Apparatus, methods and computer programs relating to a sensing service
The network function apparatus in communication systems addresses the challenge of supporting diverse sensing services by dynamically selecting appropriate resources and ensuring compliance with privacy and quality of service parameters, enhancing sensing accuracy and efficiency within the system.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- GB2023009650
- Authority / Receiving Office
- GB · GB
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-06-27
- Publication Date
- 2025-01-01
AI Technical Summary
Communication systems, particularly those based on 5G standards, face challenges in efficiently supporting diverse sensing services such as object detection, tracking, and environmental monitoring due to limitations in network function capabilities and the need for seamless integration with various sensing devices like LiDAR and radar systems.
A network function apparatus that can receive sensing service requests, determine its capability to support the service, and if not capable, selects an appropriate network function or device (including user equipment, base stations, or dedicated sensor devices) to provide the necessary sensing measurements, ensuring compliance with privacy requirements and quality of service parameters.
Enables the provision of a wide range of sensing services by dynamically allocating resources and ensuring privacy and quality of service, enhancing the integration of sensing and communication capabilities within the communication system, thereby improving sensing accuracy and efficiency.
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Abstract
Description
Field This disclosure generally relates to communication systems and in particular but not exclusively to apparatus, methods and computer programs relating to a sensing service. Background A communication system can be seen as a facility that enables communications between two or more communication devices, or provides communication devices access to a data network. A mobile or wireless network is one example of a communication system. Such communication systems operate in according with standards such as those provided by 3 GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project) or ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute). Examples of standards are the so-called 5G (5th Generation) standards provided by 3GPP. Summary According to one aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions of a network function for a communications system, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least perform: receiving a sensing service request for a type of sensing service, the sensing service request being received from a sensing service client; determining if the network function is able to support the type of sensing service; and when the network function is not able to support the type of sensing service, selecting a different network function to support the type of sensing service. The apparatus may be caused to provide at least a part of information in the sensing service request to the selected different network function. The apparatus may be caused to provide the sensing service request to the selected different network function. When the network function is able to support a type of sensing service in a sensing service request, the apparatus may be caused to cause one or more entities of the communications system to be at least one of configured or selected to provide sensing measurement information specific to the type of sensing service request. The apparatus may be caused to perform at least a part of the type of sensing service with one or more other entities, the one or more entities providing sensing measurement information. The one or more entities providing sensing measurement information may comprise one or more of: one or more user equipment; one or more base stations; one or more dedicated sensor devices; or one or more access points. The dedicated sensor devices may be 3GPP compliant sensor devices and / or non-3GPP sensor devices such as a LiDAR sand / or a radar devices. The access points may be Wi-Fi access points. The apparatus may be caused to determine, based on the sensing measurement information, a sensing service response. The apparatus may be caused to provide the sensing service response to the sensing service client. The sensing service client may be an application function and the request may be received directly from the sensing service client. The sensing service client may be an application function and the request is received from the sensing service client via a network exposure function. The sensing service client may be a user equipment. The sensing service client may be another network function of a wireless communication system, such as a network function of a core network of a wireless communication system. One of the entities which is to be at least one of selected or configured to provide the type of sensing service may comprise an access and mobility function, and the apparatus may be caused to at least one of select or configure one of a plurality of access and mobility functions. One of the entities which is to be at least one of selected or configured to provide the type of sensing service may comprise a base station, and the apparatus may be caused to at least one of select or configure one of a plurality of base stations. One of the entities which is to be at least one of selected or configured to provide the type of sensing service comprises a user equipment, the apparatus is caused to at least one of select or configure one of a plurality of user equipment. The apparatus may be caused to determine one or more of a sensing method and a sensing configuration in dependence on the sensing service request. The apparatus may be caused to determine compliance with one or more privacy requirements associated with one or more of the one or more entities providing the sensing service The apparatus may be caused to determine compliance with one or more privacy requirements when: the sensing service request is received; sensing measurement information is collected; or a sensing output is determined. The apparatus may be caused to determine if one or more of the one or more entities which are to provide the sensing service are permitted to provide the sensing service. The sensing service type may comprise one or more of the following: object(s) detection; tracking of objects(s); motion monitoring; intruder detection at home; intruder detection on a road; intruder detection on a railway; intruder detection in an outdoor surroundings; unmanned aerial vehicle trajectory tracing; unmanned aerial vehicle collision avoidance; unmanned aerial vehicle intruder detection; human trajectory tracking; collision avoidance on a road; collision avoidance on a smart grid; parking space determination; blind spot detection of a vehicle; detection of objects around a vehicle; automated guided vehicle detection and / or tracking in a factory; mobile robot collision avoidance in a factory; environmental sensing and / or monitoring; weather monitoring; health monitoring; or gesture recognition. The sensing request may comprise at least one attribute. The sensing service request may comprise one or more of: one or more service type attributes indicating the service type: or one or more attributes indicating one or more attributes of the requested sensing service. The sensing service request may comprise one or more service type attributes indicating the service type. The sensing service request may comprise one or more attributes indicating one or more attributes of the requested sensing service. The sensing service request may comprise one or more attributes defining one or more of: one or more sensing service configurations: or one or more sensing quality of service requirements. One or more of the attributes defining one or more sensing configurations may comprise one or more of: one or more attributes indicating an object type associated with the requested service; one or more attributes indicating a size of an object associated with the requested service; one or more attributes indicating a material of an object associated with the requested service; one or more attributes indicating a shape of an object associated with the requested service; one or more attributes relating to mobility requirements of an object associated with the requested service. One or more of the attributes defining one or more sensing configurations may comprise one or more of: one or more attributes indicating surroundings associated with the requested sensing service; one or more attributes indicating one or more objects in a sensing area associated with the requested sensing service; one or more attributes associated with validation of one or more objects; or one or more attributes associated with tracking of one or more objects. One or more of the attributes defining one or more sensing quality of service requirements may comprise one or more of: one or more attributes defining an update rate for the sensing service; one or more attributes defining a maximum sensing service latency for the sensing service; one or more attributes defining an sensing resolution for the sensing service; one or more attributes defining an accuracy of positioning estimate for the sensing service; or one or more attributes defining an accuracy of velocity estimate for the sensing service; one or more attributes defining a maximum sensing range for the sensing service. The sensing service request may comprise one or more attributes defining one or more of: location of sensing for the sensing service; duration of sensing for the sensing service; processing of sensing data collected; or reporting of sensing data. The sensing service response may comprise one or more attributes relating to one or more objects for which one or more sensing measurements are performed. The one or more attributes relating to one or more objects in the sensing service response may comprise one or more of: one or more sensing attributes for one or more objects; one or more sensing location attributes for one or more objects; identity attributes for one or more objects; one or more attributes for surroundings in which one or more objects is located: or one or more object feature attributes for one or more objects. The sensing service response may comprise one or more attributes relating to the provision of the sensing measurements. The one or more attributes relating to provision of the sensing measurements may comprise one or more of: one or more attributes indicating a used sensing method; one or more attributes indicating the network function; one or more attributes indicating sensing configuration used for collection of sensing data; or one or more attributes indicating an achieved sensing quality of service. According to another aspect, there is provided a network function apparatus for a communications system, the apparatus comprising: means for receiving a sensing service request for a type of sensing service, the sensing service request being received from a sensing service client; means for determining if the network function is able to support the type of sensing service; and means for selecting a different network function to support the type of sensing service when the network function is not able to support the type of sensing service. The apparatus may comprise means for providing at least a part of information in the sensing service request to the selected different network function. The means for providing may provide the sensing service request to the selected different network function. When the network function is able to support a type of sensing service in a sensing service request, the apparatus may comprise means for causing one or more entities of the communications system to be at least one of configured or selected to provide sensing measurement information specific to the type of sensing service request. The apparatus may comprise means for performing at least a part of the type of sensing service with one or more other entities, the one or more entities providing sensing measurement information. The one or more entities providing sensing measurement information may comprise one or more of: one or more user equipment; one or more base stations; one or more dedicated sensor devices; or one or more access points. The dedicated sensor devices may be 3GPP compliant sensor devices and / or non-3GPP sensor devices such as LiDAR and / or sensing devices. The access points may be Wi-Fi access points. The apparatus may comprise means for determining, based on the sensing measurement information, a sensing service response. The apparatus may comprise means for providing the sensing service response to the sensing service client. The sensing service client may be an application function and the request may be received directly from the sensing service client. The sensing service client may be an application function and the request is received from the sensing service client via a network exposure function. The sensing service client may be a user equipment. One of the entities which is to be at least one of selected or configured to provide the type of sensing service may comprise an access and mobility function, and the means for causing one or more entities of the communications system to be at least one of configured or selected may at least one of select or configure one of a plurality of access and mobility functions. One of the entities which is to be at least one of selected or configured to provide the type of sensing service may comprise a base station, and the means for causing one or more entities of the communications system to be at least one of configured or selected may at least one of select or configure one of a plurality of base stations. One of the entities which is to be at least one of selected or configured to provide the type of sensing service comprises a user equipment, and the means for causing one or more entities of the communications system to be at least one of configured or selected may at least one of select or configure one of a plurality of user equipment. The apparatus may comprise means for determining one or more of a sensing method and a sensing configuration in dependence on the sensing service request. The apparatus may comprise means for determining compliance with one or more privacy requirements associated with one or more of the one or more entities providing the sensing service The means for determining compliance with one or more privacy requirements may determine compliance when: the sensing service request is received; sensing measurement information is collected; or a sensing output is determined. The apparatus may comprise means for determining if one or more of the one or more entities which are to provide the sensing service are permitted to provide the sensing service. The sensing service type may comprise one or more of the following: object(s) detection; tracking of objects(s); motion monitoring; intruder detection at home; intruder detection on a road; intruder detection on a railway; intruder detection in an outdoor surroundings; unmanned aerial vehicle trajectory tracing; unmanned aerial vehicle collision avoidance; unmanned aerial vehicle intruder detection; human trajectory tracking; collision avoidance on a road; collision avoidance on a smart grid; parking space determination; blind spot detection of a vehicle; detection of objects around a vehicle; automated guided vehicle detection and / or tracking in a factory; mobile robot collision avoidance in a factory; environmental sensing and / or monitoring; weather monitoring; health monitoring; or gesture recognition. The sensing request may comprise at least one attribute. The sensing service request may comprise one or more of: one or more service type attributes indicating the service type: or one or more attributes indicating one or more attributes of the requested sensing service. The sensing service request may comprise one or more service type attributes indicating the service type. The sensing service request may comprise one or more attributes indicating one or more attributes of the requested sensing service. The sensing service request may comprise one or more attributes defining one or more of: one or more sensing service configurations: or one or more sensing quality of service requirements. One or more of the attributes defining one or more sensing configurations may comprise one or more of: one or more attributes indicating an object type associated with the requested service; one or more attributes indicating a size of an object associated with the requested service; one or more attributes indicating a material of an object associated with the requested service; one or more attributes indicating a shape of an object associated with the requested service; one or more attributes relating to mobility requirements of an object associated with the requested service. One or more of the attributes defining one or more sensing configurations may comprise one or more of: one or more attributes indicating surroundings associated with the requested sensing service; one or more attributes indicating one or more objects in a sensing area associated with the requested sensing service; one or more attributes associated with validation of one or more objects; or one or more attributes associated with tracking of one or more objects. One or more of the attributes defining one or more sensing quality of service requirements may comprise one or more of: one or more attributes defining an update rate for the sensing service; one or more attributes defining a maximum sensing service latency for the sensing service; one or more attributes defining an sensing resolution for the sensing service; one or more attributes defining an accuracy of positioning estimate for the sensing service; or one or more attributes defining an accuracy of velocity estimate for the sensing service; one or more attributes defining a maximum sensing range for the sensing service. The sensing service request may comprise one or more attributes defining one or more of: location of sensing for the sensing service; duration of sensing for the sensing service; processing of sensing data collected; or reporting of sensing data. The sensing service response may comprise one or more attributes relating to one or more objects for which one or more sensing measurements are performed. The one or more attributes relating to one or more objects in the sensing service response may comprise one or more of: one or more sensing attributes for one or more objects; one or more sensing location attributes for one or more objects; identity attributes for one or more objects; one or more attributes for surroundings in which one or more objects is located: or one or more object feature attributes for one or more objects. The sensing service response may comprise one or more attributes relating to the provision of the sensing measurements. The one or more attributes relating to provision of the sensing measurements may comprise one or more of: one or more attributes indicating a used sensing method; one or more attributes indicating the network function; one or more attributes indicating sensing configuration used for collection of sensing data; or one or more attributes indicating an achieved sensing quality of service. According to another aspect, there is provided a method comprising: receiving, at a network function apparatus, a sensing service request for a type of sensing service, the sensing service request being received from a sensing service client; determining if the network function is able to support the type of sensing service; and selecting a different network function to support the type of sensing service when the network function is not able to support the type of sensing service. The method may comprise providing at least a part of information in the sensing service request to the selected different network function. The providing may comprise providing the sensing service request to the selected different network function. When the network function is able to support a type of sensing service in a sensing service request, the method may comprise causing one or more entities of the communications system to be at least one of configured or selected to provide sensing measurement information specific to the type of sensing service request. The method may comprise performing at least a part of the type of sensing service with one or more other entities, the one or more entities providing sensing measurement information. The one or more entities providing sensing measurement information may comprise one or more of: one or more user equipment; one or more base stations; one or more dedicated sensor devices; or one or more access points. The dedicated sensor devices may be 3GPP compliant sensor devices and / or non-3GPP sensor devices such as LiDAR and / or radar devices. The access points may be Wi-Fi access points. The method may comprise determining, based on the sensing measurement information, a sensing service response. The method may comprise providing the sensing service response to the sensing service client. The sensing service client may be an application function and the request may be received directly from the sensing service client. The sensing service client may be an application function and the request is received from the sensing service client via a network exposure function. The sensing service client may be a user equipment. One of the entities which is to be at least one of selected or configured to provide the type of sensing service may comprise an access and mobility function, and the causing one or more entities of the communications system to be at least one of configured or selected may comprise at least one of select or configure one of a plurality of access and mobility functions. One of the entities which is to be at least one of selected or configured to provide the type of sensing service may comprise a base station, and the causing one or more entities of the communications system to be at least one of configured or selected may comprise at least one of select or configure one of a plurality of base stations. One of the entities which is to be at least one of selected or configured to provide the type of sensing service comprises a user equipment, and the causing one or more entities of the communications system to be at least one of configured or selected may comprise at least one of select or configure one of a plurality of user equipment. The method may comprise determining one or more of a sensing method and a sensing configuration in dependence on the sensing service request. The method may comprise determining compliance with one or more privacy requirements associated with one or more of the one or more entities providing the sensing service. The determining compliance with one or more privacy requirements may comprise determining compliance when: the sensing service request is received; sensing measurement information is collected; or a sensing output is determined. The method may comprise determining if one or more of the one or more entities which are to provide the sensing service are permitted to provide the sensing service. The sensing service type may comprise one or more of the following: object(s) detection; tracking of objects(s); motion monitoring; intruder detection at home; intruder detection on a road; intruder detection on a railway; intruder detection in an outdoor surroundings; unmanned aerial vehicle trajectory tracing; unmanned aerial vehicle collision avoidance; unmanned aerial vehicle intruder detection; human trajectory tracking; collision avoidance on a road; collision avoidance on a smart grid; parking space determination; blind spot detection of a vehicle; detection of objects around a vehicle; automated guided vehicle detection and / or tracking in a factory; mobile robot collision avoidance in a factory; environmental sensing and / or monitoring; weather monitoring; health monitoring; or gesture recognition. The sensing request may comprise at least one attribute. The sensing service request may comprise one or more of: one or more service type attributes indicating the service type: or one or more attributes indicating one or more attributes of the requested sensing service. The sensing service request may comprise one or more service type attributes indicating the service type. The sensing service request may comprise one or more attributes indicating one or more attributes of the requested sensing service. The sensing service request may comprise one or more attributes defining one or more of: one or more sensing service configurations: or one or more sensing quality of service requirements. One or more of the attributes defining one or more sensing configurations may comprise one or more of: one or more attributes indicating an object type associated with the requested service; one or more attributes indicating a size of an object associated with the requested service; one or more attributes indicating a material of an object associated with the requested service; one or more attributes indicating a shape of an object associated with the requested service; one or more attributes relating to mobility requirements of an object associated with the requested service. One or more of the attributes defining one or more sensing configurations may comprise one or more of: one or more attributes indicating surroundings associated with the requested sensing service; one or more attributes indicating one or more objects in a sensing area associated with the requested sensing service; one or more attributes associated with validation of one or more objects; or one or more attributes associated with tracking of one or more objects. One or more of the attributes defining one or more sensing quality of service requirements may comprise one or more of: one or more attributes defining an update rate for the sensing service; one or more attributes defining a maximum sensing service latency for the sensing service; one or more attributes defining an sensing resolution for the sensing service; one or more attributes defining an accuracy of positioning estimate for the sensing service; or one or more attributes defining an accuracy of velocity estimate for the sensing service; one or more attributes defining a maximum sensing range for the sensing service. The sensing service request may comprise one or more attributes defining one or more of: location of sensing for the sensing service; duration of sensing for the sensing service; processing of sensing data collected; or reporting of sensing data. The sensing service response may comprise one or more attributes relating to one or more objects for which one or more sensing measurements are performed. The one or more attributes relating to one or more objects in the sensing service response may comprise one or more of: one or more sensing attributes for one or more objects; one or more sensing location attributes for one or more objects; identity attributes for one or more objects; one or more attributes for surroundings in which one or more objects is located: or one or more object feature attributes for one or more objects. The sensing service response may comprise one or more attributes relating to the provision of the sensing measurements. The one or more attributes relating to provision of the sensing measurements may comprise one or more of: one or more attributes indicating a used sensing method; one or more attributes indicating the network function; one or more attributes indicating sensing configuration used for collection of sensing data; or one or more attributes indicating an achieved sensing quality of service. According to another aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions of a user equipment of a communications system, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least perform: outputting a sensing service request for a type of sensing service, the user equipment being a client of the sensing service, the sensing service request comprising one or more attributes associated with the type of sensing service, the sensing service request being output to a radio access network which directs the message to a sensing service function directly or via an access and mobility function; and receiving a sensing service response for the type of sensing service The apparatus may be caused to provide at least a part of the sensing service type. The sensing service type may comprise one or more of the following: object(s) detection; tracking of objects(s); motion monitoring; intruder detection at home; intruder detection on a road; intruder detection on a railway; intruder detection in an outdoor surroundings; unmanned aerial vehicle trajectory tracing; unmanned aerial vehicle collision avoidance; unmanned aerial vehicle intruder detection; human trajectory tracking; collision avoidance on a road; collision avoidance on a smart grid; parking space determination; blind spot detection of a vehicle; detection of objects around a vehicle; automated guided vehicle detection and / or tracking in a factory; mobile robot collision avoidance in a factory; environmental sensing and / or monitoring; weather monitoring; health monitoring; or gesture recognition. The sensing request may comprise at least one attribute. The sensing service request may comprise one or more of: one or more service type attributes indicating the service type: or one or more attributes indicating one or more attributes of the requested sensing service. The sensing service request may comprise one or more service type attributes indicating the service type. The sensing service request may comprise one or more attributes indicating one or more attributes of the requested sensing service. The sensing service request may comprise one or more attributes defining one or more of: one or more sensing service configurations: or one or more sensing quality of service requirements. One or more of the attributes defining one or more sensing configurations may comprise one or more of: one or more attributes indicating an object type associated with the requested service; one or more attributes indicating a size of an object associated with the requested service; one or more attributes indicating a material of an object associated with the requested service; one or more attributes indicating a shape of an object associated with the requested service; one or more attributes relating to mobility requirements of an object associated with the requested service. One or more of the attributes defining one or more sensing configurations may comprise one or more of: one or more attributes indicating surroundings associated with the requested sensing service; one or more attributes indicating one or more objects in a sensing area associated with the requested sensing service; one or more attributes associated with validation of one or more objects; or one or more attributes associated with tracking of one or more objects. One or more of the attributes defining one or more sensing quality of service requirements may comprise one or more of: one or more attributes defining an update rate for the sensing service; one or more attributes defining a maximum sensing service latency for the sensing service; one or more attributes defining an sensing resolution for the sensing service; one or more attributes defining an accuracy of positioning estimate for the sensing service; or one or more attributes defining an accuracy of velocity estimate for the sensing service; one or more attributes defining a maximum sensing range for the sensing service. The sensing service request may comprise one or more attributes defining one or more of: location of sensing for the sensing service; duration of sensing for the sensing service; processing of sensing data collected; or reporting of sensing data. The sensing service response may comprise one or more attributes relating to one or more objects for which one or more sensing measurements are performed. The one or more attributes relating to one or more objects in the sensing service response may comprise one or more of: one or more sensing attributes for one or more objects; one or more sensing location attributes for one or more objects; identity attributes for one or more objects; one or more attributes for surroundings in which one or more objects is located: or one or more object feature attributes for one or more objects. The sensing service response may comprise one or more attributes relating to the provision of the sensing measurements. The one or more attributes relating to provision of the sensing measurements may comprise one or more of: one or more attributes indicating a used sensing method; one or more attributes indicating the network function; one or more attributes indicating sensing configuration used for collection of sensing data; or one or more attributes indicating an achieved sensing quality of service. According to another aspect, there is provided a user equipment apparatus comprising: means for outputting a sensing service request for a type of sensing service, the user equipment being a client of the sensing service, the sensing service request comprising one or more attributes associated with the type of sensing service, the sensing service request being output to a radio access network which directs the message to a sensing service function directly or via an access and mobility function; and means for receiving a sensing service response for the type of sensing service The apparatus may comprise means for providing at least a part of the sensing service type. The sensing service type may comprise one or more of the following: object(s) detection; tracking of objects(s); motion monitoring; intruder detection at home; intruder detection on a road; intruder detection on a railway; intruder detection in an outdoor surroundings; unmanned aerial vehicle trajectory tracing; unmanned aerial vehicle collision avoidance; unmanned aerial vehicle intruder detection; human trajectory tracking; collision avoidance on a road; collision avoidance on a smart grid; parking space determination; blind spot detection of a vehicle; detection of objects around a vehicle; automated guided vehicle detection and / or tracking in a factory; mobile robot collision avoidance in a factory; environmental sensing and / or monitoring; weather monitoring; health monitoring; or gesture recognition. The sensing request may comprise at least one attribute. The sensing service request may comprise one or more of: one or more service type attributes indicating the service type: or one or more attributes indicating one or more attributes of the requested sensing service. The sensing service request may comprise one or more service type attributes indicating the service type. The sensing service request may comprise one or more attributes indicating one or more attributes of the requested sensing service. The sensing service request may comprise one or more attributes defining one or more of: one or more sensing service configurations: or one or more sensing quality of service requirements. One or more of the attributes defining one or more sensing configurations may comprise one or more of: one or more attributes indicating an object type associated with the requested service; one or more attributes indicating a size of an object associated with the requested service; one or more attributes indicating a material of an object associated with the requested service; one or more attributes indicating a shape of an object associated with the requested service; one or more attributes relating to mobility requirements of an object associated with the requested service. One or more of the attributes defining one or more sensing configurations may comprise one or more of: one or more attributes indicating surroundings associated with the requested sensing service; one or more attributes indicating one or more objects in a sensing area associated with the requested sensing service; one or more attributes associated with validation of one or more objects; or one or more attributes associated with tracking of one or more objects. One or more of the attributes defining one or more sensing quality of service requirements may comprise one or more of: one or more attributes defining an update rate for the sensing service; one or more attributes defining a maximum sensing service latency for the sensing service; one or more attributes defining an sensing resolution for the sensing service; one or more attributes defining an accuracy of positioning estimate for the sensing service; or one or more attributes defining an accuracy of velocity estimate for the sensing service; one or more attributes defining a maximum sensing range for the sensing service. The sensing service request may comprise one or more attributes defining one or more of: location of sensing for the sensing service; duration of sensing for the sensing service; processing of sensing data collected; or reporting of sensing data. The sensing service response may comprise one or more attributes relating to one or more objects for which one or more sensing measurements are performed. The one or more attributes relating to one or more objects in the sensing service response may comprise one or more of: one or more sensing attributes for one or more objects; one or more sensing location attributes for one or more objects; identity attributes for one or more objects; one or more attributes for surroundings in which one or more objects is located: or one or more object feature attributes for one or more objects. The sensing service response may comprise one or more attributes relating to the provision of the sensing measurements. The one or more attributes relating to provision of the sensing measurements may comprise one or more of: one or more attributes indicating a used sensing method; one or more attributes indicating the network function; one or more attributes indicating sensing configuration used for collection of sensing data; or one or more attributes indicating an achieved sensing quality of service. According to another aspect, there is provided a method comprising: outputting, by a user equipment, a sensing service request for a type of sensing service, the user equipment being a client of the sensing service, the sensing service request comprising one or more attributes associated with the type of sensing service, the sensing service request being output to a radio access network which directs the message to a sensing service function directly or via an access and mobility function; and receiving a sensing service response for the type of sensing service The method may comprise providing, by the user equipment, at least a part of the sensing service type. The sensing service type may comprise one or more of the following: object(s) detection; tracking of objects(s); motion monitoring; intruder detection at home; intruder detection on a road; intruder detection on a railway; intruder detection in an outdoor surroundings; unmanned aerial vehicle trajectory tracing; unmanned aerial vehicle collision avoidance; unmanned aerial vehicle intruder detection; human trajectory tracking; collision avoidance on a road; collision avoidance on a smart grid; parking space determination; blind spot detection of a vehicle; detection of objects around a vehicle; automated guided vehicle detection and / or tracking in a factory; mobile robot collision avoidance in a factory; environmental sensing and / or monitoring; weather monitoring; health monitoring; or gesture recognition. The sensing request may comprise at least one attribute. The sensing service request may comprise one or more of: one or more service type attributes indicating the service type: or one or more attributes indicating one or more attributes of the requested sensing service. The sensing service request may comprise one or more service type attributes indicating the service type. The sensing service request may comprise one or more attributes indicating one or more attributes of the requested sensing service. The sensing service request may comprise one or more attributes defining one or more of: one or more sensing service configurations: or one or more sensing quality of service requirements. One or more of the attributes defining one or more sensing configurations may comprise one or more of: one or more attributes indicating an object type associated with the requested service; one or more attributes indicating a size of an object associated with the requested service; one or more attributes indicating a material of an object associated with the requested service; one or more attributes indicating a shape of an object associated with the requested service; one or more attributes relating to mobility requirements of an object associated with the requested service. One or more of the attributes defining one or more sensing configurations may comprise one or more of: one or more attributes indicating surroundings associated with the requested sensing service; one or more attributes indicating one or more objects in a sensing area associated with the requested sensing service; one or more attributes associated with validation of one or more objects; or one or more attributes associated with tracking of one or more objects. One or more of the attributes defining one or more sensing quality of service requirements may comprise one or more of: one or more attributes defining an update rate for the sensing service; one or more attributes defining a maximum sensing service latency for the sensing service; one or more attributes defining an sensing resolution for the sensing service; one or more attributes defining an accuracy of positioning estimate for the sensing service; or one or more attributes defining an accuracy of velocity estimate for the sensing service; one or more attributes defining a maximum sensing range for the sensing service. The sensing service request may comprise one or more attributes defining one or more of: location of sensing for the sensing service; duration of sensing for the sensing service; processing of sensing data collected; or reporting of sensing data. The sensing service response may comprise one or more attributes relating to one or more objects for which one or more sensing measurements are performed. The one or more attributes relating to one or more objects in the sensing service response may comprise one or more of: one or more sensing attributes for one or more objects; one or more sensing location attributes for one or more objects; identity attributes for one or more objects; one or more attributes for surroundings in which one or more objects is located: or one or more object feature attributes for one or more objects. The sensing service response may comprise one or more attributes relating to the provision of the sensing measurements. The one or more attributes relating to provision of the sensing measurements may comprise one or more of: one or more attributes indicating a used sensing method; one or more attributes indicating the network function; one or more attributes indicating sensing configuration used for collection of sensing data; or one or more attributes indicating an achieved sensing quality of service. According to another aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions of an access and mobility function of a communications system, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least perform: receiving from a user equipment, a sensing service request for a type of sensing service, the user equipment being a sensing service client; selecting, in dependence on the sensing service request, a network function providing the type of sensing service; and sending at least some information in the sensing service request to the selected network function. According to another aspect, there is provided an access and mobility function apparatus comprising: means for receiving from a user equipment, a sensing service request for a type of sensing service, the user equipment being a sensing service client; means for selecting, in dependence on the sensing service request, a network function providing the type of sensing service; and means for sending at least some information in the sensing service request to the selected network function. According to another aspect, there is provided a method comprising: receiving, at an access and mobility function apparatus, a sensing service request for a type of sensing service, the sensing service request be received from a user equipment, the user equipment being a sensing service client; selecting, in dependence on the sensing service request a network function providing the type of sensing service; and sending at least some information in the sensing service request to the selected network function. According to a further aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions, which when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform any of the methods set out previously. According to a further aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions, which when executed cause any of the methods set out previously to be performed. According to an aspect there is provided a computer program comprising computer executable code which when run cause any of the methods set out previously to be performed. According to an aspect, there is provided a computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least one of the above methods. According to an aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions which when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform any of the methods set out previously. According to an aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions which when executed cause any of the methods set out previously to be performed. According to an aspect, there is provided a non-volatile tangible memory medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least one of the above methods. In the above, many different aspects have been described. It should be appreciated that further aspects may be provided by the combination of any two or more of the aspects described above. Various other aspects are also described in the following detailed description and in the attached claims. Description of Figures Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying Figures in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a 5G system in which some embodiments may be provided; Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of an apparatus which may implement a respective network function; Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a user equipment; Figure 4 shows a first example procedure of some embodiments; Figures 5a to c show examples of sensing areas associated with a sensing request; Figure 6 shows a second example procedure of some embodiments; Figure 7 shows a third example procedure of some embodiments; Figure 8 shows a first method of some embodiments; Figure 9 shows a second method of some embodiments; and Figure 10 shows a third method of some embodiments. Detailed description Some embodiments relate to the provision of sensing services by a wireless communication system, such as a 5th generation communication system (5GS) (e.g., a communication system operating using 5th generation radio access technology). The communication system can include one or more sensing devices. A sensing device can sense objects in the surroundings of the sensing device. A sensing device may detect events or changes in the surroundings of the sensing device, and generate sensing data. The sensing device may comprise user equipment; a base station; a dedicated sensor device; an access point. A dedicated sensor device may be a device 3GPP compliant sensor devices and / or non-3GPP sensor device. Examples of a 3GPP compliant sensor device includes sensor devices that can use 3GPP-based protocol / signaling for sensing related functions e.g., the provision of collected sensing data, the configuration of the sensor device, the transmission or reception of sensing signals. Examples of a non-3GPP sensor include a LiDAR device and / or radar device. An access point may be Wi-Fi access point. For example, a dedicated sensor device may include a camera which captures images of the surroundings of the sensing device and processes the images for detecting, localizing and / or tracking objects in the surroundings. Processing images may comprise using machine learning algorithms or AI / ML models for extracting features from the captured images for feature recognition, object detection, and / or object classification. In another example, a sensing device may use received electromagnetic waves to generate sensing data or sensing measurements and the sensing data or sensing measurements may be processed to detect, localize and / or track objects in the surroundings of the sensing device. The sensing data or measurements generated by the sensing device may be processed by the sensing device and / or by one or more different entities. The processing of sensing data or sensing measurements may use machine learning algorithms or AI / ML models for detecting, localizing and / or tracking objects in the surroundings of the sensing device. Some embodiments may support sensing in a wireless communication system, such as a 5GS. A wireless communication system, such as a 5GS, can provide capabilities to support sensing services and use one or more sensing devices to obtain sensing data or sensing measurements to generate information about characteristics (and / or features, and / or attributes and / or properties) of the surroundings and / or objects within the surroundings (e.g., shape, size, speed, location, distances or relative motion between objects, etc). A wireless communication system may use NR (new radio) RF signals and / or LTE (long-term evolution) and / or E-UTRA (evolved universal terrestrial radio access) to support and / or provide sensing services. In addition, information available in one or more entities of a core network of the wireless communication system such as location information may be used to support sensing services. In the following some example embodiments are provided in a 5GS. However, embodiments may be used in other systems as well as future wireless communication systems, such 6G (and beyond) wireless communication systems. Some examples of sensing services supported (or provided) by a wireless communication system, such as a 5GS, are as follows: intrusion detection (e.g., intruder detection in a smart home, pedestrian / animal intrusion detection on a highway); support autonomous driving (e.g., sensing assisted automotive maneuvering and navigation, sensing for parking space determination etc.); support unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) Flight (e.g., UAV flight trajectory tracing, network assisted sensing to avoid UAV collision); support automated guided vehicle (AGV) / autonomous mobile robots (AMR) in factories (e.g., AGV detection and tracking in factories, AMR collision avoidance in smart factories); environmental / weather monitoring (e.g., rain levels, pollution, flooding, air quality, water); health monitoring (e.g., fall detection, contactless sleep monitoring service, health monitoring at home); and XR (extended reality) applications. The integration of sensing and communication into wireless communication systems, (in contrast to dedicated sensing systems) may provide relatively high-data rate communications and relatively high-resolution obstacle detection using the same hardware and spectrum. This integration may help to increase sensing capabilities and / or to improve sensing accuracy of sensing devices as compared to sensing devices that are separate from a communication system. This may lead to an improvement in scenarios or situations where separate sensing devices may not perform well (e.g., where there are NLOS (non-line of sight) conditions, where there are requirements for high velocity resolution of detected objects (e.g., requirements for a minimum measured magnitude of a velocity for objects in order for the objects to be detected, expressed in meters per second), etc). This integration may enhance spectrum efficiency in a wireless communication system by sharing communication and sensing spectrum (e.g., frequency band). This integration may reduce hardware cost by combining sensing and communication equipment / hardware into one sensing device. Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a sensing management function (SeMF). Where embodiments of the SeMF are provided in a wireless communication system, such as 5GS, the SeMF is a new network function of the core network of the wireless communication system (e.g., a new network function of the 5GC (5G core network of the 5GS). This sensing management function may be provided in some embodiments as a separate network function in a wireless communication system (e.g., in a 5GS or in the 5GC of the 5GS). In some embodiments, a sensing management function may be integrated with an existing 5 network function of a wireless communication system (e.g., an existing network function of the 5GS or the 5GC of the 5GS), such as a location management function (LMF) which provides location services for locating user equipment in a 5GS. In some embodiments, the SeMF is configured to provide a sensing service to a sensing client. The SeMF includes functionalities for providing a sensing service. The functionalities of the SeMF (generally referred to herein as SeMFfunctionalities) include Sensing Privacy check, SeMF selection, SeMF relocation, sensing data processing and the SeMF functionalities may be distributed and / or allocated across a plurality of different entities. For example, the SeMF functionalities could be provided by the one or more network entities or network functions of a core network of a wireless communication system and / or one or more radio access network (RAN) entities (e.g., bases stations or RAN nodes) of a wireless communication system. For example, the SeMF functionalities may be provided by a dedicated SeMF function and / or provided by a LMF of the core network of a 5GS. It will be appreciated that the term “SeMF” is used herein and that any network function that is configured with the SeMF functionalities described herein. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a communication system operating based on a 5th generation radio access technology (generally referred to as a 5G system (5GS)) and in which some embodiments may be implemented. The 5GS may comprise a (radio) access network ((R)AN), a 5G core network (5GC), one or more application functions (AF) and one or more data networks (DN). A user equipment (UE) may access or connect to the one or more DNs via the 5GS. The 5G (R)AN may comprise one or more base stations or radio access network (RAN) nodes, such as a gNodeB (gNB). A base station or RAN node may comprise one or more distributed units connected to a central unit. The 5GC may comprise various network functions, such as an access and mobility management function (AMF), a session management function (SMF), an authentication server function (AUSF), a location management function LMF, a user data management (UDM), a user plane function (UPF), a network data repository (NRF), a network exposure function (NEF), a service communication proxy (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 slicing selection function (NSSF). The 5GC may have a service based architecture and each NF of the 5GC may include a service based interface for accessing services provided by the NF. An AF of the 5GS shown in Figure 1 may be trusted AF that is part of the 5GC or may be an AF that is external to the 5GS and may communicate with other NFs of the 5GC the NEF. Figure 1 also shows an Nl interface between the UE and the RAN, and N2 interface between the RAN and the AMF, an N3 interface between the RAN and the UPF, a N9 interface between UPFs of the 5GC, and an N6 interface between the UPF and the data network. The Nl, N2, and N4 interfaces are interfaces of the control plane of the 5GS. The N3, N6, and N9 interfaces are interfaces of the data plane of the 5GS. The Nl, N2, N3, N4, N6, and N9 interfaces and well known to a person skilled in the art and thus not described in detail. Figure 1 shows an example where the SeMF is provided as a network function and is part of the 5GC. Figure 2 illustrates an example of an apparatus 200. The apparatus 200 may comprise or implement one or more of the network functions shown in Figure 1. The apparatus 200 may have at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions of one or more the network functions shown in Figure 1 that, when executed by at least one of the at least one processor cause operations or actions of the one or more network functions to be performed. In this example, the apparatus 200 may comprise at least one random access memory (RAM) 211a, and / or at least one read only memory (ROM) 211b. The apparatus 200 may comprise at least one processor 212, 213 and / or a network interface 214. The at least one processor 212, 213 may be coupled to the at least one memory which in this example is the RAM 211a and the ROM 211b. The at least one processor 212, 213 may be configured to execute instructions of appropriate software code 215.The software code 215 may, for example, include software code of one or more of the network functions shown in Figure 1, including software code of the SeMF, which allows the apparatus to perform one or more operations of one or more of the present aspects. In some embodiments, the instructions of the software code may be instructions of a SeMF and execution of the instructions by the at least one processor 212, 213 may cause the apparatus to perform one or more operations of one or more of the methods shown in Figure 8 described below. In some embodiments, the instructions of the software code may be instructions of an AMF and execution of the instructions by the at least one processor 212, 213 may cause the apparatus to perform one or more operations of one or more of the methods shown in Figure 10 described below. Figure 3 illustrates an example of a communication device 300. The communication device 300 may be any device capable of or configured for sending and receiving wireless signals, including radio signals. The communication device 300 may comprise a mobile station (MS) or mobile device such as a mobile phone or what is known as a ’smart phone’, a computer provided with a wireless interface card or other wireless interface facility (e.g., USB dongle), a personal data assistant (PDA) or a tablet, a machine-type communications (MTC) device, a Cellular Internet of things (CIoT) device or any combinations of these or the like. The communication device may be an XR (extended reality) device such as a headset or may be capable of supporting an XR application (e.g., capable of executing or running an XR application). The headset may be a VR headset. The communication device may be or part of a vehicle, a UAV, or a AVV The communication device 300 may be configured to send or receive wireless signals, for example, radio signals carrying communications. The communications may be one or more of voice, electronic mail (email), text message, multimedia, data, machine data and so on. The communication device 300 may be configured to send and / or receive radio signals over an air or radio interface 307 via a transceiver apparatus 306. The transceiver apparatus 306 may comprise, for example, a radio part and associated antenna arrangement. The radio part may convert the base band signal to the radio frequency and / or vice versa. The antenna arrangement may be arranged internally or externally to the mobile device and may include a single antenna or multiple antennas. The antenna arrangement may be an antenna array comprising a plurality of antenna elements. The communication device 300 may comprise at least one processor 301, and / or at least one memory. The at least one memory may be at least one ROM 302a, and / or at least one RAM 302b. Other possible components 303 may be provided for use in software and hardware aided execution of tasks it is designed to perform, including control of access to and communications with access networks, such as the 5G RAN and other communication devices. The at least one processor 301 is coupled to the RAM 302b and the ROM 302a. The at least one processor 301 may be configured to execute instructions of software code 308. Execution of the instructions of the software code 308 by the at least one processor 301may for example allow the communication device 300 to perform one or more operations. In some embodiments, execution of the instructions of the software code 308 by the at least one processor 301 may cause the user equipment to perform the method shown in Figure 9 described below. The software code 308 may be stored in the ROM 302a. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, any other suitable memory may be alternatively or additionally used. The at least one processor 301, the at least one ROM 302a, and / or the at least one RAM 302b can be provided on an appropriate circuit board, in an integrated circuit, and / or in chipsets. This feature is denoted by reference 304. The communication device 300 may optionally have a user interface such as keypad 305, touch sensitive screen or pad, combinations thereof or the like. Optionally, the communication device may have one or more of a display, a speaker and a microphone. In the following examples, the term UE or user equipment is used. This term encompasses any of the example of communication device 300 previously discussed and / or any other communication device. Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a network function (or a distributed across a plurality of network function) for a communication system, such as a 5GS, which is configured to provide sensing services and exposing or providing the sensing services so that the sensing services can be used by a client (generally referred to herein as a sensing service client). The sensing service client may be a UE, an application function, a third-party application or another network function of the wireless communications system, such as a NF of a core network of the communication system. As mentioned previously, the SeMF may be a dedicated network function, be incorporated in another network function or may be distributed across a plurality of different entities. The network function, which is referred to as an SeMF in the following may be instantiated or deployed in a communication system, for example, in a core network (e.g., the 5GC) of a wireless communication system (e.g., a 5GS) or in an apparatus (e.g., apparatus 200) for the wireless communication system (e.g., an apparatus for a 5GC of the 5GS). The SeMF may be configured to determine whether that SeMF is able to handle to a requested sensing service or if another network function should instead handle the requested sensing service. The SeMF may comprise a service based interface. The SeMF may communicate with a sensing service client via the service based interface and may receive different types of sensing service requests from a sensing service client. The SeMF may be configured to determine that a specific sensing method is to be used for the sensing service. The SeMF may also use a sensing procedure for obtaining sensing data from one or more sensing devices for the requested sensing service. The SeMF may also be configured to determine a required configuration for each of one or more of the entities (e.g., sensing devices, base stations or RAN nodes, UEs, and NFs) involved in the sensing procedure for obtaining sensing data for the requested sensing service. The SeMF may be configured to determine which NFs and sensing devices to involve in a sensing procedure used to obtain sensing data from one or more sensing devices for the requested sensing service. For example, the SeMF may select an access and management function (AMF) on the basis of sensing information included in the sensing service request. A RAN node (e.g., a base station) may be selected based on it sensing capabilities as compared to requirements for the requested sensing service (generally referred to a sensing service requirements). The SeMF may be configured to check (or determine) that one or more of the entities (e.g., NFs and sensing devices) to be involved in providing the requested sensing service or involved in the sensing procedure used to obtain sensing data from one or more sensing devices for the requested sensing service is permitted. The SeMF checks (or determines) that one or more of the entities are permitted to be involved in the sensing service or to be involved in the sensing procedure. The SeMF may be a check that respective entities of the one or more entities involved in providing the request sensing service or involved is allowed and / or authorised to do so. The SeMF may be configured to ensure that the sensing data privacy associated with the one or more of the entities involved in the sensing service is provided. The SeMF may be configured to check and ensure the required privacy associated with the entities (e.g., NFs and sensing devices) involved in providing the sensing service or involved in the sensing procedure are considered, and accordingly accept, modify or reject the received sensing service request. For example, the SeMF may determine if a sensing device is permitted to perform sensing (e.g., the sensing device is permitted to sense electromagnetic signals impacted from objects, generate sensing data or sensing measurement information based on the received electromagnetic signals, and provide the sensing data or sensing measurement information) to the SeMF. For example, it is determined by the SeMF if a sensing device is permitted to perform sensing. The determining by the SeMF if a sensing device is permitted to perform sensing may take into account the type of sensing service. The determining by the SeMF if a sensing device is permitted to perform sensing may take into account one or more privacy parameters. For example, a sensing device may not be permitted to perform sensing in specific locations such as defence locations and / or during specified hours. For example, a sensing device may not be permitted to perform sensing in a school premises during school hours. The SeMF may be configured to initiate the transmission of sensing signals of from a target sensing device and the collection of sensing data from the same and / or another target sensing device. The sensing data (or sensing measurement information) may comprise data generated or derived from electromagnetic signals (e.g., 3GPP radio signals, non-3GPP radio signals, WiFi radio signals, radar radio signals, light of a LiDAR (light detection and ranging) and / or the like) impacted (e.g., reflected, refracted, and / or diffracted) by an object or region of interest in an environment of the sensing device. The sensing measurement information or sensing data may be obtained from one or more of sensing devices (e.g., from one or more BSs; one or more UEs; one or more non-3GPP entities; one or more Wi-Fi entities; one or more radar devices ; one or more LiDAR devices). Examples of sensing data or sensing measurement information comprise one or more of information about received or arrived electromagnetic signals. Information about a received or arrived electromagnetic signal may include a received power, delay, angle of departure, angle of arrival, doppler shift, and / or the like of the received or arrived electromagnetic signal. The SeMF may be configured to receive sensing data or sensing measurement information from one or more sensing devices. The SeMF may be configured to provide a sensing output to the sensing service client. The SeMF may be configured determine or calculate the sensing output as requested. A sensing output may comprise processed sensing data e.g., as requested by a sensing service client. For example, the processed sensing data may be sensing data that has been processed by the SeMF. The processed sensing data may include data about the objects in an area and / or data about features or data about those objects. For example, one or more of the location, speed, velocity, shape, material, and / or dimensions of the object may be data about the objects in an area. The SeMF may alternatively or additionally be configured to provide the sensing data received or collected from one or more sensing devices as a sensing output. The SeMF may provide to the sensing service client sensing data if the sensing data has been requested by the sensing service client. The SeMF may be configured to provide a sensing output to the sensing service client either directly or indirectly via one or more other network entities and / or network functions. In some embodiments, the SeMF may be configured to provide the sensing output to an entity different to the sensing service client. This may be determined by the SeMF based on information included in the sensing service request. The sensing output which comprises sensing data from one or more sensing devices may be processed by the SeMF. Alternatively, the sensing output which comprises sensing data from one or more sensing devices may be processed by one or more of a system such as a 5G or 6G system, an external server, an application server hosting an AF (which may be the sensing service client), an edge server, and / or the like. In some embodiments, a UE is a sensing service client, and the UE is configured to be able to request a sensing service supported (or provided) by the 5GS. For example, the UE is configured to request a sensing service supported (or provided) by the 5GS and the UE is configured to provide sensing parameters for the requested sensing service to the 5GS (e.g., the SeMF of the 5GS). A request for a sensing service may be sent to the 5GS (e.g., the AMF) which provides the request to the SeMF. The request may be sent to the 5GS in a UL NAS (non-access stratum) transport message. The request for the sensing service may include sensing information for the sensing service. The sensing information may include sensing parameters for the sensing service and the sensing parameters may include one or more of area of sensing; sensing service type; sensing QoS (quality of service); sensing configuration: sensing method; and / or the like. The sensing information may also include attributes and / or data for (or related to) the type of sensing service that was requested. After receipt of the request from the UE, the 5GS (e.g., the SeMF) may provide sensing data to UE. The UE may provide a list including identifiers or description of one or more objects to be sensed (generally referred to herein as a sensing object and collectively as sensing objects) for which sensing data and / or a sensing result is requested from the 5GS and / or one or more neighbouring UEs to support SeMF in the sensing measurements. In some embodiments, the SeMF may request that the UE provide sensing data to SeMF. The subscription data for the UE and / or subscription data of a sensing object stored in the UDM and / or UDR (unified data repository) and / or in the SeMF and / or in any other repository, may indicate privacy requirements for different types of sensing services. Some embodiments, the sensing services supported (or provided by) the 5GS may be used to detect, discovery, and / or identify sensing objects. A sensing object may be a connected object or a non-connected object. A connected object is an entity that has communication capabilities (e.g., a UE, a connected vehicle, a robot etc.). The connected object may be a target object that can transmit and / or receive any sensing signal. A non-connected object is an entity that has no communication capabilities, or it may have communication capabilities that are de-activated. The non-connected object may be a target sensing object. The sensing service does not rely on the transmitting and / or receiving of signals by the target sensing object. In some embodiments, a SeMF may be able to process the sensing data or sensing measurement information received from one or more sensing devices to detect and / or identity connected objects, non-connected objects, or both connected objects and non-connected objects. Reference is made to Figure 4 which shows a first example procedure for a 5GS which supports (or provides) a sensing service. In this example, a request for a sensing service (generally referred to herein as a sensing service request) originates from a sensing service client. The procedure shown in Figure 4 shows the sensing service client sending a sensing service request to use a sensing service supported (or provided by) the SeMF. For example, the sensing service client may send a sensing service request for a sensing service supported by the SeMF. The sensing service provided by the SeMF generates and provides sensing data. In this example, the sensing service client may be a third-party AF that communicates with a NEF of the 5GS, or an entity internal to the 5GC such as a trusted AF, a NWDAF (network data analytics function) or a LCS (location services) client. As referenced 1, the sensing service client (e.g., the AF) sends a sensing service request to the 5GC. In some examples, the sensing service request may be a request for a type of sensing service. The sensing service request is sent to the NEF. In other examples, the sensing service request may be sent directly from the sensing service client to the SeMF. In other examples, the sensing service request may be sent from the sensing service client to the SeMF via a GMLC and / or an AMF. The sensing service request may be a one-time sensing service request (e.g., the service request is sent by the sensing service client only once) or may be a request for a subscription to a sensing service for periodic notification of events related to the sensing service, or notification of occurrence of an event related to the sensing service. The sensing service request may include sensing information, including parameters, attributes and / or data for the type of sensing service that is being requested. Examples of the sensing service request are discussed later. As referenced 2, the NEF receives the sensing service request and sends the sensing service request to the SeMF. The NEF may select an appropriate SeMF to send the sensing service request to, according to the sensing service request and / or SeMF sensing capabilities. The NEF may provide one or more of the attributes included in the recieved sensing service request from the AF in the sensing service request which is sent to the SeMF. The NEF may, if required, translate (or modify or transform or convert) one or more of the parameters or attributes received in the sensing service request from the AF into 5GC internal parameters. In some embodiments, the data in the sensing service request received from the AF is generally the same as the data in the sensing service request sent to the SeMF, optionally with translation (or modification or conversion) of one or more parameters into a format which is used by the 5GC (e.g., conversion of public identifiers of entities (e.g., network functions, RAN nodes, and sensing devices) involved in sensing service to in-network identifiers). As referenced 3, the SeMF may select another SeMF which supports (or provides) the requested sensing service. In some examples, the SeMF may select another SeMF which supports (or provides) the requested type of sensing service. This is optional. The SeMF may select another SeMF which supports (or provides) the requested type of sensing service based on one or more selection parameters. One or more of the following selection parameters may be used to determine if another SeMF is to be selected which supports (or provides) the sensing service. One or more of the following selection parameters may be used to determine which other SeMF support (or provide) the sensing service: sensing service client type; sensing QoS; current SeMF sensing capabilities; candidate SeMF sensing capabilities; current SeMF load; candidate SeMF load; supported sensing methods and / or features of current SeMF; supported sensing methods and / or features of candidate SeMF; RAN configuration information; RAT type in the sensing area and / or of involved UEs; network slicing information (e.g., S-NSSAI -single network slice selection assistance information); reachability via specific AMF e.g. AMF to which UE(s) are connected (that is the reachability of the SeMF or candidate SeMF to the AMF); the defined sensing area; the sensing requirements; and / or the tracked object (which may be connected or unconnected). It should be noted that different slices may be associated with different types of SeMFs, where the different types of SeMFs may have different features. SeMF sensing capabilities may include one or more of the following information: supported sensing methods; supported sensing QoS; supported Sensing services; service area (described in TA, GPS, cell etc); supported attributes or features that could be determined for one or more objects (e.g., size, shape, location, material etc); processing capabilities; computational capabilities; type of sensing data that can be processed; type of sensing outputs that be provided to sensing clients. In some examples, different SeMFs may be used for different locations. In some examples, different SeMFs may be used to provide different sensing capabilities and / or different types of sensing services. A SeMF may query the NRF_to retrieve a least a part of a profile of one or more other SeMFs. The profile may comprise information relating to one or more of the above parameters. The retrieved at least a part of a profile for one or more other SeMFs allows the SeMF to determine which SeMF supports or (provides) the sensing service (e.g., the type of sensing service). The SeMF which supports (or provides) the sensing service may be the current or source SeMF or may be one or more of the other SeMFs for which at least part of the profile has been retrieved. In the case of relocation or change of SeMF, the source or current SeMF transmits to the target SeMF the information received by the current SeMF. This is done at step 3. The source SeMF may send contextual information or information determined at the source SeMF to the target SeMF. For example, privacy check information (i.e., information used for a privacy check) may be sent from the source SeMF to the target SeMF. The source SeMF may send a notification to target address (e.g., URI (uniform resource identifier) of NEF) to the target SeMF. As referenced 4, the SeMF, which supports (or provides) the sensing service, may determine the serving AMF for the sensing service. This determination may be dependent on information provided or included in the sensing service request. For example, the determination may be dependent on sensing devices (e.g., UE(s), base station(s) or other types of sensing devices) located at the RAN or in the sensing area. Identifiers of the sensing devices (e.g., UE(s), base station(s) or other types of sensing devices) located at the RAN may be provided or included in the sensing service request. The SeMF that will handle the sensing service request may generate a sensing correlation identifier. The sensing correlation identifier identifies a sensing session which has been initiated for a sensing service request for a type of sensing service.The sensing correlation identifier may be used by a serving SeMF to control and / or coordinate a sensing session initiated for a sensing service request. For example, the sensing correlation identifer may be used to identify for which sensing request information exchanged with other entities (e.g., AMF, sensing device) is relevant for. Alternatively, in case that the AMF receives the sensing service request (e.g., as shown in the examples of Figures 6 and 7) the AMF may generate the sensing correlation identifier. As referenced 5, the SeMF may be configured to determine if a privacy check is to be carried out before accepting the received sensing service request. The SeMF checks the privacy requirements for the specific sensing service request. For example, if the sensing service request is for a location-specific sensing service then the corresponding privacy check involves checking if the sensing is allowed to be performed at the specific location. The actual privacy check and the required information for the privacy check, e.g., the retrieving of the privacy profiles are carried out, as referenced 6 in Figure 4. As referenced 6, the SeMF may perform authorization of the sensing service client that has transmitted the sensing service request e.g., AF. The SeMF may verify the privacy requirements (e.g., in case of a reference UE for which sensing information is needed). The SeMF may also ensure the privacy and / or consent of the sensing device involved in generating and providing sensing data are considered. In some examples, a privacy and / or consent procedure may be determined for the sensing devices that are determined by the SeMF to be involved in the sensing for the requested sensing service. In some examples, a privacy and / or consent procedure may be determined for the sensing devices included in the sensing service request by the sensing service client. To do this, SeMF may interact with UDM and / or UDR or any other NF e.g., to receive sensing service privacy profiles of sensing devices that are involved in sensing. As referenced 7, the SeMF determines a sensing configuration. This may be determined based on the requirements received from sensing service client that are included in the sensing service request, and / or on available sensing capabilities in a sensing area provided in the sensing service request. This may be used to determine sensing configuration. The sensing configuration may define one or more of: one or more base stations that will be sensing devices involved in a sensing procedure; one or more UEs that will be sensing devices involved in the sensing procedure; a selected sensing method; a sensing region; one or more non-3GPP devices that that will be involved in the sensing procedure; and / or the like. The SeMF may receive from an 0AM (operations, administration, and maintenance) system (not shown) and / or other NFs and / or network entities, information about one or more base stations and / or one or more UEs. The information may be the sensing capabilities of the one or more base stations that could be involved in the sensing procedure of the requested sensing area and / or the sensing capabilities of one or more UE that could be involved in the sensing procedure of the requested sensing area. It should be noted that privacy checks (described in step 6) may be conducted alternatively or additionally in the context of step 7 or based on the outputs of step 7. Optionally, the AMF may provide information about the sensing capabilities and / or the availability of sensing resources of one or more base stations. A base station can indicate this information to an AMF via any suitable message such as, for example a NGAP message. The SeMF may retrieve information about the UE capabilities, restrictions, or profiles by querying the UDM. The SeMF may request the LMF send location information of one or more UEs that could be used for the sensing configuration (e.g., selected frequency, sensing signals transmission power) and / or selection of an appropriate sensing method and / or UEs involved in the sensing procedure. Any suitable sensing method may be selected. By way of example, a sensing method may be one or more of the following methods: mono-static network-based sensing (e.g., a base station that is acting as transmitter and receiver of electromagnetic signals (e.g., RF signals) where the receiver receives electromagnetic signal reflected or refracted from sensing objects); monostatic-UE-based sensing; multi-static network-based sensing (e.g., a base station that is acting as transmitter of electromagnetic signals and one or more other base stations each acting as receiver of electromagnetic signals reflected or refracted from sensing obects); multi-static-UE-based sensing; non-3GPP type sensors (e.g., LiDAR (light detection and ranging), camera etc.); LMF-based assisted sensing; and / or the like As referenced 8, optionally, the SeMF can select another (or more than one serving) AMF(s). This may take into consideration the one or more base stations and / or one or more UEs that have been identified in the previous steps to be involved in the sensing method. As referenced 9, the SeMF, in collaboration with the one or more base stations and / or one or more UEs, requests and collects sensing data or measurement information such as previously discussed. This will be in dependence on the selected sensing method. Step 9 may be performed a plurality of times e.g., to get sensing measurement information from more than one UE and / or from more than one device and / or from one or more NG-RAN. This may be via the same AMF or one or more different AMFs. Based on the received inputs, the SeMF determines the sensing output. As referenced 10, the SeMF provides a sensing service response to the sensing service client that sent the sensing service request. The response may be sent directly to the AF or via the NEF as referenced 11 in Figure 4. The sensing service response is discussed below. The SeMF may apply an additional privacy check on the sensing output before providing the sensing output to the sensing service client. The sensing output that has been determined may also be subject to a privacy check. This may be, for example, to check for the detected objects that the required privacy rules / profiles are followed. The sensing service response may indicate the success or failure to provide the requested sensing output. In the case a failure to provide the requested sensing output, the response may comprise a failure cause. In case of a response for a tracking sendee of a defined target object (e.g., UE), SeMF may interact with the LMF to request and receive positioning information of the target object (e.g., periodic positioning information with certain periodicity). The response to the sensing service client about the tracking service may be transmitted either from the SeMF or the LMF. As referenced 11, the NEF provides the sensing service response to the AF. The sensing service request of some embodiments will now be described. The sensing service request may comprise one or more information elements. The information elements provided in a given sensing service request depend on the requested sensing scenario and / or the application. An information element may indicate one or more attributes of the sensing service. A sensing service request may comprise an attribute indicating the sensing service type. For example, the sensing service type may indicate that the sensing service is an intrusion detection service, an autonomous driving service or the like. Other examples of a sensing service have been mentioned earlier. These examples are not exhaustive. By way of example only, the sensing service type may comprise one or more of the following: object(s) detection; tracking of objects(s); motion monitoring; intruder detection at home; intruder detection on a road; intruder detection on a railway; intruder detection in outdoor surroundings; unmanned aerial vehicle trajectory tracing; unmanned aerial vehicle collision avoidance; unmanned aerial vehicle intruder detection; human trajectory tracking; collision avoidance on a road (e.g., at a crossroad or road junction); collision avoidance on a smart grid; parking space determination; blind spot detection of a vehicle; detection of objects around a vehicle; automated guided vehicle detection and / or tracking, for example in a factory; autonomous mobile robot collision avoidance, for example in a factory; environmental monitoring (e.g., pollution levels, humidity levels of soil); weather monitoring (e.g., rainfall levels, flooding levels); health monitoring (e.g., fall detection, sleep monitoring); and gesture recognition. In some embodiments, the attribute defining the sensing service may on its own provide enough information for the SeMF to cause the requested sensing service to be provided. For example, the SeMF stores one or more attributes for a given service type. In some embodiments one or more other attributes may be additionally provided to control the sensing service provided. It should be appreciated, that the attribute indicating the sensing service type may be omitted in some embodiments. Instead, the attributes in the sensing service request provide the SeMF with the information to cause the required sensing service to be provided. The sensing service request may be for a one-off request or a subscription request. A subscription to the sensing service may be such that sensing data or a sensing output is provided to the sensing service client when one or more trigger conditions are satisfied. The trigger condition may be that a certain amount of time has elapsed and / or or that a certain event has been sensed. The sensing service request may comprise one or more attributes to indicate if the sensing service request is a subscription request or a one-off request. In some embodiments, one or more attributes relating to the location to be sensed may be provided in the sensing service request. The one or more attributes may define a path to be sensed and / or a geolocation to be sensed. Alternatively, or additionally, the one or more attributes may define a geographical area to be sensed. The geographical area may be a two-dimensional area, for example circular area, a rectangular area, an ellipsoidal area, and / or the like. The geographical area may be a three-dimensional area such as sphere, a cylinder, a cube and / or the like. In some embodiments, the sensing service request may comprise one or more attributes identifying one or more of the entities which are to be involved in the sensing procedure. The entities may be a sensing entity or a reference entity. For example, the sensing request may identify a reference entity around which the surroundings is to be sensed. For example, the attributes may identify one or more UEs. A UE may be identified by a UE ID. Where more than one UE is identified, a list of UE IDs may be provided. The UE ID may be provided by a GPSI (generic public subscription identifier) or a SUPI (subscription permanent identifier) or any other suitable ID. Where one or more entities which are to be involved in the sensing are identified, the sensing service request may comprise one or more attributes defining a location and / or area configuration in relation to the one or more the entities, e.g., one or more reference UE. In some embodiments, the sensing service request may comprise one or more attributes relating to the time period for performing sensing. The one or more attributes may indicate one or more of how long the sensing is to be performed by one or more sensing devices and when the sensing is to be performed by one or more sensing devices. Alternatively or additionally, the one or more of the attributes may indicate a time when a sensing output is needed. This may indicate to the SeMF the latest time the sensing service client expects to receive the sensing output. If the time is reached the sensing service client does not wait for the sensing output any longer. The SeMF may send an error response or error notification to the sensing service client. The time when sensing output is needed may be a relative time interval or an absolute time. For example, the relative time interval may be defined with as the time with respect to sensing service request. In some embodiments, the sensing service request may comprise one or more attributes indicating where the sensing output that it to be provided to, for example the sensing service client. The one or more attributes may indicate the type of sensing information that the sensing service client needs. The one or more attributes may indicate the format of the sensing output. The one or more attributes may indicate if the sensing data is to be output without processing or if processing is required. Where processing is required, the one or more attributes may indicate the processing that is to be applied to the data and / or the one or more entities which are to apply the processing. In some embodiments, the sensing service request may comprise one or more attributes defining one or more sensing configuration requirements and / or filters. The request message may indicate attributes (and respective information about the one or more attributes) that the sensing service client requests to receive from the 5GS. The attributes may be regarded as filters for the sensing process and / or as sensing parameters for the configuration of sensing procedure (e.g., configuration examples are the selection of sensing devices, the selection of sensing methods, the selection of appropriate frequency, the configuration of sensing resources, transmission and sensing parameters for the configuration of the sensing devices etc). The attributes may be regarded as a descriptor of the context of the sensing response. For example, this may indicate if the sensing response comprises sensing outputs, sensing data and / or sensing measurement information. Some examples of the sensing configuration requirements and / or filters will now be discussed. In the following, the sensing configuration requirements and / or filters are referred to as sensing configuration. The one or more sensing configuration attributes may define or indicate an object to be sensed. The one or more sensing configuration attributes may provide an identity of the object to be sensed. The one or more sensing configuration attributes may provide a description of the object to be sensed. The one or more sensing configuration attributes may provide a location of the object to be sensed. The one or more sensing configuration attributes may define if an object to be sensed is connected or non-connected. The one or more sensing configuration attributes may define an object type, for example. In other words, this may define the object to be sensed, a car, a human, a drone, a robot, a pedestrian and / or the like depending on the service type. The one or more sensing configuration attributes may define an object size. In other words, this may define the size of the object to be sensed. The object size may be defined in bands. For example, the object size may be classed as very small, small, medium, large, very large, and or the like. The number of bands may be two or more. For example, the bands may be small and large. In another example the bands may be small, medium and large. Each of the bands may be associated with a range. The object size may be defined using one or more of the following parameters (or an associated range): magnitude of the object; length of the object; width of the object; height of the object; diameter of the object; perimeter of the object; area of the object; volume of the object; or mass of the object. The object size may be defined relative to a reference object. The object size may be defined by one or more proportionate dimensions relative to a reference object. The one or more sensing configuration attributes may define an object shape. In other words, this may define the shape of the object to be sensed. The shape of an object may be defined as a geometric shape. For example the geometric shape may be a square, a triangle, a circle, a rectangle, or any other suitable shape. The shape of the object may be defined by one or more of the form of the object, the outline of the object, the outer boundary of the object, and / or the outer surface of the object. The one or more sensing configuration attributes may define an object material. In other words, this may define the material of the object to be sensed. For example, the material may be metal, wood, plastic, liquid, soil, ceramic, stone, concrete, and / or the like. The one or more sensing configuration attributes may relate to the mobility of one or more objects. For example, the one or more attributes may define a required mobility profile of an object to be detected and / or a speed threshold. The speed threshold may define a minimum speed or a maximum speed. By way of example only, the speed threshold may be above or below 50 kms / h or any other suitable value. In other embodiments, a speed range may be defined. The mobility profile may be a static or low mobility profile or any other suitable profile. The one or more sensing configuration attributes may provide a digital description or signature of the object. For example, image data such as photograph data and / or video data may be provided. Alternatively, the digital description or signature may be a list of features or attributes of the object that constitute the descriptor of the object. Alternatively or additionally, previous sensing data associated with the object may be provided. The one or more sensing configuration attributes may indicate the surroundings of the sensing (e.g., indoor or outdoor, road, highway, pavement, parking area, industrial area, port, underground, ground, aerial). The one or more sensing configuration attributes may comprise an indication of one or more known objects or UEs in the sensing area. This may indicate that there is no need to provide information about these known objects or UEs. The one or more sensing configuration attributes may comprise an indication of one or more objects or UEs for which no reporting is required. The one or more sensing configuration attributes may comprise an indication of one or more objects or UEs for which validation is required. Validation may confirm the specific object(s) exists and / or compare the attributes, by indicating potential differences or similarities for one or more of their attributes or features. The one or more sensing configuration attributes may be used to track one or more objects. In some embodiments, the sensing service request may comprise one or more attributes defining a sensing QoS. For example, the one or more attributes may define one more sensing resolution requirements. The sensing resolution may comprise one or more of speed or velocity resolution, range resolution, angular resolution, and / or requires distinguishing objects bigger and / or smaller than one or more dimensions. The one or more sensing QoS attributes may define a maximum sensing service latency. The one or more sensing QoS attributes may define an update rate for the sensing. The one or more sensing QoS attributes may define a sensing accuracy. The sensing accuracy may be for example angular accuracy, range accuracy, orientation accuracy, and / or accuracy of positioning estimate. The one or more sensing QoS attributes may define an accuracy of velocity estimate. In some embodiments, the sensing service request may comprise one or more attributes defining one or more one or more requirements relating to the racking of an object. This may be where the service requires the tracking of a particular object or type of object. The one or more object tracking attributes may define an object description. The one or more object tracking attributes may define a UE ID and / or object ID. In some embodiments, the sensing service request may comprise one or more attributes relating to the reporting. For example, the one or more reporting attributes may define that the response is to be provided periodically (e.g., with the required periodicity), on request (e.g., a one-time report), as bulk data, and / or the report is to be provided in response to one or more defined triggers. In some embodiments, the sensing service request may comprise one or more attributes identifying the sensing service client. In some embodiments, the sensing service request may comprise one or more attributes identifying the sensing service request. In other words, the sensing service request has an associated identity. The sensing service response may be provided periodically, upon on request (e.g., one), , and / or in response to one or more defined triggers. This may be as defined in the sensing service request. The attributes of the sensing service response may comprise one or more attributes providing sensing data such as previously described. The sensing data may be unprocessed sensing data. The sensing service response may comprise processed sensing data (that is the sensing output data). One or more attributes may indicate the type of processing applied. For example, one or more sensing processing algorithms used to process the sensing data may be identified. One or more attributes of the sensing service response may indicate the sensing method used for the collection of sensing data. One or more attributes of the sensing service response may indicate the sensing configuration used for collection of sensing data. For example, one or more of the frequency used, bandwidth, transmission power, and the type of one or more involved entities may be indicated. The type of one or more involved entities may comprise one or more of BS, UE, WiFi entity, LiDAR entity, radar entity, and / or the like. One or more attributes of the sensing service response may identify the serving SeMF. One or more attributes of the sensing service response may provide a one or more (e.g., a list) of sensing time and / or one or more location instances. Each sensing time and / or location area may be associated with one or more objects and one or more attributes may be associated with one or more of the objects. In an alternative arrangement, for a given object, the one or more attributes may provide information as to a sensing time and / or location instance. The one or more attributes associated with a given one of the objects identified; may comprise one or more of: one or object identity attributes; one or more object location attributes; one or more object time of measurement attributes; and one or more object feature attributes. This may be provided in case where processed sensing data have been requested and provided. The object identity attributes may comprise an identity or identifier associated with the object. The one or more object location attributes may comprise one or more GPS location attributes and / or one or more relative location (e.g., relative to the reference UE) attributes. The one or more object features attributes may define one or more of: object dimensions; object type; object shape; and object material. The one or more object features attributes may define a period of time with respect to the obj ect. The one or more obj ect features attributes may define mobility information associated with objects. For example, one or more of the mobility information attributes may indicate a mobility profile of the object, e.g., if the object is static, has a low mobility profile, or any other suitable profile, one or more of the mobility information attributes may indicate a speed threshold. The object type may for example define the object being sensed. For example, the object may be a car, a human, a drone, a robot, a pedestrian and / or the like depending on the service type. The sensing response may comprise one or more attributes defining the surroundings of the sensing (e.g., indoor or outdoor, road, highway, pavement, parking area, industrial area, port, underground, ground, aerial). The sensing response may comprise one or more attributes relating to the tracking of one or more objects. Tracking of one or more objects may include determining a location of one or more objects, determining a path or trajectory of one or more objects. The sensing response may comprise attributes defining if the object is connected object or a non-connected object. The sensing response may comprise one or more attributes indicating environmental information. For example, this may indicate weather conditions. The sensing response may comprise one or more attributes defining the achieved sensing QoS. For example, the one or more attributes defining the achieved sensing QoS comprise one or more of one or more sensing accuracy attributes: one or more sensing resolution attributes; and one or more confidence of derived sensing output attributes. The one or more provided attributes on achieved sensing QoS can be provided overall (i.e., for all identified objects) and / or per object and / or per time / location instance and / or per type of object. The sensing response (e.g., the response to the sensing service request) may comprise one or more attributes relating to the validation of one or more objects or UEs. Validation may confirm the specific object(s) exists and / or compare the attributes, by indicating potential differences. Comparing the attributes may include comparing discovered and / or detected sensing object(s) with the specific objects whose identifier is included in the request for a type of sensing service and indicating a potential difference (or similarity) between the objects discovered and / or detected by sensing devices and those objects whose identifier is included in the request.There may be a number of different types of applications (e.g., intrusion detection, V2X or UAV conflict avoidance and / or the like) that could request a sensing service provided by a communication network. Reference is made to Figures 5a to 5c which show examples of sensing areas associated with a sensing request. Figures 5a to 5c shows examples how the sensing area could be defined by a sensing service client and provided to the SeMF to determine its sensing configuration. As shown in Figure 5a, the aim of one option is to detect objects in a specific geographical region 500. The geographic region may be specified using GPS coordinates or a geographically scoped description (e.g., circular area, rectangular area, ellipsoidal area) or in any other way. The example geographic region of Figure 5a is a rectangular area defined in a specific geographic location. As shown in Figure 5b, the aim of another option is to detect objects in a specific defined area 502 around a reference point 504 orreference sensing device (e.g., UE) orreference object. In other examples, the aim may be to detect objects having a given relationship with respect to the reference point, such as a specific angle with respect to the reference point, on a specific side with respect to the reference point, being in a specific dimension with respect to the reference point, and / or any other specific relationship. As shown in Figure 5c, the aim of another option is to detect objects that are in a range 506 beyond one or more reference points or devices or objects 508. This may be regarded as a special case of the option of Figure 5b. Reference is made to Figure 6 which shows a second example procedure for the support by a 5GS for a sensing service. In this example, a sensing service request originates from a UE. In this second example, the sensing request is sent from a UE via the RAN to AMF. In this case NAS (and / or RRC (radio resource control) signalling is may be sent from the UE to the SeMF. If the UE is in a CM-IDLE (connected mode -idle) state, the UE may initiate a UE triggered service request in order to establish a signalling connection with the AMF. This may be procedure to establish a signalling connection with the AMF may be as defined in clause 4.2.3.2 of TS 23.502. As referenced 1, the UE sends a sensing service request message via the RAN to the AMF. This sensing service request may be as previously discussed. The sensing service request may comprise the requested sensing parameters. This request may be included in a message, for example a UL NAS TRANSPORT message. Different types of a sensing service can be requested. For example, the sensing service may be for sensing information around the requesting UE, around another UE, or for a defined geographical area. The information elements of the sensing service request depend on the scenario and the application. If the UE is requesting that the sensing outputs be sent to another entity, the sensing service request message may include the identity of the another entity. For example, the another entity may comprise an AF or another in-network client. The sensing service request message may include the address of the AF, and / or the GMLC and / or another intermediate core network entity through which the client or AF (for example, via the NEF) should be accessed. As referenced 2, the AMF selects the appropriate SeMF in dependence on the information in the sensing service request. For example, the AMF selects the appropriate SeMF according to the defined sensing area and / or the sensing requirements and / or tracked object (which may be a connected object or non-connected object). For example, a different SeMF could be used for different locations that sensing information is needed, or a SeMF is selected according to the sensing capabilities that are required. Some examples of one or more sensing information that may be taken into consideration for the SeMF selection comprise one or more of the following: defined or serving sensing area; sensing requirements; tracked object or target object; sensing service client type; sensing service; sensing QoS requirements (quality of service); SeMF sensing capabilities; SeMF load; supported sensing methods and / or features of the SeMF; RAN configuration information; RAT type in the sensing area or of involved UEs; and / or network slicing information (e.g., S-NSSAI). The selection or reselection of the SeMF may be performed at the SeMF. For example, this may be in the case a default SeMF has been selected by the AMF or in case of UE mobility. That UE may be a. UE involved in the sensing procedure as for example, a sensing service client and / or as a sensing device. It should be appreciated, that in some embodiments, where the sensing service client is a UE, that UE may also be a sensing device. In the case that the sensing service request has one or more reference UE IDs, the AMF may contact the LMF to get the location information associated with the one or more reference UE IDs and based on that location information, the appropriate SeMF may be selected. The AMF may query the NRF to collect information such as SeMF profile information. As referenced 3, the AMF invokes the service operation of the sensing service request towards the SeMF to request the sensing information. The service operation may comprise one or more of the following information: a sensing correlation identifier generated at the AMF (this may be as described previously); service cell identity, in the case that the sensing service refers to one or more UEs (e.g., around a UE) or tracking of a UE has been requested, and / or sensing capabilities of each cell; sensing capabilities of a UE and / or supported sensing protocols, and / or UE connectivity state per access type (in case the sensing request is about a reference UE); notification target address (e.g., AF); and / or any one or more of the attributes of the sensing service request, previously described. As referenced 4 and 5, the SeMF may perform authorization of the requesting UE (and any other UEs, named as reference UEs for which sensing information is requested) and verify the privacy requirements of the sensing service request. The SeMF may interact with the UDM / UDR to receive sensing privacy profiles for one or more of the respective UEs. The privacy checks may be based on the user subscription data associated with a respective UE. It should be noted that steps 6 to 8 of Figure 6 are similar to steps 7 to 9 as discussed in relation to Figure 4. As referenced 9, the SeMF provides the sensing and / or tracking response to the AMF. The sensing service response may take the form previously discussed. The SeMF may apply an additional privacy check on the detected objects according to privacy rules that have been retrieved by the UDM / UDR. As referenced 10, the AMF sends a sensing service response message. The message may be included in a DL NAS TRANSPORT message. The message is sent to the requesting UE via the RAN. As referenced 11, optionally, the AMF or the SeMF may notify the AF or another in-network client about the sensing outputs, if it is indicated in the respective sensing service request. In that case the NAS message of step 10 may include an indicator whether a sensing information was successfully transferred or not (for example with an error indication) to the indicated in-network client or AF. Reference is made to Figure 7, which shows a third example procedure for the support by a 5GS for a sensing service. In this example, the sensing function SeMF is integrated or colocated with a location management function (LMF). In some embodiments, one NF may be provide the SeMF functionalities and a LMF functionalities. In other embodiments, a shared apparatus of a NF may provide the SeMF and LMF functions. The location services provided by the LMF are specified in TS 23.273 Version 18.2.0 (Clauses 6.1, 6.2, 6.3). The location services that are described in the TS 23.273 Version 18.2.0 (Clauses 6.1, 6.2, 6.3) could be reused to support the sensing services e.g., identify the location of a UE that is connected to the network and select the UE to assist the sensing service. Alternatively or additionally, the LMF can use the sensing procedures to determine or support the determination of the location information for UE (e.g., to support the location service requests). Alternatively or additionally, the LMF can host the sensing procedures to provide sensing services in addition to the location sendees. There may or may not be with or without any interaction or collaboration between the two operations (i.e., sensing service procedure(s) and location service procedure(s)). Whilst reference has been made to a LMF operating in accordance with TS 23.273, it should be appreciated that other embodiments may be used with a LMF operating in accordance with any other suitable standard. As referenced 1.1, a sensing service client e.g., an AF sends a sensing service request to the 5GC. The AF sends the sensing service request either directly to 5GC NF(s) or via NEF (as shown in Figure 7). The AF can send a sensing service request one-time or can send a subscription request for the sensing service. A subscription to the sensing service may be such that sensing data or a sensing output is provided to the sensing service client when one or more trigger conditions are satisfied. The trigger condition may be that a certain amount of time has elapsed and / or or that a certain event has been sensed. The information included in the sensing service request depends on the sensing service to be provided. The sensing service request may be as previously discussed. As referenced 1.2, the NEF invokes an operation to provide sensing information to the GMLC. The provided information will contain the attributes received in the sensing service request from the AF. As referenced 2, the GMLC may perform authorization of the requesting client e.g. the AF and / or verify the privacy requirements (e.g., in case of a reference UE for which the sensing information is needed) associated with the sensing service request. The GMLC may ensure the privacy and / or consent of those entities involved in sensing data collection are considered. To do this, the GMLC may interact with UDM / UDR e.g. to received sensing privacy profiles of entities involved in the sensing measurement data. As referenced 3, the GMLC invokes an operation to provide sensing service information to the AMF to request the sensing service information. This may be according to the defined sensing area and / or one or more reference UEs. In another embodiment, the NEF may directly contact the AMF, without using the GMLC or another intermediate entity that perform the tasks of step 2. As referenced 4, the AMF selects the appropriate LMF / SeMF according to the defined sensing area and / or the sensing requirements. This may be similar to step 2 as discussed in relation to Figure 6. In that case the criteria and the selection of the appropriate LMF / SeMF considers the type of the sensing request and the capabilities that are required to conduct the sensing. As referenced 5, the AMF invokes a sendee operation of the LMF / SeMF to request the sensing information. The AMF sends a service request to the LMF / SeMF which is based on information in the sensing service request and optionally additional information provided by the AMF. The service request provides one or more of the following information: a sensing correlation identifier generated at the AMF (this may be as described in relation to the example of Figure 3); a sensing correlation identifier generated at the AMF (this may be as describe previously); service cell identify, in the case that the sensing service refers to one or more UEs (e.g., around a UE) or tracking of a UE has been requested, and / or sensing capabilities of each cell; sensing capabilities of a UE and / or supported sensing protocols, and / or UE connectivity state per access type (in case the sensing request is about a reference UE); notification target address (e.g., URI of GMLC); and / or any one or more of the attributes of the sensing service request, previously described. As referenced 6, the LMF / SeMF is configured to determine the appropriate sensing method and / or configuration, according to the requirements included in the sensing service request, and the available sensing capabilities in the area that the request defines. In this regard, this step may be as discussed in relation to step 7 of Figure 4. As referenced 7, LMF / SeMF, in collaboration with the one or more base stations and / or one or more UEs, requests and collects sensing measurement information. This will be in dependence on the selected sensing method. Step 7 may be performed a plurality of times e.g., to get sensing measurement information from more than one UE and / or from more than one device and / or from one or more NG-RAN. This may be via the same AMF or one or more different AMFs. Based on the received inputs, the LMF / SeMF determines the sensing output. As referenced 8, the LMF / SeMF provides the sensing and / or tracking response to the AMF. The sensing service response may take the form previously discussed. The sensing service response may indicate the success or failure to provide the requested sensing output. In the case a failure to provide the requested sensing output, the response may comprise a failure cause. As referenced 9.1, the AMF provides sensing service response the GMLC with the sensing output. As referenced 9.2, the GMLC forwards the sensing service response with the sensing output to the NEF. The GMLC may record charging information for the AF and inter-network revenue charges from the AMF's network. As referenced 9.3, the NEF sends to the AF the sensing service response with the sensing output. The sensing service response may take the form discussed previously. The arrangement shown in Figure 7 may be modified such that the sensing service client is a UE rather than an AF. In this modification, those operations referenced 1 to 3 of Figure 7 may be replaced by operations such as referenced 1 and 2 of Figure 6 Any of the previously described examples may be modified so that different functionalities of the SeMF may be provided in one or more different entities. For example, at least a part of the SeMF privacy check functionality may be provided in the GMLC and / or the NEF. It should be appreciated that the sequence in which the procedures are performed may be changed. For example, in some embodiments where AMF selection is performed, this may be performed before or after SeMF selection. Reference is made to Figure 8 which shows a method of some embodiments. This method may be performed by an apparatus. The apparatus may a network function apparatus. The apparatus may comprise suitable means, such as circuitry for providing the method. Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus may comprise at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor cause the apparatus at least to provide the method below. Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus may be such as discussed in relation to Figure 2 The method may be provided by computer program code or computer executable instructions. The method may comprise as referenced Al, receiving, at a network function apparatus, a sensing service request for a type of sensing service, the sensing service request being received from a sensing service client; determining if the network function is able to support the type of sensing service. The method may comprise as referenced A2, selecting a different network function to support the type of sensing service when the network function is not able to support the type of sensing service. It should be appreciated that the method outlined in Figure 8 may be modified to include any of the previously described features. Reference is made to Figure 9 which shows a method of some embodiments. This method may be performed by an apparatus. The apparatus may be in or be a user equipment. The apparatus may comprise suitable means, such as circuitry for providing the method. Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus may comprise at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor cause the apparatus at least to provide the method below. Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus may be such as discussed in relation to Figure 3. The method may be provided by computer program code or computer executable instructions. The method may comprise as referenced Bl, outputting, by a user equipment, a sensing service request for a type of sensing service, the user equipment being a client of the sensing service, the sensing service request comprising one or more attributes associated with the type of sensing service, the sensing service request being output to a radio access network which directs the message to a sensing service function directly or via an access and mobility function. The method may comprise as referenced B2, receiving a sensing service response for the type of sensing service. It should be appreciated that the method outlined in Figure 9 may be modified to include any of the previously described features. Reference is made to Figure 10 which shows a method of some embodiments. This method may be performed by an apparatus. The apparatus may be an access and mobility function apparatus. The apparatus may comprise suitable means, such as circuitry for providing the method. Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus may comprise at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor cause the apparatus at least to provide the method below. Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus may be such as discussed in relation to Figure 2. The method may be provided by computer program code or computer executable instructions. The method may comprise as referenced Cl, receiving, at an access and mobility function apparatus, a sensing service request for a type of sensing service, the sensing service request be received from a user equipment, the user equipment being a sensing service client. The method may comprise as referenced C2, selecting, in dependence on the sensing service request, a network function providing the type of sensing service. The method may comprise as referenced C3, sending at least some information in the sensing service request to the selected network function. It should be appreciated that the method outlined in Figure 10 may be modified to include any of the previously described features. Computer program code may be downloaded and stored in one or more memories of the apparatus described herein. Therefore, although certain embodiments were described above by way of example with reference to certain example architectures for communication systems operated by mobile network operators, technologies and standards, embodiments may be applied to any other suitable forms of communication systems than those illustrated and described herein. In this example, some embodiments have been described in relation to a 5G communication system (5GS). As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “at least one of ” and similar wording, where the list of two or more elements are joined by “and” or “or”, mean at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all the elements. In general, the various embodiments may be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuitry, software, logic or any combination thereof. Some aspects of the disclosure may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor or other computing device, although the disclosure is not limited thereto. While various aspects of the disclosure may be illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other pictorial representation, it is well understood that these blocks, apparatus, systems, techniques or methods described herein may be implemented in, as non-limiting examples, hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller or other computing devices, or some combination thereof. As used in this application, the term “circuitry” may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) hardware-only circuit (such as analog and / or digital circuit(s)) and (b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as (as applicable): (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuit(s) with software / firmware and (ii) any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions) and (c) hardware circuit(s) and or processor(s), such as a microprocessor s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that requires software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation.” This definition of circuitry applies to at least some uses of the term “means” in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, an integrated circuit such as a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in server, a cellular network device, or other computing or network device. The embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented by computer software executable by a data processor of the mobile device, such as in the processor entity, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. Computer software or program, also called program product, including software routines, applets and / or macros, may be stored in any apparatus-readable data storage medium and they comprise program instructions to perform particular tasks. A computer program product may comprise one or more computerexecutable components which, when the program is run, are configured to carry out embodiments. The one or more computer-executable components may be at least one software code or portions of it. Further in this regard it should be noted that any blocks of the logic flow as in the Figures may represent program steps, or interconnected logic circuits, blocks and functions, or a combination of program steps and logic circuits, blocks and functions. The software may be stored on such physical media as memory chips, or memory blocks implemented within the processor, magnetic media such as hard disk or floppy disks, and optical media such as for example DVD and the data variants thereof, CD. The physical media is a non-transitory media. The term “non-transitory,” as used herein, is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not a signal) as opposed to a limitation on data storage persistency (e.g., RAM vs. ROM). The memory may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment and may 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. The data processors may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment, and may comprise one or more of general-purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), FPGA, gate level circuits and processors based on multi core processor architecture, as non-limiting examples. Embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced in various components such as integrated circuit modules. The design of integrated circuits is by and large a highly automated process. Complex and powerful software tools are available for converting a logic level design into a semiconductor circuit design ready to be etched and formed on a semiconductor substrate. The foregoing description has provided by way of non-limiting examples a full and informative description of the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. However, various modifications and adaptations may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts in view of the foregoing description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. Indeed, there are further embodiments comprising a combination of one or more embodiments with any of the other embodiments previously discussed. The scope of protection sought for some embodiments of the disclosure is set out by the claims. The embodiments and features, if any, described in this specification that do not fall under the scope of the claims are to be interpreted as examples useful for understanding various embodiments of the disclosure. It should be noted that different claims with differing claim scope may be pursued in related applications such as divisional or continuation applications.
Claims
1. Apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions for a network function for a communications system, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least perform:receiving a sensing service request for a type of sensing service, the sensing service request being received from a sensing service client;determining whether the network function is able to support the type of sensing service; andwhen the network function is not able to support the type of sensing service, selecting a different network function to support the type of sensing service.
2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus is caused to provide at least a part of information in the sensing service request to the selected different network function.
3. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein when the network function is able to support a type of sensing service included in a sensing service request, the apparatus is caused to cause one or more entities of the communications system to be at least one of configured or selected to provide sensing measurement information specific to the type of sensing service request.
4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the apparatus is caused to perform at least a part of the type of sensing service with one or more other entities, the one or more entities providing sensing measurement information.
5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the apparatus is caused to determine, based on the sensing measurement information, a sensing service response.
6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the apparatus is caused to provide the sensing service response to the sensing service client.
7. The apparatus as claimed in any of claims 3 to 6, wherein one of the entities which is to be at least one of selected or configured to provide the type of sensing service comprises an access and mobility function, the apparatus is caused to at least one of select or configure oneof a plurality of access and mobility functions.
8. The apparatus as claimed in any of claims 3 to 7, wherein the apparatus is caused to determine compliance with one or more privacy requirements associated with one or more of the one or more entities providing the sensing service.
9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the apparatus is caused to determine compliance with one or more privacy requirements when:the sensing service request is received;sensing measurement information is collected; ora sensing output is determined.
10. The apparatus as claimed in any of claims 3 to 9, wherein the apparatus is caused to determine if one or more of the one or more entities which are to provide the sensing service are permitted to provide the sensing service.
11. Apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions of a user equipment of a communications system, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least perform:outputting a sensing service request for a type of sensing service, the user equipment being a client of the sensing service, the sensing service request comprising one or more attributes associated with the type of sensing service, the sensing service request being output to a radio access network which directs the message to a sensing service function directly or via an access and mobility function; andreceiving a sensing service response for the type of sensing service.
12. Apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions of an access and mobility function of a communications system, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least perform:receiving from a user equipment, a sensing service request for a type of sensing service, the user equipment being a sensing service client;selecting, in dependence on the sensing service request, a network function providing a sensing service; andsending at least some information in the sensing service request to the selected network function.
13. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the sensing service type comprises one or more of the following: object(s) detection; tracking of objects(s); motion monitoring; intruder detection at home; intruder detection on a road; intruder detection on a railway; intruder detection in an outdoor surroundings; unmanned aerial vehicle trajectory tracing; unmanned aerial vehicle collision avoidance; unmanned aerial vehicle intruder detection; human trajectory tracking; collision avoidance on a road; collision avoidance on a smart grid; parking space determination; blind spot detection of a vehicle; detection of objects around a vehicle; automated guided vehicle detection and / or tracking in a factory; mobile robot collision avoidance in a factory; environmental sensing and / or monitoring; weather monitoring; health monitoring; or gesture recognition.
14. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the sensing service request comprises one or more of:one or more service type attributes indicating the service type; or one or more attributes indicating one or more attributes of the requested sensing service.
15. The apparatus as claimed in any of claim 14, wherein the sensing service request comprises one or more attributes defining one or more of:one or more sensing service configurations; or one or more sensing quality of service requirements.
16. The apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein one or more of the attributes defining one or more sensing configurations comprise one or more of:one or more attributes indicating an object type associated with the requested service; one or more attributes indicating a size of an object associated with the requested service; one or more attributes indicating a material of an object associated with the requested service; one or more attributes indicating a shape of an object associated with the requested service; one or more attributes relating to mobility requirements of an object associated with the requested service.
17. The apparatus as claimed in claim 15 or 16, wherein one or more of the attributes defining one or more sensing configurations comprise one or more of:one or more attributes indicating surroundings associated with the requested sensing service; one or more attributes indicating one or more objects in a sensing area associated with the requested sensing service; one or more attributes associated with validation of one or more objects; or one or more attributes associated with tracking of one or more objects.
18. The apparatus as claimed in any of claims 15 to 17, wherein one or more of the attributes defining one or more sensing quality of service requirements comprise one or more of:one or more attributes defining an update rate for the sensing service; one or more attributes defining a maximum sensing service latency for the sensing service; one or more attributes defining an sensing resolution for the sensing service; one or more attributes defining an accuracy of positioning estimate for the sensing service; or one or more attributes defining an accuracy of velocity estimate for the sensing service; one or more attributes defining a maximum sensing range for the sensing service.
19. The apparatus as claimed in any of claims 15 to 18, wherein the sensing service request comprises one or more attributes defining one or more of:location of sensing for the sensing service; duration of sensing for the sensing service; processing of sensing data collected; or reporting of sensing data.
20. The apparatus as claimed in claim 5 or claim 11, or any claim appended to claim 5 or claim 11, wherein the sensing service response comprises one or more attributes relating to one or more objects for which one or more sensing measurements are performed.
21. The apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein the one or more attributes relating to one or more objects in the sensing service response comprises one or more of:one or more sensing attributes for one or more objects; one or more sensing location attributes for one or more objects; identity attributes for one or more objects; one or more attributes for surroundings in which one or more objects is located; and one or more object feature attributes for one or more objects.
22. The apparatus as claimed in in claim 5 or claim 11, or any claim appended to claim 5 or claim 11, wherein the sensing service response comprises one or more attributes relating to the provision of the sensing measurements.
23. The apparatus as claimed in claim 22, wherein the one or more attributes of the sensing service response comprises one or more of:one or more attributes indicating a used sensing method;one or more attributes indicating the network function; one or more attributes indicating sensing configuration used for collection of sensing data; orone or more attributes indicating an achieved sensing quality of service.
24. A method comprising:receiving, at a network function apparatus, a sensing service request for a type of sensing service, the sensing service request being received from a sensing service client; determining if the network function is able to support the type of sensing service; andselecting a different network function to support the type of sensing service when the network function is not able to support the type of sensing service.
25. A method comprising:outputting, by a user equipment, a sensing service request for a type of sensing service, the user equipment being a client of the sensing service, the sensing service request comprising one or more attributes associated with the type of sensing service, the sensing service request being output to a radio access network which directs the message to a sensing service function directly or via an access and mobility function; andreceiving a sensing service response for the type of sensing service.
26. A method comprising:receiving, at an access and mobility function apparatus, a sensing service request for a type of sensing service, the sensing service request be received from a user equipment, the user equipment being a sensing service client;selecting, in dependence on the sensing service request, a network function providing the type of sensing service; andsending at least some information in the sensing service request to the selected network function.
27. A computer program comprising computer executable code which when run cause any of the methods set out in claims 24 to 26 to be performed.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Sensing service providing method and apparatus, and communication device and storage medium
WO2023056648A1