Apparatus, method and computer program related to object sensing

Abstract

An apparatus comprising: means for determining one or more conditions for triggering a handover of sensing of an object from a first access node to a second access node; and means for providing information to the first access node about an object to be sensed, the information indicating one or more of the one or more conditions for triggering the handover of sensing of the object from the first access node to the second access node.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to communication systems, and specifically, but not exclusively, to apparatus, methods, and computer programs relating to the sensing of objects. Background Technology

[0002] A communication system can be viewed as a facility that enables communication between two or more communication devices or provides communication devices with access to a data network. A mobile network or wireless network is an example of a communication system.

[0003] This communication system operates according to standards provided by, for example, 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) or ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute). An example of such a standard is the so-called 5G (fifth generation) standard provided by 3GPP. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will be described below in conjunction with certain aspects. These aspects are not intended to indicate key or essential features of embodiments of this disclosure, nor are they intended to limit its scope. Other features, aspects, and elements will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of this disclosure.

[0005] According to one aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions for network functions of a communication system, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least: determining one or more conditions for triggering a switch of sensing of an object from a first access node to a second access node; and providing information to the first access node about an object to be sensed, the information indicating one or more of the one or more conditions for triggering a switch of sensing of the object from the first access node to the second access node.

[0006] As an alternative to determining one or more conditions for triggering the switching of object sensing to a second access node, one or more conditions may be determined for selecting and / or adding one or more second access nodes for object sensing.

[0007] In some embodiments, both the first access node and one or more second access nodes sense the object. This may continue until the first access node receives a notification, such as a notification from a device, or until an event occurs that causes the first node to stop sensing the object.

[0008] The device can be configured to receive a request for a sensing object from a sensing service client and determine a configuration for the sensing object for the first access node. This configuration can then be provided to the first access node.

[0009] Providing may include transmitting to the first access node.

[0010] The determination that one or more conditions for triggering the switching of object sensing from the first access node may be for one or more second access nodes, and the information provided to the first access node may include one or more conditions for triggering the switching of object sensing from the first access node to one or more second access nodes.

[0011] Information may be provided to the first access node in a request for a session for the object being sensed, or in an update to a request for a session for the object being sensed.

[0012] The device can be made to receive information indicating that the sensing of the object has been switched to a second access node.

[0013] Information indicating that the sensing of an object has been switched to the second access node can be received from at least one of the first and second access nodes.

[0014] The device can be configured to send a request for the sensed object to the second access node when one or more of the conditions for triggering the switching of sensing of the object from the first access node to the second node have been met.

[0015] The device can be made to send information to a second access node, the information indicating one or more of one or more conditions, which trigger the switching of sensing of the object to a third access node.

[0016] Information indicating one or more of the conditions may be sent as part of a request to a second access node for a sensed object, and the one or more conditions may be used to trigger a switch of sensing of the object to a third access node.

[0017] The device can be configured to receive information from a first access node, the information indicating that one or more of the conditions for triggering the switching of object sensing from the first access node to a second node have been met.

[0018] The device can be configured to select a second node by using information indicating that one or more of the conditions for triggering the switching of sensing of an object from a first access node to a second node have been met.

[0019] When an object is sensed, it may not need to communicate with the first or second access node.

[0020] One or more of the conditions used to trigger the switch of object sensing from the first access node to the second access node may include one or more of the following: One or more thresholds for the received power of the received sensing signal associated with the object; One or more thresholds for the Doppler frequency shift associated with the object; One or more conditions related to the object's sensing false detection rate; One or more false alarm thresholds; One or more tracking delay thresholds; The location information of this object; Location information relative to the cell boundaries associated with each access node; One or more features of an object, which are based on the processing of sense data associated with the object; One or more conditions related to the movement rate and direction of movement associated with the object; and / or One or more velocity conditions associated with an object.

[0021] The device may be configured to provide one or more of the following to a first access node or a second access node: a description of the object; an identifier of the object; a mobility profile of the object; current location information of the object; a time period associated with sensing the object; a sensing configuration; and the quality of service of sensing.

[0022] The device may be configured to determine one or more of the following: a mobility profile of an object; a sensing area associated with sensing the object; and a sensing configuration for sensing the object, to be provided to one or more access nodes.

[0023] Network functionality can provide sensing management capabilities.

[0024] According to another aspect, a method is provided, comprising: determining one or more conditions for triggering a switch of sensing of an object from a first access node to a second access node; and providing information to the first access node about the object to be sensed, the information indicating one or more of the one or more conditions for triggering a switch of sensing of the object from the first access node to the second access node.

[0025] As an alternative to determining one or more conditions for triggering the switching of sensing to a second access node, the determination may include determining one or more conditions for selecting and / or adding one or more second access nodes for sensing of an object.

[0026] In some embodiments, both the first access node and one or more second access nodes sense the object. This may continue until the first access node receives a notification, such as a notification from a device, or until an event occurs that causes the first node to stop sensing the object.

[0027] The method may include receiving a request for a sensed object from a sense service client and determining a configuration for the sensed object for a first access node. The method may also include providing the first access node with a configuration for the first access node.

[0028] Providing may include transmitting to the first access node.

[0029] The determination that one or more conditions for triggering the switching of object sensing from the first access node may be for one or more second access nodes, and the information provided to the first access node may include one or more conditions for triggering the switching of object sensing from the first access node to one or more second access nodes.

[0030] Information may be provided to the first access node in a request for a session for the object being sensed, or in an update to a request for a session for the object being sensed.

[0031] The method may include receiving information indicating that the sensing of the object has been switched to a second access node.

[0032] Information indicating that the sensing of an object has been switched to the second access node can be received from at least one of the first and second access nodes.

[0033] The method may include sending a request for the sensed object to the second access node when one or more of the conditions for triggering the switching of sensing of the object from the first access node to the second node have been met.

[0034] The method may include sending information to a second access node, the information indicating one or more of one or more conditions, the one or more conditions being used to trigger a switch of sensing of the object to a third access node.

[0035] Information indicating one or more of the conditions may be sent as part of a request to a second access node for a sensed object, and the one or more conditions may be used to trigger a switch of sensing of the object to a third access node.

[0036] The method may include receiving information from a first access node, the information indicating that one or more of the conditions for triggering a switch of sensing of an object from the first access node to a second node have been met.

[0037] The method may include selecting a second node using information indicating that one or more of the conditions for triggering a switch of sensing of an object from a first access node to a second node have been met.

[0038] When an object is sensed, it may not need to communicate with the first or second access node.

[0039] One or more of the conditions used to trigger the switch of object sensing from the first access node to the second access node may include one or more of the following: One or more thresholds for the received power of the received sensing signal associated with the object; One or more thresholds for the Doppler frequency shift associated with the object; One or more conditions related to the object's sensing false detection rate; One or more false alarm thresholds; One or more tracking delay thresholds; The object's location information; Location information relative to the cell boundaries associated with each access node; One or more features of an object, which are based on the processing of sense data associated with the object; One or more conditions related to the movement rate and direction of movement associated with the object; and / or One or more velocity conditions associated with an object.

[0040] The method may include providing one or more of the following to a first access node or a second access node: a description of the object; an identifier of the object; a mobility profile of the object; current location information of the object; a time period associated with sensing the object; sensing configuration; and sensing service quality.

[0041] The method may include determining one or more of the following: a mobility profile of an object; a sensing area associated with sensing the object; and a sensing configuration for sensing the object, to be provided to one or more access nodes.

[0042] This method can be performed by a device that provides network functionality. This network functionality could be a sensing management function.

[0043] According to another aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising: a component for determining one or more conditions for triggering a switch of sensing of an object from a first access node to a second access node; and a component for providing information about the object to be sensed to the first access node, the information indicating one or more of the one or more conditions for triggering a switch of sensing of the object from the first access node to the second access node.

[0044] As an alternative to determining one or more conditions for triggering the switching of sensing to a second access node, the component for determining can be used to determine one or more conditions for selecting and / or adding one or more second access nodes for sensing of an object.

[0045] The apparatus may include components for receiving a request for a sensed object from a sensing service client, and components for determining a configuration for the sensed object for the first access node. The configuration for the first access node may be provided to the first access node.

[0046] The determination that one or more conditions for triggering the switching of object sensing from the first access node may be for one or more second access nodes, and the information provided to the first access node may include one or more conditions for triggering the switching of object sensing from the first access node to one or more second access nodes.

[0047] In some embodiments, both the first access node and one or more second access nodes sense the object. This may continue until the first access node receives a notification, such as a notification from a device, or until an event occurs that causes the first node to stop sensing the object.

[0048] The device may include components for providing network functionality.

[0049] According to another aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising at least one processor and at least one memory, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least: receiving information about an object to be sensed, the information indicating one or more conditions for triggering a switch of sensing of the object from a first access node to a second access node; and determining whether or when one or more of the one or more conditions have been met.

[0050] Information can be received in a request for a session for sensing an object, or in an update to a request for a session for sensing an object.

[0051] The device can be configured to send a request for a session for the sensed object to a second access node when one or more of the conditions have been met.

[0052] A request for a session may include one or more of the following: a description of the object; mobility information about the object; the location of the object; sensing configuration information of the first access node; processing configuration information of the first access node; and / or one or more conditions for triggering the switching of sensing of the object to another access node.

[0053] The apparatus may be configured to provide object-associated sensing data to a second access node; and / or include components for receiving object-associated sensing data from the second access node.

[0054] The device can be configured to receive a response to a request for a session for sensing an object when the second access node is able to sense the object, the request for the session for sensing the object being sent to the second access node.

[0055] The device can be made to send information to a network entity indicating that the sensing of the object has been switched to a second access node.

[0056] The device can be made to send information to a network entity about one or more conditions that have been met to trigger the switching of sensing of the object to a second access node.

[0057] An object may not communicate with the first access node if it does not have active communication capabilities.

[0058] One or more of the conditions used to switch the sensing of an object from the first access node to the second access node may include one or more of the following: One or more thresholds for the received power of the received sensing signal associated with the object; One or more thresholds for the Doppler frequency shift associated with the object; One or more conditions related to the object's sensing false detection rate; One or more false alarm thresholds; One or more tracking delay thresholds; The object's location information; Location information relative to the cell boundaries associated with each access node; One or more features of an object, which are based on the processing of sense data associated with the object; One or more conditions related to the movement rate and direction of movement associated with the object; and / or One or more velocity conditions associated with an object.

[0059] The device may be configured to receive one or more of the following: a description of the object; an identifier of the object; a mobility profile of the object; current location information of the object; a time period associated with tracking the object; a sensing configuration; and a sensing service quality.

[0060] The device may be provided in the first access node, or may be the first access node.

[0061] According to another aspect, a method is provided, comprising: receiving information about an object to be sensed, the information indicating one or more conditions for triggering a switch of sensing of the object from a first access node to a second access node; and determining whether or when one or more of the one or more conditions have been met.

[0062] Information can be received in a request for a session for sensing an object, or in an update to a request for a session for sensing an object.

[0063] The method may include sending a request for a session for the sensed object to a second access node when one or more of the conditions have been met.

[0064] A request for a session may include one or more of the following: a description of the object; mobility information about the object; the location of the object; sensing configuration information of the first access node; processing configuration information of the first access node; and / or one or more conditions for triggering the switching of sensing of the object to another access node.

[0065] The method may include providing sensing data associated with an object to a second access node; and / or include components for receiving sensing data associated with an object from the second access node.

[0066] The method may include receiving a response to a request for a session for sensing the object when the second access node is able to sense the object, the request for the session for sensing the object being sent to the second access node.

[0067] The method may include sending a message to a network entity indicating that sensing of an object has been switched to a second access node.

[0068] The method may include sending information to a network entity about one or more conditions that have been met to trigger a switch of sensing of the object to a second access node.

[0069] An object may not communicate with the first access node if it does not have active communication capabilities.

[0070] One or more of the conditions used to switch the sensing of an object from the first access node to the second access node may include one or more of the following: One or more thresholds for the received power of the received sensing signal associated with the object; One or more thresholds for the Doppler frequency shift associated with the object; One or more conditions related to the object's sensing false detection rate; One or more false alarm thresholds; One or more tracking delay thresholds; The object's location information; Location information relative to the cell boundaries associated with each access node; One or more features of an object, which are based on the processing of sense data associated with the object; One or more conditions related to the movement rate and direction of movement associated with the object; and / or One or more velocity conditions associated with an object.

[0071] The method may include receiving one or more of the following: a description of the object; an identifier of the object; a mobility profile of the object; current location information of the object; a time period associated with tracking the object; a sensing configuration; and a sensing service quality.

[0072] This method can be executed by a device. The device can be provided in the first access node, or it can be the first access node itself.

[0073] According to another aspect, a first access node device is provided, comprising: A component for receiving information about the object to be sensed, the information indicating one or more conditions for triggering a switch of sensing of the object from a first access node to a second access node; and a component for determining whether or when one or more of the one or more conditions have been met.

[0074] According to one aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: sense an object; send a request to switch sensing of the object to a second access node; exchange sensing data associated with the object with the second access node; and receive a response to the request when the second access node is capable of sensing the object.

[0075] The device may be provided in the first access node, or may be the first access node.

[0076] It should be understood that one or more features associated with one or more other aspects may be used in conjunction with this aspect.

[0077] According to one aspect, a method is provided, comprising: sensing an object; sending a request to switch sensing of the object to a second access node; exchanging sensing data associated with the object with the second access node; and receiving a response to the request when the second access node is able to sense the object.

[0078] This method can be executed by a device. The device can be provided in the first access node, or it can be the first access node itself.

[0079] It should be understood that one or more features associated with one or more other aspects may be used in conjunction with this aspect.

[0080] According to one aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising: components for sensing an object; components for sending a request to switch sensing of the object to a second access node; components for exchanging sensing data associated with the object with the second access node; and components for receiving a response to the request when the second access node is able to sense the object.

[0081] The device may be provided in the first access node, or may be the first access node.

[0082] It should be understood that one or more features associated with one or more other aspects may be used in conjunction with this aspect.

[0083] According to one aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions for network functions of a communication system, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least perform: determining one or more conditions for triggering a switch of sensing of an object from a first access node to a second access node; receiving information from the first access node regarding one or more of the one or more conditions for triggering the switch of sensing of an object from the first access node to the second access node; determining that sensing of an object will switch from the first access node to the second access node; and sending switching information indicating that sensing of an object will switch to the second access node.

[0084] It should be understood that one or more features associated with one or more other aspects may be used in conjunction with this aspect.

[0085] According to another aspect, a method is provided, comprising: determining one or more conditions for triggering a switch of sensing of an object from a first access node to a second access node; receiving information from the first access node regarding one or more of the one or more conditions for triggering the switch of sensing of an object from the first access node to the second access node; determining that sensing of the object will switch from the first access node to the second access node; and sending switching information indicating that sensing of the object will switch to the second access node.

[0086] This method can be executed by network functions.

[0087] It should be understood that one or more features associated with one or more other aspects may be used in conjunction with this aspect.

[0088] According to another aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising: components for determining one or more conditions for triggering a switch of sensing of an object from a first access node to a second access node; components for receiving information from the first access node regarding one or more of the one or more conditions for triggering a switch of sensing of an object from the first access node to the second access node; components for determining that sensing of an object will switch from the first access node to the second access node; and components for transmitting switching information indicating a switch of sensing of an object to the second access node.

[0089] The device may include components for providing network functionality.

[0090] It should be understood that one or more features associated with one or more other aspects may be used in conjunction with this aspect.

[0091] According to another aspect, a computer program is provided, including instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform any of the aforementioned methods.

[0092] According to another aspect, a computer program is provided, including instructions that, when executed, cause any of the aforementioned methods to be performed.

[0093] According to one aspect, a computer program is provided, including computer-executable code, which, when run, causes any of the foregoing methods to be executed.

[0094] According to one aspect, a computer-readable medium is provided, including program instructions stored thereon for performing at least one of the methods described above.

[0095] According to one aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, comprising program instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform any of the aforementioned methods.

[0096] According to one aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, comprising program instructions that, when executed, cause any of the foregoing methods to be performed.

[0097] According to one aspect, a non-volatile tangible storage medium is provided, including program instructions stored thereon for performing at least one of the methods described above.

[0098] Many different aspects have been described above. It should be understood that further aspects can be provided through a combination of any two or more of the aspects described above.

[0099] Various other aspects are also described in the following detailed description and the appended claims. Attached Figure Description

[0100] Embodiments will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a 5G system in which some embodiments may be provided is shown; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a device that can implement the corresponding network functions or access nodes is shown; Figure 3 This schematically illustrates the use of the first method to track objects; Figure 4 This schematically illustrates the use of a second method to track objects; Figure 5 illustrates a first example process of some embodiments; Figure 6 A second example process of some embodiments is shown; Figure 7 illustrates a third example process of some embodiments; Figure 8 illustrates a fourth example process of some embodiments; Figure 9 A first method of some embodiments is shown; Figure 10 A second method is shown in some embodiments; Figure 11 A third method is shown in some embodiments; and Figure 12 A fourth method is shown in some embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0101] Some embodiments involve sensing services provided by a communication system. The sensing device is capable of sensing objects in its vicinity. The sensing device can detect events or changes in its surrounding environment and generate sensing data.

[0102] Sensing devices can have the ability to detect, locate and track objects, form images and / or extract features for identification / classification.

[0103] Sensing devices can use electromagnetic waves to detect, locate, and / or track objects in their vicinity. Sensing data or measurements can be processed by the sensing device and / or one or more different entities. This processing can utilize machine learning algorithms or AI / ML models to detect, locate, and / or track objects in the vicinity of the sensing device.

[0104] Integrating Sensing and Communication (ISAC) into a communication system (compared to dedicated sensing systems) allows for relatively high data rates of communication and relatively high-resolution obstacle detection using the same hardware and spectrum resources. Sensing devices can be provided by the access nodes of the communication system.

[0105] Compared to standalone sensing systems (i.e., sensing systems separate from communication systems), this integration can help enhance sensing capabilities and / or improve sensing accuracy. This could be an improvement in scenarios or situations where standalone sensing systems might perform poorly (e.g., NLOS (non-line-of-sight) conditions, requirements for high speed resolution, etc.).

[0106] This integration can improve spectrum efficiency by sharing communication and sensing frequency bands.

[0107] This integration can reduce hardware costs by combining sensing and communication devices / hardware.

[0108] Here are some examples of sensing services: Intrusion detection (e.g., intruder detection in smart homes, pedestrian / animal intrusion detection on highways); Supports autonomous driving (e.g., sensing-assisted vehicle handling and navigation, sensing-based parking space identification, etc.); Supports unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flight (e.g., UAV flight trajectory tracking, network-assisted sensing to avoid UAV collisions); Supports Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) / Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) in factories (e.g., AGV detection and tracking in factories, AMR collision avoidance in smart factories); Environmental / weather monitoring (e.g., rainfall levels, pollution, floods, air quality, water); Health monitoring (e.g., fall detection, contactless sleep monitoring services, home health monitoring); and XR (Extended Reality) applications.

[0109] Some embodiments use communication systems to provide sensing services. Various examples are described below in the context of 5G communication systems. Other embodiments can be used in the context of other communication systems such as 6G (and above) communication systems.

[0110] Some embodiments provide a Sensing Management Function (SeMF). In embodiments provided in a 5G system, the SeMF may be a 5GC (5G Core) function. In some embodiments, the Sensing Management Function may be provided as a separate network function. In some embodiments, the Sensing Management Function may be integrated with existing 5GC network functions, such as Location Management Function (LMF).

[0111] In some embodiments, the SeMF function can be distributed / assigned across multiple different entities. For example, the SeMF function can be provided by one or more core entities and / or one or more RAN entities. For example, the SeMF can be provided by a dedicated SeMF function and / or by a SeMF function provided by the core-side LMF.

[0112] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a communication system operating based on fifth-generation radio access technology (commonly referred to as a 5G system (5GS)) is shown, and some embodiments can be implemented in this communication system. 5GS may include a (radio) access network ((R)AN), a 5G core network (5GC), one or more application functions (AF), and one or more data networks (DN). User equipment (UE) may access or connect to one or more DNs via 5GS.

[0113] A 5G(R)AN may include one or more access nodes. Access nodes may include base stations or radio access network (RAN) nodes, such as gNodeB (gNB). Base stations or RAN nodes may include one or more distribution units connected to a central unit.

[0114] 5GC can include various network functions such as Access and Mobility Management (AMF), Session Management (SMF), Authentication Server Function (AUSF), Location Management (LMF), User Data Management (UDM), User Plane Function (UPF), Network Data Repository (NRF), Network Exposure Function (NEF), Service Communication Broker (SCP), Edge Application Server Discovery Function (EASDF), Policy Control Function (PCF), Network Slice Access Control Function (NSACF), Network Slice Specific Authentication and Authorization Function (NSSAAF), and / or Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF).

[0115] Figure 1 An example is shown where SeMF is provided as a network function and is part of 5GC.

[0116] Figure 2 An example of device 200 is shown.

[0117] Device 200 may include or implement Figure 1 One or more network functions are shown. Device 200 may have at least one processor and storage. Figure 1 At least one memory of instructions for one or more network functions shown, which, when executed by at least one of at least one processor, cause the operation or action of one or more network functions to be performed.

[0118] Alternatively, the device 200 may be provided in or within an access node. The device 200 may have at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions of the access node, which, when executed by at least one of the at least one processor, cause operations or actions of the access node to be performed.

[0119] In this example, device 200 may include at least one random access memory (RAM) 211a and / or at least one read-only memory (ROM) 211b. Device 200 may include at least one processor 212, 213 and / or a network interface 214. At least one processor 212, 213 may be coupled to at least one memory, which in this example is RAM 211a and ROM 211b. At least one processor 212, 213 may be configured to execute appropriate software code 215.

[0120] Software code 215 may include, for example, Figure 1 The software code for one or more network functions shown, including the software code for SeMF, allows the apparatus to perform one or more operations of one or more aspects of this disclosure.

[0121] Alternatively, the software code may include, for example, the software code of the access node, which allows the device to perform one or more operations of one or more aspects of this disclosure.

[0122] Some embodiments may provide network functions (or functions distributed across multiple network functions) for communication systems such as 5GS, which are configured to provide and expose sensing services so that clients (generally referred to herein as sensing service clients) can use the sensing services. The sensing service client may be a UE, an application function, a third-party application, or another network function of the communication system, such as an NF in the core network of the communication system.

[0123] SeMF can be configured to configure and / or coordinate sensing functions. SeMF can be configured to collect sensing measurements (sensing data). SeMF can be configured to provide sensing data and / or sensing outputs to sensing service clients. This can be done directly or via NEF, for example, if the requesting client is a third-party external application or AF.

[0124] SeMF can be configured to receive sensing service requests. Sensing service requests may include information about one or more of the following: sensing service type, sensing area, sensing QoS (Quality of Service), and / or objects that should be sensed.

[0125] Any suitable sensing method can be used. For example, the sensing method can be one or more of the following: Single-base RAN-based sensing (e.g., the base station BS acts as a transmitter / detector (transmitting sensing signals), and the same BS acts as a receiver / sensor (receiving sensing signals). The BS can be a system in which the transmitter array and receiver array are set up together). Multibase-based RAN sensing (e.g., a base station acts as a transmitter / detector (transmitting sensing signals), and one or more other base stations act as receivers / sensors (receiving sensing signals)); Multi-base RAN and UE sensing (e.g., BS transmits sensing signals and one or more UEs receive the sensing signals to obtain sensing data; or UE transmits sensing signals and one or more BSs receive the sensing signals to obtain sensing data).

[0126] Sensing data (or sensing measurement information) may include data derived from electromagnetic signals that are affected by an object (e.g., reflection, refraction, and / or diffraction) for sensing purposes. The electromagnetic signals may be radio signals provided by the access node.

[0127] It can process sensor outputs. Sensor outputs can be processed by one or more of the following: a system such as a 5G or 6G system, an external server, an application server, an edge server, etc.

[0128] The sensing output may include processed sensing data, such as data requested by a sensing service client.

[0129] Sensing services can be used to detect, identify, and / or track one or more objects and the environment around them.

[0130] Some embodiments can track non-connected objects. Non-connected objects do not communicate with the access node used to sense them. A non-connected object can be an entity / target without communication capabilities, or it may have communication capabilities that are deactivated. In some cases, a non-connected object may have communication capabilities, but these capabilities are not available for sensing services. A non-connected object can be a sensing target. The sensing service does not depend on the object's own transmitted and / or received signals. Signals from a base station can be reflected by the object.

[0131] Some implementations involve the continuity of sensing services when an object moves. It may be desirable to continue tracking as the object moves, maintain the expected sensing QoS, and not interrupt the sensing process.

[0132] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 3 The method of tracking a moving object 400 using a so-called monopolar approach is illustrated. In this method, access node 402 transmits sensing or probe signals. The same access node 402 receives the sensing signals. Access node 402 provides the sensing data to, for example, SeMF 404 and / or a sensing data processing unit. It can be seen that as the object moves, tracking of object 400 needs to be switched from one access node to the next. Figure 3 In the example shown, there are three access nodes: 402a, 402b, and 402c.

[0133] Reference Figure 4 , Figure 4 A method for tracking a moving object 400 using a so-called multi-base or bi-base approach is illustrated. In this method, a transmitter 406 transmits a sensing signal or probe signal. A receiver 408 receives the sensing signal. The receiver 408 provides the sensing data to, for example, a SeMF 404 and / or a sensing data processing unit.

[0134] exist Figure 4 In the example shown, there are two transmitters 406a and 406b and two receivers 408a and 408b.

[0135] The transmitter and receiver can be provided by different access nodes (dual-base RAN-based sensing).

[0136] The transmitter can be provided by the access node, and the UE can provide the receiver (sensing by the dual-base RAN and UE-assisted sensing).

[0137] The transmitter can be provided by the UE, and the access node can provide the receiver (dual-base RAN-based sensing and UE-assisted sensing).

[0138] Furthermore, when the object moves, tracking of object 400 will require switching from one access node to the next.

[0139] Some embodiments involve switching the sensing or tracking process from one access node to another.

[0140] Some embodiments can be provided in 5G and / or 6G environments or any other suitable network environment.

[0141] In 6G architecture, some implementations consider that the RAN-core interface can use service-based (multiple) interfaces (SBI).

[0142] Some implementations involve triggering changes to one or more access nodes that are sensing or tracking one or more objects. One or more objects may be moving.

[0143] Some example embodiments using monostatic sensing methods have been described, but other embodiments may use multistatic or bistatic methods.

[0144] Some implementations are designed to ensure the continuity of tracking / sensing services, even when the object is moving.

[0145] In some embodiments, SeMF can determine or define one or more trigger conditions. Trigger conditions can be provided by satisfying one or more criteria and / or by the occurrence of one or more events. These one or more trigger conditions can be used to switch the sensing session of an object from one access node to another. The sensing session can be one that tracks the object while it is moving.

[0146] In some embodiments, at least one triggering condition may be used to (trigger) the selection / determination of one or more access nodes to sense / track the object.

[0147] In some embodiments, at least one trigger condition may be used to (trigger) the addition of one or more access nodes to sense / track the object.

[0148] In other words, multiple access nodes can be configured to sense / track objects simultaneously. In some embodiments, an access node may stop sensing / tracking an object if / when / until a notification is received (e.g., a notification from a Sensing Management Function (SeMF) or a network function) and / or when certain events occur.

[0149] In some embodiments, at least one triggering condition may be used to trigger at least one of the following: - Switch the object's sensing session from one access node to another; - Select / determine one or more access nodes for sensing / tracking the object; or - Add one or more access nodes for sensing / tracking the object.

[0150] One or more triggering conditions can depend on the object. For example, different types of objects can be associated with different thresholds.

[0151] A set of one or more triggering conditions can be identified or defined for an object. In some embodiments, only one of the set of one or more triggering conditions needs to be met to trigger a handover to a different access node. In some embodiments, all of the set of one or more triggering conditions needs to be met to trigger a handover to a different access node. In other embodiments, certain combinations of the set of triggering conditions need to be met before a handover to a different access node can be triggered.

[0152] One or more conditions include one or more of the following: One or more thresholds for the received power of the signal for that object. This could be the power of the received sensed signal. For example, if the received power of the signal reaches or falls below a threshold, this could be a condition used to trigger a switch to a different access node; One or more thresholds for the strength of the received sensed signal for this object. This can be the signal strength or power of the received sensed signal. For example, if the strength of the received signal reaches or falls below a threshold, this could be a condition used to trigger a switch to a different access node; One or more thresholds for the Doppler frequency shift associated with the object. This could be a result of a change in the frequency or wavelength of the wave reflected by the object relative to the access node; One or more thresholds for the missed detection rate of this object; One or more false alarm thresholds. False alarms can be false alarms associated with intruder detection or any other suitable false alarm. The threshold can be related to the number of false alarms; One or more tracking latency thresholds (e.g., the number of milliseconds required to sense or track an object); Location information of the sensed object. This location information may include one or more of the following: altitude, Cartesian coordinates; and / or location accuracy. The location information of the object relative to the cell boundary of the access node used to sense the object. The cell boundary (or sensing coverage area or sensing service area) used for sensing can be base-matter or can be updated. Where the cell boundary used for sensing can be updated, it can be based on one or more internal factors and / or one or more external factors. Internal factors can be access node configuration or resource configuration. External factors can be channel conditions or geographical information. The cell boundary used for sensing can be estimated or determined at the access node and / or SeMF; One or more characteristics of the object (e.g., the accuracy of object size estimation, the accuracy of object shape estimation, the accuracy of object type estimation). This can be based on the processing of sensing data associated with the object; One or more velocity conditions of the object—which can be determined as part of position determination. For certain tracked objects (e.g., unmanned aerial systems (UAS), urban air traffic (UAM)), pre-approved flight path information (3D waypoints) can be obtained to determine the object's speed and orientation. The RAN can provide flight path information based on 3D waypoints; and / or One or more movement rates and directions of motion of the object—this can be determined as part of position determination. This can be used for ground objects or airborne objects. For certain tracked objects (e.g., UAS, UAM), pre-approved path information (3D waypoints) can be obtained to determine the object's rate and direction. Access nodes can provide path information based on 3D waypoints. For example, this path information can be ground path information or flight path information.

[0153] SeMF can provide one or more trigger conditions to the access node and / or the sensing data processing unit. These one or more trigger conditions are used to determine the triggering of changes in the access node and the triggering of switching in the sensing process.

[0154] One or more trigger conditions can be provided by SeMF for each sensing session / process. Alternatively or additionally, one or more trigger conditions can be pre-configured. Alternatively or additionally, one or more trigger conditions can be provided by SeMF once and updated as needed.

[0155] SeMF can determine whether one or more of the triggering conditions used for sensing session handover are met. If so, SeMF can initiate access node reselection or handover preparation.

[0156] SeMF or the source access node can determine which or more neighboring target access nodes should be selected to continue the tracking process. The tracking process can switch to one or more target access nodes. Once one or more target access nodes have been selected to sense the object, SeMF can receive one or more reports from the target access nodes regarding one or more conditions that triggered the handover. SeMF can determine when to complete the handover from the source access node based on a comparison of the reports.

[0157] When / if, for example, SeMF identifies that the target access node detects and / or senses that the quality of the object is higher than that of the source access node, SeMF can notify the source access node to release the tracking process.

[0158] Access nodes can use the object descriptions received from SeMF and the collected sensing data to determine whether an object has been successfully detected.

[0159] The access node can determine whether to trigger preparation for access node reselection based on received triggering conditions. In some embodiments, when determining whether to trigger preparation for access node reselection, the determination can use collected and / or processed sensor data.

[0160] An access node may transmit one or more notifications to SeMF regarding one or more triggering conditions that the accessed node has determined to be met. These notifications may include an indication that the tracking session is to be switched to another access node.

[0161] An access node can determine which neighboring access node should be selected to continue or switch the sensing process based on one or more triggering conditions.

[0162] The current (source) access node can transmit a sensing session request to one or more selected neighboring access nodes (target access nodes). The sensing session request may include one or more of the following: a description of the object; a mobility profile; the sensing configuration of the source access node; and triggering conditions for access node reselection.

[0163] Once the target access node successfully senses an object, it can send a notification or other signaling to the source access node to release its sensing process for the object. In some embodiments, alternatively or additionally, this signaling can be sent to SeMF.

[0164] An access node may transmit one or more of the following to another access node: measured sensing data; sensing configuration (e.g., resources selected based on time, frequency, etc., and / or selected beams, and / or the angle of departure of the transmitted signal and the angle of arrival of the received signal); access node configuration (e.g., location information, sensing capabilities); and / or descriptive information about the object.

[0165] The sensing data processing unit can transmit determined information about the object, such as its location information, to the SeMF. Optionally, sensing-related data can be provided.

[0166] In some embodiments, SBA (Service-Based Architecture) interaction can be used between SeMF and RAN nodes. SBA-based interaction between RAN nodes and SeMF avoids signaling passing through entities such as AMF.

[0167] Exchanges between RAN nodes and SeMF can be made via SBI (Service-Based Interface) and / or via AMF through interface N2.

[0168] Exchanges between RAN nodes can be made via the Xn interface, via the AMF, and / or via any other direct interface between RAN nodes.

[0169] However, it should be understood that the signaling type and / or routing of the signaling between the SeMF and the RAN node may depend on the network in which the corresponding embodiment is implemented.

[0170] An object description can identify one or more conditions used to trigger a switching of the sensing process. The object description can also identify an entity that determines the tracking process to be switched.

[0171] Object descriptions can be provided by the sensing service client, retrieved from an internal repository (e.g., UDM / UDR (Unified Data Repository)) or an external repository (which may not be managed by a PLMN (Public Land Mobile Network)).

[0172] This object can be described as follows: - In terms of characteristics such as object type, object size, object shape (e.g., geometry that can be a square, triangle, circle, rectangle, or any other suitable shape, object outline, object outer boundary, and / or object outer surface), object material, object rate / velocity, object dimensions, etc.; and / or - Use sensing data information, such as the object's channel state information and / or the object's radar cross section (RCS).

[0173] refer to Figure 5a and Figure 5b , Figure 5a and Figure 5b An example is shown where the triggering and management of the switching of object tracking or sensing from one access node to another is controlled by the access node.

[0174] As shown in Figure 1, a sensing service client (e.g., AF) sends a sensing service request to the 5GC. The sensing service request can be a one-time request or a subscription to the sensing service for event-based periodic notifications or event-based notifications.

[0175] An example of a sensing service request will be discussed later.

[0176] As shown in Figure 2, SeMF can determine the mobility profile of the object to be tracked based on a sensing service request. This mobility profile can be used to determine the configuration of the sensing / tracking process and / or the allocation of sensing resources.

[0177] As shown in Figure 3, SeMF determines or defines a tracking area. SeMF may optionally determine or define the current location of the object. The tracking area or sensing area may be determined or defined based on one or more of the object's current location, its determined mobility profile, and / or its predicted mobility profile. The tracking area may be used to identify access nodes involved in sensing and / or tracking the object. Tracking area determination may be a continuous and / or periodic process, unless, for example, SeMF has prior knowledge of the direction, rate, and / or path of movement.

[0178] As shown in Figure 4, SeMF uses input from the sensing client, the mobility profile of the object to be tracked, and / or the tracking area to select one or more access nodes that should be involved in the tracking of the object. In this example, the selected access nodes are base stations BS1, BS2, and BS3.

[0179] As shown in Figure 5, SeMF determines the tracking or sensing configuration (e.g., frequency of use, duration, etc.) based on the type of object. SeMF identifies or determines trigger conditions that should be checked to determine changes in access nodes involved in triggering sensing and switching of the sensing session to one or more other access nodes. Trigger conditions may include one or more of the previously discussed trigger conditions. Alternatively, SeMF identifies or determines conditions that should be checked to determine whether to select one or more different access nodes or add one or more different access nodes. These conditions may be the trigger conditions discussed previously.

[0180] Triggering conditions can be provided for each access node selected in the process section shown in Figure 4 for SeMF. Different triggering conditions can be associated with different access nodes if needed.

[0181] In some embodiments, SeMF may optionally provide one of the access nodes (e.g., BS1) with triggering conditions for sensing one or more other nodes (e.g., BS2) that may be needed to detect the object, based on the object's mobility profile.

[0182] As shown in Figure 6, SeMF transmits or provides a tracking session request to BS1. The tracking session request includes one or more of the following: information about the object description; information about the object's mobility profile; the object's current location (if known); the determined tracking or sensing configuration for tracking; and / or triggering conditions for access node reselection.

[0183] As shown in Figure 7, BS1 allocates resources according to the received tracking configuration and transmits sensing signals for sensing objects.

[0184] As shown in Figure 8, BS1 senses and collects sensing data.

[0185] As shown by reference numeral 9 in the attached figure, optionally, BS1 uses the description of the received object and any collected sensing data to determine whether the object is detected and / or tracked. If the object cannot be sensed, found, or detected, BS1 may notify SeMF. BS1 may provide an indication of objects that cannot be tracked or sensed, and optionally provide any sensing data that has been collected.

[0186] As indicated by reference numeral 10 in the accompanying drawings, if the object cannot be sensed or detected, SeMF can update the tracking configuration and repeat one or more of the process sections shown by reference numerals 2 to 5. Alternatively, SeMF can terminate the tracking process and provide a notification response to the sensing service client indicating that the tracking process has been terminated.

[0187] As shown by reference numeral 11 in the attached figure, after sensing and collecting sensing data in the process described in reference numeral 8 (assuming an object is being sensed), BS1 transmits the collected sensing data to the sensing data processing unit. BS1 may transmit the collected sensing data to the sensing data processing unit periodically or once. The sensing data may be based on measured or received sensing signals. The sensing data processing unit may be a separate network function, part of BS1, part of a sensing client, part of an external entity (e.g., AF), and / or part of SeMF.

[0188] As shown in Figure 12, the sensing data processing unit can use sensing data received from the access node to determine whether a target object has been detected and / or tracked, based on the object description and the received sensing data. The sensing data processing unit can also use additional sensing data from other sources (e.g., other access nodes). This allows the sensing data processing unit to achieve higher sensing QoS (Quality of Service), such as object accuracy or reliability.

[0189] As shown in reference numeral 13, BS1 can monitor or collect conditions that trigger access node reselection. These conditions are triggering conditions received from SeMF. BS1 can determine whether to trigger access node reselection preparation. This determination can be based on the monitored or collected conditions that trigger access node reselection, and optionally on the collected and / or processed sensing data. If BS1 does not determine whether to trigger access node reselection preparation, the process can return to the process section shown in reference numeral 7.

[0190] As shown in Figure 14, if the triggering condition is met, BS1 determines which neighboring access node will continue the ongoing tracing session. BS1 thus determines the access node to which the tracing session will be switched. In this example, the determined access node is BS2.

[0191] The so-called source access node (BS1) can select neighboring target access nodes by, for example, by: a) identifying neighboring access nodes (e.g., access nodes with an Xn connection to BS1 or access nodes identified using Operation and Management (OAM) knowledge); and / or b) identifying one or more access nodes covering the area to which the object is about to be moved.

[0192] As shown in Figure 15, BS1 transmits a tracking session handover request to the selected (multiple) neighboring access nodes. The tracking session handover request includes one or more of the following: information about the object's description; information about the object's mobility profile; the object's current location (if known); a determined sensing configuration of BS1 (the source access node); a determined processing configuration of BS1; and / or triggering conditions for access node reselection.

[0193] As shown in Figure 16, the target access node BS2 verifies and configures its own tracking process based on the configuration received from the source access node BS1.

[0194] Optionally, the target access node BS2 may send a response to the source access node BS1, which indicates whether it accepts or rejects (e.g., with a reason or cause for rejection) the tracking session request.

[0195] As shown in reference numeral 17, BS2 allocates resources according to the configuration determined in the process section of reference numeral 16 and transmits sensing signals for sensing objects.

[0196] As shown by reference numeral 18 in the attached figure, the BS2 senses and collects sensing data. This data can be provided to a sensing data processing unit (not shown) for processing.

[0197] Parts of the process shown in reference numerals 8 to 14, which is performed by the source access node BS1, can be performed at the target access node BS2.

[0198] Updates to the tracking session configuration can be provided by SeMF.

[0199] As shown in reference numeral 19 in the attached figure, BS1 can initiate a decision notification (SeMF) to switch the tracking session to another access node or select another access node. BS1 can provide the tracking session ID, the source access node BS1, and the target access node BS2 in this notification. For BS1, the procedure can return to the procedure section shown in reference numeral 7.

[0200] Alternatively or additionally, the target access node BS2 can provide SeMF with notification of the tracking session switch.

[0201] As shown in Figure 20, SeMF can determine the updated tracking configuration and provide it to BS2. It can also provide updated triggering conditions for triggering access node reselection.

[0202] As shown in Figure 21, when the tracking session has been switched to the target access node BS2, the management of the tracking session is released at the source access node BS1.

[0203] Optionally, the SeMF may transmit a request to the sensing data processing unit (e.g., if the sensing data processing unit is a dedicated entity) to process data used for tracking the object. This request may include a description of the object, which can be used with the collected and processed sensing data to successfully track the object. The sensing data processing unit may transmit information about the object to the SeMF, including its location information. Optionally, sensing-related data may be provided.

[0204] SeMF can provide sensing service clients with sensing service responses that include information about objects (e.g., location information).

[0205] refer to Figure 6 , Figure 6 The process of preparing a sensing session at the target RAN node (target BS) and releasing a sensing session from the source RAN node (source BS) is illustrated.

[0206] To provide continuity of sensing, during handover from one RAN node (e.g., BS) to another RAN node, Figure 6 The process shown ensures that the target RAN node (i.e., Figure 6 The BS (target) shown has successfully detected the object. The target RAN can use data from the source RAN node (i.e., Figure 6 The information shown is from the BS (source).

[0207] As shown in Figure 1, the source RAN node sends a sensing session handover request to the target RAN node. The sensing session handover request includes one or more of the following: sensing session ID; description of the object; location of the object; trajectory and / or path of the object; sensing configuration that the source RAN node has successfully used to sense the object; and processing configuration that the source RAN node has successfully used to sense the object.

[0208] In an alternative embodiment, a sensing session switching request can be received from SeMF.

[0209] As shown in Figure 2, both the source RAN node and the target RAN node can perform sensing during the handover of a tracking session. The source and target RAN nodes can exchange one or more of the following: sensing data; sensing configuration; and a description of the object. Sensing data may include measured sensing data. Sensing configuration may include, for example, selected resources and / or selected beams in terms of time, frequency, etc. RAN nodes can exchange information about their respective locations. The description of the object may include location information and any other characteristics of the object.

[0210] As shown in Figure 3, the target RAN node can send a tracking session switching response. This response may include one or more of the following: a sensing session ID; an object description; and an indication that the source RAN node can release its sensing process for that object. The source RAN node then releases its sensing process for that object. The tracking session switching response can be triggered once the target RAN node successfully tracks the object.

[0211] Alternatively, the source RAN node can be triggered to release the sensing process for the target object based on a notification from SeMF. This notification can be triggered once the target RAN node has successfully sensed the object. The notification can be triggered by either processing sensing data received by at least the target RAN node at the sensing data processing unit, or by a notification from the target RAN node that the object has been successfully tracked.

[0212] In some embodiments, if it is determined that the target RAN node's sensing of the object is superior to that of the source RAN node, the SeMF can send a notification to release the source RAN node's sensing. The SeMF (or the sensing data processing unit) can receive sensing data from both the source RAN node and the target RAN node to determine the quality of each sensing process.

[0213] Alternatively, the release of the sensing process of the object by the source RAN node can be triggered based on the expiration of a release timer, which is set when the handover / transfer of the tracking process from the source RAN node is initiated. This timer can be pre-configured at the RAN node or provided by the PCF or SeMF.

[0214] It should be understood that, regarding Figure 6 The described process can be applied to Figure 5a and Figure 5b The process.

[0215] refer to Figure 7a and 7b It illustrates an example of the triggering and management of the switching of object tracking or sensing from one access node to another, coordinated by the access node and SeMF.

[0216] Parts of the process shown by reference numerals 1 to 12 in the attached figures are related to Figure 5a and Figure 5b The process sections shown by reference numerals 1 to 12 in the accompanying drawings are described in the same way.

[0217] As shown by reference numeral 13 in the accompanying drawings, BS1 can monitor or collect conditions that trigger access node reselection. These conditions are trigger conditions received from the SeMF. BS1 can determine whether to trigger access node reselection preparation based on the monitored or collected conditions that trigger access node reselection, and optionally based on the collected and / or processed sensing data. For BS1, this process can return to the process section shown by reference numeral 7 in the accompanying drawings. In this embodiment, one or more trigger conditions are met, and BS1 notifies the SeMF. This notification may include one or more of the following: a tracking session identifier, an object description, at least one triggered condition that has been met, BS1's sensing configuration, and / or BS1's processing configuration.

[0218] As shown in Figure 14, based on / in response to a notification from BS1, SeMF determines the neighboring access node to which the tracking session will be switched. In this example, the determined access node is BS2.

[0219] As shown in Figure 15, SeMF can optionally determine the updated tracking configuration of the target access node BS2. SeMF can determine the updated triggering conditions used to trigger access node reselection.

[0220] As shown in Figure 16, the SeMF node transmits a tracking session handover request to the selected neighboring access node (BS2). This tracking session handover request includes one or more of the following: information about the object description; information about the object's mobility profile (e.g., the object's trajectory and / or path); the object's current location (if known); the sensing configuration of the determined BS1 (source access node); the processing configuration of the determined BS1; and / or triggering conditions for access node reselection.

[0221] As shown in Figure 17, the target access node BS2 verifies and configures its own tracking process based on the configuration received from SeMF.

[0222] The target access node BS2 can send a response to SeMF indicating its acceptance or rejection of a tracking session request (e.g., with a reason or cause for rejection).

[0223] The process portions and combinations shown in the attached figures 18, 19, and 20 Figure 5a and Figure 5b The process portions shown by reference numerals 17, 18, and 21 in the accompanying drawings are identical.

[0224] It should be understood that, regarding Figure 6 The described process can be applied to Figure 7a and Figure 7b The process.

[0225] refer to Figure 8a and 8b It illustrates an example of the triggering and management of a handover from one access node to another, coordinated by SeMF objects.

[0226] The process portions and combinations shown in Figures 1 to 5 Figure 5a and Figure 5b The process portions shown in the accompanying drawings 1 to 5 are identical.

[0227] As shown in Figure 6, SeMF transmits a tracking session request to BS1. This tracking session request includes one or more of the following: information about the object description; information about the object's mobility profile; the object's current location (if known); the determined sensing configuration for sensing; and / or the triggering conditions for access node reselection.

[0228] As shown in Figure 7, the SeMF transmits a request to the sensing data processing unit for processing data used to track the object. This request may include an object description, which can be used together with the collected and / or processed sensing data to successfully track the object. This request can be... Figure 5a and Figure 5b or Figure 7a and Figure 7b Provided during the process.

[0229] As shown in Figure 8, BS1 transmits sensing signals for tracking the object. BS1 allocates resources based on the received tracking configuration.

[0230] As shown in Figure 9, BS1 senses and collects sensing data.

[0231] As shown in Figure 10, BS1 transmits the collected sensing data to the sensing data processing unit. BS1 can transmit the collected sensing data to the sensing data processing unit periodically or once. The sensing data can be based on measured or received sensing signals.

[0232] As shown by reference numeral 11 in the attached figure, the sensing data processing unit uses the received object description and any collected sensing data to determine whether the object has been detected and / or tracked. The sensing data processing unit may use additional sensing data from other sources (e.g., other access nodes). This allows the sensing data processing unit to achieve higher sensing QoS (Quality of Service), for example, improving the accuracy or reliability of object sensing.

[0233] As shown by reference numeral 12 in the attached figure, the sensing data processing unit transmits information about the object, such as its location information, to the SeMF. Optionally, sensing-related data may be provided.

[0234] As shown in Figure 13, SeMF can provide sensing service responses to sensing clients once or periodically. The sensing service response may include information about the object, such as location information.

[0235] As shown in Figure 14, SeMF determines whether to trigger access node reselection preparation based on the determined triggering conditions. For example, SeMF checks whether the location of the object (provided by the sensing data processing unit) is close to the sensing range of the current BS (BS1), and SeMF initiates a process to switch the tracking process to another access node BS2. Alternatively or additionally, SeMF may use other information and / or triggering conditions. Triggering conditions may be as described above.

[0236] As shown in Figure 15, SeMF determines which neighboring access node will continue the ongoing tracing session. SeMF then determines the access node to which the tracing session will be switched. In this example, the determined access node is BS2.

[0237] As shown in Figure 16, SeMF can optionally update the object's mobility profile based on the object's updated location information. Alternatively or additionally, SeMF can determine the tracking configuration for updates to the target access node BS2, and alternatively or additionally, SeMF can determine the conditions for triggering updates to BS reselection.

[0238] As shown in Figure 17, the SeMF node transmits a tracking session request to the selected neighboring access node (BS2). This tracking session request includes one or more of the following: information about the object description; information about the object's mobility profile; the object's current location (if known); the determined sensing configuration for BS2 sensing; and / or triggering conditions for access node reselection.

[0239] The process portions and combinations shown by reference numerals 18, 19, 20, and 22 in the attached figures Figure 5a and Figure 5b The process portions shown by reference numerals 16, 17, 18, and 21 in the accompanying drawings are identical.

[0240] As shown in Figure 21, the target access node BS2 transmits the collected sensing data to the sensing data processing unit. BS2 can transmit the collected sensing data to the sensing data processing unit periodically or once. The sensing data can be based on measured or received sensing signals.

[0241] SeMF can maintain both the source and target access nodes configured to perform sensing operations simultaneously for a certain duration. During this period, both the source and target access nodes (e.g., BS1 and BS2) transmit measured / received sensing signals and report them to the sensing data processing unit. When the quality of the sensing measurements from the target access node (e.g., BS2) becomes superior to the quality of the sensing measurements from the source access node, SeMF can release the sensing service at the source access node (e.g., BS1).

[0242] The Sensing Data Processing Unit (SeMF) can provide trigger conditions to the Sensing Data Processing Unit (STM), which can be applied to the received sensing data. Based on the processing results of the STM, the STM transmits a notification to the SeMF regarding the occurrence of one or more trigger conditions that may trigger Access Node Reselection Preparation. Based on this notification, the SeMF can ultimately decide whether to trigger Access Node Reselection Preparation and which access node to select to continue the sensing process.

[0243] It should be understood that, regarding Figure 6 The described process can be applied to Figure 8a and 8b The process.

[0244] In an alternative embodiment, the SeMF can receive sensing request messages from the AMF, GMLC (Gateway Mobility Center), or another NF.

[0245] As mentioned before, SeMF can be a dedicated network function, can be incorporated into another network function, or can be distributed across multiple different entities.

[0246] SeMF can include a service-based interface. SeMF can communicate with sensing service clients via the service-based interface and can receive different types of sensing service requests from sensing service clients.

[0247] Examples of measurement information include one or more received or arrived signals. Received signals can be characterized by one or more of the following: received power, delay, departure angle, angle of arrival, Doppler shift, etc.

[0248] The following describes some embodiments of sensing service requests. A sensing service request may include one or more information elements. The information elements provided in a given sensing service request depend on the requested sensing scenario and / or application. The information elements may indicate one or more attributes of the sensing service.

[0249] A sensing service request may include attributes that indicate the type of sensing service.

[0250] As examples only, sensing service types may include one or more of the following: object detection; object tracking; motion detection; intruder detection in the home; intruder detection on roads; intruder detection on railways; intruder detection in outdoor environments; drone trajectory tracking; drone collision avoidance; drone intruder detection; human trajectory tracking; collision avoidance on roads (e.g., at intersections or road junctions); collision avoidance on smart grids; parking space determination; blind spot detection of vehicles; detection of objects around vehicles; detection and / or tracking of autonomous guided vehicles, such as in factories; collision avoidance of autonomous mobile robots, such as in factories; environmental monitoring (e.g., pollution levels, soil moisture levels); weather monitoring (e.g., rainfall levels, flood levels); health monitoring (e.g., fall detection, sleep monitoring); and gesture identification.

[0251] In some embodiments, defining the attributes of a sensing service can provide SeMF with sufficient information to ensure that the requested sensing service is provided. For example, SeMF stores one or more attributes for a given service type. In some embodiments, one or more additional attributes may be provided to control the sensing service provided.

[0252] In some embodiments, one or more attributes related to the sensed location may be provided in the sensing service request. The one or more attributes may define the sensed path and / or geographic location.

[0253] In some embodiments, a sensing service request may include one or more attributes related to a sensing period. These attributes may indicate one or more of the duration of the sensing operation and the time at which the sensing was performed. Alternatively or additionally, these attributes may indicate the time when sensing information is required.

[0254] In some embodiments, a sensing service request may include one or more attributes indicating the location where the sensing output is to be provided, the type of sensing information required, and / or whether processing is required. If processing is required, the one or more attributes may indicate the processing to be applied to the data and / or one or more entities to which the processing is to be applied.

[0255] A sensing request can define or specify the object to be sensed.

[0256] A sensing request can provide an identifier of the object to be sensed.

[0257] A sensing request can provide a description of the object to be sensed.

[0258] A sensing request can provide the location of the object to be sensed.

[0259] For example, a sensing request can define an object type.

[0260] A sensing request can define the object size. The object size can be defined by a range.

[0261] A sensing request can define the object shape. In other words, it defines the shape of the object to be sensed. The object shape can be defined as a geometric shape. For example, the geometry can be a square, triangle, circle, rectangle, or any other suitable shape. The object shape can be defined by one or more of the object's form, object outline, object outer boundary, and / or object outer surface. A sensing request can define the object material.

[0262] A sensing request can define the mobility of one or more objects. For example, one or more attributes can define the desired mobility profile and / or velocity threshold of the objects to be detected.

[0263] refer to Figure 9 , Figure 9 Methods according to some embodiments are shown.

[0264] This method can be performed by a device. The device can be a network function (device). The device can be or include a sense management function. For example, the device can be configured to provide / perform or include components for performing at least some of the functions of the sense management function.

[0265] The apparatus may include suitable components, such as a circuit system, for providing the method.

[0266] Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to provide at least the following methods.

[0267] Alternative or additional sites, the apparatus may be as described in relation to Figure 2 The apparatus under discussion.

[0268] This method can be provided by computer program code or computer executable instructions.

[0269] The method may include, as indicated by reference numeral A1 in the accompanying drawing, determining one or more conditions for triggering a switch of sensing of an object from a first access node to a second access node.

[0270] The method may include, as indicated by reference numeral A2 in the accompanying drawings, providing a first access node with information about the object to be sensed, the information indicating one or more of one or more conditions, the one or more conditions being used to trigger a switch of sensing of the object from the first access node to a second access node.

[0271] It should be understood that Figure 9 The methods outlined herein can be modified to include any previously described features.

[0272] refer to Figure 10 , Figure 10 Methods according to some embodiments are shown.

[0273] This method can be executed by a device. The device can be an access node.

[0274] The apparatus may include suitable components, such as a circuit system, for providing the method.

[0275] Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to provide at least the following methods.

[0276] Alternative or additional sites, the apparatus may be as described in relation to Figure 2 The apparatus under discussion.

[0277] This method can be provided by computer program code or computer executable instructions.

[0278] The method may include, as indicated by reference numeral B1 in the figure, receiving information about the object to be sensed, the information indicating one or more conditions for triggering a switch of sensing of the object from a first access node to a second access node.

[0279] The method may include, as shown by reference numeral B2 in the attached figure, determining when one or more of the conditions have been met.

[0280] It should be understood that Figure 10 The methods outlined herein can be modified to include any previously described features.

[0281] refer to Figure 11 , Figure 11 Methods according to some embodiments are shown.

[0282] This method can be executed by a device. The device can be an access node.

[0283] The apparatus may include suitable components, such as a circuit system, for providing the method.

[0284] Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to provide at least the following methods.

[0285] Alternative or additional sites, the apparatus may be as described in relation to Figure 2 The apparatus under discussion.

[0286] This method can be provided by computer program code or computer executable instructions.

[0287] The method may include a sensing object, as indicated by reference numeral C1 in the accompanying drawings.

[0288] The method may include, as indicated by reference numeral C2 in the accompanying drawing, sending a request to switch the sensing of the object to a second access node.

[0289] The method may include, as indicated by reference numeral C3 in the accompanying drawings, exchanging object-related sensing data with a second access node.

[0290] The method may include, as shown by reference numeral C4 in the attached figure, receiving a response to a request when the second access node is able to sense the object.

[0291] It should be understood that Figure 11 The methods outlined herein can be modified to include any previously described features.

[0292] refer to Figure 12 , Figure 12 Methods according to some embodiments are shown.

[0293] This method can be executed by a device. The device can be a network function device. The device can be a sensing management function.

[0294] The apparatus may include suitable components, such as a circuit system, for providing the method.

[0295] Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to provide at least the following methods.

[0296] Alternative or additional sites, the apparatus may be as described in relation to Figure 2 The apparatus under discussion.

[0297] This method can be provided by computer program code or computer executable instructions.

[0298] The method may include, as indicated by reference numeral D1, determining one or more conditions for triggering a switch of object sensing from a first access node to a second access node. The method may also include, as indicated by reference numeral D2, receiving information from the first access node regarding one or more of the one or more conditions for triggering a switch of object sensing from the first access node to the second access node.

[0299] The method may include, as indicated by reference numeral D3 in the attached figure, determining that the sensing of the object will switch from the first access node to the second access node.

[0300] The method may include, as shown by reference numeral D4 in the attached figure, sending a handover message indicating that the sensing of the object will be switched to a second access node.

[0301] It should be understood that Figure 12 The methods outlined herein can be modified to include any previously described features.

[0302] Computer program code can be downloaded and stored in one or more memories of the apparatus described herein.

[0303] Therefore, although certain embodiments have been described above by way of example with reference to certain example architectures, technologies and standards of communication systems operated by mobile network operators, the embodiments can be applied to any other suitable form of communication system other than those shown and described herein.

[0304] As used herein, “at least one of the following: ”, “at least one of ”, and similar wording, when the list of two or more elements is connected by “and” or “or”, means at least any one element, at least any two or more elements, or at least all elements.

[0305] Generally, various embodiments can be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuitry, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects of this disclosure can be implemented in hardware, while others can be implemented in firmware or software that can be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. Although various aspects of this disclosure may be shown and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or using some other graphical representation, it should be understood that, as non-limiting examples, these blocks, apparatuses, systems, techniques, or methods described herein can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuitry or logic, general-purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0306] As used in this application, the term "circuit system" may refer to one or more of the following: (a) Hardware circuit implementation only (such as implementation in analog and / or digital circuits only) and (b) A combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (if applicable): (i) A combination of (multiple) analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware, and (ii) Any part of the (multiple) hardware processors (including (multiple) digital signal processors), software, and (multiple) memories, which work together to enable a device (such as a mobile phone or server) to perform various functions and (c) (Multiple) hardware circuits and / or (multiple) processors, such as (multiple) microprocessors or a portion thereof, which require software (e.g. firmware) to operate, but may not exist when the software is not required to operate.

[0307] The definition of "circuit system" applies to all uses of the term in this application, including any claim. As yet another example, as used in this application, the term "circuit system" also covers implementations of hardware circuitry or processors (or processors) or hardware circuitry or processors and their accompanying software and / or firmware. The term "circuit system" also covers, for example (and if applicable to a particular claim element), integrated circuits (such as baseband integrated circuits or processor integrated circuits) used in mobile devices or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular network devices, or other computing or networking devices.

[0308] Embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented by computer software executable by a mobile device's data processor (e.g., in a processor entity), or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. Computer software or programs (also referred to as program products, including software routines, applets, and / or macros) can be stored in any device-readable data storage medium, and they include program instructions for performing specific tasks. A computer program product may include one or more computer-executable components configured to execute embodiments during program runtime. The one or more computer-executable components may be at least one piece of software code or a portion thereof.

[0309] Furthermore, it should be noted in this regard that any block in the logical flow diagram may represent a program step, interconnected logic circuits, blocks and functions, or a combination of program steps and logic circuits, blocks and functions. Software may be stored on physical media such as memory chips or memory blocks implemented within a processor, magnetic media such as hard disks or floppy disks, and optical media such as DVDs and their data variants, CDs, etc. The physical media are non-transitory media.

[0310] As used herein, the term “non-transient” refers to a limitation on the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not signaling), rather than a limitation on the persistence of data storage (e.g., RAM vs. ROM).

[0311] The memory can be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and can be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and removable memory. As a non-limiting example, the data processor can be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and can include one or more of general-purpose computers, special-purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), FPGAs, gate-level circuits, and processors based on multi-core processor architectures.

[0312] Embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented in various components such as integrated circuit modules. The design of integrated circuits is largely a highly automated process. Complex and powerful software tools can be used to transform logic-level designs into semiconductor circuit designs ready for etching and formation on semiconductor substrates.

[0313] The foregoing description provides a complete and detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure by way of non-limiting example. However, various modifications and adjustments may become apparent to those skilled in the art when the foregoing description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and appended claims. In fact, other embodiments exist, including combinations of one or more embodiments with any other embodiments discussed above. The scope of protection sought for some embodiments of the present disclosure is set forth in the claims. Embodiments and features (if any) described in this specification that do not fall within the scope of the claims should be interpreted as examples that aid in understanding the various embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be noted that different claims with different scopes of protection may be sought in related applications such as divisional applications or continuation applications.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising: A component for determining one or more conditions, which are used to trigger a switch of sensing of an object from a first access node to a second access node; as well as Components for providing information to the first access node about the object to be sensed, the information indicating one or more of the one or more conditions for triggering a switch of the sensing of the object from the first access node to the second access node.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the information is provided to the first access node in a request for a session for sensing the object or in an update to a request for a session for sensing the object.

3. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a component for receiving information indicating that the sensing of the object has been switched to the second access node.

4. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the information indicating that the sensing of the object has been switched to the second access node is received from at least one of the first access node and the second access node.

5. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a component for: sending a request to the second access node to sense the object when one or more of the conditions for triggering a switch of sensing of the object from the first access node to the second node have been met.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a component for sending information to the second access node, the information indicating one or more of the conditions for triggering the switching of sensing of the object to a third access node.

7. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a component for receiving information from the first access node, the information indicating that one or more of the conditions for triggering a switch of the sensing of the object from the first access node to a second node have been met.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a component for selecting a second node using the information, the information indicating that one or more of the conditions for triggering a switch of the sensing of the object from the first access node to the second node have been met.

9. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein when the object is sensed, the object does not communicate with the first access node or the second access node.

10. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more conditions for triggering the switching of the sensing of the object from the first access node to the second access node include one or more of the following: One or more thresholds for the received power of the received sensing signal associated with the object; One or more thresholds for the Doppler frequency shift associated with the object; One or more conditions related to the sensing false detection rate of the object; One or more false alarm thresholds; One or more tracking delay thresholds; The location information of the object; Location information relative to the cell boundaries associated with each access node; One or more features of the object, the one or more features being based on processing of sensing data associated with the object; One or more conditions for movement speed and direction of movement associated with the object; and / or One or more velocity conditions associated with the object.

11. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising components for providing one or more of the following to the first access node or the second access node: a description of the object; an identifier of the object; a mobility profile of the object; current location information of the object; a time period associated with sensing the object; a sensing configuration; and a sensing quality of service.

12. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising components for determining one or more of the following: The mobility profile of the object; the sensing area associated with the sensing of the object; and the sensing configuration for sensing the object, to be provided to one or more access nodes.

13. A first access node device, comprising: A component for receiving information about an object to be sensed, the information indicating one or more conditions for triggering a switch of sensing of the object from the first access node to the second access node; as well as A component used to determine when one or more of the one or more conditions have been met.

14. The first access node of claim 13, wherein the information is received in a request for a session for sensing the object or in an update to a request for a session for sensing the object.

15. The first access node according to claim 13 or 14, comprising a component for: sending a request for a session to sense the object to the second access node when one or more of the one or more conditions have been met.

16. The first access node of claim 15, wherein the request for the session includes one or more of the following: a description of the object; mobility information about the object; the location of the object; sensing configuration information of the first access node; processing configuration information of the first access node; and / or one or more conditions for triggering a switch of sensing of the object to another access node.

17. The first access node according to any one of claims 13 to 16, comprising components for providing sensing data associated with the object to the second access node; and / or components for receiving sensing data associated with the object from the second access node.

18. The first access node of claim 17 when dependent on claim 15 or 16, comprising: When the second access node is able to sense the object, it receives a response to a request for a session for sensing the object, the request for a session for sensing the object being sent to the second access node.

19. The first access node according to any one of claims 13 to 18, comprising means for sending information to a network entity, the information indicating that the sensing of the object has been switched to the second access node.

20. The first access node according to any one of claims 13 to 19, comprising means for sending information to a network entity, the information relating to one or more conditions for triggering a switch of the sensing of the object to the second access node having been met.

21. The first access node according to any one of claims 13 to 20, wherein the object does not communicate with the first access node when it lacks active communication capabilities.

22. The first access node according to any one of claims 13 to 21, wherein the one or more conditions for switching the sensing of the object from the first access node to the second access node include one or more of the following: One or more thresholds for the received power of the received sensing signal associated with the object; One or more thresholds for the Doppler frequency shift associated with the object; One or more conditions related to the sensing false detection rate of the object; One or more false alarm thresholds; One or more tracking delay thresholds; The location information of the object; Location information relative to the cell boundaries associated with each access node; One or more features of the object, the one or more features being based on processing of sensing data associated with the object; One or more conditions for movement speed and direction of movement associated with the object; and / or One or more velocity conditions associated with the object.

23. The first access node according to any one of claims 13 to 22, comprising components for: receiving one or more of the following: a description of the object; an identifier of the object; a mobility profile of the object; current location information of the object; a time period associated with tracking the object; a sensing configuration; and a sensing quality of service.

24. A method comprising: One or more conditions are determined, which are used to trigger a switch of object sensing from a first access node to a second access node; as well as The first access node is provided with information about the object to be sensed, the information indicating one or more of the one or more conditions that trigger a switch of the sensing of the object from the first access node to the second access node.

25. A method comprising: Receive information about the object to be sensed, the information indicating one or more conditions for triggering a switch of sensing of the object from a first access node to a second access node; as well as Determine when one or more of the conditions have been met.

26. A computer program comprising computer-executable code, said computer-executable code causing any of the methods of claim 24 or 25 to be performed when executed.

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