Registration and selection of user equipment for wireless network sensing services

Abstract

A method in a user equipment (UE) is presented, the method comprising sending, by the UE, a message to one or more components of a core network, the message comprising information indicating one or more sensing capabilities of the UE; and receiving, by the UE, one of an indication that the UE is registered in conjunction with a sensing service provided by one or more components of the core network, or an indication that the UE is not registered in conjunction with a sensing service provided by one or more components of the core network.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various example embodiments relate generally to wireless networks, and more particularly to sensing services provided by wireless networks. Background Art

[0002] Wireless networks offer significant advantages for user mobility. The ability for users to stay connected while on the move provides advantages not only to the user, but also to society as a whole, with increased efficiency and productivity. As user expectations for connection reliability, processing power, data speeds, and device battery life increase, wireless network technology must keep pace with such expectations. In addition, the broad geographic coverage provided by wireless network infrastructure and user devices can provide new opportunities for new technological innovations to serve wide geographic areas. As a result, there is a continued interest in improving wireless network technology and services. Summary of the invention

[0003] According to various aspects of the present disclosure, a method in a user equipment (UE) is provided. The method includes sending, by the UE, a message to one or more components of a core network, the message including information indicating one or more sensing capabilities of the UE; and receiving, by the UE, one of: an indication that the UE is registered in conjunction with a sensing service provided by the one or more components of the core network, or an indication that the UE is not registered in conjunction with a sensing service provided by the one or more components of the core network.

[0004] In aspects of the method, the message may be a registration request configured to register the UE with an access and mobility management function (AMF) of the core network. The registration request includes information indicating one or more sensing capabilities of the UE.

[0005] In aspects of the method, the message may also include information indicating at least one of: a UE capable of operating in a single-station mode for a sensing service, a UE capable of operating in a dual-station mode for a sensing service, a UE capable of assuming a transmission role for a sensing service, a UE capable of assuming a receiving role for a sensing service, a UE capable of sidelink sensing for a sensing service, or at least one type of sensing signal, the UE being capable of at least one of: receiving or sending.

[0006] In aspects of the method, the indication that the UE may be registered in conjunction with sensing services provided by one or more components of the core network is an indication that the UE subscribes to the sensing services.

[0007] In aspects of the method, the indication that the UE may not be registered in conjunction with sensing services provided by one or more components of the core network is an indication that the UE is not subscribed to the sensing services.

[0008] In aspects of the method, the method may further include receiving, by the UE while in a connection management idle (CM-Idle) state, a paging message in combination with the sensing service based on an indication that the UE is registered in combination with the sensing service.

[0009] The paging message may include a request for a sensing method.

[0010] In aspects of the method, the method may further include determining, by the UE, whether the UE is capable of performing the sensing method; and based on the determination, one of: accepting a request for the sensing method, or rejecting the request for the sensing method.

[0011] In aspects of the method, the method may further include initiating connection establishment to change from a CM-Idle state to a Connection Management Connected (CM-Connected) state by the UE based on accepting the request for the sensing method.

[0012] According to aspects of the present disclosure, a user equipment comprises at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user equipment to at least perform the method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

[0013] According to various aspects of the present disclosure, a method includes receiving a message by one or more components of a core network, the message including information indicating one or more sensing capabilities of a user equipment (UE); and sending, by one or more components of the core network, one of: an indication that the UE is registered in conjunction with sensing services provided by the one or more components of the core network, or an indication that the UE is not registered in conjunction with sensing services provided by the one or more components of the core network.

[0014] In aspects of the method, the message may be a registration request configured to register the UE with an access and mobility management function (AMF) of the core network. The registration request includes information indicating one or more sensing capabilities of the UE.

[0015] In aspects of the method, the method may also include receiving, by the AMF, subscription information of the UE regarding the sensing service from a unified data management function (UDM) of the core network; and determining, by the AMF, whether to accept or reject the registration request based on the subscription information of the UE regarding the sensing service.

[0016] In aspects of the method, the method may also include the AMF sending a second message to a management function of a core network supporting sensing services based on acceptance of the registration request, the second message including information indicating one or more sensing capabilities of the UE, and the second message being configured to update a database storing the sensing capabilities of the UE.

[0017] In aspects of the method, the message may also include information indicating at least one of: a UE capable of operating in a single-station mode for a sensing service, a UE capable of operating in a dual-station mode for a sensing service, a UE capable of assuming a transmission role for a sensing service, a UE capable of assuming a receiving role for a sensing service, a UE capable of sidelink sensing for a sensing service, or at least one type of sensing signal, the UE being capable of at least one of: receiving or sending.

[0018] In aspects of the method, sending may include sending an indication that the UE is registered in conjunction with sensing services provided by one or more components of the core network.The UE is in a Connectivity Management Connected (CM-Connected) state.

[0019] In aspects of the method, the method may further include receiving a request for a sensing service, the receiving being performed by at least one of the following network functions: a management function supporting sensing services (SeMF) of a core network, or a network open function of a core network. The request for the sensing service indicates a sensing area of ​​interest, and the network function sends a request to an access and mobility management function (AMF) of the core network, the request being used by the AMF to discover at least a CM-Connected UE for the request for the sensing service.

[0020] In aspects of the method, the method may further include obtaining, by the network function, a plurality of defined target areas for the sensing service; and mapping, by the network function, the sensing area of ​​interest to at least one target area of ​​the plurality of defined target areas. The request for discovering at least the CM-Connected UE for the request of the AMF for the sensing service includes at least one identifier corresponding to the at least one target area mapped to the sensing area of ​​interest.

[0021] In aspects of the method, the method may also include determining, by the AMF, at least one network node serving at least one target area; and sending, by the AMF, a request to the at least one network node, the request being for the at least one network node to discover at least a CM-Connected UE to satisfy the request for the sensing service. The UE in the CM-Connected state is served by one of the at least one network node.

[0022] In aspects of the method, the request for at least one network node to discover at least CM-Connected UEs for a request for sensing services may include at least one of: a requested sensing method, UE selection criteria, or a number of UEs required to satisfy the request for sensing services.

[0023] In aspects of the method, the method may also include receiving, by the AMF, discovery information from at least one network node, the discovery information including: at least one identifier corresponding to at least one CM-Connected UE discovered for a request for a sensing service, and, for each CM-Connected UE in the at least one CM-Connected UE, a corresponding confidence level indicating a capability level of the corresponding CM-Connected UE to meet the request for the sensing service; and sending, by the AMF, the discovery information to the SeMF.

[0024] In aspects of the method, the method may further include selecting, by the SeMF based at least on the discovery information, at least one CM-Connected UE of the at least one CM-Connected UE to satisfy the request for the sensing service.

[0025] In aspects of the method, sending may include sending an indication that the UE is registered in conjunction with sensing services provided by one or more components of the core network.The UE is in a Connection Management Idle (CM-Idle) state.

[0026] In aspects of the method, the method may further include receiving a request for a sensing service, the receiving being performed by at least one of the following network functions: a management function supporting sensing services (SeMF) of a core network, or a network open function of a core network. The request for the sensing service indicates an interested sensing area; and the network function sends a request to an access and mobility management function (AMF) of the core network, the request being used by the AMF to discover at least a CM-Idle UE for the request for the sensing service.

[0027] In aspects of the method, the method may further include obtaining, by the network function, a plurality of defined target areas for the sensing service; and mapping, by the network function, the sensing area of ​​interest to at least one target area of ​​the plurality of defined target areas. The request for discovering at least a CM-Idle UE for a request of the AMF for the sensing service includes at least one identifier corresponding to at least one target area mapped to the sensing area of ​​interest.

[0028] In aspects of the method, the method may also include, for each CM-Idle UE among a plurality of CM-Idle UEs registered with the AMF, obtaining, by the AMF: at least one corresponding target area associated with the corresponding CM-Idle UE among a plurality of defined target areas; determining, by the AMF, at least one CM-Idle UE among a plurality of CM-Idle UEs registered with the AMF, the at least one CM-Idle UE having at least one related target area overlapping with at least one target area mapped to the sensing area of ​​interest; determining, by the AMF, at least one network node serving at least one target area mapped to the sensing area of ​​interest; and sending, by the AMF, a request for the at least one network node to perform paging on the at least one CM-Idle UE to satisfy the request for sensing service. The UE in the CM-Idle state is served by one of the at least one network nodes.

[0029] In aspects of the method, a request for at least one network node to perform paging on at least one CM-Idle UE to satisfy a request for a sensing service may include at least one of: a requested sensing method, or a setting for at least one network node to perform paging on any UE with sensing capabilities.

[0030] In aspects of the method, the method may also include establishing, by the AMF, a signaling connection with at least one CM-Idle UE among the at least one CM-Idle UE, and at least one CM-Idle UE among the at least one CM-Idle UE changes to a connection management connection (CM-Connected) state and becomes at least one CM-Connected UE.

[0031] In aspects of the method, the method may also include, for each CM-Connected UE of at least one CM-Connected UE: receiving, by the AMF, a corresponding confidence level from at least one network node of at least one network node, the corresponding confidence level indicating an ability level of the corresponding CM-Connected UE to meet the request for the sensing service; and sending, by the AMF, the corresponding confidence level of the corresponding CM-Connected UE to the SeMF.

[0032] In aspects of the method, the method may further include selecting, by the SeMF based on at least one confidence level corresponding to the at least one CM-Connected UE, at least one CM-Connected UE of the at least one CM-Connected UE to satisfy the request for the sensing service.

[0033] According to aspects of the present disclosure, an apparatus includes at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least perform the method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

[0034] According to various aspects of the present disclosure, a method includes receiving, by one or more components of a radio access network (RAN), a message including information indicating one or more sensing capabilities of a user equipment (UE); and sending, by one or more components of the RAN, one of: an indication that the UE is registered in conjunction with sensing services provided by one or more components of a core network, or an indication that the UE is not registered in conjunction with sensing services provided by one or more components of the core network.

[0035] In aspects of the method, the message may be a registration request configured to register the UE with an access and mobility management function (AMF) of the core network. The registration request includes information indicating one or more sensing capabilities of the UE.

[0036] In aspects of the method, the method may also include receiving, by at least one network node of the RAN from an access and mobility management function (AMF) of a core network, at least one identifier of at least one target area covering a sensing area of ​​interest, the sensing area of ​​interest being specified in a request for sensing service. The at least one network node serves the at least one target area; and receiving, by at least one network node of the RAN from the AMF, a request to discover at least a connectivity management connected (CM-Connected) UE in the at least one target area.

[0037] In aspects of the method, the request to discover at least CM-Connected UEs in at least one target area includes at least one of: a requested sensing method, UE selection criteria, or a number of UEs required to satisfy the request for sensing services.

[0038] In aspects of the method, the method may also include acquiring, by at least one network node of the RAN, discovery information, the discovery information including: at least one identifier corresponding to at least one CM-Connected UE discovered for a request for a sensing service, and, for each CM-Connected UE in the at least one CM-Connected UE, a corresponding confidence level indicating a capability level of the corresponding CM-Connected UE to meet the request for the sensing service; and sending, by at least one network node of the RAN, the discovery information to the AMF.

[0039] In aspects of the method, the method may also include receiving, by at least one network node of the RAN from an access and mobility management function (AMF) of a core network, at least one identifier of at least one target area covering a sensing area of ​​interest, the sensing area of ​​interest being specified in a request for sensing service. The at least one network node serves the at least one target area; and receiving, by at least one network node of the RAN from the AMF, a request to perform paging on at least one connection management idle (CM-Idle) UE to satisfy the request for sensing service.

[0040] In aspects of the method, the request to perform paging on at least one CM-Idle UE to satisfy the request for sensing service may include at least one of the following: a requested sensing method, or a setting for at least one network node to perform paging on any UE with sensing capability.

[0041] In aspects of the method, the method may also include sending a paging message by at least one network node of the RAN to at least one CM-Idle UE, wherein the paging message is configured to cause at least one CM-Idle UE among the at least one CM-Idle UE to initiate connection establishment to change to a connection management connected (CM-Connected) state, and at least one CM-Idle UE among the at least one CM-Idle UE becomes at least one CM-Connected UE.

[0042] In aspects of the method, the method may also include, for each CM-Connected UE of at least one CM-Connected UE: determining, by a network node of the RAN, a corresponding confidence level indicating a capability level of the corresponding CM-Connected UE to meet the request for the sensing service; and sending, by at least one network node of the RAN, the corresponding confidence level of the corresponding CM-Connected UE to the AMF.

[0043] According to aspects of the present disclosure, an apparatus includes at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least perform the method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

[0044] According to some aspects, the subject matter of the independent claims is provided. Some further aspects are defined in the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] Some example embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] Figure 1is a diagram of an example embodiment of wireless networking between a network system and a user equipment (UE) according to one illustrative aspect of the present disclosure;

[0047] Figure 2 is a diagram of example components of a network system according to one illustrative aspect of the present disclosure;

[0048] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an example use case of a user device assisting in a UAV flight trajectory according to one illustrative aspect of the present disclosure;

[0049] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating another example use case of a user device providing transparent sensing, spatial mapping, and positioning according to one illustrative aspect of the present disclosure;

[0050] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating another example use case of a user device detecting an intruder in a smart home according to one illustrative aspect of the present disclosure;

[0051] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating example signals and operations of a network system according to one illustrative aspect of the present disclosure;

[0052] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B is a diagram of example signals and operations of a network system according to one illustrative aspect of the present disclosure;

[0053] Figure 8 is a diagram of an example embodiment of signals and operations of components of a user equipment or network device according to one illustrative aspect of the present disclosure;

[0054] Fig. 9 is a diagram of an example embodiment user device having different confidence levels with respect to sensing areas of interest according to one illustrative aspect of the present disclosure;

[0055] Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B is a diagram of example embodiments of signals and operations of components of a user equipment or network device according to one illustrative aspect of the present disclosure; and

[0056] Fig.11 is a diagram of an example embodiment of components of a user equipment or network device according to one illustrative aspect of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed aspects. However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the various aspects may be practiced without one or more of these specific details or using other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures associated with transmitters, receivers, or transceivers are not shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the various aspects.

[0058] In this specification, reference to "one aspect" or "an aspect" indicates that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with that aspect is included in at least one aspect. Thus, the appearance of the phrase "in one aspect" or "in an aspect" in various places in this specification does not necessarily refer to the same aspect. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more aspects.

[0059] The embodiments described in the present disclosure may be implemented in wireless network devices, such as, but not limited to, devices utilizing Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM, 2G), GSM EDGE Radio Access Network (GERAN), General Packet Radio Service (GRPS), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS, 3G) based on basic Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA), High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), Long Term Evolution (LTE TM ), LTE-Advanced TM , Enhanced LTE TM (eLTE TM ), 5G New Radio (5G NR), Advanced 5G, 6G (and beyond), and 802.11ax (Wi-Fi TM 6) and other wireless network systems. The term “eLTE” here TM ” indicates LTE connected to the 5G core TM Evolution. LTE TM Also known as Evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access (EUTRA) or Evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network (EUTRAN).

[0060] Various aspects of the present disclosure relate to a network service that provides sensing services using a wide geographic coverage of a wireless network infrastructure and user equipment (UE). The network service is referred to herein as a "sensing management function" or "SeMF" and, as described herein, can be implemented in a core network of a wireless network. As explained in more detail below, the network service is based on collaboration between the wireless network infrastructure and the UE. In various aspects, the SeMF may require a UE with sensing capabilities to perform sensing and report sensing data to the SeMF. In various aspects, the SeMF may require the UE to send a signal for sensing by a network node (e.g., a gNB), and the network node may report the sensing data to the SeMF. In various aspects, the SeMF may require the UE to sense a signal sent by a network node and report the sensing data to the SeMF. The terms sensing management function and SeMF are merely examples of names for network functions. It is conceivable that the network function may be referred to by any other name, or may be implemented as any other network function.

[0061] UE sensing capabilities may include one or more of the following: an indication of parameters / characteristics / types of sensing data that the UE can collect, and (if available) information about the granularity of the collected sensing data; an indication of available sensing resources; local processing capabilities of sensing measurements / data; UE obfuscation capabilities of sensing measurements / data; an indication of supported sensing services; an indication of sensing using uplink (UL) and / or downlink (DL) pilot or reference signals for channel parameter estimation; an indication of sensing using data or user plane signals for channel parameter estimation; an indication of the (maximum) number of sensing resources (e.g., DL and / or UL sensing reference signals, data or user plane signals) supported by the corresponding UE ID for each sensing frequency layer; an indication of (the number of) sensing frequency layers on a certain frequency band; an indication of supported frequency bands for sensing (e.g., center frequency, bandwidth, 3GPP TM NR FR1 (n1, n3, n77, etc.), 3GPP TM NR FR2 (n257, n258, etc.), supported frequency range for sensing (e.g., 600 MHz to 6 GHz, 24 GHz to 71 GHz), supported radio access technology for sensing, maximum Tx power, supported bandwidth, sensing signal interval, etc.

[0062] In various aspects, one or more network subscriptions may be implemented specifically for the registration of a UE in a sensing service. The SeMF may operate as a sensing service provider for an application function in the core network and / or an application in the UE, which would operate as a sensing service consumer. These and other aspects are described in detail below.

[0063] The present disclosure may use the term "serving network device" to refer to a network node or network device (or a portion thereof) that serves a UE. As used herein, the terms "send to," "receive from," and "cooperate with" (and variations thereof) include communications that may or may not involve communications through one or more intermediate devices or nodes. The term "acquire" (and variations thereof) includes acquiring for the first time or reacquiring after the first acquisition. The term "connect" may refer to a physical connection or a logical connection.

[0064] As used herein, the term "device" refers to and includes a physical implementation, which may include one housing and / or components, or may include more than one housing and / or components. In the case of more than one housing and / or components, the multiple housings and / or components of the device may be collocated or may be geographically separated.

[0065] The present disclosure uses 5G NR as an example of a wireless network, and may use a smartphone and / or IoT device as an example of a UE. It is intended and should be understood that such examples are merely illustrative, and the present disclosure is applicable to other wireless networks and user devices.

[0066] Figure 1 1 is a diagram depicting an example of wireless networking between a network system 100 and a user equipment (UE) 150. The network system 100 may include one or more network nodes 120, one or more servers 110, and / or one or more network devices 130 (e.g., physical infrastructure). The network node 120 is described in more detail below. As used herein, the term "network device" may refer to any component of the network system 100, such as a server 110, a network node 120, a network device 130, any (multiple) components of the foregoing, and / or any (multiple) other components of the network system 100. Examples of network devices include, but are not limited to, devices that implement various aspects of 5G NR, various aspects of a radio access network (RAN), or various aspects of a core network. The present disclosure describes embodiments related to 5G NR and related to 3GPP 5G NR. TM However, it is contemplated that embodiments related to other wireless network technologies are also included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0067] The following description provides further details of examples of network nodes. In a 5G NR network, a gNodeB (also referred to as a gNB) may include, for example, a node that provides NR user plane and control plane protocol termination towards the UE and is connected to the 5G Core (5GC) via an NG interface, e.g., according to 3GPP TM TS 38.300 V16.6.0 (2021-06) Section 3.2, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0068] The gNB supports various protocol layers, such as Layer 1 (L1) (ie, physical layer), Layer 2 (L2), and Layer 3 (L3).

[0069] NR’s Layer 2 (L2) is split into the following sublayers: Medium Access Control (MAC), Radio Link Control (RLC), Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP), and Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP), where for example:

[0070] ○The physical layer provides a transport channel to the MAC sublayer;

[0071] ○The MAC sublayer provides logical channels to the RLC sublayer;

[0072] ○ The RLC sublayer provides RLC channels to the PDCP sublayer;

[0073] ○ The PDCP sublayer provides radio bearer to the SDAP sublayer;

[0074] ○The SDAP sublayer provides Quality of Service (QoS) flows to 5GC;

[0075] o Control channels include the Broadcast Control Channel (BCCH) and the Physical Control Channel (PCCH).

[0076] Layer 3 (L3) includes, for example, TM Radio Resource Control (RRC) of Section 6 of TS 38.300 V16.6.0 (2021-06), which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0077] The gNB Central Unit (gNB-CU) includes, for example, a logical node that hosts, for example, the Radio Resource Control (RRC), Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP), and Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) protocols of a gNB, or the RRC and PDCP protocols of an en-gNB, which controls the operation of one or more gNB Distributed Units (gNB-DUs). The gNB-CU terminates the F1 interface with the gNB-DU. The gNB-CU may also be referred to herein as a CU, a central unit, a centralized unit, or a control unit.

[0078] The gNB distributed unit (gNB-DU) includes, for example, a logical node that hosts, for example, the radio link control (RLC), medium access control (MAC), and physical (PHY) layers of a gNB or en-gNB, and whose operation is partially controlled by the gNB-CU. One gNB-DU supports one or more cells. A cell is supported by only one gNB-DU. The gNB-DU terminates the F1 interface connected to the gNB-CU. The gNB-DU may also be referred to as a DU or distributed unit in this document.

[0079] As used herein, the term "network node" may refer to any one of a gNB, a gNB-CU, or a gNB-DU, or any combination thereof. A RAN (Radio Access Network) node or a network node (such as, for example, a gNB, a gNB-CU, or a gNB-DU, or a portion thereof) may be implemented using, for example, a device having at least one processor and / or at least one memory having processor-readable instructions ("program") configured to support and / or supply and / or process CU and / or DU related functions and / or features, and / or at least one protocol (sub) layer of the RAN (Radio Access Network), such as Layer 2 and / or Layer 3. There may be different functional splits between the central unit and the distributed units. The following will be combined with Fig.11 Examples of such devices and components are described.

[0080] Parts of the gNB-CU and gNB-DU may, for example, be collocated or physically separated. The gNB-DU may even be further split into, for example, two parts, for example, one part including a processing device and the other part including an antenna. The central unit (CU) may also be referred to as a baseband unit / radio equipment controller / cloud RAN / virtual RAN (BBU / REC / C-RAN / V-RAN), an open RAN (O-RAN) or a part thereof. The distributed unit (DU) may also be referred to as a remote radio head / remote radio unit / radio equipment / radio unit (RRH / RRU / RE / RU) or a part thereof. Hereinafter, in various example embodiments of the present disclosure, a network node supporting at least one of the central unit functions or layer 3 protocols of a radio access network may be, for example, a gNB-CU. Similarly, a network node supporting at least one of the distributed unit functions or layer 2 protocols of a radio access network may also be, for example, a gNB-DU.

[0081] A gNB-CU may support one or more gNB-DUs. A gNB-DU may support one or more cells and may therefore support a serving cell for a user equipment (UE), or a candidate cell for handover, dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation, among other procedures.

[0082] User equipment (UE) 150 may be or include a wireless or mobile device, a device having a radio interface for interacting with a RAN (Radio Access Network), a smartphone, an in-vehicle device, an IoT device, or an M2M device, as well as other types of user equipment. Such a UE 150 may include: at least one processor; and at least one memory including program code; wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to cause the device to perform at least certain operations together with the at least one processor, such as, for example, an RRC connection with a RAN. Examples of components of a UE will be combined with Fig.11 Description. In an embodiment, the UE 150 may be configured to generate a message (e.g., including a cell ID) to be sent to the RAN via the radio (e.g., to reach and communicate with a serving cell). In an embodiment, the UE 150 may generate and send and receive an RRC message containing one or more RRC PDUs (packet data units). Those skilled in the art will understand the RRC protocol and other processes that the UE may perform.

[0083] Continue to refer Figure 1 In the example of a 5G NR network, the network system 100 provides one or more cells that define a coverage area of ​​the network system 100. As described above, the network system 100 may include a gNB of a 5G NR network, or may include any other device configured to control radio communications and manage radio resources within a cell. As used herein, the term "resource" may refer to a radio resource, such as a resource block (RB), a physical resource block (PRB), a radio frame, a subframe, a time slot, a subband, a frequency region, a subcarrier, a beam, etc. In an embodiment, the network node 120 may be referred to as a base station.

[0084] Figure 1 The example is provided and is only used to illustrate the network system 100 and the UE 150. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the network system 100 includes Figure 1 Components not shown in the figure, and it will be understood that other user devices may communicate with the network system 100.

[0085] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A 5G NR network may be described as an example of a network system 100, and aspects described below should also be applicable to other types of network systems. The network system may be based on Figure 1The signals and connections shown are operated so that the UE 150 communicates with the network system 100 through the radio access network 225. In addition, as shown and described herein, the network system can be divided into user plane components and functions and control plane components and functions. Unless otherwise specified, the terms "component", "function" and "service" are used interchangeably herein, and they may refer to instructions executed by one or more processors and implemented by them.

[0086] The following describes example functions of the components. The example functions are illustrative only, and it should be understood that the components described herein may perform additional operations and functions. In addition, the connections between the components may be virtual connections through service-based interfaces, so that any component can communicate with any other component. In this way, any component can act as a service "producer" for any other component that is a service "consumer" to provide services for network functions.

[0087] For example, a core network 210 is described in the control plane of the network system. The core network 210 includes an authentication server function (AUSF) 211, an access and mobility function (AMF) 212, and a session management function (SMF) 213. The core network 210 also includes a network slice selection function (NSSF) 214, a network open function (NEF) 215, a network repository function (NRF) 216, and a unified data management function (UDM) 217, which may include a unified data repository (UDR) 224.

[0088] Additional components and functions of the core network 210 include an application function (AF) 218 ​​, a policy control function (PCF) 219 , a location management function (LMF) 220 , a sensing management function (SeMF) 221 , a management data analysis function (MDAF) 222 , and an operation and management function (OAM) 223 .

[0089] The user plane includes UE 150, radio access network (RAN) 225, user plane function (UPF) 226, and data network (DN) 227. RAN 225 may include a combination of Figure 1 The RAN 225 may include one or more components such as one or more network nodes. However, the RAN 225 may not be limited to such components. The UPF 226 provides a connection for data sent through the RAN 225. For example, the DN 226 identifies services from a service provider, Internet access, and third-party services.

[0090] AMF 212 handles connection and mobility tasks. AUSF 211 receives authentication requests from AMF 212 and interacts with UDM 217 to authenticate and verify network responses to determine successful authentication. SMF 213 performs packet data unit (PDU) session management and manages session contexts with UPF 226.

[0091] NSSF 214 may select a network slice instance (NSI) and determine allowed network slice selection assistance information (NSSAI). This selection and determination is used to set up AMF 212 to provide services to UE 150. NEF 215 ensures third-party access to network services to create specialized network services. NRF 216 acts as a repository for storing network functions to allow these functions to register and discover each other.

[0092] UDM 217 generates authentication vectors for use by AUSF 211 and ADM 212, and provides user identification processing. UDM 217 can be connected to UDR 224, which stores data associated with authentication, applications, etc. AF 218 provides application services (e.g., streaming services, etc.) to users. PCF 219 provides policy control functions. For example, PCF 219 can assist in network slicing and mobility management, and provide quality of service (QoS) and charging functions.

[0093] LMF 220 operates to receive location measurements and location assistance information from the RAN and UE via AMF. SeMF 221 manages the collection of sensing data and will be described in more detail below. MDAF 222 provides additional data analysis services for network functions. OAM 223 provides provisioning and management processing functions to manage elements in or connected to the network (e.g., UE 150, network nodes, etc.).

[0094] Figure 2 These are merely examples of components of a network system, and variations are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, a network system may include Figure 2 In an embodiment, the network system may not include other components not shown. Figure 2 In an embodiment, the components and connections may be used with Figure 2 The connections shown can be implemented in different ways. Such and other embodiments are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0095] As described above, the sensing management function (SeMF) manages the collaboration between the wireless network infrastructure and the UE to implement sensing services. In various aspects, the SeMF can require a UE with sensing capabilities (e.g., IoT devices, smartphones, etc.) to perform sensing, and / or send signals for network nodes (e.g., gNBs, pico cells, femto cells, etc.) to sense, and / or sense signals sent by network nodes (e.g., gNBs, pico cells, femto cells, etc.). The SeMF can operate as a sensing service provider for an application function in the core network and / or an application in a UE or other device, which will operate as a sensing service consumer.

[0096] As an example scenario, a 5G network subscriber (e.g., a company) may wish to deploy network nodes (e.g., pico cells, femto cells, etc.) and UEs (e.g., IoT devices, etc.) to meet the subscriber's business sensing needs. In an embodiment, the network nodes and UEs may be owned by the subscriber, or may be leased from a network operator, and they may subscribe to the network to use sensing services through the network. SeMF may provide sensing data to an application, which uses the sensing data for various purposes. With a sufficient amount of sensing data, the application may, for example, use the sensing data to gain awareness of the scene around the user device, detect, locate and track objects, and / or form images and / or extract features for purposes such as recognition / classification. As used herein, the term "3GPP sensing data" refers to and includes sensing data from 3GPP TM Data derived from a radio signal that is affected by an object of interest or environment (e.g., reflection, refraction, diffraction) for sensing purposes and that can be optionally processed within a 5G system. 3GPP sensing data is only one type of sensing data contemplated by the present disclosure. Figure 3-Figure 5 Various example uses of sensory data are described.

[0097] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an example use case of using sensing services in UAV flight trajectory tracking. Figure 3 A radio access network (RAN) 225 is shown, which may include network nodes such as gNBs and UEs 150 connected to the RAN 225. Figure 3In the example of , the SeMF may request the network node and the UE 150 to provide sensing data, which may then be used by an application to track the flight of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) 303. The application may be an application of an unmanned aerial vehicle system traffic management (UTM) system 301. The sensing data provided by the network node and / or the UE 150 may be provided by the SeMF to a sensing processing entity 302, such as a 5G sensing processing entity, which may send the sensing data to the UTM system 301. The sensing processing entity 302 may also receive a request for sensing data from the UTM system 301.

[0098] For example, the UAV flight may be tracked via sensing performed by the RAN 225 along the flight trajectory. In addition to acquiring sensing data by the RAN 225 (e.g., gNB), the UE 150 connected to the RAN 225 may also be configured to assist in acquiring sensing data. For example, potential scenarios in which the UE 150 may assist in acquiring sensing data include when the distance of the UE 150 from the UAV is shorter than that of the RAN node, and / or the radar cross section (RCS) of the UE in the reflection direction is larger than that of the RAN node. For example, the SeMF may authorize RAN entities and UEs in certain location areas to generate sensing data (e.g., related to UAV location, speed, etc.) and report it to the 5G sensing processing entity 302.

[0099] For example, another use case may include transparent sensing and spatial mapping / localization, where the sensing data is used to create a spatial (3D) map that can be used to locate objects (not shown). A UE in a target area to be 3D mapped can be located in Figure 4 The method shown is involved in generating sensing data. Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, SeMF may support a mechanism for enabling the RAN node 401 and the UE 150 to collaborate to obtain NR-based sensing data to capture information about the nearby environment, such as information about target objects 120 in the environment. In the illustrated embodiment, the RAN node 401 transmits sensing signals (e.g., reference signals), some of which may interact with (e.g., be reflected from) one or more targets 120. The sensing signals resulting from the interaction may be sensed by the UE 150 as sensing data. The sensing data may be sent by the UE 150 to the network node 401 in a communication signal for use by a service consumer of the SeMF to generate or modify a spatial map.

[0100] Figure 5Another example use case for detecting an intruder in a home is illustrated. A RAN node (e.g., a pico cell or femto cell, etc.) or a UE 150 deployed at or near the home may be used as a sensing signal transmitter, a sensing signal receiver, or both. In this scenario, specific (multiple) RAN nodes and / or (multiple) UEs 150 at or near the home may be selected to perform transmission or sensing. Figure 5 As shown, a sensing signal is transmitted, and when it is reflected by a reflector (such as a moving person), the reflected signal may have a frequency, phase, amplitude, or time of flight (ToF) different from a reference reflected signal or a baseline reflected signal. The different reflected signal characteristics may be sensed as sensing data, which may be used to detect whether an intruder has entered the home.

[0101] for Figure 3-Figure 5 In the above example use case, with the cooperation of (multiple) UEs, at least one of the following two sensing methods can be used to implement the sensing service: the RAN (e.g., network node) sends a sensing signal and the (multiple) UEs receive the sensing signal to obtain sensing data; and / or the UE sends a sensing signal and the RAN (e.g., network node) receives the sensing signal to obtain sensing data. In this way, 5G network subscribers (e.g., companies) who wish to deploy network nodes (e.g., micro cells, femto cells, etc.) and UEs (e.g., IoT devices, etc.) for the service sensing needs of subscribers can provide sensing capabilities over a larger area (e.g., the coverage area of ​​the 5G network).

[0102] In an embodiment, various other sensing methods may be used to improve the accuracy of the sensing results, such as, but not limited to: sensing in a specific geographic area or geographic range description (e.g., a circular area, a rectangular area, an elliptical area, or other suitable shapes) specified using GPS coordinates; sensing to a defined side / area of ​​the UE (e.g., the UE is used as a reference point or reference device), for example, sensing at a specific angle of the UE, one side of the UE, or 360 degrees around the UE; and / or sensing within a range outside one or more UEs (e.g., the UE is used as a reference point or reference device). In an embodiment, the reference UE / device used to define the sensing area may also be a UE that assists the sensing process (i.e., has the role of a sensing signal transmitter or a sensing signal receiver). The (multiple) sensing methods used for a specific scenario may depend on the type of sensing service requested and / or other factors. Figure 3-Figure 5 The examples are illustrative only, and other use cases are also contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0103] Various examples of infrastructure and use cases are described above. From an implementation perspective, the SeMF needs to determine which UEs have the appropriate sensing capabilities for a sensing request and can also be used to satisfy the sensing request. Figure 6As shown, a wireless network may include geographically distributed network nodes and geographically distributed UEs 150. The network nodes and UEs 150 may cover a large area 601, but sensing requests may be directed to a specific area 602. Aspects of the present disclosure related to registration and selection of UEs associated with sensing services are described below.

[0104] The following description relates to connection management (CM), which is a protocol for establishing and releasing control plane signaling connections between the UE and the AMF. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the UE may have various connection management states, such as the CM-Connected state and the CM-Idle state, which are maintained at the non-access stratum (NAS) layer at both the UE and the AMF. (NAS is a protocol that operates above the access stratum (AS) that handles the radio interface and is responsible for establishing, maintaining, and releasing sessions between the user equipment and the core network.) CM-Idle defines a state in which the UE has no signaling with the AMF. CM-Idle corresponds to RRC idle in the AS layer. In contrast, CM-Connected indicates that the UE has a signaling connection with the AMF. When the UE is powered on, the UE selects the best network node (e.g., gNB) based on the cell selection process, and sends a registration request to initiate radio resource control (RRC) connection establishment signaling to the network node (e.g., gNB) and initiate N2 signaling to the AMF. The registration request triggers a transition from CM-Idle to CM-Connected. If the UE is in CM-Idle state and must send uplink data, the UE triggers a Service Request NAS message to the AMF and changes from the CM-Idle state to the CM-Connected state. If there is downlink data to be transmitted to the UE in the CM-Idle state, the network initiates a state transition procedure using a paging message, which triggers the UE to establish an RRC connection and send a Service Request NAS message to the AMF. The service request triggers an N2 signaling connection, which moves the UE to the CM-Connected state. The UE can move from the CM-Connected state to the CM-Idle state when the UE's signaling connection is released or when the UE's signaling connection fails.

[0105] Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to enabling discovery and selection of UEs that are in a CM-Connected state and / or a CM-Idle state and that can support sensing requirements of a sensing request from a sensing service consumer.

[0106] As described in more detail below, a UE with sensing capabilities may indicate its sensing capabilities to the RAN in a UE Capability Information message, may indicate its sensing capabilities to the AMF in an AN message (as an AN parameter), and / or may indicate its sensing capabilities in a new information element in a NAS Registration Request. Fig. 7A and Figure 7B Describe these aspects.

[0107] Reference now Fig. 7A and Figure 7B , discloses example signals and operations for enabling a network to register UEs and determine which UEs support sensing capabilities. As described above, the terms "send to", "receive from", and "cooperate with" (and variations thereof) include communications that may or may not involve communication through one or more intermediate devices or nodes. The signals and operations are Fig. 7A The components shown at the top of the diagram include a user equipment (UE), an NG radio access network (NG-RAN) (e.g., a network node), an access and mobility management function (AMF), a sensing management function (SeMF) and a database, and a unified data management function (UDM). For example, such components may be combined with Figure 1 and Figure 2 The same components described above, or components otherwise described above.

[0108] The following paragraphs describe various signals and operations. It should be understood that the described signals may have associated operations, and the described operations may have associated signals. Therefore, the described signals may also involve operations, and the described operations may also involve signals.

[0109] At operations 701 and 702, the UE and the NG-RAN perform a connection establishment procedure. At operation 701, the UE sends a radio resource control (RRC) establishment request to a radio access network (NG-RAN) (e.g., to a network node), and the NG-RAN receives the RRC establishment request from the UE. At operation 702, the NG-RAN sends an RRC establishment message to the UE, and the UE receives the RRC establishment message from the NG-RAN. Those skilled in the art will understand the connection establishment procedure and the RRC establishment.

[0110] At operation 703, the UE sends an RRC setup complete message to the NG-RAN. The NG-RAN receives the RRC setup complete message from the UE. The UE encapsulates a non-access stratum (NAS) registration request message in the RRC setup complete message. The UE includes an additional information element (IE) in the NAS registration message, which indicates the sensing capabilities of the UE, and optionally other details, such as supported methods (e.g., single station configuration, dual station configuration, and / or Rx / Tx roles). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a single station configuration involves a UE configured to perform both a transmit operation and a receive operation, while a dual station configuration involves a transmit operation being performed by a first UE and a receive operation being performed by a second UE. Various sensing capabilities and sensing methods are described above.

[0111] At operation 704, the NG-RAN sends a NAS registration request message to the AMF using the NG Application Protocol (NGAP). The NG-RAN receives the NAS registration request message from the AMF, which includes an additional IE indicating the sensing capability and sensing method of the UE.

[0112] At operation 705, the AMF may check the UE subscription details with the UDM / UDR, for example for authorization purposes. This operation may call the Nudm_SDM_Get service operation to retrieve subscription data, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0113] At operation 706, the AMF determines whether the UE subscribes to the sensing capability and service, and determines whether to accept or reject the NAS registration request message. In various aspects, the AMF may also check other registration request requirements. If the UE subscribes to the sensing service, the AMF indicates this to the UE by accepting the registration request. Otherwise, the AMF rejects the registration request by a non-confirmation (NACK) message.

[0114] At operation 707, the AMF may communicate with a sensing management function (SeMF) to update a database that stores the sensing capabilities of the UE and optionally other details such as supported methods (e.g., single station, dual station and / or Rx / Tx roles). The AMF may update the database, the storage repository function, or the SeMF.

[0115] At operation 708, the AMF may send an NGAP Initial Context Setup Request message to the NG-RAN. The NAS Registration Accept message is encapsulated in the NGAP Initial Context Setup Request message. If this information is available at the AMF, the Initial Context Setup Request may include the UE radio capabilities. The NG-RAN receives the NGAP Initial Context Setup Request message from the AMF. As described above, the NAS Registration Accept message includes an indication that the AMF has determined that the UE has subscribed to the sensing service, and an indication that the SeMF will collaborate with the UE to provide the sensing service.

[0116] The NG-RAN may send a NAS registration accept message to the UE (not shown). In the event that the AMF sends a registration failure message, the AMF may provide a message indicating the relevant cause.

[0117] At operation 709, if the UE radio capability is not provided in operation 708, the NG-RAN may send a UE radio capability query to the UE. The UE receives the UE capability query from the NG-RAN.

[0118] At operation 710, the UE sends a UE radio capability information message to the NG-RAN, the message including sensing radio capabilities, such as Rx / Tx role, sidelink sensing support, and supported sensing signal types.

[0119] At operation 711, the NG-RAN sends a security mode command to the UE, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. The UE receives the security mode command from the NG-RAN.

[0120] At operation 712, the NG-RAN sends an RRC reconfiguration request and a NAS registration request accept message to the UE. The NAS registration accept message may be encapsulated in the RRC reconfiguration message and informs the UE whether the sensing-related registration is successful, or if it fails, the reason for the failure. The UE receives the RRC reconfiguration request from the NG-RAN.

[0121] At operation 713, the UE responds by sending a security mode complete message to the NG-RAN, and the NG-RAN receives the security mode complete message from the UE.

[0122] At operation 714, the UE sends an RRC reconfiguration complete message to the NG-RAN, and the NG-RAN receives the RRC reconfiguration complete message from the UE.

[0123] At operation 715, the NG-RAN sends an initial context establishment request to the AMF, and the AMF receives the initial context establishment request from the NG-RAN. Those skilled in the art will understand the details of operations 711-715.

[0124] At operation 716, the UE radio capabilities reported from the UE to the NG-RAN in operation 710 are transmitted to the AMF, and the AMF receives the UE radio capabilities from the NG-RAN.

[0125] At operation 717, the AMF stores the received UE radio capabilities for later retrieval and use.

[0126] In an embodiment, the sensing capabilities that may be included in the NAS registration request message in operation 703, or in the RRC UE capability information message in operation 710, or exchanged as UE sensing capability information may include one or more of the following: local processing capability of sensing measurements / data, UE obfuscation capability of sensing measurements / data, an indication of parameters / features / types of sensing data that the UE can collect, and (if available) information about the granularity of the collected sensing data, an indication of supported sensing services, an indication of sensing using UL and / or DL ​​pilot or reference signals for channel parameter estimation, an indication of sensing using data or user plane signals for channel parameter estimation, an indication of the (maximum) number of sensing resources (e.g., DL and / or UL sensing reference signals, data or user plane signals) supported by the corresponding UE ID (UE identified by the ID) for each sensing frequency layer, an indication of available sensing resources, an indication of (the number of) sensing frequency layers on a specific frequency band, an indication of supported frequency bands for sensing (e.g., center frequency, bandwidth, 3GPP TM NR FR1 (n1, n3, n77, etc.), 3GPP TM NR FR2 (n257, n258, etc.), or the supported frequency range for sensing (e.g., 600 MHz to 6 GHz, 24 GHz to 71 GHz), supported radio access technology for sensing, maximum Tx power, supported bandwidth and / or sensing signal interval, etc.

[0127] In the above manner, the UE can register with the core network to participate in the sensing service and can indicate or update the UE's sensing and radio capabilities to the core network. Such information can be used later in conjunction with the sensing service, as shown below. Figure 8 as described.

[0128] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B The operations are illustrative only, and variations are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the operations may include Fig. 7A and Figure 7B Other operations not shown in the embodiment. In an embodiment, the operation may not include Fig. 7A and Figure 7B Each signal and operation shown. In an embodiment, the operation can be performed with Fig. 7A and Figure 7B Such and other embodiments are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0129] Fig. 7A / Figure 7B As a result of the operation of , multiple UEs can register with the core network in conjunction with the sensing service. Figure 8, shows an exemplary method for selecting a UE in a CM-Connected state to perform sensing in a target sensing area, so that the SeMF can establish a sensing session involving the UE within the target sensing area according to the request of the AF or an application (of the UE, etc.). Figure 8 All aspects of Fig. 7A and Figure 7B As described above, the terms "send to," "receive from," and "cooperate with" (and variations thereof) include communications that may or may not involve communication through one or more intermediate devices or nodes. Signals and operations are performed by Figure 8 The components shown at the top of FIG. 1 include a network exposure function (NEF) or a sensing management function (SeMF), a location management function (LMF), an access and mobility management function (AMF), a radio access network (RAN) (e.g., a network node), and a user equipment (UE). For example, such components may be combined with Figure 1 and Figure 2 The same components described above, or components otherwise described above.

[0130] The following paragraphs describe various signals and operations. It should be understood that the described signals may have associated operations, and the described operations may have associated signals. Therefore, the described signals may also involve operations, and the described operations may also involve signals.

[0131] At operation 801, if a sensing area of ​​interest (eg, Fig. 9 If a target area 602 (i.e., a geographical area for performing sensing) is provided by an application function (AF) or by an application in a sensing request, the network exposure function (NEF) or SeMF maps the received sensing areas of interest to a list of target areas covering the sensing areas of interest 602. As used herein, the term "target area" refers to and includes a geographical area served by a sensing service. In an embodiment, the target area may be a defined geographical area. In an embodiment, the target area may correspond to a coverage area of ​​a cell or a coverage area consisting of multiple cells, such as a tracking area. In an embodiment, the target area may correspond to an area over which a fixed location UE may be able to communicate for sensing services. In an embodiment, the target area may be defined by a subscriber or a mobile network operator. Such embodiments are merely examples, and other target areas are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0132] At operation 802, the NEF and / or SeMF sends a request to the AMF to discover UEs that are in the CM-Connected state and are located in the target area. The AMF receives the request from the NEF and / or SeMF. The request message delivered to the AMF may include one or more of the following information: sensing areas of interest (according to the request of the AF or application); a list of target areas covering the sensing areas of interest; the target UE state to be selected (CM-Connected state in this case); UE selection criteria (e.g., a sensing confidence level greater than a configurable threshold, a target UE communication speed (e.g., less than or greater than a configured speed, a target UE type (e.g., a stationary UE, a roadside unit (RSU)), etc.); and / or information such as (multiple) target sensing methods that the selected UE needs to support.

[0133] At operation 803, the AMF sends a request to one or more network nodes in the target area to provide a list of candidate UEs (e.g., in CM-Connected state), and the (multiple) network nodes receive the request from the AMF. In an embodiment, the AMF sends the request to the network nodes including one or more cells serving the target area. The request message sent to the (multiple) network nodes may include information such as the sensing area of ​​interest (such as forwarded from the SeMF); UE selection criteria (e.g., confidence level greater than a configurable threshold, target UE communication speed (less than or greater than a configurable speed, target UE type (e.g., stationary UE, RSU, etc.)); and / or (multiple) target sensing methods that the selected UE needs to support.

[0134] At operation 804, the network node(s) determine a confidence level for the UE in the target area.

[0135] To address scenarios where the sensing target area (i.e., sensing area of ​​interest) is smaller than the cell or beam size, a confidence level may be calculated for each UE near the sensing area of ​​interest (e.g., in CM-Connected state). The confidence level may indicate, for example, the relative distance of the UE relative to the sensing signal sending entity (e.g., gNB), and is related to the suitability of the UE to effectively assist in acquiring sensing data. In an embodiment, the confidence level requirement may be that the UE should be located within the area of ​​interest. In an embodiment, the confidence level may be represented by an indicator, such as {high, medium, low}, or may be represented as a probability, for example, from 0% to 99%. Fig. 9 An example of a confidence level represented by an indicator (e.g., high, medium, low) is illustrated. Although high, medium, and low are used as examples, other suitable ways of indicating confidence levels may also be considered. (Multiple) network nodes (e.g., CUs) determine the confidence level of a UE connected to its serving cell. In an embodiment, the confidence level may be determined by the corresponding network node.

[0136] In an embodiment, a network node (e.g., an eNB / gNB) may store the UE radio capabilities of all RRC_Connected UEs connected to the network node. The network node may select an RRC_Connected UE capable of sensing. If (multiple) target sensing methods are indicated in the request message by the AMF in operation 803, the (multiple) network nodes may select the UE by first checking whether the UE supports (multiple) target sensing methods. For each selected UE, the network node calculates the confidence level of the target area received in operation 803. In order to derive the confidence level, the base station may utilize information about the direction and coverage of the beam through which the UE transmits and receives data (e.g., signal synchronization block (SSB), channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), etc.). The network node may also use measurement results reported by the UE (e.g., reference signal received power (RSRP), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), signal to interference and noise ratio (SINR), etc.) and its own measurements obtained from the UE through UL signaling (e.g., sounding reference signal (SRS), etc.). If the UE selection criteria are received from the AMF in operation 803, the selected RRC_Connected UEs may be further narrowed down to UEs satisfying all the criteria.

[0137] At operation 805, the network node sends a list of selected UEs to the SeMF via the AMF. Each selected UE is indicated by its UE ID, such as a shortened temporary mobile subscriber identity (S-TMSI). For each selected UE, the report message to the AMF includes an estimated confidence level and may include DL / UL measurement results (if available) (e.g., RSRP, RSRP and / or SINR).

[0138] At operation 806, the SeMF may optionally send a request to the LMF to provide the location information of the UE selected in operation 805, and the LMF receives the request from the SeMF.

[0139] At operation 807, the LMF may optionally send UE location information to the SeMF in response to the request, and the SeMF receives the location information.

[0140] At operation 808 , the SeMF selects UE(s) from the UE list provided in operation 805 to perform sensing.

[0141] At operation 809 , the SeMF establishes a sensing session involving the UE(s) selected in operation 808 for performing sensing.

[0142] Figure 8The operations are illustrative only, and variations are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the operations may include Figure 8 Other operations not shown in the embodiment. In an embodiment, the operation may not include Figure 8 Each signal and operation shown. In an embodiment, the operation can be performed with Figure 8 Such and other embodiments are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0143] Fig. 9 An example of a scenario in which various UEs 150 have different confidence levels with respect to a sensing area of ​​interest 602 is shown. The UE 150 is served by a network node 100 having a coverage area 601 that is larger than the sensing area of ​​interest 602. Figure 8 The network node 100 may determine the confidence level of each UE that may be able to provide sensing services. The network node 100 may determine the confidence level of each UE that may be able to provide sensing services based on the combined Figure 8 The various criteria mentioned determine that one UE has a low confidence level, and another UE has a medium confidence level, and yet another UE has a high confidence level. The scenarios shown are examples only, and scenarios with any number of network nodes, any number of UEs, and / or any number of target areas are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0144] Figure 8 An example method for selecting a UE (eg, in a CM-Connected state) to perform sensing in a target sensing area is shown. Referring now to Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B , an example method for selecting a UE in CM-Idle state to perform sensing in a target sensing area is shown, so that the SeMF can establish a sensing session involving the UE in the target sensing area according to the request of the AF or an application (UE, etc.). It is worth noting that when the UE is in the CM-Idle state, the UE does not establish a NAS signaling connection with the AMF through the N1 interface. Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B All aspects of Fig. 7A , Figure 7B and Figure 8 As described above, the terms "send to," "receive from," and "cooperate with" (and variations thereof) include communications that may or may not involve communications through one or more intermediate devices or nodes. Signals and operations are performed by Fig. 10AThe components shown at the top of FIG. 1 include a network exposure function (NEF) or a sensing management function (SeMF), a location management function (LMF), an access and mobility management function (AMF), a radio access network (RAN) (e.g., a network node), and a user equipment (UE). For example, such components may be combined with Figure 1 and Figure 2 The same components described above, or components otherwise described above.

[0145] The following paragraphs describe various signals and operations. It should be understood that the described signals may have associated operations, and the described operations may have associated signals. Therefore, the described signals may also involve operations, and the described operations may also involve signals.

[0146] Fig. 10A / Fig. 10B The method relies on the AMF being aware of the target areas in which the UE may be able to acquire sensing data. As described above, "target area" refers to and includes the geographical area served by the sensing service, and may include, among other possibilities, a defined geographical area. The AMF may have the above awareness based on the UE registering with the network (e.g., initial registration, mobility registration update, etc.) and including the UE's geographic location as part of the registration process. The AMF may then associate the UE with one or more target areas based on the UE's geographic location. As described below, the AMF may select its associated (multiple) target areas to be associated with the sensing areas of interest (e.g., Fig. 9 The disclosed method attempts not to send a paging message to a UE that is not located in the sensing area of ​​interest, because paging and causing such a UE to enter the CM-Connected state may cause unnecessary consumption of UE power and unnecessary signaling load due to connection establishment. Instead, the disclosed method sends a paging message within the sensing area of ​​interest and provides the potential benefit of not unnecessarily consuming UE power and not generating unnecessary signaling load.

[0147] Prior to operation 1001, the AF or an application (in the UE or elsewhere) sends a sensing request specifying a sensing area of ​​interest (“AoI”) to the SeMF and / or NEF. The SeMF and / or NEF receives a sensing request including a sensing area of ​​interest (e.g., Fig. 9 602) of the sensing request.

[0148] At operation 1001 , the SeMF and / or the NEF maps the received sensing region of interest to a target region list covering the sensing region of interest.

[0149] At operation 1002, SeMF and / or NEF sends a request to AMF to discover UEs in CM-Idle state located in the sensing area of ​​interest. AMF receives the request message from SeMF and / or NEF. The request message delivered to AMF may include at least one of the following information: sensing area of ​​interest; a list of (multiple) target areas covering the sensing area of ​​interest; a target UE state to be selected (CM-Idle state in this case); UE selection criteria (e.g., confidence level greater than a configurable threshold, target UE communication speed (e.g., less than or greater than a configurable speed, target UE type (e.g., stationary UE, RSU, etc.)); (multiple) target sensing methods that the selected UE needs to support; and / or the number of UEs required to perform sensing according to the sensing request to meet the requirements and QoS, as well as other possible information.

[0150] At operation 1003, the AMF creates a list of UEs with sensing capabilities whose associated target areas overlap with at least one target area in the target area list provided in operation 1002. In the case where the AMF stores UE sensing capabilities, such information may be considered when selecting a UE at operation 1003. If (multiple) target sensing methods are provided in operation 1002, the AMF selects (multiple) UEs that support the (multiple) target sensing methods.

[0151] At operation 1004, the AMF identifies a network node having one or more serving cells that at least partially overlap with the sensing area of ​​interest.

[0152] At operation 1005, the AMF triggers paging for the UE identified in operation 1003. The paging message is sent only to the network nodes identified in operation 1004, and such network nodes receive the paging message. The paging method may be denoted as "sensing assisted paging". The characteristics and message contents of sensing assisted paging will be shown in more detail later in this document. For now, it is only necessary to note that the paging request message from the AMF to the network node may include one or more of the following: (multiple) paging records including the UE ID (e.g., S-TMSI) identified in operation 1003; the sensing area of ​​interest (forwarded from the SeMF); the (multiple) target sensing methods that the selected UE needs to support (included if the UE's sensing capabilities are not considered in operation 1003).

[0153] Continuing with reference to operation 1005, in an embodiment, the AMF may trigger paging in operation 1003 without identifying the UE. Such an embodiment is intended to page any sensing-capable UE in the sensing area of ​​interest, with the benefit of skipping operation 1003 to search for UEs present in the target area. In such an embodiment, the paging request message from the AMF to the network node may include at least one of: an indication of paging any sensing-capable UE; the sensing area of ​​interest (forwarded from the SeMF); and / or the target sensing method(s) that the selected UE needs to support.

[0154] At operation 1006, after receiving the paging message from the AMF, the (multiple) network nodes send the paging message through the cell obtained from the AMF in operation 1005. The paging message may include one or more of the following: (multiple) paging records including the UE ID (e.g., S-TMSI) obtained from the AMF in operation 1003, or an indication of paging any sensing-capable UE received from the AMF in operation 1004; and / or (multiple) target sensing methods that the selected UE needs to support.

[0155] At operation 1007, the UE receives the paging message sent in operation 1006. If the UE is capable of the requested sensing, or if (multiple) target sensing methods are indicated in the paging message and the UE accepts to perform sensing as a sensing transmitter or a sensing receiver, the UE initiates establishment of an RRC connection and sends an RRC connection establishment request to the network node. The UE indicates the establishment cause as "sensing" in the RRC connection establishment request message.

[0156] At operation 1008, a connection is established between the AMF and the UE via the network node. The establishment cause "SENSE" is sent from the UE to the AMF via the network node and received by the AMF from the UE.

[0157] At operation 1009, the network node determines a confidence level, such as Figure 8 In operation 804.

[0158] At operation 1010, the network node sends the estimated confidence level of the UE to the AMF, and the AMF receives the estimated confidence level of the UE from the AMF. The network node may also send downlink and uplink (DL / UL) measurement results (if available) (e.g., RSRP, RSRP and / or SINR) to the AMF.

[0159] At operation 1011, the AMF sends a message to the SeMF to inform the SeMF of the UE(s) connected for sensing and their estimated confidence levels, and DL / UL measurement results (if provided by the network node). The SeMF receives the message from the AMF.

[0160] At operation 1012, the SeMF may optionally send a request to a location management function (LMF) to provide location information of the selected UE. The LMF receives the request from the SeMF.

[0161] At operation 1013, the LMF may optionally send UE location information (if available) to the SeMF. The SeMF receives the location information from the LMF.

[0162] At operation 1014 , the SeMF selects UE(s) from the UE list provided in operation 1011 to perform sensing.

[0163] At operation 1015 , a sensing session is established involving the UE(s) selected in operation 1014 for performing sensing.

[0164] Therefore, FIG. 10 discloses a method for identifying CM-Idle UEs to provide sensing services in a geographic area of ​​interest. As described above, the disclosed method may involve sensing assisted paging, which may be in 3GPP related to NGAP. TM Specified in TS 38.413. In an embodiment, sensing assisted paging may involve the following aspects.

[0165] In an embodiment, the purpose of the sensing assisted paging procedure is to enable the AMF to page a sensing-capable UE served by a NG-RAN node whose serving cell coverage at least partially overlaps with the sensing area of ​​interest.

[0166] In an embodiment, the AMF initiates the sensing assisted paging process by sending a sensing assisted paging message to the NG-RAN node. Upon receiving the sensing assisted paging message, the NG-RAN node performs paging on (multiple) cells that overlap or partially overlap with the paging area IE.

[0167] If the Paging DRX IE is included in the Sensing Assisted Paging message, the NG-RAN node shall use the Paging DRX IE in accordance with TS 38.304 (the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference).

[0168] If the UE Paging List IE is included in the Sensing Assisted Paging message, the NG-RAN node uses the UE Paging List IE according to TS 38.304 if supported. If not present, the NG-RAN node shall perform paging for any UE that can sense within the Paging Area IE.

[0169] In an embodiment, the sensing assisted paging message is sent by the AMF and is used to notify the UE with sensing capability of the activation of UE assisted sensing. In an embodiment, the message may have the following information elements:

[0170]

[0171] The range parameters shown above can have the following meanings:

[0172] Range Limitation explain maxnoofTAIforPaging Maximum number of TAIs for sensing assisted paging maxnoofAoIforPaging Maximum number of regions of interest for sensor-assisted paging maxnoofUEsforPaging Maximum number of UEs for paging

[0173] In an embodiment, the paging record in the sensing assisted paging message may have one or more of the following fields:

[0174] accessType: indicates whether the paging message is due to a non-3GPP TM Initiated by the access PDU session.

[0175] pagingAnySensingUE: Indicates whether any UE with sensing capability is being paged. If this field is present, the UE shall discard and ignore pagingRecordList (if present).

[0176] pagingRecordList: If the network includes pagingRecordList-v1700, it includes the same number and order of entries as in pagingRecordList (ie, no suffix).

[0177] pagingCause: Indicates whether the paging message was initiated by IMS voice. If this field exists, it indicates that the corresponding paging entry is for IMS voice. If the upper layer indicates that paging causes are supported, and if this field does not exist, but pagingRecordList-v1700 exists, it indicates that the corresponding paging entry is for services other than IMS voice. Otherwise, the paging cause cannot be determined.

[0178] targetSensingMethod: indicates the target sensing method that the UE wants to use for assisted sensing.

[0179] In an embodiment, the paging record may include one or both of pagingAnySensingUE or targetSensingMethod.

[0180] The described information elements (IEs), records, and fields are examples only, and variations are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, IEs, records, and fields may have names different from those described above.

[0181] Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B The operations are illustrative only, and variations are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the operations may include Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B Other operations not shown in the embodiment. In an embodiment, the operation may not include Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B Each signal and operation shown. In an embodiment, the operation can be performed with Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B Such and other embodiments are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0182] Therefore, the above 7A to 10B The description discloses the operations of various entities. The operations will be described below from the perspective of a specific entity.

[0183] From the perspective of SeMF, SeMF performs one or more of the following operations: requesting AMF to discover UEs in CM-Connected and / or CM-Idle state; requesting UEs located in the sensing area of ​​interest; providing UE selection criteria and information that can be used to configure the discovery process; selecting UEs that can support the sensing process based on one or more of the following: sensing service request requirements, UE sensing capabilities, discovered UEs in CM-Connected state or CM-Idle state in a specific area, radio-related parameters of the discovered UEs, and / or sensing-related information provided by RAN / AMF for the discovered UEs.

[0184] From the perspective of the AMF, the AMF performs one or more of the following operations: receiving and storing the sensing capabilities of the UE; sending or updating the received UE sensing capabilities to a database or repository function or SeMF or any other NF, wherein the UE sensing capabilities include the sensing capabilities of each UE and optionally other details, such as supported sensing methods (e.g., single station, dual station, Rx / Tx roles, etc.); requesting a RAN entity (e.g., a network node) to provide a list of candidate UEs in CM-Connected state, including UE selection criteria and information that can be used to configure the discovery process; identifying UEs in CM-Idle state whose associated target areas at least partially overlap with the sensing area of ​​interest obtained from the SeMF, and corresponding network nodes having one or more serving cells whose coverage at least partially overlaps with the sensing area of ​​interest; sending a paging message to the identified network node, including paging information, such as UE ID (S-TMSI), sensing area of ​​interest (as determined at SeMF), target sensing method(s) that the selected UE needs to support; send a list of discovered / selected UEs, including the ID of each selected UE, the estimated confidence level of each UE, and other radio information that may be relevant to the sensing process (e.g., DL / UL measurement results such as RSRP, RSRP+, SINR, etc.).

[0185] From the perspective of the core network, a message is received by one or more components of the core network, the message including information indicating one or more sensing capabilities of a user equipment (UE); one or more components of the core network send one of the following: an indication that the UE is registered in conjunction with sensing services provided by one or more components of the core network, or an indication that the UE is not registered in conjunction with sensing services provided by one or more components of the core network.

[0186] From the perspective of the RAN, the RAN performs one or more of the following operations: requesting the UE to provide sensing-related UE radio capabilities; forwarding the sensing-related UE radio capabilities reported from the UE to the AMF or any other NF (e.g., SeMF); identifying one or more UEs associated with the received sensing request and the corresponding UE selection criteria and sensing-related information; determining a confidence level for one or more UEs defining a sensing area of ​​interest, wherein the confidence level provides an indication of the trust / confidence level of the network node, which trust / confidence is an estimate of whether the UE matches / satisfies one or more UE selection criteria; sending a list of discovered / selected UEs to the SeMF or AMF, including the ID of each selected UE, the estimated confidence level of each UE, and other radio information that may be related to the sensing process (e.g., DL / UL measurement results, such as RSRP, RSRP, SINR, etc.); upon receiving a paging request from the AMF, sending a paging message on the cells within the sensing area of ​​interest determined at the AMF, including the sensing-related paging information.

[0187] For example, from the perspective of the RAN, the method includes receiving, by one or more components of a radio access network (RAN), a message including information indicating one or more sensing capabilities of a user equipment (UE); and sending, by one or more components of the RAN, one of: an indication that the UE is registered in conjunction with sensing services provided by one or more components of a core network, or an indication that the UE is not registered in conjunction with sensing services provided by one or more components of the core network.

[0188] From the UE's perspective, the UE performs one or more of the following operations: the UE includes an additional IE in the NAS registration message (e.g., as part of the RRC setup complete message), which indicates its sensing capabilities, and optionally other details, such as supported methods, such as single station, dual station, Rx / Tx role, etc.; the UE sends a UE capability information message to the network node and / or AMF or any other NF, which includes sensing radio capabilities (e.g., Rx / Tx role, sidelink sensing support, supported sensing signal types, etc.); upon receiving a paging message, the UE checks whether sensing is indicated in the message or sensing related information, the message, and whether to participate in the sensing process (e.g., sensing transmission or sensing reception); establishes an RRC connection, and sends an RRC connection establishment request to the network node, and then indicates the establishment cause "sensing" to the AMF in the RRC connection establishment request message.

[0189] For example, from the perspective of the UE, the method includes sending a message by a user equipment (UE) to one or more components of a core network, the message including information indicating one or more sensing capabilities of the UE; and receiving by the UE one of: an indication that the UE is registered in conjunction with sensing services provided by one or more components of the core network, or an indication that the UE is not registered in conjunction with sensing services provided by one or more components of the core network.

[0190] Reference now Fig.11 , a block diagram of example components of a UE or network device is shown. The apparatus includes electronic storage 1110, a processor 1120, a memory 1150, and a network interface 1140. The various components may be communicatively coupled to one another. The processor 1120 may be and may include any type of processor, such as a single-core central processing unit (CPU), a multi-core CPU, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a system on a chip (SoC), or any other type of processor. The memory 1150 may be a volatile type of memory, such as RAM, or a non-volatile type of memory, such as NAND flash memory. The memory 1150 includes processor-readable instructions that are executable by the processor 1120 to cause the apparatus to perform various operations, including the operations described herein, such as Figure 3-Figure 1 0 operation.

[0191] Electronic storage 1110 may be and include any type of electronic storage for storing data, such as a hard drive, a solid state drive, and / or an optical disk, among other types of electronic storage. Electronic storage 1110 stores processor-readable instructions for causing the device to perform its operations, and stores data associated with such operations, such as storing data related to the 5G NR standard and other data. Network interface 1140 may implement wireless network technologies, such as 5G NR and / or other wireless network technologies.

[0192] Fig.11 The components shown are examples only, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that the device includes other components not shown, and may include multiples of any of the components shown. Such and other embodiments are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0193] Additional embodiments of the present disclosure include the following examples.

[0194] Example 1.1 A user device includes:

[0195] at least one processor; and

[0196] At least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the user equipment to at least perform:

[0197] Sending, by a user equipment (UE), a message to one or more components of a core network, the message including information indicating one or more sensing capabilities of the UE; and

[0198] The UE receives one of the following:

[0199] an indication that the UE is registered in conjunction with sensing services provided by one or more components of the core network, or

[0200] An indication that the UE is not registered in conjunction with sensing services provided by one or more components of the core network.

[0201] Example 1.2. The user equipment of Example 1.1, wherein the message is a registration request, the registration request being configured to register the UE with an access and mobility management function (AMF) of a core network,

[0202] The registration request includes information indicating one or more sensing capabilities of the UE.

[0203] Example 1.3. The user equipment of Example 1.1 or Example 1.2, wherein the message further includes information indicating at least one of the following:

[0204] A UE capable of operating in single station mode for sensing services,

[0205] A UE capable of operating in dual-station mode for sensing services,

[0206] UE capable of assuming the transmission role for sensing services,

[0207] UE capable of assuming a receiving role for sensing services,

[0208] A UE capable of sidelink sensing for sensing services, or

[0209] At least one type of sensing signal, the UE can at least one of: receive or send.

[0210] Example 1.4. The user equipment of any of Examples 1.1 to 1.3, wherein the indication that the UE is registered in conjunction with a sensing service provided by one or more components of the core network is an indication that the UE subscribes to the sensing service.

[0211] Example 1.5. The user equipment of any of Examples 1.1 to 1.4, wherein the indication that the UE is not registered in conjunction with sensing services provided by one or more components of the core network is an indication that the UE is not subscribed to the sensing services.

[0212] Example 1.6. A user device according to any of Examples 1.1 to 1.5, wherein the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, further cause the user device to perform at least:

[0213] receiving a paging message in combination with a sensing service based on an indication that the UE is registered in combination with a sensing service while in a connection management idle (CM-Idle) state,

[0214] The paging message includes a request for a sensing method.

[0215] Example 1.7. The user device of Example 1.6, wherein the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, further cause the user device to perform at least:

[0216] determining, by the UE, whether the UE is capable of performing the sensing method; and

[0217] Based on the determination, one of the following:

[0218] Accepts a request for a sensing method, or

[0219] Denies the request for the sensing method.

[0220] Example 1.8. The user device of Example 1.7, wherein the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, further cause the user device to perform at least:

[0221] The connection establishment is initiated to change from the CM-Idle state to the Connection Management Connected (CM-Connected) state by the UE based on accepting the request for the sensing method.

[0222] Example 2.1 A user equipment includes:

[0223] means for sending, by a user equipment (UE), a message to one or more components of a core network, the message comprising information indicative of one or more sensing capabilities of the UE; and

[0224] Means for receiving, by a UE, one of:

[0225] an indication that the UE is registered in conjunction with sensing services provided by one or more components of the core network, or

[0226] An indication that the UE is not registered in conjunction with sensing services provided by one or more components of the core network.

[0227] Example 2.2. The user equipment of Example 2.1, wherein the message is a registration request, the registration request being configured to register the UE with an access and mobility management function (AMF) of a core network,

[0228] The registration request includes information indicating one or more sensing capabilities of the UE.

[0229] Example 2.3. The user equipment of Example 2.1 or Example 2.2, wherein the message further includes information indicating at least one of the following:

[0230] A UE capable of operating in single station mode for sensing services,

[0231] A UE capable of operating in dual-station mode for sensing services,

[0232] UE capable of assuming the transmission role for sensing services,

[0233] UE capable of assuming a receiving role for sensing services,

[0234] A UE capable of sidelink sensing for sensing services, or

[0235] At least one type of sensing signal, the UE can at least one of: receive or send.

[0236] Example 2.4. The user equipment of any of Examples 2.1 to 2.3, wherein the indication that the UE is registered in conjunction with a sensing service provided by one or more components of the core network is an indication that the UE subscribes to the sensing service.

[0237] Example 2.5. The user equipment of any of Examples 2.1 to 2.4, wherein the indication that the UE is not registered in conjunction with sensing services provided by one or more components of the core network is an indication that the UE is not subscribed to the sensing services.

[0238] Example 2.6. The user equipment according to any one of Examples 2.1 to 1.5, further comprising:

[0239] means for receiving, by the UE when in a connection management idle (CM-Idle) state, a paging message in combination with a sensing service based on an indication that the UE is registered in combination with a sensing service,

[0240] The paging message includes a request for a sensing method.

[0241] Example 2.7. The user equipment according to Example 2.6, further comprising:

[0242] means for determining, by the UE, whether the UE is capable of performing a sensing method; and

[0243] Based on the determination, one of the following:

[0244] means for accepting a request for a sensing method, or

[0245] Means for denying a request for a sensing method.

[0246] Example 2.8. The user equipment according to Example 2.7, further comprising:

[0247] Means for initiating connection establishment to change from CM-Idle state to Connection Management Connected (CM-Connected) state by the UE based on accepting a request for a sensing method.

[0248] Example 3.1. An apparatus comprising:

[0249] at least one processor; and

[0250] at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least perform:

[0251] receiving, by one or more components of a core network, a message including information indicating one or more sensing capabilities of a user equipment (UE);

[0252] One or more components of the core network send one of the following:

[0253] an indication that the UE is registered in conjunction with sensing services provided by one or more components of the core network, or

[0254] An indication that the UE is not registered in conjunction with sensing services provided by one or more components of the core network.

[0255] Example 3.2. The apparatus of Example 3.1, wherein the message is a registration request, the registration request being configured to register the UE with an access and mobility management function (AMF) of a core network,

[0256] The registration request includes information indicating one or more sensing capabilities of the UE.

[0257] Example 3.3. The apparatus of Example 3.2, wherein the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform at least:

[0258] Receiving, by the AMF, subscription information of the UE regarding the sensing service from the Unified Data Management (UDM) function of the core network; and

[0259] The AMF determines whether to accept or reject the registration request based on the UE's subscription information for the sensing service.

[0260] Example 3.4. The apparatus of Example 3.3, wherein the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform at least:

[0261] The AMF sends a second message to the management function of the core network supporting the sensing service based on the acceptance of the registration request, where the second message includes information indicating one or more sensing capabilities of the UE, and the second message is configured to update a database storing the sensing capabilities of the UE.

[0262] Example 3.5. The apparatus of any of Examples 3.1 to 3.4, wherein the message further includes information indicating at least one of:

[0263] A UE capable of operating in single station mode for sensing services,

[0264] A UE capable of operating in dual-station mode for sensing services,

[0265] UE capable of assuming the transmission role for sensing services,

[0266] UE capable of assuming a receiving role for sensing services,

[0267] A UE capable of sidelink sensing for sensing services, or

[0268] At least one type of sensing signal, the UE can at least one of: receive or send.

[0269] Example 3.6. The apparatus of any of Example 3.1, wherein sending comprises sending an indication that the UE is registered in conjunction with sensing services provided by one or more components of the core network,

[0270] The UE is in the connection management connected (CM-Connected) state.

[0271] Example 3.7. The apparatus of Example 3.6, wherein the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, further cause the user equipment to perform at least:

[0272] A request for a sensing service is received, the receiving being performed by at least one of the following network functions:

[0273] The management function of the core network supporting sensor services (SeMF), or

[0274] The network opening function of the core network,

[0275] wherein the request for sensing services indicates a sensing area of ​​interest; and

[0276] A request is sent by the network function to the access and mobility management function (AMF) of the core network, the request being used by the AMF to discover at least a CM-Connected UE for a request for a sensing service.

[0277] Example 3.8. The apparatus of Example 3.7, wherein the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform at least:

[0278] obtaining, by the network function, a plurality of defined target areas for a sensing service; and

[0279] mapping, by a network function, a sensing area of ​​interest to at least one target area of ​​a plurality of defined target areas,

[0280] Wherein the request for discovering at least the CM-Connected UE for the request of the AMF for the sensing service comprises at least one identifier corresponding to at least one target area mapped to the sensing area of ​​interest.

[0281] Example 3.9. The apparatus of Example 3.8, wherein the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform at least:

[0282] determining, by the AMF, at least one network node serving at least one target area; and

[0283] AMF sends a request to at least one network node, where the request is used by the at least one network node to discover at least one CM-Connected UE to satisfy the request for the sensing service,

[0284] The UE in the CM-Connected state is served by one of the at least one network node.

[0285] Example 3.10. The apparatus of Example 3.9, wherein the request for at least one network node to discover at least a CM-Connected UE for a request for a sensing service comprises at least one of:

[0286] the requested sensing method,

[0287] UE selection criteria, or

[0288] The number of UEs required to satisfy a request for sensing services.

[0289] Example 3.11. The apparatus of Example 3.9 or Example 3.10, wherein the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform at least:

[0290] The AMF receives discovery information from at least one network node, where the discovery information includes:

[0291] at least one identifier corresponding to at least one CM-Connected UE discovered for a request for a sensing service, and

[0292] for each CM-Connected UE of the at least one CM-Connected UE, indicating a respective confidence level of a capability level of the respective CM-Connected UE to satisfy the request for the sensing service; and

[0293] AMF sends discovery information to SeMF.

[0294] Example 3.12. The apparatus of Example 3.11, wherein the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform at least:

[0295] At least one of the at least one CM-Connected UE is selected, by the SeMF based at least on the discovery information, to satisfy the request for the sensing service.

[0296] Example 3.13. The apparatus of Example 3.1, wherein sending comprises sending an indication that the UE is registered in conjunction with a sensing service provided by one or more components of the core network,

[0297] The UE is in a connection management idle (CM-Idle) state.

[0298] Example 3.14. The apparatus of Example 3.13, wherein the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform at least:

[0299] A request for a sensing service is received, the receiving being performed by at least one of the following network functions:

[0300] The management function of the core network supporting sensor services (SeMF), or

[0301] The network opening function of the core network,

[0302] wherein the request for sensing services indicates a sensing area of ​​interest; and

[0303] A request is sent by the network function to the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) of the core network, the request being used by the AMF to discover at least CM-Idle UE for a request for sensing services.

[0304] Example 3.15. The apparatus of Example 3.14, wherein the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform at least:

[0305] Acquiring a plurality of defined target areas for a sensing service by a network function;

[0306] mapping, by a network function, a sensing area of ​​interest to at least one target area of ​​a plurality of defined target areas,

[0307] Wherein the request for discovering at least a CM-Idle UE for a request of the AMF for a sensing service comprises at least one identifier corresponding to at least one target area mapped to the sensing area of ​​interest.

[0308] Example 3.16. The apparatus of Example 3.15, wherein the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform at least:

[0309] For each CM-Idle UE among multiple CM-Idle UEs registered with AMF, AMF obtains:

[0310] at least one corresponding target area among the plurality of defined target areas associated with the corresponding CM-Idle UE;

[0311] determining, by the AMF, at least one CM-Idle UE among a plurality of CM-Idle UEs registered with the AMF, the at least one CM-Idle UE having at least one associated target area overlapping with at least one target area mapped to the sensing area of ​​interest;

[0312] determining, by the AMF, at least one network node serving at least one target area mapped to the sensing area of ​​interest; and

[0313] The AMF sends a request to at least one network node, where the at least one network node performs paging on at least one CM-Idle UE to satisfy the request for the sensing service.

[0314] The UE in the CM-Idle state is served by one of the at least one network node.

[0315] Example 3.17. The apparatus of Example 3.16, wherein the request for at least one network node to perform paging on at least one CM-Idle UE to satisfy the request for the sensing service comprises at least one of:

[0316] The requested sensing method, or

[0317] Arrangement for at least one network node to perform paging for any UE having sensing capability.

[0318] Example 3.18. The apparatus of Example 3.16 or Example 3.17, wherein the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform at least:

[0319] A signaling connection is established by the AMF with at least one CM-Idle UE among the at least one CM-Idle UE, and at least one CM-Idle UE among the at least one CM-Idle UE changes to a connection management connected (CM-Connected) state and becomes at least one CM-Connected UE.

[0320] Example 3.19. The apparatus of Example 3.18, wherein the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform at least for each CM-Connected UE of at least one CM-Connected UE:

[0321] receiving, by the AMF, from at least one of the at least one network node a corresponding confidence level indicating a capability level of the corresponding CM-Connected UE to satisfy the request for the sensing service; and

[0322] The corresponding confidence level of the corresponding CM-Connected UE is sent by AMF to SeMF.

[0323] Example 3.20. The apparatus of Example 3.19, wherein the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform at least:

[0324] At least one CM-Connected UE of the at least one CM-Connected UE is selected, by the SeMF, based on at least one confidence level corresponding to the at least one CM-Connected UE to satisfy the request for the sensing service.

[0325] Example 4.1. An apparatus comprising:

[0326] means for receiving, by one or more components of a core network, a message including information indicative of one or more sensing capabilities of a user equipment (UE);

[0327] Means for sending, by one or more components of a core network, one of the following:

[0328] an indication that the UE is registered in conjunction with sensing services provided by one or more components of the core network, or

[0329] An indication that the UE is not registered in conjunction with sensing services provided by one or more components of the core network.

[0330] Example 4.2. The apparatus of Example 4.1, wherein the message is a registration request, the registration request being configured to register the UE with an access and mobility management function (AMF) of the core network,

[0331] The registration request includes information indicating one or more sensing capabilities of the UE.

[0332] Example 4.3. The apparatus according to Example 4.2, further comprising:

[0333] means for receiving, by the AMF, subscription information of the UE regarding sensing services from a unified data management function (UDM) of the core network; and

[0334] A component used by the AMF to determine whether to accept or reject a registration request based on the UE's subscription information for sensing services.

[0335] Example 4.4. The apparatus according to Example 4.3, further comprising:

[0336] A component for sending a second message to a management function of a core network supporting sensing services by the AMF based on acceptance of the registration request, the second message including information indicating one or more sensing capabilities of the UE, and the second message being configured to update a database storing the sensing capabilities of the UE.

[0337] Example 4.5. The apparatus of any of Examples 4.1 to 4.4, wherein the message further includes information indicating at least one of:

[0338] A UE capable of operating in single station mode for sensing services,

[0339] A UE capable of operating in dual-station mode for sensing services,

[0340] UE capable of assuming the transmission role for sensing services,

[0341] UE capable of assuming a receiving role for sensing services,

[0342] A UE capable of sidelink sensing for sensing services, or

[0343] At least one type of sensing signal, the UE can at least one of: receive or send.

[0344] Example 4.6. The apparatus of Example 4.1, wherein the means for sending includes means for sending an indication that the UE is registered in conjunction with a sensing service provided by one or more components of the core network,

[0345] The UE is in the connection management connected (CM-Connected) state.

[0346] Example 4.7. The apparatus according to Example 4.6, further comprising:

[0347] Means for receiving a request for a sensing service, the receiving being performed by at least one of the following network functions:

[0348] The management function of the core network supporting sensor services (SeMF), or

[0349] The network opening function of the core network,

[0350] wherein the request for sensing services indicates a sensing area of ​​interest; and

[0351] Means for sending a request by a network function to an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) of a core network, the request being for the AMF to discover at least a CM-Connected UE for a request for a sensing service.

[0352] Example 4.8. The apparatus according to Example 4.7, further comprising:

[0353] means for acquiring, by the network function, a plurality of defined target areas for a sensing service; and

[0354] means for mapping, by the network function, a sensing area of ​​interest to at least one target area of ​​a plurality of defined target areas,

[0355] Wherein the request for discovering at least the CM-Connected UE for the request of the AMF for the sensing service comprises at least one identifier corresponding to at least one target area mapped to the sensing area of ​​interest.

[0356] Example 4.9. The apparatus according to Example 4.8, further comprising:

[0357] means for determining, by the AMF, at least one network node serving at least one target area; and

[0358] means for sending, by the AMF to at least one network node, a request for the at least one network node to discover at least a CM-Connected UE for satisfying the request for the sensing service,

[0359] The UE in the CM-Connected state is served by one of the at least one network node.

[0360] Example 4.10. The apparatus of Example 4.9, wherein the request for at least one network node to discover at least a CM-Connected UE for a request for a sensing service comprises at least one of:

[0361] the requested sensing method,

[0362] UE selection criteria, or

[0363] The number of UEs required to satisfy a request for sensing services.

[0364] Example 4.11. The apparatus according to Example 4.9 or Example 4.10, further comprising:

[0365] Means for receiving, by the AMF, discovery information from at least one network node, the discovery information comprising:

[0366] at least one identifier corresponding to at least one CM-Connected UE discovered for a request for a sensing service, and

[0367] for each CM-Connected UE of the at least one CM-Connected UE, indicating a respective confidence level of a capability level of the respective CM-Connected UE to satisfy the request for the sensing service; and

[0368] Component used by AMF to send discovery information to SeMF.

[0369] Example 4.12. The apparatus of Example 4.11, further comprising:

[0370] Means for selecting, by the SeMF based at least on the discovery information, at least one of the at least one CM-Connected UEs to satisfy a request for a sensing service.

[0371] Example 4.13. The apparatus of Example 4.1, wherein the means for sending comprises means for sending an indication that the UE is registered in conjunction with a sensing service provided by one or more components of the core network,

[0372] The UE is in a connection management idle (CM-Idle) state.

[0373] Example 4.14. The apparatus of Example 4.13, further comprising:

[0374] Means for receiving a request for a sensing service, the receiving being performed by at least one of the following network functions:

[0375] The management function of the core network supporting sensor services (SeMF), or

[0376] The network opening function of the core network,

[0377] wherein the request for sensing services indicates a sensing area of ​​interest; and

[0378] Means for sending a request by a network function to an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) of a core network, the request being for the AMF to discover at least a CM-Idle UE for a request for sensing services.

[0379] Example 4.15. The apparatus of Example 4.14, further comprising:

[0380] means for acquiring, by a network function, a plurality of defined target areas for a sensing service;

[0381] means for mapping, by the network function, a sensing area of ​​interest to at least one target area of ​​a plurality of defined target areas,

[0382] Wherein the request for discovering at least a CM-Idle UE for a request of the AMF for a sensing service comprises at least one identifier corresponding to at least one target area mapped to the sensing area of ​​interest.

[0383] Example 4.16. The apparatus of Example 4.15, further comprising:

[0384] Means for obtaining, by the AMF, for each CM-Idle UE in a plurality of CM-Idle UEs registered with the AMF:

[0385] at least one corresponding target area among the plurality of defined target areas associated with the corresponding CM-Idle UE;

[0386] means for determining, by the AMF, at least one CM-Idle UE among a plurality of CM-Idle UEs registered with the AMF having at least one associated target area overlapping with at least one target area mapped to the sensing area of ​​interest;

[0387] means for determining, by the AMF, at least one network node serving at least one target area mapped to the sensing area of ​​interest; and

[0388] means for sending, by the AMF to at least one network node, a request for the at least one network node to perform paging on at least one CM-Idle UE in order to satisfy the request for the sensing service,

[0389] The UE in the CM-Idle state is served by one of the at least one network node.

[0390] Example 4.17. The apparatus of Example 4.16, wherein the request for at least one network node to perform paging on at least one CM-Idle UE to satisfy the request for the sensing service comprises at least one of:

[0391] The requested sensing method, or

[0392] Arrangement for at least one network node to perform paging for any UE having sensing capability.

[0393] Example 4.18. The apparatus of Example 4.16 or Example 4.17, further comprising:

[0394] A component for establishing a signaling connection between the AMF and at least one CM-Idle UE among at least one CM-Idle UE, and at least one CM-Idle UE among at least one CM-Idle UE changes to a connection management connected (CM-Connected) state and becomes at least one CM-Connected UE.

[0395] Example 4.19. The apparatus of Example 4.18, further comprising, for each CM-Connected UE of the at least one CM-Connected UE:

[0396] means for receiving, by the AMF from at least one of the at least one network node, a respective confidence level indicating a capability level of the respective CM-Connected UE to satisfy the request for the sensing service; and

[0397] A component used for sending the corresponding confidence level of the corresponding CM-Connected UE by the AMF to the SeMF.

[0398] Example 4.20. The apparatus of Example 4.19, further comprising:

[0399] Means for selecting, by the SeMF, at least one of the at least one CM-Connected UEs to satisfy the request for the sensing service based on at least one confidence level corresponding to the at least one CM-Connected UE.

[0400] Example 5.1. A method comprising:

[0401] receiving, by one or more components of a radio access network (RAN), a message including information indicating one or more sensing capabilities of a user equipment (UE);

[0402] One or more components of the RAN send one of the following:

[0403] an indication that the UE is registered in conjunction with sensing services provided by one or more components of the core network, or

[0404] An indication that the UE is not registered in conjunction with sensing services provided by one or more components of the core network.

[0405] Example 5.2. The method of Example 5.1, wherein the message is a registration request, the registration request being configured to register the UE with an access and mobility management function (AMF) of the core network,

[0406] The registration request includes information indicating one or more sensing capabilities of the UE.

[0407] Example 5.3. The method according to Example 5.1 or Example 5.2, further comprising:

[0408] receiving, by at least one network node of the RAN from an access and mobility management function (AMF) of a core network, at least one identifier of at least one target area covering a sensing area of ​​interest, the sensing area of ​​interest being specified in a request for sensing services, wherein the at least one network node serves the at least one target area; and

[0409] A request is received by at least one network node of the RAN from the AMF to discover at least a connection management connected (CM-Connected) UE in at least one target area.

[0410] Example 5.4. The method of Example 5.3, wherein the request to discover at least CM-Connected UEs in at least one target area comprises at least one of:

[0411] the requested sensing method,

[0412] UE selection criteria, or

[0413] The number of UEs required to satisfy a request for sensing services.

[0414] Example 5.5. The method according to Example 5.3 or Example 5.4, further comprising:

[0415] At least one network node of the RAN obtains discovery information, where the discovery information includes:

[0416] at least one identifier corresponding to at least one CM-Connected UE discovered for a request for a sensing service, and

[0417] for each CM-Connected UE of the at least one CM-Connected UE, indicating a respective confidence level of a capability level of the respective CM-Connected UE to satisfy the request for the sensing service; and

[0418] At least one network node of the RAN sends discovery information to the AMF.

[0419] Example 5.6. The method according to Example 5.1 or Example 5.2, further comprising:

[0420] receiving, by at least one network node of the RAN from an access and mobility management function (AMF) of a core network, at least one identifier of at least one target area covering a sensing area of ​​interest, the sensing area of ​​interest being specified in a request for sensing services, wherein the at least one network node serves the at least one target area; and

[0421] A request is received, by at least one network node of the RAN, from the AMF to perform paging on at least one Connection Management Idle (CM-Idle) UE to satisfy a request for a sensing service.

[0422] Example 5.7. The method of Example 5.6, wherein the request to perform paging on at least one CM-Idle UE to satisfy the request for the sensing service comprises at least one of:

[0423] The requested sensing method, or

[0424] Arrangement for at least one network node to perform paging for any UE having sensing capability.

[0425] Example 5.8. The method according to Example 5.6 or Example 5.7, further comprising:

[0426] At least one network node of the RAN sends a paging message to at least one CM-Idle UE, where the paging message is configured to cause at least one CM-Idle UE among the at least one CM-Idle UE to initiate connection establishment to change to a connection management connected (CM-Connected) state, and at least one CM-Idle UE among the at least one CM-Idle UE becomes at least one CM-Connected UE.

[0427] Example 5.9. The method of Example 5.8, further comprising, for each CM-Connected UE of the at least one CM-Connected UE:

[0428] determining, by a network node of the RAN, a respective confidence level indicating a capability level of the respective CM-Connected UE to satisfy the request for the sensing service; and

[0429] The corresponding confidence level of the corresponding CM-Connected UE is sent to the AMF by at least one network node of the RAN.

[0430] The embodiments and aspects disclosed herein are examples of the present disclosure and may be embodied in various forms. For example, although some embodiments herein are described as separate embodiments, each embodiment herein may be combined with one or more other embodiments herein. The specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be interpreted as limitations, but as the basis for the claims, and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to use the present disclosure in various ways in almost any appropriately detailed structure. Throughout the description of the drawings, the same reference numerals may refer to similar or identical elements.

[0431] According to the present disclosure, the phrases "in one aspect", "in various aspects", "in various aspects", "in some aspects" or "in other aspects" may each refer to one or more of the same or different aspects. The phrase "plurality" may refer to two or more.

[0432] According to the present disclosure, the phrases "in one embodiment," "in an embodiment," "in various embodiments," "in some embodiments," or "in other embodiments" may each refer to one or more of the same or different embodiments. A phrase of the form "A or B" means "(A), (B), or (A and B)." A phrase of the form "at least one of A, B, or C" means "(A); (B); (C); (A and B); (A and C); (B and C); or (A, B, and C)."

[0433] Any method, program, algorithm or code described herein can be converted into a programming language or computer program, or represented by a programming language or computer program. The terms "programming language" and "computer program" used herein each include any language for specifying computer instructions, and include (but are not limited to) the following languages ​​and their derivatives: assembly language, Basic, batch files, BCPL, C, C+, C++, Delphi, Fortran, Java, JavaScript, machine code, operating system command language, Pascal, Perl, PL1, Python, scripting languages, Visual Basic, the metalanguage of the program itself, and all first, second, third, fourth, fifth or subsequent computer languages. Databases and other data patterns, and any other metalanguages ​​are also included. There is no distinction between the languages ​​interpreted, compiled or using both compilation and interpretation methods at the same time. There is no distinction between the compiled version of the program and the source code version. Therefore, if a programming language can exist in more than one state (such as source, compilation, object or link), a reference to a program is a reference to any and all such states. A reference to a program can cover the intention of actual instructions and / or these instructions.

[0434] Although various aspects of the present disclosure are shown in the accompanying drawings, it is not intended that the present disclosure be limited thereto, as the scope of the present disclosure should be as broad as possible, and the specification should be read in the same manner. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as limiting, but only as an example of specific aspects. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for a user equipment UE, the method comprising: sending a message to one or more components of a core network, the message comprising: information indicating one or more sensing capabilities of the UE; and Receive one of the following: an indication that the UE is registered in conjunction with sensing services provided by the one or more components of the core network, or An indication that the UE is not registered in conjunction with the sensing services provided by the one or more components of the core network.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the message is a registration request, the registration request being configured to register the UE with an access and mobility management function (AMF) of the core network, the one or more components of the core network including the AMF, The registration request includes: The information is indicative of the one or more sensing capabilities of the UE.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the message further includes information indicating at least one of the following: The UE is capable of operating in a single station mode for the sensing service, The UE is capable of operating in a dual-station mode for the sensing service, The UE is capable of assuming a transmission role for the sensing service, The UE is capable of assuming a receiving role for the sensing service, The UE is capable of sidelink sensing for the sensing service, or At least one type of sensing signal, the UE is capable of at least one of: receiving or transmitting.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the indication that the UE is registered in conjunction with the sensing service provided by the one or more components of the core network comprises: An indication that the UE subscribes to the sensing service.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the indication that the UE is not registered in conjunction with the sensing service provided by the one or more components of the core network comprises: An indication that the UE is not subscribed to the sensing service.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: receiving, by the UE when in a connection management idle CM-Idle state, a paging message in combination with the sensing service based on the indication that the UE is registered in combination with the sensing service, The paging message includes a request for a sensing method.

7. The method according to claim 6, further comprising: Determining, by the UE, whether the UE is capable of performing the sensing method; as well as Based on the determination, one of the following: accepting said request for said sensing method, or The request for the sensing method is denied.

8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising: A connection establishment is initiated to change from the CM-Idle state to a connection management connection CM-Connected state by the UE based on the acceptance of the request for the sensing method.

9. A user equipment, comprising: at least one processor; as well as At least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user equipment to at least perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A method for communication, comprising: Receiving, by one or more components of a core network, a message comprising: information indicating one or more sensing capabilities of a user equipment UE; Sending, by the one or more components of the core network, one of: an indication that the UE is registered in conjunction with sensing services provided by the one or more components of the core network, or An indication that the UE is not registered in conjunction with the sensing services provided by the one or more components of the core network.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the message is a registration request, the registration request being configured to register the UE with an access and mobility management function (AMF) of the core network, the one or more components of the core network including the AMF, The registration request includes: the information indicative of the one or more sensing capabilities of the UE; and wherein said sending said one of sends said indication that said UE is registered in connection with sensing services provided by said one or more components of said core network.

12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: Receiving, by the AMF, subscription information of the UE regarding the sensing service from a unified data management function UDM of the core network; as well as The AMF determines whether to accept or reject the registration request based on the subscription information of the UE about the sensing service.

13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising: The AMF sends a second message to the management function of the core network supporting the sensing service based on acceptance of the registration request, wherein the second message includes: the information indicating the one or more sensing capabilities of the UE, and the second message is configured to update a database storing information indicating the sensing capabilities of the UE.

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the message further comprises information indicating at least one of the following: The UE is capable of operating in a single station mode for the sensing service, The UE is capable of operating in a dual-station mode for the sensing service, The UE is capable of assuming a transmission role for the sensing service, The UE is capable of assuming a receiving role for the sensing service, The UE is capable of sidelink sensing for the sensing service, or At least one type of sensing signal, the UE is capable of at least one of: receiving or transmitting.

15. The method of claim 10, wherein said sending said one item comprises: sending to the UE the indication that the UE is registered in conjunction with the sensing service provided by the one or more components of the core network, The UE is in a connection management connection CM-Connected state.

16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising: Receiving a request for the sensing service, the receiving being performed by at least one of the following network functions: The management function of the core network supporting the sensing service SeMF, or network opening function of the core network, wherein said request for said sensing service indicates a sensing area of ​​interest; as well as A request is sent by the at least one network function to an access and mobility management function AMF of the core network, wherein the request is used by the AMF to discover at least a CM-Connected UE for the request for the sensing service, and the one or more components of the core network include the AMF.

17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising: acquiring, by the at least one network function, a plurality of defined target areas for the sensing service; as well as mapping, by the at least one network function, the sensing area of ​​interest to at least one target area of ​​the plurality of defined target areas, The request for the AMF to discover at least a CM-Connected UE for the request for the sensing service comprises at least one identifier corresponding to the at least one target area mapped to the sensing area of ​​interest.

18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising: Determining, by the AMF, at least one network node serving the at least one target area; as well as The AMF sends a request to the at least one network node, wherein the request is used by the at least one network node to discover at least a CM-Connected UE to satisfy the request for the sensing service, The UE in the CM-Connected state is served by one of the at least one network node.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the request for the at least one network node to discover at least a CM-Connected UE for the request for the sensing service comprises information identifying at least one of: the requested sensing method, UE selection criteria, or The number of UEs required to satisfy the request for the sensing service.

20. The method according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the at least one network function comprises the SeMF, the method further comprising: The AMF receives discovery information from the at least one network node, the discovery information comprising: at least one identifier corresponding to at least one CM-Connected UE discovered for said request for said sensing service, and for each CM-Connected UE of the at least one CM-Connected UE, indicating a respective confidence level of a capability level of the respective CM-Connected UE to meet the request for the sensing service; and The discovery information is sent by the AMF to the SeMF.

21. The method according to claim 20, further comprising: At least one CM-Connected UE among the at least one CM-Connected UE is selected, by the SeMF, based at least on the discovery information, to satisfy the request for the sensing service.

22. The method of claim 10, wherein said sending said one item comprises: sending the indication that the UE is registered in conjunction with the sensing service provided by the one or more components of the core network, The UE is in a connection management idle CM-Idle state.

23. The method according to claim 22, further comprising: Receiving a request for the sensing service, the receiving being performed by at least one of the following network functions: The management function of the core network supporting the sensing service SeMF, or network opening function of the core network, wherein said request for said sensing service indicates a sensing area of ​​interest; as well as A request is sent by the network function to an access and mobility management function AMF of the core network, wherein the request is used by the AMF to discover at least a CM-Idle UE for the request for the sensing service, and the one or more components of the core network include the AMF.

24. The method according to claim 23, further comprising: acquiring, by the at least one network function, a plurality of defined target areas for the sensing service; mapping, by the at least one network function, the sensing area of ​​interest to at least one target area of ​​the plurality of defined target areas, The request for the AMF to discover at least a CM-Idle UE for the request for the sensing service comprises at least one identifier corresponding to the at least one target area mapped to the sensing area of ​​interest.

25. The method according to claim 24, further comprising: For each CM-Idle UE among multiple CM-Idle UEs registered with the AMF, the AMF obtains: at least one corresponding target area among the plurality of defined target areas associated with the corresponding CM-Idle UE; determining, by the AMF, at least one CM-Idle UE among the plurality of CM-Idle UEs registered with the AMF, the at least one CM-Idle UE having at least one associated target area overlapping with the at least one target area mapped to the sensing area of ​​interest; determining, by the AMF, at least one network node serving the at least one target area mapped to the sensing area of ​​interest; as well as The AMF sends a request to the at least one network node, where the request is used by the at least one network node to perform paging on the at least one CM-Idle UE to satisfy the request for the sensing service, Wherein, a corresponding CM-Idle UE among the plurality of CM-Idle UEs is served by a corresponding one of the at least one network node.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the request for the at least one network node to perform paging on the at least one CM-Idle UE to satisfy the request for the sensing service comprises at least one of: an indication of the requested sensing method, or Arrangements for the at least one network node to perform paging for any UE having sensing capability.

27. The method according to claim 25 or 26, further comprising: The AMF establishes a signaling connection with at least one CM-Idle UE among the at least one CM-Idle UE, and the at least one CM-Idle UE among the at least one CM-Idle UE changes to a connection management connection CM-Connected state and becomes at least one CM-Connected UE.

28. The method according to claim 27, further comprising: For each CM-Connected UE in the at least one CM-Connected UE: receiving, by the AMF, a corresponding confidence level from at least one of the at least one network node, the corresponding confidence level indicating a capability level of the corresponding CM-Connected UE to satisfy the request for the sensing service; and The corresponding confidence level of the corresponding CM-Connected UE is sent by the AMF to the SeMF.

29. The method according to claim 28, further comprising: At least one CM-Connected UE of the at least one CM-Connected UE is selected, by the SeMF, based on the at least one confidence level corresponding to the at least one CM-Connected UE to satisfy the request for the sensing service.

30. A device for communication, comprising: at least one processor; as well as At least one memory storing instructions for network functions of a core network, wherein when the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the apparatus at least performs the method according to any one of claims 10 to 29.

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