Method for UE selection for perceptual measurements and apparatus therefor

Abstract

A wireless communication method for use in access and mobility management functions is disclosed. The method includes receiving at least one registration request from at least one wireless terminal, where each registration request includes a perceptual capability indication associated with a perceptual measurement function.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present document relates generally to wireless communications, in particular 5G communications. BACKGROUND

[0002] In a network, an application function (AF) and / or a network exposure function (NEF) and / or a user equipment (UE) can initiate a sensing service for measuring performance by sending a sensing service request. In some scenarios, the sensing service request can be sent without information (e.g., an identifier (ID)) of a UE (user equipment) for measuring performance. In such scenarios, the corresponding network function / node can need to select one or more suitable UEs by itself. SUMMARY

[0003] The present document relates to methods, systems and devices for sensing measurement, in particular to methods, systems and devices for selecting a terminal to perform a sensing measurement.

[0004] The present disclosure relates to a wireless communication method for use in an access and mobility management function. The method comprises: receiving at least one registration request from at least one wireless terminal, wherein each registration request comprises a sensing capability indication associated with a sensing measurement function.

[0005] Various embodiments can preferably implement the following features: Preferably, each registration request is received together with a cell identifier of a cell in which the wireless terminal of the registration request is camping.

[0006] Preferably, the sensing capability indication indicates at least one of: whether the sensing measurement function is supported; a sensing distance of the wireless terminal; a distance resolution of the sensing distance; a speed range the wireless terminal is capable of sensing; a speed resolution of the speed the wireless terminal is capable of sensing; a sensing angle accuracy of the wireless terminal; or at least one service type the wireless terminal supports.

[0007] Preferably, the wireless communication method further comprises receiving a request from a sensing function (SF) for candidates that support the sensing measurement function and are in a target area.

[0008] Preferably, the wireless communication method further comprises sending information of the candidates that support the sensing measurement function and are in the target area to the SF based on the at least one registration request.

[0009] Preferably, the request is received with at least one cell identifier associated with the target area.

[0010] Preferably, the wireless communication method further comprises sending, to the SF, a sensing request to perform a sensing measurement in the target area.

[0011] Preferably, the wireless communication method further comprises receiving, from a network exposure function (NEF), an application function (AF), or a user terminal, a sensing request to perform a sensing measurement in the target area.

[0012] Preferably, the wireless communication method further comprises receiving, from the SF, a deactivation message to cancel the sensing measurement in the target area.

[0013] The present disclosure relates to a wireless communication method for use in a sensing function. The method comprises: sending, to an access and mobility management function, a registration request comprising a sensing capability indication associated with the sensing measurement function.

[0014] Various embodiments can preferably implement the following features: Preferably, the sensing capability indication indicates at least one of: whether the sensing measurement function is supported; a sensing distance of the wireless terminal; a distance resolution of the sensing distance; a speed range at which the wireless terminal is capable of sensing; a speed resolution of the speed at which the wireless terminal is capable of sensing; a sensing angle accuracy of the wireless terminal; or at least one service type supported by the wireless terminal.

[0015] The present disclosure relates to a wireless communication method for use in a sensing function. The method comprises: sending, to an access and mobility management function (AMF), a request for a candidate that supports the sensing measurement function and is in a target area, and receiving, from the AMF, information of the candidate that supports the sensing measurement function and is in the target area.

[0016] Various embodiments can preferably implement the following features: Preferably, the wireless communication method further comprises selecting, based on the information of the candidate that supports the sensing measurement function and is in the target area, at least one sensing terminal to perform a sensing measurement in the target area.

[0017] Preferably, the request is sent with at least one cell identifier associated with the target area.

[0018] Preferably, the wireless communication method further comprises receiving, from the AMF, a network exposure function (NEF), an application function (AF), or a wireless terminal, a sensing request to perform a sensing measurement in the target area.

[0019] Preferably, the wireless communication method further comprises sending, to the AMF, a deactivation message cancelling the awareness measurement in the target area.

[0020] The present disclosure relates to a wireless device (including an AMF). The wireless device comprises: a communication unit configured to receive at least one registration request from at least one wireless terminal, wherein each registration request comprises an awareness capability indication associated with an awareness measurement function.

[0021] Various embodiments can preferably implement the following features: Preferably, the wireless device further comprises a processor configured to perform any of the above wireless communication methods.

[0022] The present disclosure relates to a wireless terminal. The wireless terminal comprises: a communication unit configured to send, to an access and mobility management function, a registration request comprising an awareness capability indication associated with an awareness measurement function.

[0023] Various embodiments can preferably implement the following features: Preferably, the wireless terminal further comprises a processor configured to perform any of the above wireless communication methods.

[0024] The present disclosure relates to a wireless device (including an SF). The wireless device comprises: a communication unit configured to: send, to an access and mobility management function (AMF), a request for candidates that support an awareness measurement function and that are in a target area; and receive, from the AMF, information of candidates that support the awareness measurement function and that are in the target area.

[0025] Various embodiments can preferably implement the following features: Preferably, the wireless device further comprises a processor configured to perform any of the above wireless communication methods.

[0026] The present disclosure relates to a computer program product comprising a computer readable program medium having code stored thereon, the code, when executed by a processor, causing the processor to implement a wireless communication method as recited in any of the preceding methods.

[0027] The exemplary embodiments disclosed herein relate to features that will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In accordance with various embodiments, exemplary systems, methods, apparatus and computer program products are disclosed herein. It should be understood, however, that these embodiments are presented by way of example only, not limitation, and that various modifications could be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0028] Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiments and applications described and illustrated herein. Moreover, the particular sequence of steps in the methods disclosed herein are merely illustrative. Based upon design preferences, the particular order or hierarchy of steps in the disclosed methods or processes can be re-arranged while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, those skilled in the art will understand that the methods and techniques disclosed herein present various steps or acts in a sample order, and the present disclosure is not limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0029] The invention is defined by the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims. In the following description, although many features can be designated as optional, it should be acknowledged that all features contained in the independent claims should not be understood as optional.

[0030] The above and other aspects and implementations thereof are more fully described in the following description and in the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a network according to embodiments of the disclosure is shown; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a sensing process according to embodiments of the disclosure is shown; Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a sensing process according to embodiments of the disclosure is shown; Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a sensing process according to embodiments of the disclosure is shown; Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a sensing process according to embodiments of the disclosure is shown; Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a sensing process according to embodiments of the disclosure is shown; Figure 7 An example of a schematic diagram of a wireless terminal according to embodiments of the disclosure is shown; Figure 8 An example of a schematic diagram of a wireless network node according to embodiments of the disclosure is shown; Figure 9A flowchart of a method according to embodiments of the disclosure is shown; Figure 10 A flowchart of a method according to embodiments of the disclosure is shown; Figure 11 A flowchart of a method according to embodiments of the disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a network (architecture) according to embodiments of the disclosure is shown. In Figure 1 The network comprises the following network functions / entities: 1) UE (User Equipment) The UE is configured to perform perception measurements and send the measurement results to the SF for computing the final perception results.

[0033] 2) Radio Access Network (RAN): The RAN can also be referred to as Access network (AN), next generation RAN (NG-RAN), RAN node or NG-RAN node. The (R)AN is involved in the handling of the perception process, including performing perception measurements and transferring perception messages between the AMF or SF and the UE.

[0034] 3) AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function): The AMF contains the functionality responsible for managing the perception (service).

[0035] 4) SF (Sensing Function): The SF is configured to manage the overall coordination and scheduling of the resources needed for the perception (service). The SF can also be configured to compute the final perception results.

[0036] 5) NEF (Network Exposure Function): The NEF is configured to provide the means for accessing the perception service by external or internal AFs.

[0037] 6) AF (Application Function): The AF is configured to request the perception service.

[0038] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a perception process according to embodiments of the disclosure is shown. In particular, Figure 2 The perception process shown comprises the following steps: Step 201: In order to know the objects within a region, the external AF sends a perception service request for the target region to the NEF. This request may include the target region (e.g., a geographic region or city address), and may also include other attributes such as the quality-of-service (QoS), object type, and perception requirements.

[0039] In one embodiment, the internal AF can directly select the SF and send a sensing service request to the SF. In this case, the request includes (3GPP) network areas as the target area (e.g., a list of tracking area IDs and / or a list of cell IDs (identifiers) and / or a list of NG RAN nodes).

[0040] Step 202: The NEF requests authorization from the AF and maps the target area to a (3GPP) network area. If the AF-aware service request is authorized, the NEF selects a Service Provider (SF) to serve that (3GPP) network area. This selection can be queried using the NRF.

[0041] Step 203: The NEF sends a perception request to the SF to request perception data for the network area. The NEF includes the network area and, if available, perception QoS, object type, and other attributes received from the AF.

[0042] Step 204: SF selects the AMF serving the network area.

[0043] Step 205: SF determines the sensing mode (e.g., RAN-based sensing mode, UE-based sensing mode, UE-assisted sensing mode): - For RAN-based sensing mode, SF selects one or more suitable NG-RAN nodes and sends a Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer request to AMF to request the transmission of sensing messages to the one or more NG-RAN nodes, and performs step 206. - For UE-based awareness mode, SF selects one or more suitable UEs and sends a Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer request to AMF to request the transmission of downlink (DL) awareness messages to the one or more UEs, and performs step 207. - For UE-assisted perception mode, the SF selects a suitable NG-RAN node and a suitable UE, and sends a Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer request to the AMF to request the transmission of perception messages to the NG-RAN node and the transmission of downlink (DL) perception messages to the UE, and performs steps 206 and 207.

[0044] Step 206: The AMF forwards the perception message to the NG-RAN node in the N2 transmission message.

[0045] Step 207: The AMF forwards the sensing message to the UE in the DL NAS transmission message.

[0046] Step 208: The UE and / or NG-RAN perform sensing measurements.

[0047] Step 209: The UE obtains the sensing data and sends the sensing data to the AMF in the sensing message included in the NAS transmission message.

[0048] Step 210: NG-RAN obtains the sensing data and sends the sensing data to AMF in the sensing message included in the N2 transmission message.

[0049] Step 211: If step 209 is received, the AMF sends Namf_Communication_N1MessageNotify to the SF, and / or if step 210 is received, the AMF sends Namf_Communication_N2MessageNotify to the SF to forward the sensing data.

[0050] Step 212: SF calculates the final perception result and sends the final perception result to NEF using the perception response.

[0051] Step 213: NEF sends a sensing service response to forward the sensing results to AF.

[0052] In one embodiment, the AF / NEF can initiate / request a sensing service by sending a sensing service request to the SF without UE information (e.g., UE ID) for performing sensing measurements. In this embodiment, the SF may need to select the UE for performing the sensing measurements itself. However, the SF may be unable to select one or more suitable UEs due to a lack of UE sensing capabilities.

[0053] In one embodiment, the UE indicates its sensing capabilities during registration, such that when the SF receives a sensing service request from the AF / NEF, the SF can request the AMF to provide a UE that supports sensing measurements in the target area. Based on the UEs provided by the AMF, the SF can select a UE to perform sensing measurements.

[0054] In one embodiment, the AF / NEF directly selects the SF for sensing, and then the SF requests the AMF to provide a UE capable of performing sensing measurements.

[0055] Figure 3A schematic diagram of a perception process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 3 The sensory process shown includes the following steps: Step 300a: The UE initiates a registration request to the RAN. The UE indicates its awareness capabilities in the registration request. The RAN selects an AMF for the UE and forwards the registration request to that AMF. The RAN may also include the cell ID associated with the cell where the UE is camped.

[0056] Step 300b: The AMF accepts the UE's registration and sends a registration acceptance message to the UE.

[0057] Step 301: In one embodiment, in order to know the objects within the target area, the external AF sends a perception service request for the target area to the NEF. This request may include the target area (e.g., a geographic region or city address) and may also include other attributes such as perception QoS, object type, and perception requirements.

[0058] In one embodiment, the internal AF can directly select the SF and send a sensing request to that SF. In this embodiment, the request includes a (3GPP) network area as the target area (e.g., a list of tracking area IDs and / or a list of cell IDs and / or a list of NG RAN nodes).

[0059] Step 302: The NEF requests authorization from the AF and maps the target area to a (3GPP) network area. If the AF-aware service request is authorized, the NEF selects a Service Provider (SF) to serve that network area. This selection can be queried using the NRF.

[0060] Step 303: The NEF sends a perception request to the SF to request perception data for the network area. The NEF includes the network area and, if available, perception QoS, object type, and other attributes received from the AF.

[0061] Step 304: SF selects the AMF serving the network area.

[0062] Step 305: The SF sends an Available UE Request to the AMF to request available UEs that support sensing measurements. The SF may also provide a list of cell IDs mapped from the target area.

[0063] Step 306: The AMF returns the UEs that are camped in the cell associated with the cell ID indicated by the SF and that support perception measurements based on the UE's perception capabilities.

[0064] Step 307: SF determines the sensing mode (i.e., RAN-based sensing mode, UE-based sensing mode, and UE-assisted sensing mode).

[0065] For RAN-based sensing mode, the SF selects one or more NG-RAN nodes to perform sensing measurements based on local configuration or NRF query, and the SF sends a Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer request to the AMF to request the transmission of sensing messages to the one or more NG-RAN nodes. Next, step 308 is executed.

[0066] For UE-based sensing mode, the SF selects one or more UEs from a list of one or more UEs provided by the AMF to perform sensing measurements, and the SF sends a Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer request to the AMF to request the transmission of downlink (DL) sensing messages to one or more UEs. Then, step 309 is executed.

[0067] For UE-assisted sensing mode, the SF selects an NG-RAN node to perform sensing measurements based on local configuration or NRF query. Simultaneously, the SF selects a UE from a list of one or more UEs provided by the AMF to perform sensing measurements. The SF sends a Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer request to the AMF to request the transmission of sensing messages to the NG-RAN node and downlink (DL) sensing messages to the UE. Next, steps 308 and 309 are executed.

[0068] Step 308: The AMF forwards the perception message to the NG-RAN node in the N2 transmission message.

[0069] Step 309: The AMF forwards the sensing message to the UE in the DL NAS transmission message.

[0070] Step 310: The UE and / or NG-RAN perform sensing measurements.

[0071] Step 311: The UE obtains the sensing data and sends the sensing data to the AMF in the sensing message included in the UL NAS transmission message.

[0072] Step 312: NG-RAN obtains the sensing data and sends the sensing data to AMF in the sensing message included in the N2 transmission message.

[0073] Step 313: If step 311 is received, the AMF sends Namf_Communication_N1MessageNotify to the SF, and / or if step 312 is received, the AMF sends Namf_Communication_N2MessageNotify to the SF to forward the sensing data.

[0074] Step 314: Based on the sensing data received from the UE and / or NG-RAN, the SF calculates the final sensing result and sends the sensing result to the NEF using the sensing response.

[0075] Step 315: NEF sends a perception service response to forward the perception results to AF.

[0076] In one embodiment, the AF / NEF selects the SF for sensing via the AMF, and the SF requests the AMF to provide a UE capable of performing sensing measurements.

[0077] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a perception process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 4 The sensory process shown includes the following steps: Step 400a: The UE initiates a registration request to the RAN. The UE indicates its awareness capabilities in the registration request. The RAN selects an AMF for the UE and forwards the registration request to that AMF. The RAN may also include the cell ID associated with the cell where the UE is camped.

[0078] Step 400b: The AMF accepts the UE's registration and sends a registration acceptance message to the UE.

[0079] Step 401: In one embodiment, in order to know the objects within the target area, the external AF sends a perception service request for the target area to the NEF. The request includes the target area (e.g., a geographic region or city address) and may also include perception QoS, object type, and other attributes of the perception requirements.

[0080] In one embodiment, the internal AF can directly select the SF and send a sensing request to the SF. In this embodiment, the request includes a (3GPP) network area as the target area (e.g., a list of tracking area IDs and / or a list of cell IDs and / or a list of NG RAN nodes).

[0081] Step 402: The NEF requests authorization from the AF and maps the target area to a 3GPP network area. If the AF-aware service request is authorized, the NEF selects the AMF that serves the network area.

[0082] Step 403: The NEF sends an awareness request to the selected AMF. The NEF includes the network area and, if available, the awareness QoS, object type, and other attributes received from the AF.

[0083] Step 404: The AMF selects the SF (Service Provider) to serve the network area. This selection can be made using an NRF query.

[0084] Step 405: The AMF sends a perception request to the selected SF.

[0085] Step 406: The SF sends an Available UE Request to the AMF to request available UEs that support sensing measurements. The SF also provides a list of cell IDs mapped from the target area.

[0086] Step 407: The AMF returns the UE that is camped in the cell associated with the cell ID indicated by the SF and supports perception measurement based on the UE's perception capabilities.

[0087] Step 408: SF determines the sensing mode (i.e., RAN-based sensing mode, UE-based or UE-assisted sensing mode).

[0088] For RAN-based sensing mode, the SF selects one or more NG-RAN nodes to perform sensing measurements based on local configuration or NRF query, and the SF sends a Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer request to the AMF to request the transmission of sensing messages to the one or more NG-RAN nodes. Then, step 409 follows.

[0089] For UE-based sensing mode, the SF selects one or more UEs from a list of one or more UEs provided by the AMF to perform sensing measurements, and the SF sends a Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer request to the AMF to request the transmission of downlink (DL) sensing messages to the UEs. Next, step 410 is performed.

[0090] For UE-assisted sensing mode, the SF selects an NG-RAN node for sensing measurements based on local configuration or NRF query. Simultaneously, the SF selects a UE from a list of one or more UEs provided by the AMF for sensing measurements. The SF also sends a Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer request to the AMF to request the transmission of sensing messages to the NG-RAN node and downlink (DL) sensing messages to the UE. Next, steps 409 and 410 are executed.

[0091] Step 409: The AMF forwards the perception message to the NG-RAN node in the N2 transmission message.

[0092] Step 410: The AMF forwards the sensing message to the UE in the DL NAS transmission message.

[0093] Step 411: The UE and / or NG-RAN perform sensing measurements.

[0094] Step 412: The UE obtains the sensing data and sends the sensing data to the AMF in the sensing message included in the NAS transmission message.

[0095] Step 413: NG-RAN obtains the sensing data and sends the sensing data to AMF in the sensing message included in the N2 transmission message.

[0096] Step 414: If step 412 is received, the AMF sends Namf_Communication_N1MessageNotify to the SF, and / or if step 413 is received, the AMF sends Namf_Communication_N2MessageNotify to the SF to forward the sensing data.

[0097] Step 415: SF calculates the final perception result and sends the final perception result to NEF using the perception response.

[0098] Step 416: NEF sends a perception service response, forwarding the perception results to AF.

[0099] In one embodiment, the UE selects a SF for sensing via the AMF, and the selected SF requests the AMF to provide a UE capable of performing sensing measurements.

[0100] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a perception process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 5 The sensory process shown includes the following steps: Step 500a: UE2 initiates a registration request to the NG-RAN. UE2 indicates its awareness capabilities in the registration request. The RAN selects an AMF for UE2 and forwards the registration request to that AMF. The RAN also includes the cell ID associated with the cell where UE2 is camped.

[0101] Step 500b: AMF accepts UE registration and sends a registration acceptance message to UE2.

[0102] Step 501: To learn about surrounding objects, UE1 sends a sensing service request to the AMF via NG-RAN. This request includes the target area (e.g., tracking area ID, cell ID, NG RAN node ID) and may include other attributes such as sensing QoS, object type, and sensing requirements.

[0103] Step 502: The AMF selects the SF serving the target area. This selection can be done using an NRF query.

[0104] Step 503: The AMF sends a perception request to the selected SF.

[0105] Step 504: The SF sends an Available UE Request to the AMF to request available UEs that support sensing measurements. The SF may also provide one or more cell IDs mapped from the target area.

[0106] Step 505: The AMF returns the UEs that are camped in the cell associated with the cell ID indicated by the SF and that support sensing measurements based on the UE's sensing capabilities. In this embodiment, the UEs reported by the AMF include UE2.

[0107] Step 506: SF determines the sensing mode (i.e., RAN-based sensing mode, UE-based sensing mode, and UE-assisted sensing mode).

[0108] For RAN-based sensing mode, the SF selects one or more suitable NG-RAN nodes and sends a Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer request to the AMF to request the transmission of sensing messages to the one or more NG-RAN nodes. Then, step 507 is executed.

[0109] For UE-based awareness mode, the SF selects one or more suitable UEs and sends a Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer request to the AMF to request the transmission of downlink (DL) awareness messages to the one or more UEs. In this embodiment, UE2 is selected. Next, step 508 is executed.

[0110] For UE-assisted perception mode, the SF selects a suitable NG-RAN node and a suitable UE, and sends a Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer request to the AMF to request the transmission of perception messages to the NG-RAN node and downlink (DL) perception messages to the UE. Next, steps 507 and 508 are executed.

[0111] Step 507: The AMF forwards the perception message to the NG-RAN node in the N2 transmission message.

[0112] Step 508: The AMF forwards the sensing message to the UE in the DL NAS transmission message.

[0113] Step 509: UE2 and / or NG-RAN perform sensing measurements.

[0114] Step 510: UE2 obtains the sensing data and sends the sensing data to AMF in the sensing message included in the NAS transmission message.

[0115] Step 511: NG-RAN obtains the sensing data and sends the sensing data to AMF in the sensing message included in the N2 transmission message.

[0116] Step 512: If step 510 is received, the AMF sends Namf_Communication_N1MessageNotify to the SF, and / or if step 511 is received, the AMF sends Namf_Communication_N2MessageNotify to the SF to forward the sensing data.

[0117] Step 513: SF calculates the final perception result and sends the final perception result to AMF using the perception response.

[0118] Step 514: NEF sends a perception service response to forward the perception results to UE1.

[0119] In one embodiment, if the previously selected UE is unsuitable, the SF reselects a UE to perform the sensing measurement.

[0120] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a perception process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 6 The sensory process shown includes the following steps: Step 600a: The UE initiates a registration request to the RAN. The UE indicates its awareness capabilities in the registration request. The RAN selects an AMF for the UE and forwards the registration request to that AMF. The RAN may also include the cell ID associated with the cell where the UE is camped.

[0121] Step 600b: The AMF accepts the UE's registration and sends a registration acceptance message to the UE.

[0122] Step 601: In order to know the objects within the target area, the external AF sends a perception service request for the target area to the NEF. The request includes the target area (e.g., a geographic region or city address) and may also include perception QoS, object type, and other attributes of perception requirements.

[0123] In one embodiment, the internal AF can directly select the SF and send a sensing request to the SF. In this embodiment, the request includes a (3GPP) network area as the target area (e.g., a list of tracking area IDs and / or a list of cell IDs and / or a list of NG RAN nodes).

[0124] Step 602: The NEF requests authorization from the AF and maps the target area to a 3GPP network area. If the AF-aware service request is authorized, the NEF selects the SF serving the network area. This selection can be queried using the NRF.

[0125] Step 603: The NEF sends a perception request to the SF to request perception data for the network area. The NEF includes the network area and, if available, perception QoS, object type, and other attributes received from the AF.

[0126] Step 604: SF selects the AMF serving the network area.

[0127] Step 605: The SF sends an Available UE Request to the AMF to request available UEs that support sensing measurements. The SF may also provide a list of cell IDs mapped from the target area.

[0128] Step 606: The AMF returns the UEs that are camped in the cell associated with the cell ID indicated by the SF and that support perception measurements based on the UE's perception capabilities.

[0129] Step 607: The SF determines the sensing mode (i.e., RAN-based sensing mode, UE-based sensing mode, or UE-assisted sensing mode). If one or more UEs are selected for UE-based sensing mode or UE-assisted sensing mode, the SF sends a Namf_EventExposure_Subscribe request to the AMF to subscribe to UE location change notifications and / or UE reachability status.

[0130] Step 608: If necessary, the AMF sends a location report control message to the NG-RAN. The location report control message identifies the UE requesting the report and includes the report type and location report level.

[0131] Step 609: Perform subsequent operations based on the perception pattern determined by SF: For RAN-based sensing mode, the SF selects one or more NG-RAN nodes to perform sensing measurements based on local configuration or NRF query, and the SF sends a Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer request to the AMF to request the transmission of sensing messages to the one or more NG-RAN nodes. Next, step 610 is executed.

[0132] For UE-based sensing mode, the SF selects one or more UEs from a list of one or more UEs provided by the AMF to perform sensing measurements, and the SF sends a Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer request to the AMF to request the transmission of downlink (DL) sensing messages to the one or more UEs. Next, step 611 is performed.

[0133] For UE-assisted sensing mode, the SF selects an NG-RAN node to perform sensing measurements based on local configuration or NRF query. The SF also selects one or more UEs from a list of one or more UEs provided by the AMF to perform sensing measurements, and sends a Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer request to the AMF to request the transmission of sensing messages to the NG-RAN node and downlink (DL) sensing messages to the selected one or more UEs. Then, steps 610 and 611 are performed.

[0134] Step 610: The AMF forwards the perception message to the NG-RAN node in the N2 transmission message.

[0135] Step 611: The AMF forwards the sensing message to the UE in the DL NAS transmission message.

[0136] Step 612: The UE and / or NG-RAN perform sensing measurements.

[0137] Step 613: During the perception measurement process, if the UE location changes, the NG-RAN sends a location report message to notify the AMF of the UE's location.

[0138] Step 614: When the AMF determines / becomes aware of a change in the UE's location and / or the UE becomes unreachable, the AMF sends a Namf_EventExposure_Notify to the SF.

[0139] Step 615: Upon receiving Namf_EventExposure_Notify from AMF / after receiving Namf_EventExposure_Notify from AMF, SF determines / determines that the UE is not suitable to perform sensing measurements, and cancels the sensing measurement task by sending a cancel sensing message to AMF.

[0140] For UE-based sensing mode, the SF sends a cancel sensing message to the AMF to cancel sensing measurement tasks in one or more UEs. Next, step 616 is executed.

[0141] For UE-assisted sensing mode, the SF sends a cancel sensing message to the AMF to cancel sensing measurement tasks in one or more UEs and NG-RAN. Steps 616 and 617 are then executed.

[0142] Step 616: The AMF forwards the cancellation awareness message to the UE.

[0143] Step 617: AMF forwards the Cancel Awareness message to the NG-RAN node.

[0144] Step 618: When canceling the perception measurement task in the UE and / or NG-RAN, the SF reselects one or more UEs by sending an available UE request to the AMF. The SF may also provide a list of cell IDs mapped from the target area.

[0145] Step 619: The AMF returns the UEs that are camped in the cell associated with the cell ID indicated by the SF and that support perception measurements based on the UE's perception capabilities.

[0146] Step 620: Execute and Figure 3 The same steps as steps 307 to 315 in the text.

[0147] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram relating to a wireless terminal 70 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The wireless terminal 70 may be a user equipment (UE), mobile phone, laptop computer, tablet computer, e-book reader, or portable computer system, and is not limited thereto. The wireless terminal 70 may include a processor 700 (e.g., a microprocessor or application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)), a storage unit 710, and a communication unit 720. The storage unit 710 may be any data storage device storing program code 712 accessed and executed by the processor 700. Embodiments of the storage unit 710 include, but are not limited to, a subscriber identity module (SIM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, random-access memory (RAM), hard disk, and optical data storage devices. The communication unit 720 may be a transceiver and is used to send and receive signals (e.g., messages or data packets) based on the processing results of the processor 700. In one embodiment, the communication unit 720 communicates via... Figure 7 At least one antenna 722 shown transmits and receives signals.

[0148] In one embodiment, the storage unit 710 and the program code 712 may be omitted, and the processor 700 may include a storage unit with stored program code.

[0149] The processor 700 can implement any of the steps in the exemplary embodiment on the wireless terminal 70, for example by executing program code 712.

[0150] The communication unit 720 may be a transceiver. Alternatively or additionally, the communication unit 720 may combine a transmitting unit and a receiving unit, which are respectively configured to transmit signals to and receive signals from a wireless network node (e.g., a base station).

[0151] Figure 8 This diagram relates to a wireless network node 80 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The wireless network node 80 may be a satellite, base station (BS), network entity, Mobility Management Entity (MME), Serving Gateway (SGW), Packet Data Network (PDN) Gateway (PDNGateway, P-GW), Radio Access Network (RAN) node, Next Generation RAN (NG-RAN) node, gNB, eNB, gNB central unit (gNB-CU), gNB distributed unit (gNB-DU), data network, core network, or Radio Network Controller (RNC), and is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the wireless network node 80 may include (perform) at least one network function, such as Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Session Management Function (SMF), User Place Function (UPF), Policy Control Function (PCF), Application Function (AF), etc. The wireless network node 80 may include a processor 800 (e.g., a microprocessor or ASIC), a storage unit 810, and a communication unit 820. The storage unit 810 may be any data storage device storing program code 812 accessed and executed by the processor 800. Examples of storage units 810 include, but are not limited to, SIM, ROM, flash memory, RAM, hard disk, and optical data storage devices. The communication unit 820 may be a transceiver and is used to send and receive signals (e.g., messages or packets) based on the processing results of the processor 800. In one example, the communication unit 820 communicates via... Figure 8 At least one antenna 822 shown transmits and receives signals.

[0152] In one embodiment, the storage unit 810 and the program code 812 may be omitted. The processor 800 may include a storage unit containing stored program code.

[0153] The processor 800 can, for example, implement any of the steps described in the exemplary embodiments on the wireless network node 80 by executing program code 812.

[0154] The communication unit 820 may be a transceiver. Alternatively or additionally, the communication unit 820 may combine a transmitting unit and a receiving unit, which are respectively configured to transmit signals to a wireless terminal (e.g., a user equipment or another wireless network node) and receive signals from a wireless terminal (e.g., a user equipment or another wireless network node).

[0155] Figure 9 A flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 9 The method shown can be used in an AMF (e.g., a wireless device, a wireless device including an AMF, or a wireless device performing at least some of the functions of an AMF) and includes the following steps: Step 900: Receive one or more registration requests from one or more wireless terminals, wherein each registration request includes a sensing capability indication associated with the sensing measurement function.

[0156] exist Figure 9 In this process, the AMF receives one or more registration requests from one or more radio terminals (e.g., one or more UEs). The registration request includes an indication of sensing capabilities associated with sensing measurement functions, such as those used to perceive network performance and / or environmental information. For example, the sensing measurement function could be (similar to) a radar function. That is, the radio terminal indicates its sensing capabilities in its registration request.

[0157] In one embodiment, the cell ID of the cell where the wireless terminal requesting registration resides may also be included in the registration request. For example, a wireless network node (e.g., a BS) may send a sensing capability indication along with the cell ID to the AMF.

[0158] In one embodiment, the perception indicator indicates at least one of the following: - Does it support sensing and measurement functions? - The sensing distance of wireless terminals. -Distance resolution of perceived distance. -The speed range that the wireless terminal can perceive. -Speed ​​resolution of the speed that the wireless terminal can perceive. - The accuracy of the sensing angle of the wireless terminal, or - One or more service types supported by the wireless terminal.

[0159] In one embodiment, the AMF receives a request from the SF for candidates that support sensing measurement functionality and are located in a target area (e.g., a geographic region or address). Based on the received registration request and / or the sensing capabilities of the registered wireless terminal, the AMF reports / returns / feeds back information on candidates that support sensing measurement functionality and are located in the target area.

[0160] In one embodiment, a request from the SF may be received along with one or more cell IDs associated with the target area.

[0161] In one embodiment, the AMF sends a sensing request to the SF to perform sensing measurements in the target area. In this embodiment, the AMF can send the sensing request if it receives a sensing request from the NEF, AF, or UE.

[0162] In one embodiment, the AMF receives a deactivation message from the SF to cancel the sensing measurement in the target area. In response to this deactivation message, the AMF may send deactivation messages to one or more wireless network nodes and / or one or more wireless terminals associated with the sensing measurement to cancel / deactivate the sensing measurement. Furthermore, if sensing measurement is still required / while sensing measurement is still required, the AMF may also receive requests for candidates that support sensing measurement functionality and are in the same or different target areas as those from the SF.

[0163] Figure 10 A flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 10 The method shown can be used in a wireless terminal (e.g., a UE) and includes the following steps: Step 1001: Send a registration request to the AMF, which includes a perception capability indication associated with the perception measurement function.

[0164] exist Figure 10 In the process of registering with the network, or if registering with the network is performed, the wireless terminal includes a sensing capability indication associated with the sensing measurement function in the registration request sent to the AMF. The sensing measurement function may be associated with sensing network performance and / or environmental information. For example, the sensing measurement function may be (similar to) radar functionality.

[0165] In one embodiment, the perception indicator indicates at least one of the following: - Does it support sensing and measurement functions? - The sensing distance of wireless terminals. -Distance resolution of perceived distance. -The speed range that the wireless terminal can perceive. -Speed ​​resolution of the speed that the wireless terminal can perceive. - The accuracy of the sensing angle of the wireless terminal, or - One or more service types supported by the wireless terminal.

[0166] In one embodiment, the wireless terminal may receive a deactivation message from the AMF to cancel sensing measurements in the target area.

[0167] Figure 11 A flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 11 The method shown can be used in a SF (e.g., a wireless device, a wireless device including an SF, or a wireless device performing at least some of the functions of an SF), and includes the following steps: Step 1101: Send a request to the AMF for candidates that support sensing measurement capabilities and are located in the target area.

[0168] Step 1102: Receive candidate information from AMF that supports sensing measurement functions and is located in the target area.

[0169] Step 1103: Select one or more sensing terminals based on candidate information that supports sensing measurement function in the target area to perform sensing measurement in the target area.

[0170] exist Figure 11 In order to perform sensing measurements in the target area, the SF sends a request to the AMF for candidates that support sensing measurement functionality and are located in the target area, and receives relevant information about the candidates from the AMF. Based on the received information, the SF selects one or more sensing terminals for performing sensing measurements in the target area (e.g., by sending sensing messages to the AMF).

[0171] In one embodiment, a request for a candidate is sent along with one or more cell IDs associated with the target area.

[0172] In one embodiment, the SF receives a sensing request from the NEF, AF, or UE to perform sensing measurements in the target area.

[0173] In one embodiment, for example, if an indication is received from the AMF that one or more selected sensing terminals are no longer suitable for sensing measurements in the target area and / or that the one or more selected sensing terminals are unreachable, the SF may send a deactivation message to cancel sensing measurements in the target area.

[0174] While various embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, it should be understood that these embodiments are provided by way of example only and are not intended to be limiting. Similarly, various diagrams may depict exemplary architectures or configurations, provided to enable those skilled in the art to understand the exemplary features and functionality of this disclosure. However, those skilled in the art will understand that this disclosure is not limited to the exemplary architectures or configurations shown, but can be implemented using various alternative architectures and configurations. Furthermore, as those skilled in the art will understand, one or more features of one embodiment may be combined with one or more features of another embodiment described herein. Therefore, the breadth and scope of this disclosure should not be limited to any of the exemplary embodiments described above.

[0175] It should also be understood that any references to elements in this document using names such as "first," "second," etc., generally do not restrict the number or order of these elements. Rather, these names may simply be used as a convenient means of distinguishing two or more elements or multiple instances of an element. Therefore, a reference to the first element and the second element does not imply that only two elements can be used, or that the first element must somehow precede the second element.

[0176] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that various different technologies and techniques can be used to represent information and signals. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, and symbols that may be mentioned in the above description can be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, light fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

[0177] Those skilled in the art should also recognize that any of the various illustrative logic blocks, units, processors, methods, circuits, approaches, and functions described in conjunction with the aspects disclosed herein can be implemented by electronic hardware (e.g., digital implementation, analog implementation, or a combination of both), firmware, various forms of program or design code containing instructions (which may be referred to herein as "software" or "software module"), or any combination of these techniques.

[0178] To clearly illustrate the interchangeability of hardware, firmware, and software, various illustrative components, blocks, units, circuits, and steps have been generally described above according to their functions. Whether such functionality is implemented in hardware, firmware, software, or a combination of these technologies depends on the specific application and design constraints on the overall system. Those skilled in the art can implement the described functionality in various ways for each specific application, but such implementation decisions will not deviate from the scope of this disclosure. According to various embodiments, processors, devices, components, circuits, structures, machines, units, etc., can be configured to perform one or more of the functions described herein. The terms "configured to" or "configured for" as used herein with respect to a specified operation or function refer to processors, devices, components, circuits, structures, machines, units, etc., that are physically constructed, programmed, and / or arranged to perform the specified operation or function.

[0179] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the various illustrative logic blocks, units, devices, components, and circuits described herein can be implemented within or executed by an integrated circuit (IC), which may include a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, or any combination thereof. Logic blocks, units, and circuits may also include antennas and / or transceivers for communicating with various components within a network or device. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but alternatively, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a combination of multiple microprocessors, a combination of one or more microprocessors combined with a DSP core, or a combination of any other suitable configuration performing the functions described herein. If implemented in software, these functions may be stored as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Therefore, the steps of the methods or algorithms disclosed herein may be implemented as software stored on a computer-readable medium.

[0180] Computer-readable media include computer storage media and communication media. Communication media include any medium capable of transferring computer programs or code from one place to another. Storage media can be any available medium that a computer can access. For example, but not limited to, such computer-readable media can include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disc storage devices, magnetic disk storage devices or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store required program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer.

[0181] In this document, the term "unit" as used herein refers to software, firmware, hardware, or any combination of these elements for performing the associated functions described herein. Furthermore, for purposes of discussion, various units are described as discrete units; however, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that two or more units may be combined to form a single unit that performs the associated functions according to embodiments of this disclosure.

[0182] Furthermore, the embodiments of this disclosure may employ memory or other storage devices and communication components. It will be understood that, for clarity, the above description refers to various embodiments of this disclosure with reference to different functional units and processors. However, it will be apparent that any suitable allocation of functionality may be used among different functional units, processing logic elements, or domains without diminishing the scope of this disclosure. For example, functions shown to be performed by separate processing logic elements or controllers may be performed by the same processing logic element or controller. Therefore, references to specific functional units are merely references to suitable means for providing the described functionality and do not indicate a strict logical or physical structure or organization.

[0183] Various modifications to the embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims. Therefore, this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be endowed with the broadest scope consistent with the novel features and principles disclosed herein as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A wireless communication method for use in an access and mobility management function, the method comprising: receiving at least one registration request from at least one wireless terminal, wherein each registration request comprises a sensing capability indication associated with a sensing measurement function.

2. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein, Each registration request is received with a cell identifier of a cell in which the wireless terminal of the registration request is camping.

3. The wireless communication method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The sensing capability indication indicates at least one of: whether the sensing measurement function is supported; a sensing distance of the wireless terminal; a distance resolution of the sensing distance; a speed range that the wireless terminal is capable of sensing; a speed resolution of a speed that the wireless terminal is capable of sensing; a sensing angle accuracy of the wireless terminal; or at least one service type that the wireless terminal supports.

4. The wireless communication method of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: receiving a request from a sensing function (SF) for candidates that support the sensing measurement function and are in a target area; and sending, to the SF, information of the candidates that support the sensing measurement function and are in the target area based on the at least one registration request.

5. The wireless communication method according to claim 4, wherein, The request is received with at least one cell identifier associated with the target area.

6. The wireless communication method of claim 4 or 5, further comprising: sending, to the SF, a sensing request to perform a sensing measurement in the target area.

7. The wireless communication method of claim 6, further comprising: receiving the sensing request to perform the sensing measurement in the target area from a network exposure function (NEF), an application function (AF), or a user terminal.

8. The wireless communication method of any one of claims 4 to 7, further comprising: receiving a deactivation message from the SF to cancel the sensing measurement in the target area.

9. A wireless communication method for use in a wireless terminal, the method comprising: sending, to an access and mobility management function, a registration request comprising a sensing capability indication associated with a sensing measurement function.

10. The wireless communication method according to claim 9, wherein, The sensing capability indication indicates at least one of: whether the sensing measurement function is supported; a sensing distance of the wireless terminal; a distance resolution of the sensing distance; a speed range that the wireless terminal is capable of sensing; a speed resolution of a speed that the wireless terminal is capable of sensing; a sensing angle accuracy of the wireless terminal; or at least one service type that the wireless terminal supports.

11. A wireless communication method for use in a sensing function, the method comprising: sending, to an access and mobility management function (AMF), a request for candidates that support a sensing measurement function and are in a target area; receiving, from the AMF, information of the candidates that support the sensing measurement function and are in the target area; and selecting, based on the information of the candidates that support the sensing measurement function and are in the target area, at least one sensing terminal to perform a sensing measurement in the target area.

12. The wireless communication method according to claim 11, wherein, The request is sent with at least one cell identifier associated with the target area.

13. The wireless communication method according to claim 11 or 12, further comprising: receiving a sensing request from the AMF, a network exposure function (NEF), an application function (AF), or a wireless terminal to perform the sensing measurement in the target area.

14. The wireless communication method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, further comprising: sending a deactivation message to the AMF to cancel the sensing measurement in the target area.

15. A wireless device comprising: a communication unit configured to receive at least one registration request from at least one wireless terminal, wherein each registration request comprises a sensing capability indication associated with a sensing measurement function.

16. The wireless device according to claim 15, further comprising a processor configured to perform the wireless communication method according to any one of claims 2 to 8.

17. A wireless terminal comprising: a communication unit configured to send a registration request to an access and mobility management function, the registration request comprising a sensing capability indication associated with a sensing measurement function.

18. The wireless terminal of claim 17, wherein, the sensing capability indication indicating at least one of: whether the sensing measurement function is supported; a sensing distance of the wireless terminal; a distance resolution of the sensing distance; a speed range the wireless terminal is capable of sensing; a speed resolution of the speed the wireless terminal is capable of sensing; a sensing angle accuracy of the wireless terminal; or at least one service type supported by the wireless terminal.

19. A wireless device comprising: a communication unit configured to: send a request to an access and mobility management function (AMF) for a candidate that supports a sensing measurement function and is in a target area; and receive information from the AMF of the candidate that supports the sensing measurement function and is in the target area; and a processor configured to select at least one sensing terminal to perform a sensing measurement in the target area based on the information of the candidate that supports the sensing measurement function and is in the target area. the processor is further configured to perform the wireless communication method according to any one of claims 12 to 14.

21. A computer program product comprising a computer readable program medium having code stored thereon, the code, when executed by a processor, causing the processor to implement the wireless communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

20. The wireless device of claim 19, wherein, ​ ​

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