Apparatus, method and computer program

Abstract

An apparatus is provided that includes receiving, from a network device of a network, an indication in a system information block that a sensing session is ongoing at the network, and based on the received indication, providing another indication to an application layer of the apparatus that the sensing session is ongoing at the network.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a method, apparatus, system, and computer program, and specifically, but not exclusively, to sensing service notifications for surveillance and privacy. Background Technology

[0002] A communication system can be viewed as a facility that enables a communication session between two or more entities (such as user terminals, base stations, and / or other nodes) by providing carrier waves between various entities involved in the communication path. A communication system can be provided, for example, by means of a communication network and one or more compatible communication devices. A communication session can include, for example, communication of data carrying communications such as voice, video, email, text messages, multimedia, and / or content data. Non-limiting examples of the services provided include two-way or multiplexed calls, data communication or multimedia services, and access to data network systems such as the Internet.

[0003] In wireless communication systems, at least a portion of a communication session between at least two stations occurs over a wireless link. Examples of wireless systems include Public Land Mobile Networks (PLMNs), satellite-based communication systems, and various wireless local area networks (WLANs). Some wireless systems can be divided into cells and are therefore often referred to as cellular systems.

[0004] Users can access the communication system using appropriate communication equipment or terminals. A user's communication equipment may be referred to as user equipment (UE) or user facilities. The communication equipment is equipped with appropriate signal receiving and transmission means for enabling communication, such as access to a communication network or direct communication with other users. The communication equipment can access a carrier provided by a station (e.g., a base station in a cell) and transmit and / or receive communication on that carrier.

[0005] Communication systems and associated equipment typically operate according to a given standard or specification that outlines what the various entities associated with the system are allowed to do and how they should be implemented. The communication protocols and / or parameters used for connectivity are also usually defined. One example of a communication system is the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN) (3G radio). Other examples of communication systems include the Long Term Evolution (LTE) of UMTS radio access technology and so-called 5G or New Radio (NR) networks. NR is being standardized by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). Other examples of communication systems include 5G-Advanced (NR version 18 and above) and 6G. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In a first aspect, a method is provided, comprising: receiving from a network device of a network an indication in a system information block that a sensing session is taking place on the network; and, based on the received indication, providing to an application layer of the device another indication that the sensing session is taking place on the network.

[0007] The method may include performing at least one of the following based on the received instruction: causing the device to generate a notification related to the received instruction, disconnecting from the network, selecting another network, stopping an ongoing sensing session at the device or an ongoing sensing session initiated by the device, providing updated sensing configuration parameters for an ongoing sensing session at the network, selecting or requesting a sensing service associated with the ongoing sensing session, providing a request to the network device to prevent an ongoing sensing session at the network from being executed on the device, or providing a request to the network to participate in an ongoing sensing session at the network or another sensing session.

[0008] This execution can also be based on user intervention in response to notifications.

[0009] Stopping an ongoing sensing session at the device or an ongoing sensing session initiated by the device may include stopping an ongoing session for a period of time or within a region.

[0010] The method can be performed at the vehicle / in the vehicle / on the vehicle / by the vehicle, and includes selecting alternative trajectories for the vehicle based on received instructions.

[0011] The received indications about the sensing session taking place at the network may include sensing session information.

[0012] The sensing session information may include at least one of the following: the geographic area of ​​the sensing session, the type of sensing session, sensing resolution information, sensing accuracy information, and sensing capability information.

[0013] This method can be executed at the user equipment / executed in the user equipment / executed on the user equipment / executed by the user equipment.

[0014] In a second aspect, a method is provided that includes providing an indication in a sensing information block about a sensing session taking place at a network to a user device.

[0015] Providing an indication that a sensing session is taking place at the network to a user equipment may include providing such an indication to the user equipment if at least one of the following is true: a sensing service is in progress, a sensing service is started, at least one sensing notification rule is satisfied, at least one sensing rule is satisfied, or a sensing notification request is received from a network entity.

[0016] This method can be executed at the network's radio access node / in the network's radio access node / on the network's radio access node / by the network's radio access node.

[0017] In a third aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising components for performing the following operations: receiving from a network device of a network an indication from a system information block that a sensing session is taking place on the network; and, based on the received indication, providing to an application layer of the apparatus another indication that a sensing session is taking place on the network.

[0018] The device may include components for performing at least one of the following based on a received instruction: causing the device to generate a notification related to the received instruction, disconnecting from the network, selecting another network, stopping an ongoing sensing session at the device or an ongoing sensing session initiated by the device, providing updated sensing configuration parameters for an ongoing sensing session at the network, selecting or requesting a sensing service associated with the ongoing sensing session, providing a request to the network device to prevent an ongoing sensing session at the network from being executed on the device, or providing a request to the network to participate in an ongoing sensing session at the network or another sensing session.

[0019] This execution can also be based on user intervention in response to notifications.

[0020] Stopping an ongoing sensing session at the device or an ongoing sensing session initiated by the device may include stopping an ongoing session for a period of time or within a region.

[0021] The device may include a vehicle and includes components for performing a selection of alternative trajectories for the vehicle based on received instructions.

[0022] The received indication that a sensing session is taking place at the network may include sensing session information.

[0023] The sensing session information may include at least one of the following: the geographic area of ​​the sensing session, the type of sensing session, sensing resolution information, sensing accuracy information, and sensing capability information.

[0024] The device may include user equipment.

[0025] In a fourth aspect, an apparatus is provided, including components for performing the following operations: providing an indication in a system information block regarding a sensing session being conducted at a network to a user device.

[0026] Providing an indication that a sensing session is taking place at the network to a user equipment may include providing such an indication to the user equipment if at least one of the following is true: a sensing service is in progress, a sensing service is started, at least one sensing notification rule is satisfied, at least one sensing rule is satisfied, or a sensing notification request is received from a network entity.

[0027] The device may include a radio access node for the network.

[0028] In a fifth aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least the method according to the first or second aspect.

[0029] In a sixth aspect, a computer-readable medium including instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform at least the method according to the first or second aspect.

[0030] In a seventh aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, including program instructions for causing a device to execute at least the method according to the first or second aspect.

[0031] Many different embodiments have been described above. It should be understood that other embodiments can be provided by any combination of two or more of the above embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Embodiments will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an example 5GS communication system is shown; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an example mobile communication device is shown; Figure 3 A schematic diagram of an example control device is shown; Figure 4 A flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment is shown; Figure 5 A flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment is shown; Figure 6 A flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment is shown; Figure 7 A flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment is shown; Figure 8 A flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Before explaining the examples in detail, refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 A brief explanation of some general principles of wireless communication systems and mobile communication devices is provided to help understand the underlying technology of the described examples.

[0034] Examples of suitable communication systems are the 5G or NR concepts. The network architecture in NR can be similar to that of advanced LTE. Base stations in an NR system can be referred to as next-generation node Bs (gNBs). Changes to the network architecture can depend on the need to support various radio technologies and more granular Quality of Service (QoS) support, as well as some on-demand requirements for QoS levels to support the user's Quality of Experience (QoE). Furthermore, network-aware services and applications, and service and application-aware networks, may bring about changes to the architecture. These involve Information Center Network (ICN) and User Center Content Delivery Network (UC-CDN) approaches. NR can use multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antennas, far more base stations or nodes than LTE (the so-called small cell concept), including macro sites cooperating with smaller stations, and may also employ various radio technologies to achieve better coverage and enhanced data rates.

[0035] Future networks can leverage Network Functions Virtualization (NFV), a network architecture concept that proposes virtualizing network node functions as "building blocks" or entities that can be operatively connected or linked together to provide services. Virtualized network functions (VNFs) can include one or more virtual machines running computer program code using standard or general-purpose type servers instead of custom hardware. Deployment can be based on cloud-native network functions (CNFs), where network functions comprise one or more pods. Cloud computing or data storage can also be utilized. In radio communications, this might mean that node operations will be performed, at least partially, within a server, host, or node operatively coupled to a remote radio head. Node operations can also be distributed across multiple servers, nodes, or hosts. It should also be understood that the functional division between core network operations and base station operations can differ from LTE, or even be absent altogether.

[0036] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a 5G system (5GS) 100 is shown. The 5GS may include a user equipment (UE) 102 (which may also be referred to as a communication device or terminal), a 5G radio access network (5GRAN) 104, a 5G core network (5GC) 106, one or more internal or external application functions (AF) 108, and one or more data networks (DN) 110.

[0037] The example 5G core network (CN) includes functional entities. 5GC 106 may include one or more Access and Mobility Management Functions (AMF) 112, one or more Session Management Functions (SMF) 114, Authentication Server Function (AUSF) 116, Unified Data Management (UDM) 118, one or more User Plane Functions (UPF) 120, Unified Data Repository (UDR) 122, and / or Network Exposure Function (NEF) 124. The UPF is controlled by the SMF (Session Management Function) that receives policies from the PCF (Policy Control Function).

[0038] The CN can connect to the UE via a radio access network (RAN) or via a fixed access function (N3IWF). The 5G RAN can include one or more gNodeB (gNB) distributed unit (DU) functions connected to one or more gNodeB (gNB) central unit (CU) functions. The RAN can include one or more access nodes.

[0039] The User Plane Function (UPF), known as the PDU Session Anchor (PSA), is responsible for forwarding frames back and forth between the DN and the tunnel established by the 5G-oriented UEs that exchange traffic with the DN.

[0040] Now refer to Figure 2 A more detailed description of possible mobile communication devices, Figure 2A schematic partial cross-sectional view of a communication device 200 is shown. Such a communication device is generally referred to as a user equipment (UE) or terminal. Suitable mobile communication devices can be provided by any device capable of transmitting and receiving radio signals (e.g., via communication components). Non-limiting examples include mobile stations (MS) or mobile devices (such as mobile phones or so-called smartphones), computers equipped with wireless interface cards or other wireless interface facilities (e.g., USB dongles), personal data assistants (PDAs) or tablet computers equipped with wireless communication capabilities, VoIP phones, portable computers, desktop computers, image capture terminal devices (such as digital cameras), gaming terminal devices, music storage and playback devices, in-vehicle wireless terminal devices, wireless endpoints, mobile stations, laptop embedded devices (LEEs), laptop devices (LMEs), smart devices, wireless customer premises equipment (CPEs), or any combination thereof. Mobile communication devices can provide, for example, data communication for carrying communications such as voice, email, text messages, multimedia, etc. Therefore, a variety of services can be provided to the user via the user's communication device. Non-limiting examples of these services include two-way or multiplexed calling, data communications or multimedia services, or simply access to data communications network systems such as the Internet. Broadcast or multicast data may also be provided to users. Non-limiting examples of content include downloads, television and radio programs, videos, advertisements, various alarms, and other information.

[0041] Mobile devices typically include at least one data processing entity 201, at least one memory 202, and other possible components 203 for software and hardware assistance in performing tasks designed to be performed, including controlling access to an access system and communication with other communication devices. The data processing, storage, and other related components may be located on appropriate circuit boards and / or chipsets. This feature is indicated by reference numeral 204. Users can control the operation of the mobile device using a suitable user interface (e.g., keypad 205, voice commands, touchscreen or touchpad, combinations thereof). A display 208, speaker, and microphone may also be provided. Furthermore, mobile communication devices may include appropriate connectors (wired or wireless) for connecting to other devices and / or for connecting external accessories (e.g., hands-free devices).

[0042] Mobile device 200 can receive signals via air or radio interface 207 through appropriate means for receiving, and can transmit signals via appropriate means for transmitting radio signals. Figure 2 In the diagram, the transceiver is schematically shown by block 206. The transceiver 206 can be provided, for example, by means of a radio section and an associated antenna arrangement. The antenna arrangement can be located inside or outside the mobile device.

[0043] Figure 3 An example of a control device 300 for a communication system is shown, which is coupled to and / or used to control a station accessing the system, such as a RAN node (e.g., a base station, eNB, or gNB), a relay node, or a core network node (such as an MME or Serving Gateway (S-GW) or Packet Data Network Gateway (P-GW)), or a core network function (such as an AMF / SMF), or a server or host. The method can be implemented in a single control device or across more than one control device. The control device can be integrated with or external to a node or module of the core network or RAN. In some embodiments, the base station includes a separate control device unit or module. In other embodiments, the control device can be another network element, such as a radio network controller or a spectrum controller. In some embodiments, each base station can have such a control device as well as control devices provided in the radio network controller. The control device 300 can be arranged to provide control over communications within the service area of ​​the system. The control device 300 includes at least one memory 301, at least one data processing unit 302, 303, and an input / output interface 304. The control device can be coupled to a receiver and transmitter of the base station via the interface. The receiver and / or transmitter can be implemented as a radio front end or a remote radio head.

[0044] Network sensing can be introduced in 6G and 5G advanced systems. Communication networks can provide sensing services to support a variety of use cases / applications. Use cases can occur in various geographic areas. Sensing services can involve sensing different types of information (e.g., vehicles, people, buildings, health characteristics, environmental characteristics, etc.). Some of these applications, use cases, geographic areas, and / or information types may be privacy-sensitive.

[0045] The goal of sensing services can be to gain awareness of the scene (or environment) surrounding the sensing device. Gaining awareness of the scene can involve detecting, locating, and tracking objects to form images and / or extracting features for identification / classification purposes. Sensing devices may have the capability to detect, locate, and track objects, form images, and / or extract features for identification / classification purposes.

[0046] Sensing services can be provided by a sensing session executed by the device based on configuration parameters such as, but not limited to, sensing area, sensing QoS, sensing object, sensing quality (e.g., accuracy or resolution), sensing type, and sensing timing (e.g., duration or periodicity). A sensing session may be referred to as a sensing process or sensing operation.

[0047] The integration of Sensing and Communication (ISAC) has been proposed. ISAC can help achieve both high data rate communication and high-resolution obstacle detection using the same hardware and spectrum resources. ISAC can increase sensing capabilities, improve sensing accuracy in scenarios or situations where traditional sensing technologies may perform poorly (e.g., non-line-of-sight (NLOS) conditions, requirements for high speed resolution, etc.), improve spectral efficiency by sharing communication and sensing spectrum, and / or reduce hardware costs by combining sensing and communication devices / hardware.

[0048] Different types of services and target vertical applications can benefit from the ISAC services that 5G or beyond 5G systems can provide.

[0049] Different use cases and corresponding technical requirements for leveraging 5G-based sensing services have been described. Example use cases include intrusion detection (e.g., intruder detection in smart homes, pedestrian / animal intrusion detection on highways), supporting autonomous driving (e.g., sensing-assisted vehicle handling and navigation, sensing-based parking space determination, etc.), supporting unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flight (e.g., UAV flight trajectory tracking, network-assisted sensing to avoid UAV collisions), supporting 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., rain, pollution, floods), health monitoring (e.g., fall detection, contactless sleep monitoring services, home health monitoring), and extended reality (XR) related services.

[0050] To implement 5G / super 5G wireless sensing services, features such as Sensing Management Function (SeMF) can be introduced in 5GC. This function can be responsible for receiving different types of sensing requests from sensing clients (e.g., UEs, application functions (AFs), or network functions (NFs)), coordinating sensing functions and collecting sensing measurements (sensing data), and providing sensing data and / or sensing outputs directly or via NEF to the sensing clients, for example, if the requesting client is a third-party external application or AF. Requests received by SeMF may include information about the type of sensing area, sensing QoS, and (optionally) multiple UEs that should be sensed.

[0051] Different sensing methods / types exist that can be used in integrated sensing and communication systems. RAN nodes (e.g., base stations (BS)) can participate in sensing processes for monostatic sensing or bistatic sensing.

[0052] For RAN-based monostatic sensing, the 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 transmitting array and the receiving array are arranged together.

[0053] For RAN-based bistatic sensing, the BS acts as a transmitter / detector (transmitting sensing signals), and one or more other BSs act as receivers / sensors (receiving sensing signals).

[0054] For dual-base RAN and UE sensing, the BS transmits sensing signals, and (multiple) UEs receive the sensing signals to obtain sensing data. Alternatively, (multiple) UEs transmit sensing signals, and the BS receives the sensing signals to obtain sensing data.

[0055] Sensing data (or sensing measurements or sensing measurement information) may include data derived from radio signals (e.g., 3GPP, non-3GPP, WiFi, radar, lidar, etc.) affected by the object of interest or environment (e.g., reflection, refraction, diffraction) for sensing purposes, and optionally processed (e.g., within a 5G / 6G system, external server, application server, edge server, etc.). Multiple sensing outputs include, for example, processed sensing data requested by a service consumer (or sensing client).

[0056] Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), any form of surveillance and the collection of resulting data are subject to certain regulations. Among the most important are the EU citizens' right to know the type of data collected (video, audio, gestures, presence), its quality (resolution of recording / data collection), and how that data is used (e.g., whether it is stored in situ or processed, whether it is shared with third parties). The following italicized text is taken verbatim from an EU website about video surveillance.

[0057] Data quality – Cameras can and should be used intelligently, and should only be used for specific, identified security issues. This minimizes the collection of irrelevant footage (data minimization). This not only reduces privacy intrusion but also helps... To ensure more targeted and ultimately more effective use of video surveillance.

[0058] The right to know – Notices can be found in EU institution buildings informing staff and visitors of the security cameras that have been installed. Cameras. These markings are mandatory because individuals affected by video surveillance must be informed of the surveillance when the camera is installed. The circumstances, the purpose of surveillance, the retention period of the images, and who retains them.

[0059] Retention period – Although camera installation may be reasonable for security purposes, timely and automatic removal is still necessary. Video surveillance is necessary. EDPS requires all EU agencies to develop clear policies regarding the use of video surveillance on their premises, including... Energy storage.

[0060] Since sensing is envisioned as part of 5G-A and 6G systems, compliance with GDPR (and / or other similar legislation / rules / regulations) involves the technical question of how to inform UEs (e.g., vehicles, smartphones) in or entering the sensing area of ​​a sensing session about the collection of their sensing information (e.g., the quality, type, and / or purpose of the data).

[0061] Figure 4A flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment is shown. This method can be performed at a device / in a device / by a device. For example, the device can be a UE (e.g., Figure 1 The UE 102 shown may include the UE, vehicle or UAV, or may be configured on the UE, vehicle or UAV.

[0062] In 401, the method includes receiving an indication from a network device of the network that a sensing session is in progress at the network. In some embodiments, the indication that a sensing session is in progress at the network is referred to as a sensing in progress indication or a sensing notification.

[0063] In 402, the method includes providing, based on the received indication, another indication to the application layer of the device and / or to an application executed by / on / at the device regarding the sensing session being conducted at the network.

[0064] In additional or alternative embodiments, the instruction may remain at the device's communication component and trigger adaptation at the device. The communication component may include functions related to the transmission and reception of communication signals and the configuration of Tx / Rx for the communication signals (e.g., 3GPP communication components, WiFi communication, etc.). Adaptation may include the example UE actions described below or other actions, such as selecting another RAT or changing the resources used.

[0065] Figure 5 A flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment is shown. The method can be performed at a device such as a RAN node of a network (e.g., a base station (BS) such as a gNB) or a network function such as an application function (AF) or a sense management function (SeMF).

[0066] In 501, the method includes providing an indication to the user equipment that a sensing session is taking place at the network.

[0067] The provision may include transmission from the device or transmission via signals.

[0068] For reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The described method can provide a dynamic signaling / messaging scheme for UEs in the area where a sensing session is in progress (regardless of whether the sensing session starts when the UE is already in the area or when the UE moves to the area while the sensing session is in progress).

[0069] The received indication that a sensing session is taking place at the network may include sensing session information. The sensing session information may include at least one of the following: the geographic area of ​​the sensing session, the type of sensing session, sensing resolution information, sensing accuracy information, and sensing capability information.

[0070] In example embodiments, the quality (e.g., resolution or accuracy), duration, and periodicity of a sensing session may be publicly shared via some type of messaging.

[0071] The received instructions may be included in System Information Block (SIB) and / or Non-Access Stratum (NAS) messages.

[0072] In one example embodiment (which may be referred to as a SIB-based method), the instruction is included in the SIB.

[0073] In one example embodiment (which may be referred to as a NAS-based approach), the instruction is included in the NAS message.

[0074] A user equipment may be provided with an indication that a sensing session is taking place at the network if at least one of the following conditions is met: a sensing service is in progress, a sensing service is initiated / triggered, at least one sensing rule is satisfied, at least one sensing notification rule is satisfied, or a sensing request is received (e.g., from a network entity such as SeMF or AMF).

[0075] Network entities (e.g., OAM, PCF) or AFs can configure sensing rules in a base station (BS). Sensing rules include conditions for configuring and executing a sensing session / service in the BS (e.g., associated with time / location / type). Once / if / when the sensing rules are met in the BS, the BS begins the configured sensing session / service. Once / if / when the BS begins the sensing session, based on the sensing rules, the BS can deliver an indication to the UE that the sensing session is in progress.

[0076] Sensing notification rules can include filters / events for configuring indication parameters, such as when and / or whether to send an indication. Network entities (e.g., OAM, PCF) or AFs can configure, set, or update sensing notification rules.

[0077] Sensing notification rules can be based on at least one of the following: the type of sensing session (e.g., not sending a sensing in progress notification for a "public safety" service), the region of the sensing session (e.g., starting to send a sensing in progress indication if the sensing session begins in that region), the object type (e.g., a person), the sensing QoS level, or the attributes of the sensed object (e.g., the size / speed of the object).

[0078] In some embodiments, if / when(multiple) sensing sessions of a specific type begin / trigger / are in progress,(multiple) sensing notification rules may indicate whether to send a sensing in progress indication. For example,(multiple) sensing notification rules may indicate that a sensing in progress notification is not sent when / if a "public safety" sensing service / session begins / triggers / is in progress.

[0079] In some embodiments, a sensing notification rule indicates whether to send a sensing in progress indication in a certain area. For example, if a sensing service / session is started / triggered / in progress in a certain area, the sensing notification rule may indicate that a sensing in progress indication is sent in that area.

[0080] In some embodiments, the sensing notification rules(s) may indicate whether to send a sensing in progress indication for the object type of an ongoing / triggered / started sensing session / service. For example, if / when the object type of an ongoing / triggered / started sensing session / service is "human", the sensing notification rules(s) may indicate to send a sensing in progress indication.

[0081] In some embodiments, if / when(multiple) sensing sessions of a particular type start / trigger / are in progress in a particular area,(multiple) sensing notification rules may indicate whether to send a sensing in progress indication.

[0082] In some embodiments, if / when a sensing session of a particular type is initiated / triggered / performed for (multiple) specific object types, (multiple) sensing notification rules may indicate whether to send a sensing in progress indication.

[0083] In some embodiments, if / when a sensing session for (multiple) specific object types starts / triggers / is in progress in a specific area, (multiple) sensing notification rules may indicate whether to send a sensing in progress indication.

[0084] In some embodiments, if / when a sensing session of a particular type for a particular object type is initiated / triggered / in progress in a particular area, a sensing notification rule may indicate whether to send a sensing in progress indication.

[0085] In some embodiments, if a sensing service is initiated / triggered, an indication may be provided to the user equipment regarding a sensing session being conducted at the network. For example, when / if a sensing session is initiated at the BS due to a trigger / request from a CN (e.g., SeMF), the BS may transmit / broadcast a sensing-in-progress indication (e.g., via an SIB message), and / or the CN (e.g., AMF) may transmit a sensing-in-progress indication to (multiple) UEs via (multiple) NAS messages.

[0086] If a sensing notification request is received from a network entity (e.g., SeMF), the user equipment can be provided with an indication that a sensing session is taking place at the network. The sensing notification request can be a trigger or a request used to provide an indication that sensing is in progress.

[0087] Figure 6 A flowchart of an example SIB-based method is shown.

[0088] exist Figure 6 In the example embodiment shown, the OAM configures sensing notification rules to the BS. If a sensing session begins according to the sensing rules, the BS provides the UE with an indication in the (periodic) SIB that a sensing session is in progress. If a sensing session begins for a different reason, the sensing notification rules are checked and the SIB is updated accordingly. This is an example where an indication is provided to the UE that a sensing session is taking place at the network when a sensing service / session is in progress, a sensing service / session begins, or at least one sensing notification rule is met.

[0089] Once / if / when the UE receives an indication that a sensing session is in progress, it displays a notification to the user, and the user takes an appropriate action. Here is an example where, based on the received indication, the device generates a notification related to the received indication, and the action performed at the device based on the received indication is based on user intervention in response to the generated notification. In some embodiments, the notification includes at least one of the following: a message displayed on the device (e.g., an icon), a vibration pattern caused / generated by the device, or a light signal / pattern caused / generated by the device. Note that the notification caused / generated by the device may be generated / displayed by at least one device associated with the device (e.g., the device's controller and / or a display connected / attached to the device), or generated / displayed on at least one device associated with the device.

[0090] Figure 7 A flowchart of an example SIB-based method is shown.

[0091] exist Figure 7 In the example embodiment shown, SeMF determines that an indication is being triggered regarding a sensing session taking place at the network (in Figure 7 (Referred to as sensing notification in the original text), SeMF identifies the BS and transmits the notification to the BS via AMF. The BS then sends an SIB broadcast, including the sensing in progress notification, to all UEs served by the BS. Here is an example where, when / if from a network entity ( Figure 7 In the example shown, when the Sensing Notification Request is received via the AMF (SeMF), the UE is provided with an indication that a Sensing Session is taking place at the network.

[0092] Figure 8A flowchart of an example NAS-based method is shown.

[0093] exist Figure 8 In the example embodiment shown, the AF sends a sensing notification rule to the SeMF. The SeMF determines the area that should be notified and a list of UEs in that area. The SeMF sends a sensing notification request to the AMF, and the AMF notifies those UEs determined based on the sensing notification rule via an indication in a NAS message that a sensing session is taking place at the network.

[0094] In an example embodiment, the AF can subscribe via a network exposure function to request and receive notifications about sensing services in progress in a specific area.

[0095] For example, AF can indicate the sensing area to which it should be provided with notifications about ongoing sensing services, and also provides configuration parameters such as subscription-based requests, one-time requests, update rates for notifications in the case of subscriptions, and other filters regarding the type of sensing service, sensing QoS that the network can use to determine when notifications should be sent, and / or information that needs to be included.

[0096] The SeMF, or another NF responsible for coordinating the sensing process, can be an entity that receives requests for notifications, triggers notifications, and / or prepares notifications. Notification responses may include information about the presence of an ongoing sensing service in a specific sensing area, and optionally additional information about the type of sensing service, the type of object being sensed, the sensing QoS level, etc.

[0097] For reference Figure 4 The described method may include: based on the received instruction, causing the device to generate a notification relating to the received instruction.

[0098] In the example embodiment, once the UE receives an indication that a sensing session is in progress, the UE can notify the application layer at the UE so that the notification can be displayed or delivered to the user of the UE.

[0099] Therefore, users can take action on the information received in the notification and / or on the type of device (e.g., car, UAV, robot).

[0100] For reference Figure 4The described method may include performing at least one of the following based on a received instruction: disconnecting from a network, selecting another network, stopping an ongoing sensing session at the device or an ongoing sensing session initiated by the device, providing updated sensing configuration parameters for an ongoing sensing session at the network, selecting or requesting a sensing service associated with the ongoing sensing session, or making a request to the network to participate in an ongoing sensing session or another sensing session at the network. The above list is a complete example of actions (e.g., "UE actions") that can be performed at the device.

[0101] Performing actions at the device based on received instructions can be based on user intervention in response to generated notifications. In example embodiments, some or all actions can be automated within the device or can be performed with user intervention.

[0102] An example of a UE action is selecting another PLMN or disconnecting from the PLMN. These are examples of selecting another network and disconnecting from a network, respectively.

[0103] An example of a UE action is to stop its own sensing operation at the UE or another sensing operation that the UE has initiated because another ongoing sensing session exists. This is an example of stopping an ongoing sensing session at the device or an ongoing sensing session initiated by the device. Stopping an ongoing sensing session at the device or an ongoing sensing session initiated by the device can include stopping an ongoing session for a period of time or within a region.

[0104] For example, a UE can pause / stop its own sensing process within a specific time period or a specific area.

[0105] An example of a UE action is acting as a sensing client (at the UE) to select or request a notified sensing service from an ongoing sensing session. This is an example of selecting or requesting a sensing service associated with an ongoing sensing session.

[0106] An example of a UE action is to request an update to an ongoing sensing service, providing updated sensing configuration parameters (e.g., sensing accuracy, sensing resolution). This is an example of providing updated sensing configuration parameters for an ongoing sensing session at the network.

[0107] An example of a UE action is sending an instruction to participate in an ongoing or other sensing operation as an auxiliary UE. This is an example of making a request to the network to participate in a sensing session or another sensing session being conducted at the network.

[0108] As in Figure 4The apparatus mentioned in the method may include a vehicle or be configured on a vehicle. The method may include selecting alternative trajectories for the vehicle based on received instructions. The vehicle may include, for example, a car (which may be partially or fully automated), a drone or unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), or other mobile robot.

[0109] In an example embodiment, UE actions include selecting an alternative path or trajectory in the case of a drone or autonomous vehicle.

[0110] An apparatus may include components for performing the following operations: receiving, in a system information block, an indication from a network device of a network regarding a sensing session being conducted on the network; and providing, based on the received indication, another indication to an application layer of the apparatus regarding a sensing session being conducted on the network.

[0111] The device may include a reference. Figure 2 The user equipment described may be the user equipment itself, or may be included in the user equipment or in a chipset for performing at least some actions of the user equipment / for at least some actions of the user equipment.

[0112] An apparatus may include components for performing actions that provide an indication in a system information block regarding a sensing session taking place at the network to a user equipment.

[0113] The device may include a network entity (e.g., BS), a network function (such as AMF, UDM, or SMF), or be a network entity or be included in a network entity or chipset for performing at least some actions of the network entity or for the network entity.

[0114] In one embodiment, means including network functions refers to a device / apparatus configured to perform at least a portion of the functions of network functions, or means a device / apparatus including circuitry (e.g., a chipset) configured to perform at least a portion of the functions of network functions.

[0115] It should be understood that the device may include or be coupled to other units or modules, such as a radio section or radio head for transmission and / or reception. Although the device has been described as a single entity, different modules and memories may be implemented in one or more physical or logical entities.

[0116] Note that while some embodiments have been described with respect to 5G networks, similar principles can be applied to other networks and communication systems, such as 6G networks or 5G-Advanced networks. Therefore, although some example architectures of wireless networks, technologies, and standards have been described above by way of example, these embodiments can be applied to any other suitable form of communication system besides those shown and described herein.

[0117] It should also be noted that although exemplary embodiments have been described above, several changes and modifications can be made to the disclosed solutions without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0118] As used herein, “at least one of the following: a list of two or more elements” and “at least one of the following: a list of two or more elements” and similar wording (where the list of two or more elements is connected by “and” or “or”) means at least one of the elements, at least two or more of the elements, or at least all of the elements.

[0119] 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.

[0120] As used in this application, the term "circuit" 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 analog and / or digital (multiple) hardware circuits and software / firmware, and (ii) Any part of the (multiple) hardware processors (including (multiple) digital signal processors), software, and (multiple) memories combined with software, which work together to enable a device such as a mobile phone or server to perform various functions, and I. Multiple hardware circuits and / or multiple processors, such as multiple microprocessors or a portion thereof, require software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but may not exist when the software is not required to operate. This definition of "circuit" applies to all uses of the term in this application (including in any claim). As another example, as used herein, the term "circuit" also encompasses only hardware circuitry or a processor (or multiple processors) or a portion thereof and its accompanying software and / or firmware implementation. The term "circuit" also encompasses, for example and if applicable to a particular claim element, baseband integrated circuits or processor integrated circuits for mobile devices or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular network devices, or other computing or network devices.

[0121] Embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented by computer software executable by a data processor of a mobile device (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) may 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 perform the embodiments when the program is run. The one or more computer-executable components may be at least one piece of software code or a portion thereof.

[0122] Furthermore, it should be noted in this regard that any block in the logical flow shown in the accompanying drawings may represent a program step, or 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 blocks of memory implemented within a processor, magnetic media such as hard disks or floppy disks, and optical media such as DVDs and their data variants, CDs. Physical media are non-transitory media. As used herein, the term "non-transitory" refers to a limitation on the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not tactile), rather than a limitation on the persistence of data storage (e.g., RAM and ROM).

[0123] 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.

[0124] The embodiments of this disclosure can be practiced in various components such as integrated circuit modules. The design of integrated circuits is primarily 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.

[0125] The scope of protection sought by the various embodiments of this disclosure is set forth in the independent claims. Embodiments and features (if any) described in this specification that do not fall within the scope of the independent claims are to be interpreted as examples useful for understanding the various embodiments of this disclosure.

[0126] The foregoing description has provided a complete and informative 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 read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and appended claims, given the foregoing description. Nevertheless, all such and similar modifications to the teachings of this disclosure will still fall within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Indeed, there are other embodiments that include combinations of one or more embodiments with any other embodiments discussed above.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising components for performing the following operations: Receive information from the network device of the network about a sensing session being conducted at the network; and Based on the received instruction, the application layer of the device is provided with another instruction regarding the sensing session taking place on the network.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a component for performing at least one of the following based on the received instruction: The device generates a notification relating to the received instruction; Disconnect from the network; Choose another network; Stop the ongoing sensing session at the device or the ongoing sensing session initiated by the device; Provide updated sensing configuration parameters for the sensing sessions conducted at the network; Select or request a sensing service associated with the ongoing sensing session; or A request is sent to the network to participate in the sensing session or another sensing operation that is taking place on the network.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein stopping the ongoing sensing session at the apparatus or the ongoing sensing session initiated by the apparatus includes stopping the ongoing session for a period of time or within a region.

4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the apparatus is configured on a vehicle and includes components for performing selection of alternative trajectories of the vehicle based on the received instruction.

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the execution is further based on user intervention in response to the notification.

6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the received indication regarding the sensing session being conducted at the network includes sensing session information.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the sensing session information comprises at least one of the following: the geographical region of the sensing session, the type of the sensing session, sensing resolution information, sensing accuracy information, and sensing capability information.

8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the apparatus includes user equipment.

9. An apparatus comprising components for performing the following operations: This allows the system information block to provide the user equipment with an indication of the sensing session taking place at the network.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein providing the indication regarding the sensing session being conducted at the network to the user equipment comprises: The indication that the sensing session is taking place at the network is provided to the user equipment if at least one of the following conditions is met: Sensing services are underway. The sensing service was activated. At least one sensing notification rule is satisfied. At least one sensing rule is satisfied, or Receive sensing notification requests from network entities.

11. The apparatus according to any one of claims 9 or 10, wherein the apparatus comprises a radio access node of the network.

12. A method comprising: Receive a system information block from the network device on the network indicating that a sensing session is taking place on the network. as well as Based on the received instruction, the application layer of the device is provided with another instruction regarding the sensing session taking place on the network.

13. A method comprising: This allows the system information block to provide the user equipment with an indication of the sensing session taking place at the network.

14. An apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: Receive information from the network device of the network about a sensing session being conducted at the network; and Based on the received instruction, the application layer of the device is provided with another instruction regarding the sensing session taking place on the network.

15. An apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: This allows the system information block to provide the user equipment with an indication of the sensing session taking place at the network.

16. A computer-readable medium including instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform at least the following operations: Receive information from the network device of the network about a sensing session being conducted at the network; and Based on the received instruction, the application layer of the device is provided with another instruction regarding the sensing session taking place on the network.

17. A computer-readable medium including instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform at least the following operations: This allows the system information block to provide the user equipment with an indication of the sensing session taking place at the network.

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