the HPLMN and / or the network identifier of the VPLMN are used to indicate the service provider offering data analytics services. For example, the network identifier of the HPLMN can be the PLMN ID of the HPLMN and / or the network identifier of the VPLMN can be the VLMN ID of the VPLMN. In roaming scenarios, the VPLMN ID needs to be maintained together with the HPLMN ID.

[0102] In some examples, the identification information of the data analysis service is used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0103] The name of the data analysis service;

[0104] Data analysis service types;

[0105] The network element identifier of the network element that performs the data analysis service operation.

[0106] In some examples, during roaming scenarios, if a user consents to disclose the collection and / or analysis results of their user data to an HPLMN or VPLMN, the user consent may include at least one of the following:

[0107] The results of user data collection and / or analysis are provided to the consumer network elements in HPLMMN;

[0108] The results of user data collection and / or analysis are provided to consumer network elements in the VPLMN;

[0109] Based on operator policy and / or regulatory policy data, the user data analysis results in the HPLMN are shared between the VPLMN and the HPLMN, and the user data analysis results in the VPLMN are shared between the VPLMN and the HPLMN. However, the user data in the HPLMN cannot be shared between the VPLMN and the HPLMN.

[0110] Based on operator policy and / or regulatory policy data, the collection and analysis results of user data in the HPLMN are shared between the VPLMN and the HPLMN, and the collection and analysis results of user data in the VPLMN are shared between the VPLMN and the HPLMN. In one embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the method may further include:

[0111] Step 301: When the user consent information indicates consent to the acquisition of the user data collection results and / or analysis results, the first request message is sent to the target network element in the HPLMN;

[0112] Step 302: Receive the response message of the first request message sent by the target network element;

[0113] Step 303: Send the response message of the first request message to the NWDAF network element in the VPLMN.

[0114] Here, the target network element is the network element in the HPLMN used for collecting and / or analyzing user data of roaming UEs.

[0115] The user consent information indicates agreement to the acquisition of the user data collection results and / or analysis results, indicating permission for the NWDAF network element in the VPLMN to obtain the user data collection results and / or analysis results from the roaming UE's HPLMN. Then, the NEF network element can send a first request message to the target network element in the HPLMN and forward the response message of the first request message returned by the target network element to the NWDAF network element in the VPLMN.

[0116] In one embodiment, the method may further include:

[0117] When the user consent information indicates disagreement with the collection and / or analysis of the user data, a failure response message is returned to the NWDAF network element in the VPLMN.

[0118] The failure response message returned to the NWDAF network element in the VPLMN may carry a failure reason value.

[0119] In one embodiment, the target network element includes: a Network Function (NF) network element in the HPLMN and / or an NWDAF network element in the HPLMN.

[0120] Specifically, the NF network element in the HPLMN can be used to obtain UE user data from the HPLMN to obtain the UE user data collection results. The NWDAF network element in the HPLMN can be used to analyze the UE user data to obtain the UE user data analysis results.

[0121] Here, the NF network element in HPLMN can also be called Home Network Function (H-NF), and the NWDAF network element in HPLMN can also be called Home Network Data Analysis Function (H-NWDAF).

[0122] The first request message is used to request the collection results of user data from the HPLMN of the roaming UE. If the user consent information indicates consent to the acquisition of the collection results and / or analysis results of the user data, the NEF network element sends the first request message to the NF network element in the HPLMN.

[0123] The first request message is used to request the analysis results of user data from the HPLMN of the roaming UE. If the user consent information indicates consent to the collection results and / or the acquisition of the analysis results of the user data, the NEF network element sends the first request message to the NWDAF network element in the HPLMN.

[0124] The first request message is used to request the collection and analysis results of user data from the HPLMN of the roaming UE. If the user consent information indicates consent to the acquisition of the collection and / or analysis results of the user data, the NEF network element will send the first request message to the NF network element and the NWDAF network element in the HPLMN respectively.

[0125] In one embodiment, the identifier of the roaming UE includes at least one of the following:

[0126] The roaming UE's Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI);

[0127] The roaming UE's Subscription Concealed Identifier (SUCI);

[0128] The globally unique temporary identifier (GUTI) of the roaming UE;

[0129] The roaming UE's Generic Public Subscription Identifier (GPSI).

[0130] In this embodiment, one or more of the identifiers of the roaming UE can be used to obtain the user consent information of the roaming UE.

[0131] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an exemplary embodiment. The information processing method is executed by a UDM network element, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the method includes:

[0132] Step 401: Receive a second request message sent by the NEF network element; wherein the second request message is sent based on a first request message from the VPLMN; the first request message is used to request the collection results and / or analysis results of user data from the HPLMN of the roaming UE; the first request message includes: the identifier of the roaming UE;

[0133] Step 402: Based on the second request message, send a response message to the NEF network element; wherein the response message includes: user consent information corresponding to the identifier of the roaming UE; wherein the user consent information is used by the NEF network element to determine whether to agree to the collection results and / or analysis results of the user data.

[0134] The information processing method provided in this embodiment is executed by a UDM, wherein the UDM network element is located within an HPLMN.

[0135] The roaming UE can be any UE that moves from the UE's HPLMN to the VPLMN. This UE includes, but is not limited to, mobile phones, tablets, wearable devices, and / or vehicle-mounted devices.

[0136] The first request may include one or more identifiers of roaming UEs. The identifier of the roaming UE included in the first request may be a user identifier of the roaming UE.

[0137] The user identifier may include at least one of the following: Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI), Subscription Concealed Identifier (SUCI), and Generic Public Subscription Identifier (GPSI).

[0138] In some examples, the first request may include, but is not limited to, the identifier of the roaming UE, the identifier of the data processor, and the identifier of the data analysis service.

[0139] The identifier of the data processor is used to identify the service provider that provides data analysis services to the UE, and may include, but is not limited to, the ID of HPLMN, the ID of VPLMN, etc.

[0140] The identifier for the data analysis service can be the name of the data analysis service, used to indicate the purpose of data processing.

[0141] User data obtained from the roaming UE's HPLMN includes, but is not limited to, subscription data and user behavior data.

[0142] Contractual data can be data related to contracts signed between a roaming UE and its home network operator, including, for example, service activation, service deactivation, and / or service changes. The services referred to here are those provided by the roaming user's home network.

[0143] User behavior data may include: network access data and / or service usage data of roaming UEs within the network coverage area of ​​their home network.

[0144] In some examples, the analysis results of roaming UE user data can be the results obtained by analyzing subscription data and user behavior data obtained from the roaming UE's HPLMN. These analysis results include: service preference analysis results, network access preference analysis results, and Quality of Experience (QoE) results for the roaming UE within the network coverage area of ​​its home network.

[0145] In some examples, the first request can be used to request analysis results of user data from the roaming UE's HPLMN.

[0146] In some examples, the first request can be used to request the collection and analysis results of user data from the roaming UE's HPLMN.

[0147] The user consent information corresponding to the identifier of the roaming UE can be used by the NEF network element to determine whether to agree to provide the VPLMN with the collection results and / or analysis results of user data obtained from the HPLMN of the roaming UE.

[0148] The collection and / or analysis results of the user data of the roaming UE are used to provide service optimization for network elements (referred to as "Consumer Network Elements") in the VPLMN that request the collection and / or analysis results. The Consumer Network Element can be, for example, a Network Function (NF) or an Application Function (AF).

[0149] In some examples, the first request can be used to request analysis results of user data from the roaming UE's HPLMN.

[0150] In some examples, the first request can be used to request the collection and analysis results of user data from the roaming UE's HPLMN.

[0151] The second request is used to request the user consent information corresponding to the identifier of the roaming UE.

[0152] The user consent information corresponding to the identifier of the roaming UE can be used by the NEF network element to determine whether to agree to provide the VPLMN with the collection results and / or analysis results of user data obtained from the HPLMN of the roaming UE.

[0153] In some examples, the UDM stores the mapping between the UE's identifier and the UE's user consent information.

[0154] The user consent information of the UE may be included in the subscription data corresponding to the UE's identifier; the subscription data is stored in the UDM.

[0155] In step 401, the UDM network element receives the Nudm_SDM_GetRequest message sent by the NEF network element; the message includes the identifier of the roaming UE.

[0156] In step 402, the UDM network element determines the user consent information corresponding to the roaming UE's identifier based on the roaming UE's identifier included in the second request and the pre-stored correspondence between the UE's user consent information and the UE's identifier; and sends the user consent information corresponding to the roaming UE's identifier to the NEF through a Nudm_SDM_Get Response message.

[0157] This disclosure provides an information processing method in which a UDM receives a second request message from a NEF network element and sends a response message to the NEF network element. The response message includes user consent information corresponding to the identifier of the roaming UE. Since the second request message is sent based on a first request message from a VPLMN, the NEF can determine whether to agree to the NWDAF network element in the VPLMN obtaining the collection results and / or analysis results of user data from the HPLMN of the roaming UE through the first request message, based on the user consent information included in the response message. Therefore, the risk of leaking the user data of the HPLMN of the roaming UE to the VPLMN can be reduced, thus protecting user privacy information.

[0158] In one embodiment, the user consent information includes at least one of the following:

[0159] The identifier of the roaming UE;

[0160] The network identifier of the HPLMN and / or the network identifier of the VPLMN;

[0161] Identification information for data analytics services;

[0162] User consent result; wherein, the user consent result is used to indicate whether or not the user agrees to the processing of data according to the data analysis service.

[0163] In some examples, the network identifier of the HPLMN and / or the network identifier of the VPLMN are used to indicate the service provider offering data analytics services. For example, the network identifier of the HPLMN can be the PLMN ID of the HPLMN and / or the network identifier of the VPLMN can be the VLMN ID of the VPLMN. In roaming scenarios, the VPLMN ID needs to be maintained together with the HPLMN ID.

[0164] In some examples, the identification information of the data analysis service is used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0165] The name of the data analysis service;

[0166] Data analysis service types;

[0167] The network element identifier of the network element that performs the data analysis service operation.

[0168] In some examples, during roaming scenarios, if a user consents to disclose the collection and / or analysis results of their user data to an HPLMN or VPLMN, the user consent may include at least one of the following:

[0169] The results of user data collection and / or analysis are provided to the consumer network elements in HPLMMN;

[0170] The results of user data collection and / or analysis are provided to consumer network elements in the VPLMN;

[0171] Based on operator policy and / or regulatory policy data, the user data analysis results in the HPLMN are shared between the VPLMN and the HPLMN, and the user data analysis results in the VPLMN are shared between the VPLMN and the HPLMN. However, the user data in the HPLMN cannot be shared between the VPLMN and the HPLMN.

[0172] Based on operator policy and / or regulatory policy data, the collection and analysis results of user data in the HPLMN are shared between the VPLMN and the HPLMN, and the collection and analysis results of user data in the VPLMN are shared between the VPLMN and the HPLMN.

[0173] In one embodiment, the method may further include:

[0174] The UE's identifier is associated with and stored in conjunction with the UE's user consent information.

[0175] In one embodiment, the identifier of the roaming UE includes at least one of the following:

[0176] The roaming UE's Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI);

[0177] The roaming UE's Subscription Concealed Identifier (SUCI);

[0178] The globally unique temporary identifier (GUTI) of the roaming UE;

[0179] The roaming UE's Generic Public Subscription Identifier (GPSI).

[0180] In this embodiment, one or more of the identifiers of the roaming UE can be used to obtain the user consent information of the roaming UE.

[0181] Figure 5This is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an exemplary embodiment. The information processing method is executed by a network element in a Virtual PLMMN called NWDAF (i.e., V-NWDAF, Visited Network Data Analysis Function), such as... Figure 5 As shown, the method includes:

[0182] Step 501: Receive a response message to the first request message sent by the NEF network element; wherein, the first request message is used to request the collection results and / or analysis results of user data from the HPLMN of the roaming UE; the first request message includes: the identifier of the roaming UE; the response message to the first request message is sent based on the user consent information corresponding to the identifier of the roaming UE; wherein, the user consent information is used by the NEF network element to determine whether to agree to the acquisition of the collection results and / or analysis results of the user data.

[0183] The first request message is sent from the NWDAF network element in the VPLMN to the NEF network element. The NEF network element can be a Home Network Open Function (H-NEF) network element or a Visited Network Open Function (V-NEF) network element.

[0184] The first request message can be sent from a consumer network element in the VPLMN to an NWDAF network element in the VPLMN, or it can be generated directly by the NWDAF according to its own needs. The consumer network element can be, for example, a Network Function (NF) or an Application Function (AF).

[0185] The collection and / or analysis results of user data obtained from the HPLMN of the roaming UE are used for service optimization by consumer network elements in the VPLMN.

[0186] The roaming UE can be any UE that moves from the UE's HPLMN to the VPLMN. This UE includes, but is not limited to, mobile phones, tablets, wearable devices, and / or vehicle-mounted devices.

[0187] The first request may include one or more identifiers of roaming UEs. The identifier of the roaming UE included in the first request may be a user identifier of the roaming UE. For example, the identifier of the roaming UE may be a Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI).

[0188] In some examples, the first request may include, but is not limited to, the identifier of the roaming UE, the identifier of the data processor, and the identifier of the data analysis service.

[0189] The identifier of the data processor is used to identify the service provider that provides data analysis services to the UE, and may include, but is not limited to, the ID of HPLMN, the ID of VPLMN, etc.

[0190] The identifier for the data analysis service can be the name of the data analysis service, used to indicate the purpose of data processing.

[0191] Contractual data can be data related to contracts signed between a roaming UE and its home network operator, including, for example, service activation, service deactivation, and / or service changes. The services referred to here are those provided by the roaming user's home network.

[0192] User behavior data may include: network access data and / or service usage data of roaming UEs within the network coverage area of ​​their home network.

[0193] In some examples, the analysis results of roaming UE user data can be the results obtained by analyzing subscription data and user behavior data obtained from the roaming UE's HPLMN. These analysis results include: service preference analysis results, network access preference analysis results, and Quality of Experience (QoE) results for the roaming UE within the network coverage area of ​​its home network.

[0194] In some examples, the first request can be used to request analysis results of user data from the roaming UE's HPLMN.

[0195] In some examples, the first request can be used to request the collection and analysis results of user data from the roaming UE's HPLMN.

[0196] The user consent information corresponding to the identifier of the roaming UE can be used by the NEF network element to determine whether to agree to provide the VPLMN with the collection results and / or analysis results of user data obtained from the HPLMN of the roaming UE.

[0197] The analysis results include: service preference analysis results of roaming UEs within the network coverage area of ​​their home network, network access preference analysis results, and quality of experience (QoE), etc.

[0198] In some examples, the first request can be used to request analysis results of user data from the roaming UE's HPLMN.

[0199] In some examples, the first request can be used to request the collection and analysis results of user data from the roaming UE's HPLMN.

[0200] The user consent information corresponding to the identifier of the roaming UE can be used by the NEF network element to determine whether it agrees to the VPLMN obtaining the collection results and / or analysis results of user data from the HPLMN of the roaming UE.

[0201] In step 501, when the user consent information corresponding to the identifier of the roaming UE indicates disagreement with the acquisition of the user data collection results and / or analysis results, the response message of the first request message received by the NWDAF network element in the VPLMN is a failure response message.

[0202] When the user consent information corresponding to the identifier of the roaming UE indicates consent to the collection and / or analysis results of the user data, the response message of the first request message received by the NWDAF network element in the VPLMN is a success response message.

[0203] The successful response message includes the collection results and / or analysis results of user data obtained from the roaming UE's HPLMN.

[0204] This disclosure provides an information processing method in which an NWDAF network element in a VPLMN receives a response message to a first request message sent by a NEF network element. The response message to the first request message is sent based on user consent information corresponding to the identifier of the roaming UE. Since the user consent information corresponding to the identifier of the roaming UE is used by the NEF network element to determine whether to agree to the NWDAF network element in the VPLMN obtaining the collection results and / or analysis results of user data from the HPLMN of the roaming UE through the first request message, the risk of leaking the user data of the HPLMN of the roaming UE to the VPLMN can be reduced, thus protecting the user's privacy information.

[0205] In one embodiment, the method further includes:

[0206] When the policy information indicates that the collection and / or analysis results of user data can be obtained from the HPLMN of the roaming UE, the first request message is sent to the NEF network element; wherein, the policy information includes: operator policy and / or regulatory policy.

[0207] In this embodiment, the NWDAF network element in the VPLMN can determine whether to allow the collection and / or analysis results of user data from the HPLMN of the roaming UE based on operator policies and / or regulatory policies. If allowed, the first request message is sent to the NEF network element; if not allowed, the first request message is not sent to the NEF network element.

[0208] In one embodiment, the identifier of the roaming UE is sent from the NF network element in the VPLMN to the NWDAF network element in the VPLMN; the method further includes:

[0209] The policy information in the NWDAF network element of the VPLMN indicates that the collection results and / or analysis results of user data can be obtained from the HPLMN of the roaming UE, and a failure response message is returned to the NF network element in the VPLMN.

[0210] The failure response message returned to the NF network element in the VPLMN may carry a failure reason value.

[0211] Here, the NF network element in VPLMN can also be called Visited Ground Network Function (V-NF), and the NWDAF network element in VPLMN can also be called Visited Ground Network Data Analysis Function (V-NWDAF).

[0212] In one embodiment, the identifier of the roaming UE is sent from the NF network element in the VPLMN to the NWDAF network element in the VPLMN; the method further includes:

[0213] If the response message to the first request message includes the collection results and / or analysis results of user data obtained from the HPLMN of the roaming UE, the analysis results of user data obtained from the HPLMN of the roaming UE are sent to the NF network element in the VPLMN.

[0214] If the response message to the first request message does not include the analysis result of the user data obtained from the HPLMN of the roaming UE, but includes the collection result of the user data obtained from the HPLMN of the roaming UE, the analysis can be performed based on the collection result of the user data obtained from the HPLMN of the roaming UE to obtain the analysis result of the user data of the roaming UE, and the analysis result can be sent to the NF in the VPLMN.

[0215] In this embodiment, by sending the analysis results of the roaming UE's user data to the NF network element in the VPLMN, the NF network element in the VPLMN can perform service optimization, such as optimizing the Quality of Service (QoS) parameters.

[0216] In one embodiment, the user consent information includes at least one of the following:

[0217] The identifier of the roaming UE;

[0218] The network identifier of the HPLMN and / or the network identifier of the VPLMN;

[0219] Identification information for data analytics services;

[0220] User consent result; wherein, the user consent result is used to indicate whether or not the user agrees to the processing of data according to the data analysis service.

[0221] In some examples, the network identifier of the HPLMN and / or the network identifier of the VPLMN are used to indicate the service provider offering data analytics services. For example, the network identifier of the HPLMN can be the PLMN ID of the HPLMN and / or the network identifier of the VPLMN can be the VLMN ID of the VPLMN. In roaming scenarios, the VPLMN ID needs to be maintained together with the HPLMN ID.

[0222] In some examples, the identification information of the data analysis service is used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0223] The name of the data analysis service;

[0224] Data analysis service types;

[0225] The network element identifier of the network element that performs the data analysis service operation.

[0226] In some examples, during roaming scenarios, if a user consents to disclose the collection and / or analysis results of their user data to an HPLMN or VPLMN, the user consent may include at least one of the following:

[0227] The results of user data collection and / or analysis are provided to the consumer network elements in HPLMMN;

[0228] The results of user data collection and / or analysis are provided to consumer network elements in the VPLMN;

[0229] Based on operator policy and / or regulatory policy data, the user data analysis results in the HPLMN are shared between the VPLMN and the HPLMN, and the user data analysis results in the VPLMN are shared between the VPLMN and the HPLMN. However, the user data in the HPLMN cannot be shared between the VPLMN and the HPLMN.

[0230] Based on operator policy and / or regulatory policy data, the collection and analysis results of user data in the HPLMN are shared between the VPLMN and the HPLMN, and the collection and analysis results of user data in the VPLMN are shared between the VPLMN and the HPLMN.

[0231] In one embodiment, the identifier of the roaming UE includes at least one of the following:

[0232] The roaming UE's Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI);

[0233] The roaming UE's Subscription Concealed Identifier (SUCI);

[0234] The globally unique temporary identifier (GUTI) of the roaming UE;

[0235] The roaming UE's Generic Public Subscription Identifier (GPSI).

[0236] In this embodiment, one or more of the identifiers of the roaming UE can be used to obtain the user consent information of the roaming UE.

[0237] To further explain any of the embodiments of this disclosure, several specific embodiments are provided below.

[0238] This disclosure provides an information processing method that ensures user privacy information is not leaked in eNA roaming scenarios by checking user consent in eNA (enablers for Network Automation) roaming scenarios via HPLMN / VPLMN.

[0239] Among them, UDM can maintain VPLMN-specific user consent information and regulatory policies, and can provide VPLMN-specific user consent to NEF.

[0240] When a data collection and / or analysis collection request is received from V-NWDAF, NEF is able to send a request to UDM to obtain VPLMN-specific user consent parameters.

[0241] Once a response message is received from the UDM, NEF is able to store VPLMN-specific user consent parameters.

[0242] NEF can examine VPLMN-specific user consent parameters and regulatory parameters to determine whether a request from VPLMN for data collection / analysis results within the home network is acceptable.

[0243] If V-NWDAF is configured / provided with regulatory parameters, it can determine whether a consumer NF in a VPLMN can request data collection and / or analysis results from its home network.

[0244] like Figure 6 As shown, the information processing method may include the following steps:

[0245] 0: The UDM stores user consent information for roaming UEs of the VPLMN, as well as operator policies and / or regulatory policies. The user consent information for roaming UEs of the VPLMN is associated with the roaming UE's identifier (e.g., SUPI) and is stored in the UDM as contract data. Regulatory policies are country- or region-specific and can be used in roaming scenarios.

[0246] 1. The consumer NF in the VPLMN sends a data collection and / or analysis request message to the V-NWDAF for subscribed users. This message includes the target of the analysis report. A specific UE, a group of UEs, or any UE can be set as the target of the analysis report. If a group of UEs or any UE is used as the target of the analysis report, the message also includes indication information, indicating the ID of the roaming UE and the ID of the VPLMN.

[0247] 2: V-NWDAF determines which NF and / or NWDAF in HPLMN to collect and / or analyze data based on the request message received from the consumer NF.

[0248] 3: If the operator policies and / or regulatory policies configured or provided for V-NWDAF indicate that V-NWDAF is permitted to request data collection or analysis, then V-NWDAF sends data collection and / or analysis requests for subscribers to H-NF(s) and / or H-NWDAF via NEF.

[0249] 4. If the NEF does not store the VPLMN-specific user consent parameters, the NEF sends a Nudm_SDM_GetRequest message to the UDM to check the user consent information. If the NEF has already obtained the VPLMN-specific user consent parameters, steps 4 and 5 can be skipped.

[0250] 5: UDM retrieves the user's consent parameters and sends a Nudm_SDM_Get Response message to NEF. This message includes the user's consent parameters.

[0251] 6. Upon receiving a response message from the UDM, the NEF stores VPLMN-specific user consent parameters. Based on operator policies, regulatory policies, the VPLMN's roaming agreement, and VPLMN-specific user consent, the NEF determines whether data collection and / or analysis requests from the VPLMN can be provided to the consumer NF in the HPLMN. If the user consent parameters indicate that the V-NWDAF is permitted to request data collection at the H-NF(s) and / or analysis at the H-NWDAF, the NEF will send the data collection and / or analysis requests to the H-NF(s) and / or H-NWDAF.

[0252] 7: H-NF(s) and / or H-NWDAF provide data collection and / or analysis results to V-NWDAF via NEF.

[0253] 8: Analysis results of V-NWDAF generating consumer NF requests.

[0254] 9: V-NWDAF provides analysis results to consumers' NF.

[0255] In some embodiments, the UDM maintains the following parameters that are specific to the VPLMN and are agreed upon by the user:

[0256] UE ID: Used to identify the subscribed user, and can be SUPI.

[0257] Data Processor ID: Used to identify the service provider offering data analytics services to the UE; it can be a PLMN ID. In roaming scenarios, the VPLMN ID needs to be maintained together with the HPLMN ID.

[0258] The purpose of the data processing is to indicate a data analysis service, which can be the service operation name (e.g., Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Subscribe) with a specific analysis ID input.

[0259] User consent result: Whether the data processor agrees to process the data according to the data processing purpose. In a roaming scenario, if the user agrees to disclose data or analysis to the HPLMN or VPLMN, the user consent result can be categorized as follows:

[0260] - Processing only in HPLMN: Data collected in the home network can only be processed in HPLMN, that is, the collected data and / or analysis results can only be provided to the Consumer NF in HPLMN.

[0261] - Processing only in VPLMN: Data collected in the visited network can only be processed in VPLMN, that is, the collected data and / or analysis results can only be provided to the Consumer NF in VPLMN.

[0262] - Provided to VPLMN and HPLMN: Depending on operator and / or regulatory policies, analytics results from visited or home networks may be provided to the HPLMN or VPLMN. However, data collected from visited or home networks cannot be provided to the HPLMN or VPLMN.

[0263] - Processing in VPLMN and HPLMN: Depending on operator policies and / or regulatory policies, data collected in the visited network or home network can be processed in the VPLMN or HPLMN, that is, the collected data and analysis results can be transferred between the VPLMN and HPLMN.

[0264] These parameters may be included in the user consent of a specific subscriber for specific network analytics services provided by a specific service provider.

[0265] Figure 7 This is a structural diagram illustrating an information processing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment. The information processing apparatus is applied to a Network Open Function (NEF) network element, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the information processing device 100 includes:

[0266] The sending module 110 is configured to send a second request message to a unified data management UDM network element based on a first request message sent by a network data analysis function (NWDAF) network element in the visited public land network (VPLMN); wherein, the first request message is used to request the collection results and / or analysis results of user data from the home public land mobile network (HPLMN) of the roaming user equipment (UE); the first request message includes: the identifier of the roaming UE;

[0267] The receiving module 120 is configured to receive a response message to the second request message sent by the UDM network element; wherein the response message to the second request message includes: user consent information corresponding to the identifier of the roaming UE; the user consent information is used by the NEF network element to determine whether to agree to the acquisition of the user data collection results and / or analysis results.

[0268] In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes:

[0269] The determination module is configured to determine whether the NEF network element locally stores the user consent information;

[0270] The sending module is configured as follows:

[0271] When the NEF network element does not store the user consent information locally, it sends the second request message to the UDM network element.

[0272] In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes:

[0273] The storage module is configured to store the user consent information.

[0274] In one embodiment, the sending module 110 is configured to:

[0275] When the user consent information indicates consent to the acquisition of the user data collection results and / or analysis results, the first request message is sent to the target network element in the home public land mobile network (HPLMN);

[0276] The receiving module 120 is configured to receive a response message to the first request message sent by the target network element;

[0277] The sending module 110 is configured to send the response message of the first request message to the NWDAF network element in the VPLMN.

[0278] In one embodiment, the target network element includes: the Network Function (NF) network element in the HPLMN and / or the Network Data Analysis Function (NWDAF) network element in the HPLMN.

[0279] In one embodiment, the user consent information includes at least one of the following:

[0280] The identifier of the roaming UE;

[0281] The network identifier of the HPLMN and / or the network identifier of the VPLMN;

[0282] Identification information for data analytics services;

[0283] User consent result; wherein, the user consent result is used to indicate whether or not the user agrees to the processing of data according to the data analysis service.

[0284] In one embodiment, the identifier of the roaming UE includes at least one of the following:

[0285] The permanent identifier of the roaming UE's contracted user;

[0286] The roaming UE's subscribed user hidden identifier;

[0287] The globally unique temporary identifier of the roaming UE;

[0288] The general public user identifier of the roaming UE.

[0289] Figure 8 This is a structural diagram illustrating an information processing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment. The information processing apparatus is applied to a unified data management (UDM) network element, such as... Figure 8 As shown, the information processing device 200 includes:

[0290] The receiving module 210 is configured to receive a second request message sent by a Network Open Function (NEF) network element; wherein the second request message is sent based on a first request message from the visited public land network (VPLMN); the first request message is used to request the collection results and / or analysis results of user data from the home public land mobile network (HPLMN) of the roaming UE; the first request message includes: the identifier of the roaming UE;

[0291] The sending module 220 is configured to send a response message to the NEF network element according to the second request message; wherein the response message includes: user consent information corresponding to the identifier of the roaming UE; wherein the user consent information is used by the NEF network element to determine whether to agree to the acquisition of the user data collection results and / or analysis results.

[0292] In one embodiment, the user consent information includes at least one of the following:

[0293] The identifier of the roaming UE;

[0294] The network identifier of the HPLMN and / or the network identifier of the VPLMN;

[0295] Identification information for data analytics services;

[0296] User consent result; wherein, the user consent result is used to indicate whether the user agrees to data processing according to the data analysis service. In one embodiment, the identifier of the roaming UE includes at least one of the following:

[0297] The permanent identifier of the roaming UE's contracted user;

[0298] The roaming UE's subscribed user hidden identifier;

[0299] The globally unique temporary identifier of the roaming UE;

[0300] The general public user identifier of the roaming UE.

[0301] Figure 9 This is a structural diagram illustrating an information processing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment. The information processing apparatus is applied to a Network Data Analysis Function (NWDAF) network element in a VPLMN, such as... Figure 9 As shown, the information processing device 300 includes:

[0302] The receiving module 310 is configured to receive a response message to a first request message sent by a Network Open Function (NEF) network element; wherein the first request message is used to request the collection results and / or analysis results of user data from the HPLMN of the roaming UE; the first request message includes: the identifier of the roaming UE; the response message to the first request message is sent based on user consent information corresponding to the identifier of the roaming UE; wherein the user consent information is used by the NEF network element to determine whether to agree to the acquisition of the collection results and / or analysis results of the user data.

[0303] In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes:

[0304] The first sending module is configured to send the first request message to the NEF network element when the policy information indicates that the collection results and / or analysis results of user data are allowed to be obtained from the HPLMN of the roaming UE; wherein the policy information includes: operator policy and / or regulatory policy.

[0305] In one embodiment, the identifier of the roaming UE is sent by the Network Function (NF) element in the VPLMN to the NWDAF element in the VPLMN;

[0306] The second sending module is configured to send the analysis results of the user data of the roaming UE to the NF network element in the VPLMN if the response message of the first request message includes the collection results and / or analysis results of the user data obtained from the HPLMN of the roaming UE.

[0307] In one embodiment, the user consent information includes at least one of the following:

[0308] The identifier of the roaming UE;

[0309] The network identifier of the HPLMN and / or the network identifier of the VPLMN;

[0310] Identification information for data analytics services;

[0311] User consent result; wherein, the user consent result is used to indicate whether or not the user agrees to the processing of data according to the data analysis service.

[0312] In one embodiment, the identifier of the roaming UE includes at least one of the following:

[0313] The permanent identifier of the roaming UE's contracted user;

[0314] The roaming UE's subscribed user hidden identifier;

[0315] The globally unique temporary identifier of the roaming UE;

[0316] The general public user identifier of the roaming UE.

[0317] It should be noted that those skilled in the art will understand that the information processing apparatus provided in the embodiments of this disclosure can be executed alone or together with some apparatuses in the embodiments of this disclosure or some apparatuses in related technologies.

[0318] Regarding the information processing apparatus in the above embodiments, the specific manner in which each module performs its operation has been described in detail in the embodiments related to the method, and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0319] This disclosure provides a communication device, including:

[0320] processor;

[0321] Memory used to store processor-executable instructions;

[0322] The processor is configured to implement the information processing method of any embodiment of this disclosure when running executable instructions.

[0323] The processor may include various types of storage media, which are non-transitory computer storage media that can continue to store information after the user equipment loses power.

[0324] Here, the communication device includes any of the aforementioned network elements, such as the NEF network element, UDM network element, and / or NWDAF network element.

[0325] The processor can be connected to the memory via a bus or similar means to read executable programs stored in the memory, for example, such as... Figures 2 to 6 At least one of the information processing methods shown.

[0326] This disclosure provides a communication system including a Network Open Function (NEF) network element, a Unified Data Management (UDM) network element, and a Network Data Analysis Function (NWDAF) network element in a VPLMN;

[0327] The NEF network element is used to send a second request message to the UDM network element according to the first request message sent by the NWDAF network element in the VPLMN; wherein, the first request message is used to request the collection results and / or analysis results of user data from the HPLMN of the roaming UE; the first request message includes: the identifier of the roaming UE;

[0328] The UDM network element is configured to receive a second request message sent by the NEF network element; and to send a response message to the NEF network element according to the second request message; wherein the response message includes: user consent information corresponding to the identifier of the roaming UE; the user consent information is used by the NEF network element to determine whether to agree to the acquisition of the user data collection results and / or analysis results.

[0329] The NEF network element is also used to receive a response message to the second request message sent by the UDM network element;

[0330] The NWDAF network element is used to receive a response message to the first request message sent by the NEF network element; wherein the response message to the first request message is sent based on the user consent information corresponding to the identifier of the roaming UE.

[0331] In one embodiment, the NEF network element is further used for:

[0332] Determine whether the NEF network element locally stores the user consent information;

[0333] Sending the second request message to the Unified Data Management (UDM) network element includes:

[0334] When the NEF network element does not store the user consent information locally, it sends the second request message to the UDM network element.

[0335] In one embodiment, the NEF network element is further used for:

[0336] Store the user consent information.

[0337] In one embodiment, the NEF network element is further used for:

[0338] When the user consent information indicates consent to the acquisition of the user data collection results and / or analysis results, the first request message is sent to the target network element in the HPLMN;

[0339] Receive a response message to the first request message sent by the target network element;

[0340] The response message to the first request message is sent to the NWDAF network element in the VPLMN.

[0341] In one embodiment, the target network element includes: the Network Function (NF) network element in the HPLMN and / or the Network Data Analysis Function (NWDAF) network element in the HPLMN.

[0342] In one embodiment, the user consent information includes at least one of the following:

[0343] The identifier of the roaming UE;

[0344] The network identifier of the HPLMN and / or the network identifier of the VPLMN;

[0345] Identification information for data analytics services;

[0346] User consent result; wherein, the user consent result is used to indicate whether or not the user agrees to the processing of data according to the data analysis service.

[0347] In one embodiment, the identifier of the roaming UE includes at least one of the following:

[0348] The permanent identifier of the roaming UE's contracted user;

[0349] The roaming UE's subscribed user hidden identifier;

[0350] The globally unique temporary identifier of the roaming UE;

[0351] The general public user identifier of the roaming UE.

[0352] In one embodiment, the NWDAF network element is used for:

[0353] When the policy information indicates that the collection results and / or analysis results of user data can be obtained from the HPLMN of the roaming UE, the first request message is sent to the NEF network element; wherein, the policy information includes: operator policy and / or regulatory policy.

[0354] In one embodiment, the identifier of the roaming UE is sent from the Network Function (NF) element in the VPLMN to the Network Virtualization Function (NWDAF) element in the VPLMN; and wherein,

[0355] The NWDAF network element is also used for:

[0356] If the response message to the first request message includes the collection results and / or analysis results of user data obtained from the HPLMN of the roaming UE, the analysis results of the user data of the roaming UE are sent to the NF network element in the VPLMN.

[0357] like Figure 10 As shown in the illustration, one embodiment of this disclosure illustrates the structure of a communication device. For example, the communication device 900 may be any one of the aforementioned NEF and / or NWDAF and / or UDM.

[0358] Reference Figure 10The communication device 900 includes a processing component 922, which further includes one or more processors, and memory resources represented by a memory 932 for storing instructions executable by the processing component 922, such as application programs. The application programs stored in the memory 932 may include one or more modules, each corresponding to a set of instructions. Furthermore, the processing component 922 is configured to execute instructions to perform any of the methods described above applied to the access device, such as... Figures 2 to 6 Any of the information processing methods shown.

[0359] The communication device 900 may also include a power supply component 926 configured to perform power management of the communication device 900, a wired or wireless network interface 950 configured to connect the communication device 900 to a network, and an input / output (I / O) interface 958. The communication device 900 can operate on an operating system stored in memory 932, such as Windows Server™, Mac OS X™, Unix™, Linux™, FreeBSD™, or similar.

[0360] This disclosure provides a computer storage medium storing an executable program; after being executed by a processor, the executable program can implement the information processing method provided by any of the foregoing technical solutions, for example, such as... Figures 2 to 6 Any of the information processing methods provided.

[0361] The computer storage medium may include any non-transient storage medium or a permanent storage medium.

[0362] Other embodiments of this disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This disclosure 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 disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this disclosure are indicated by the following claims.

[0363] It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the precise structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An information processing method, wherein, The method, executed by the Network Open Function (NEF) network element, includes: Based on the first request message sent by the Network Data Analysis Function (NWDAF) network element in the Visited Public Land Network (VPLMN), a second request message is sent to the Unified Data Management (UDM) network element; wherein, the first request message is used to request the collection results and / or analysis results of user data from the home public land mobile network (HPLMN) of the roaming user equipment (UE); the first request message includes: the identifier of the roaming UE; The system receives a response message to the second request message sent by the UDM network element; wherein the response message to the second request message includes: user consent information corresponding to the identifier of the roaming UE; wherein the user consent information is used by the NEF to determine whether it agrees to the acquisition of the user data collection results and / or analysis results; The user consent information includes a user consent result, which indicates whether the user agrees to have their data processed according to the data analysis service; the user consent result includes one of the following: The results of user data collection and / or analysis are provided to the consumer network elements in HPLMMN; The results of user data collection and / or analysis are provided to consumer network elements in the VPLMN; The analysis results of user data in HPLMN are shared between VPLMN and HPLMN. The analysis results of user data in VPLMN are shared between VPLMN and HPLMN. The collection results of user data in HPLMN cannot be shared between VPLMN and HPLMN. The results of user data collection and analysis in HPLMN are shared between VPLMN and HPLMN.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The method further includes: Determine whether the NEF network element locally stores the user consent information; Sending the second request message to the Unified Data Management (UDM) network element includes: When the NEF network element does not store the user consent information locally, it sends the second request message to the UDM network element.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The method further includes: Store the user consent information.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The user consent information also includes at least one of the following: The identifier of the roaming UE; The network identifier of the HPLMN and / or the network identifier of the VPLMN; Identification information for data analytics services.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The method further includes: When it is determined that consent is given to the collection and / or analysis of the user data, the first request message is sent to the target network element in the HPLMN; Receive a response message to the first request message sent by the target network element; The response message to the first request message is sent to the NWDAF network element in the VPLMN.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein, The target network element includes: the network function (NF) network element in the HPLMN and / or the network data analysis function (NWDAF) network element in the HPLMN.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The identifier of the roaming UE includes at least one of the following: The roaming UE's permanent identifier for its registered users is SUPI; The roaming UE's subscribed user hidden identifier SUCI; The globally unique temporary identifier (GUTI) of the roaming UE; The roaming UE's General Public User Identifier (GPSI).

8. An information processing method, wherein, The method, executed by the Unified Data Management (UDM) network element, includes: The system receives a second request message sent by a Network Open Function (NEF) network element; wherein the second request message is sent based on a first request message from a visited public land network (VPLMN); the first request message is used to request the collection results and / or analysis results of user data from the home public land mobile network (HPLMN) of the roaming user equipment (UE); the first request message includes: the identifier of the roaming UE; According to the second request message, a response message is sent to the NEF network element; wherein, the response message includes: user consent information corresponding to the identifier of the roaming UE; wherein, the user consent information is used by the NEF network element to determine whether to agree to the collection results and / or the acquisition of the user data; The user consent information includes a user consent result, which indicates whether the user agrees to have their data processed according to the data analysis service; the user consent result includes one of the following: The results of user data collection and / or analysis are provided to the consumer network elements in HPLMMN; The results of user data collection and / or analysis are provided to consumer network elements in the VPLMN; The analysis results of user data in HPLMN are shared between VPLMN and HPLMN. The analysis results of user data in VPLMN are shared between VPLMN and HPLMN. The collection results of user data in HPLMN cannot be shared between VPLMN and HPLMN. The results of user data collection and analysis in HPLMN are shared between VPLMN and HPLMN.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The user consent information also includes at least one of the following: The identifier of the roaming UE; The network identifier of the HPLMN and / or the network identifier of the VPLMN; Identification information for data analytics services.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, The identifier of the roaming UE includes at least one of the following: The roaming UE's permanent identifier for its registered users is SUPI; The roaming UE's subscribed user hidden identifier SUCI; The globally unique temporary identifier (GUTI) of the roaming UE; The roaming UE's General Public User Identifier (GPSI).

11. An information processing method, wherein, The method, performed by the Network Data Analysis Function (NWDAF) network element in the VPLMN, includes: The system receives a response message to a first request message sent by a Network Open Function (NEF) network element; wherein the first request message is used to request the collection results and / or analysis results of user data from the home public land mobile network (HPLMN) of the roaming user equipment (UE); the first request message includes: the identifier of the roaming UE; the response message to the first request message is sent based on user consent information corresponding to the identifier of the roaming UE; wherein the user consent information is used by the NEF network element to determine whether to agree to the acquisition of the collection results and / or analysis results of the user data; The user consent information includes a user consent result, which indicates whether the user agrees to have their data processed according to the data analysis service; the user consent result includes one of the following: The results of user data collection and / or analysis are provided to the consumer network elements in HPLMMN; The results of user data collection and / or analysis are provided to consumer network elements in the VPLMN; The analysis results of user data in HPLMN are shared between VPLMN and HPLMN. The analysis results of user data in VPLMN are shared between VPLMN and HPLMN. The collection results of user data in HPLMN cannot be shared between VPLMN and HPLMN. The results of user data collection and analysis in HPLMN are shared between VPLMN and HPLMN.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The method further includes: When the policy information indicates that the collection results and / or analysis results of user data can be obtained from the HPLMN of the roaming UE, the first request message is sent to the NEF network element; wherein, the policy information includes: operator policy and / or regulatory policy.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, The identifier of the roaming UE is sent from the Network Function (NF) element in the VPLMN to the NWDAF element in the VPLMN; and wherein, The method further includes: If the response message to the first request message includes the collection results and / or analysis results of user data obtained from the HPLMN of the roaming UE, the analysis results of the user data of the roaming UE are sent to the NF network element in the VPLMN.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein, The user consent information also includes at least one of the following: The identifier of the roaming UE; The network identifier of the HPLMN and / or the network identifier of the VPLMN; Identification information for data analytics services.

15. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein, The identifier of the roaming UE includes at least one of the following: The roaming UE's permanent identifier for its registered users is SUPI; The roaming UE's subscribed user hidden identifier SUCI; The globally unique temporary identifier (GUTI) of the roaming UE; The roaming UE's General Public User Identifier (GPSI).

16. An information processing apparatus, wherein, The device, applied to Network Open Function (NEF) network elements, includes: The sending module is configured to send a second request message to a unified data management UDM network element based on a first request message sent by a network data analysis function (NWDAF) network element in the visited public land network (VPLMN); wherein, the first request message is used to request the collection results and / or analysis results of user data from the home public land mobile network (HPLMN) of the roaming user equipment (UE); the first request message includes: the identifier of the roaming UE; The receiving module is configured to receive a response message to the second request message sent by the UDM network element; wherein the response message to the second request message includes: user consent information corresponding to the identifier of the roaming UE; wherein the user consent information is used by the NEF network element to determine whether to agree to the acquisition of the user data collection results and / or analysis results; The user consent information includes a user consent result, which indicates whether the user agrees to have their data processed according to the data analysis service; the user consent result includes one of the following: The results of user data collection and / or analysis are provided to the consumer network elements in HPLMMN; The results of user data collection and / or analysis are provided to consumer network elements in the VPLMN; The analysis results of user data in HPLMN are shared between VPLMN and HPLMN. The analysis results of user data in VPLMN are shared between VPLMN and HPLMN. The collection results of user data in HPLMN cannot be shared between VPLMN and HPLMN. The results of user data collection and analysis in HPLMN are shared between VPLMN and HPLMN.

17. An information processing apparatus, wherein, The device, applied to a unified data management (UDM) network element, includes: The receiving module is configured to receive a second request message sent by a Network Open Function (NEF) network element; wherein the second request message is sent based on a first request message from a visited public land network (VPLMN); the first request message is used to request the collection results and / or analysis results of user data from the home public land mobile network (HPLMN) of the roaming user equipment (UE); the first request message includes: the identifier of the roaming UE; The sending module is configured to send a response message to the NEF network element according to the second request message; wherein the response message includes: user consent information corresponding to the identifier of the roaming UE; wherein the user consent information is used by the NEF to determine whether to agree to the collection results and / or analysis results of the user data; The user consent information includes a user consent result, which indicates whether the user agrees to have their data processed according to the data analysis service; the user consent result includes one of the following: The results of user data collection and / or analysis are provided to the consumer network elements in HPLMMN; The results of user data collection and / or analysis are provided to consumer network elements in the VPLMN; The analysis results of user data in HPLMN are shared between VPLMN and HPLMN. The analysis results of user data in VPLMN are shared between VPLMN and HPLMN. The collection results of user data in HPLMN cannot be shared between VPLMN and HPLMN. The results of user data collection and analysis in HPLMN are shared between VPLMN and HPLMN.

18. An information processing apparatus, wherein, The network data analysis function (NWDAF) network element applied in a VPLMN includes: The receiving module is configured to receive a response message to a first request message sent by a Network Open Function (NEF) network element; wherein the first request message is used to request the collection results and / or analysis results of user data from the home public land mobile network (HPLMN) of the roaming user equipment (UE); the first request message includes: the identifier of the roaming UE; the response message to the first request message is sent based on user consent information corresponding to the identifier of the roaming UE; wherein the user consent information is used by the NEF network element to determine whether to agree to the acquisition of the collection results and / or analysis results of the user data; The user consent information includes a user consent result, which indicates whether the user agrees to have their data processed according to the data analysis service; the user consent result includes one of the following: The results of user data collection and / or analysis are provided to the consumer network elements in HPLMMN; The results of user data collection and / or analysis are provided to consumer network elements in the VPLMN; The analysis results of user data in HPLMN are shared between VPLMN and HPLMN. The analysis results of user data in VPLMN are shared between VPLMN and HPLMN. The collection results of user data in HPLMN cannot be shared between VPLMN and HPLMN. The results of user data collection and analysis in HPLMN are shared between VPLMN and HPLMN.

19. A communication device, wherein, The communication device includes: processor; Memory used to store the processor's executable instructions; The processor is configured to implement the information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 15 when running the executable instructions.

20. A communication system, wherein, include: Network Open Function (NEF) network element, Unified Data Management (UDM) network element, and Network Data Analysis Function (NWDAF) network element in VPLMN; The NEF network element is used to execute the information processing method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7; The UDM network element is used to execute the information processing method as described in any one of claims 8 to 10; The NWDAF network element is used to perform the information processing method as described in any one of claims 11 to 15.

21. A computer storage medium, wherein, The computer storage medium stores a computer-executable program, which, when executed by a processor, implements the information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

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