System and terminal

Abstract

To allow sensing results of an area of a range requested by UE (User Equipment) to be transmitted.SOLUTION: A system 100 is a system that constitutes at least part of a wireless communication network and includes a control unit that receives a sensing request requesting a sensing result in a first range specified based on a predetermined position as a starting point, and transmits a first sensing result, which is a result of performing sensing in an area that includes at least the first range, based on the sensing request.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a system and a terminal in a cellular communication network.

Background Art

[0002] In cellular communication, it has been considered to sense an object using radio waves used for wireless communication by a base station (gNB) or a user terminal (UE). By sensing using such radio waves used in cellular communication, it is assumed that the presence or absence of an obstacle or the like is determined. Regarding this, as an invention using a technique for determining the presence or absence of an obstacle by sensing, for example, in Patent Document 1, the surrounding environment of a vehicle is recognized, characteristic information of a target object is acquired, and based on the characteristic information, it is determined whether the target object has the possibility of obstructing the travel of the vehicle. When it is determined that there is no possibility of obstructing the travel, a driving support device for a vehicle that continues normal driving control of the vehicle is disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to transmit a sensing result of an area within a range requested from a UE (User Equipment).

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] One aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure is A system that constitutes a wireless communication network, comprising a control unit that performs: receiving a sensing request for a result of sensing in a first range specified starting from a predetermined position; and transmitting a first sensing result that is a result of performing sensing in a region including at least the first range based on the sensing request. It is a system.

[0006] Also, one aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure is A terminal comprising a control unit that performs: transmitting a sensing request to a core network for a result of sensing in a first range specified starting from a predetermined position; and receiving from the core network a first sensing result that is a result of performing sensing in a region including at least the first range based on the sensing request.

[0007] Also, as another aspect, there are a method executed by the above-described device, a program for causing a computer to execute the method, or a computer-readable storage medium that non-temporarily stores the program.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to transmit a sensing result of a region in the range requested from the UE.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3A

Figure 3B

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] The case where the sensing result of a predetermined area by the user equipment (UE) is not good will be described. The UE is a 5G sensing which is sensing of an object using radio waves used by a base station (gNB) or another user equipment (UE) for wireless communication in a 5G system, and it is conceivable to complement the sensing result by obtaining the result of performing 5G sensing in the area. As an example, the UE is a vehicle equipped with a mobile communication terminal. In such a system, the UE has a need to specify a specific range in a predetermined area where the sensing result is not good and obtain the result of 5G sensing. For example, when a vehicle which is a UE senses a predetermined area by an in-vehicle camera, it is assumed that the brightness of the predetermined area to be sensed is not sufficient at night or the like. In such a case, since the brightness of the predetermined area is not sufficient, the sensing result by the in-vehicle camera may not be good. Therefore, the vehicle which is a UE can obtain a sensing result of sufficient quality by obtaining and using the sensing result performed by another entity for a specific range in the predetermined area where a good sensing result could not be obtained. Therefore, it is desirable that the system can obtain the sensing result of the specific range designated by the UE and transmit it to the UE.

[0011] The system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is A system that constitutes a wireless communication network, comprising a control unit that executes: receiving a sensing request for requesting a result of sensing in a first range specified starting from a predetermined position; and transmitting a first sensing result that is a result of executing sensing in a region including at least the first range based on the sensing request.

[0012] An example of a wireless communication network is a system that uses 5G, 4G, LTE, LTE-A, SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, NR, etc. and next-generation systems extended based on these. Another example of a wireless communication network is a system that uses IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE802.16 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.20, UWB, Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc. and next-generation systems extended based on these. The wireless communication network may be a system in which a plurality of systems are combined.

[0013] The first range is a predetermined region defined in space. The first range may be represented in a two-dimensional plane or a three-dimensional space.

[0014] The predetermined position is typically the location where the UE that transmits the sensing request exists.

[0015] The sensing request is, for example, information that is transmitted from an Application Function (hereinafter, AF) in 5G to the system, requests to execute sensing in the first range, and transmit the result of the sensing executed in the first range to the AF or the like. is.

[0016] The first sensing result is information representing the result of sensing executed by a device or the like that has received an instruction from the control unit in the first range. The first sensing result may be the result of 5G sensing executed by the device or the like in the first range.

[0017] The control unit receives a sensing request specifying a specific range, and based on the request, transmits the sensing result of the specific range to AF or the like.

[0018] Thereby, the system according to the present disclosure can transmit the 5G sensing result in the spatial range specified from AF to AF or the like.

[0019] Further, the sensing request may include information regarding a central angle centered on the predetermined position for specifying the first range.

[0020] Thereby, the system according to the present disclosure can typically receive a sensing request for a spatial range specified by an angle from the UE.

[0021] Further, the information regarding the central angle may include information indicating an azimuth or an azimuth angle viewed from the predetermined position.

[0022] Thereby, the system according to the present disclosure can receive a sensing request for a spatial range specified by a direction angle from a predetermined position.

[0023] Further, the sensing request may include information regarding the time or the time duration at which the sensing is to be performed.

[0024] Thereby, the system according to the present disclosure can receive a sensing request specifying the time or the time duration for performing the sensing.

[0025] Further, the control unit may transmit an execution instruction instructing to execute the sensing in the first range to at least one of the plurality of base stations.

[0026] 5G sensing is typically performed by a base station that has jurisdiction over the area to be sensed. Therefore, the system needs to request 5G sensing from a base station or the like that has jurisdiction over the spatial range specified in the sensing request.

[0027] Thereby, the system according to the present disclosure can instruct the selected base station to perform 5G sensing in the first range.

[0028] Also, the sensing request may include, as the predetermined position, the position of the UE (User Equipment) that sent the sensing request.

[0029] Thereby, the system according to the present disclosure can receive a sensing request based on the position of the UE that sent the sensing request.

[0030] Also, in the sensing request, the first range may be determined based on a second range in which the UE performed sensing.

[0031] Thereby, the system according to the present disclosure reflects the spatial range in which the UE performed sensing and can provide the sensing result for the determined spatial range.

[0032] Also, the terminal according to the present disclosure transmits a sensing request to the core network to request the sensing result in a first range specified starting from a predetermined position, and receives from the core network a first sensing result that is the result of performing sensing in an area including at least the first range based on the sensing request, and includes a control unit that executes the above.

[0033] Thereby, the terminal according to the present disclosure can achieve the same effect as the above system.

[0034] Based on a second sensing result, which is the result of performing sensing in a second range, the control unit included in the terminal according to the present disclosure determines a mixing ratio between the first sensing result and the second sensing result, and based on the mixing ratio, calculates a sensing result in the first range from the first sensing result and the second sensing result.

[0035] Thereby, the terminal according to the present disclosure can mix the sensing result obtained from the system 100 and the sensing result executed by itself based on the result of the sensing executed by itself, and calculate the sensing result in a desired spatial range. Therefore, the terminal according to the present disclosure can obtain a more reliable sensing result in a desired spatial range.

[0036] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The hardware configuration, module configuration, functional configuration, etc. described in each embodiment are not intended to limit the technical scope of the disclosure only to those, unless otherwise specified. For example, hereinafter, an example in which the present disclosure is applied to a fifth-generation mobile communication system will be described, but the present disclosure may be applied to a fourth-generation or later-generation mobile communication system. The present disclosure may also be applied to a mobile communication system defined by other than 3GPP (registered trademark), or may be applied to any wireless communication system or wired communication system other than the mobile communication system.

[0037] (Embodiment) <Overview of System Processing> First, an overview of the processing executed by the system according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of the processing executed by the system 100 according to the embodiment. Here, the system 100 is typically a 5G core network. The system 100 communicates with a UE (vehicle) included in the 5G network, and receives or transmits various instructions or various data. Further, the system 100 communicates with a base station 200 that emits radio waves for realizing the 5G network, transmits various instructions, and receives various data. Note that the system 100 communicates with the UE (vehicle) via an AF (described later), but the system 100 may communicate directly with the UE (vehicle). In FIG. 1, the illustration of the AF is omitted.

[0038] The vehicle 40, which is the UE2, is a vehicle that can perform sensing of the surroundings of the vehicle 40 using sensors or the like mounted on itself. First, the vehicle 40 designates a spatial range for executing 5G sensing and requests the system 100 to execute the sensing. The vehicle 40 may designate, as the spatial range, an area where it is difficult for the vehicle 40 itself to perform sensing (for example, an area that is a blind spot from the vehicle 40, or an area where the sensitivity of the sensors mounted on the vehicle 40 is poor). For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 40 designates the first area 310, which is an area in front of the vehicle 40, as the range where the vehicle 40 itself performs sensing, and designates the second areas 320a and 320b, which are areas on the sides of the vehicle 40, as the ranges where 5G sensing is performed by other devices (including the base station 200 or other UEs2, etc.).

[0039] Next, the system 100 that has received the request to execute sensing from the vehicle 40 instructs the base station 200 to execute 5G sensing in the spatial range designated by the vehicle 40. Then, the base station 200 that has received the instruction from the system 100 executes 5G sensing in the designated spatial range.

[0040] Alternatively, the system 100 that has received a request to execute sensing from the vehicle 40 may instruct the base station 200 to cause the UEs existing in the jurisdiction area to perform 5G sensing or other sensing within the spatial range specified by the vehicle 40. Then, each UE that has received an instruction from the base station 200 performs 5G sensing or other sensing within the specified spatial range.

[0041] Next, the base station 200 transmits the results of 5G sensing within the pointed-out spatial range to the system 100. When the base station 200 instructs other sensing devices to perform sensing within the specified spatial range, the base station 200 may obtain the sensing results detected by the other sensing devices and transmit the results to the system 100. The system 100 that has received the sensing results from the base station 200 transmits the sensing results within the spatial range specified by the vehicle 40 to the vehicle 40.

[0042] In this way, the system 100 can receive a sensing request within the specified spatial range from the vehicle 40, which is the UE2, and transmit the sensing results within the spatial range caused to be executed by the base station 200 to the vehicle 40, which is the UE2. That is, the system 100 can provide the sensing results within the spatial range specified by the UE2 to the UE2.

[0043] <Configuration of the System> Figure 2 shows the components that make up the 5th generation mobile communication system (5G network). In Figure 2, UE (User Equipment) 2 is the terminal of the user (subscriber). RAN (Radio Access Network) 3 is the access network to the 5G core network (5GC). RAN 3 is composed of base stations (gNB). The 5G network has a 5G core network (5GC) and an access network ((R)AN), and the UE 2, DN 5, and AF 12 are connected to the 5G network. Each of NF11a~11m is a function realized by one or more computers (information processing devices) executing a program. However, a single computer may realize any two or more of NF11a~11m. Each of NF11a~11m can also be referred to as a network node or a network component. The components shown in Figure 1 realize the system 100 according to the embodiment.

[0044] The 5GC is composed of a set of components having a predetermined function called NF (Network Function). In Figure 1, the following are illustrated as NF11 that makes up the 5GC. In Figure 1, a plurality of elements that make up NF11 are shown in a thick rectangular line thicker than other lines.

[0045] UPF (User Plane Function) 11a AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) 11b SMF (Session Management Function) 11c PCF (Policy Control Function) 11d NEF (Network Exposure Function) 11e NRF (Network Repository Function) 11g NSSF (Network Slice Selection Function) 11h AUSF (Authentication Server Function) 11i UDM (Unified Data Management) 11j SENSING (Sensing Function) 11m

[0046] UPF 11a routes and forwards user packets (packets in the user plane that UE2 transmits and receives), performs packet inspection, and QoS processing.

[0047] AMF 11b is a UE containment device in 5GC. AMF 11b accommodates RAN3 and performs subscriber authentication control, UE2 location (mobility) management, etc.

[0048] SMF 11c manages PDU (Protocol Data Unit) sessions and controls UPF 11a for the implementation of QoS (Quality of Service) control and policy control. A PDU session is a virtual communication path for data exchange between UE2 and DN (Data Network) 5. DN5 is a data network (such as the Internet) outside 5GC.

[0049] PCF 11d performs QoS control, policy control, charging control, etc. under the control of SMF 11c. In QoS control, control of communication quality such as priority forwarding of packets is performed. In policy control, communication control such as QoS, packet transfer availability, and charging based on network or subscriber information is performed.

[0050] NEF 11e plays a role in mediating communication between external nodes and nodes within the control plane.

[0051] NRF 11g stores and manages information on NFs (such as AMF, SMF, UPF, etc.) within 5GC. NRF 11g can return multiple NF candidates to the inquirer in response to an inquiry regarding an NF that desires to be used.

[0052] NSSF11h has a function of selecting a network slice used by a subscriber from among the network slices generated by network slicing. A network slice is a virtual network having specifications according to usage.

[0053] AUSF11i is a subscriber authentication server that performs subscriber authentication under the control of AMF11b.

[0054] UDM11j holds subscriber-related information and provides subscriber information, or acquires, registers, deletes, or changes the state of UE2.

[0055] SENSING11m implements a sensing service that includes collecting sensing information from UE2, RAN3 (base station (gNB)), or other nodes, and providing the collected sensing information to UE2 or other external systems (AF12, DN5, etc.). Details of SENSING11m will be described later.

[0056] AF12 is an NF that performs processing using sensing data and provides an application service using sensing data to a UE (terminal). As an example, AF12 notifies a UE (terminal) of the result of sensing in a specified spatial range acquired by SENSING11m. Also, an application program executed on the UE (terminal) may operate as AF12.

[0057] In 5GC, there may be a plurality of NFs of the same type. For example, NF11 may be prepared for each data center (building). Also, one NF11 may be shared between data centers. Also, there may be a case where a plurality of NFs of the same type are configured in one data center. The number of data centers and the number of NF11s, and the correspondence relationship between NF11 and the data center can be set as appropriate.

[0058] <Configuration of Information Processing Apparatus and Terminal> FIG. 3A is a diagram showing a configuration example of the information processing apparatus 20 that can operate as the system 100 according to the embodiment. In FIG. 3A, the information processing apparatus 20 can be configured using a dedicated or general-purpose information processing apparatus (computer) such as a personal computer (PC), a workstation (WS), or a server machine. However, the information processing apparatus 20 may be an aggregate (cloud) of one or more computers.

[0059] The information processing apparatus 20 includes a processor 21 as a processing unit or a control unit (controller) interconnected via a bus 26, a storage device 22, a communication interface 23 (communication IF 23), an input device 24, and a display 25.

[0060] The storage device 22 includes a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. The main storage device is used as at least one of a storage area for programs and data, a deployment area for programs, a work area for programs, and a buffer area for communication data. The main storage device is configured of a RAM (Random Access Memory), or a combination of a RAM and a ROM (Read Only Memory). The auxiliary storage device is used as a storage area for data and programs. A non-volatile storage medium is applied to the auxiliary storage device. The non-volatile storage medium is, for example, a hard disk, a Solid State Drive (SSD), a flash memory, or an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). Also, the storage device 22 can include a drive device for a disk recording medium.

[0061] The communication IF 23 is a circuit that performs communication processing. For example, the communication IF 23 is a network interface card (NIC). Also, the communication IF 23 may be a wireless communication circuit that performs wireless communication (such as 5G, wireless LAN (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), BLE). Also, the communication IF 23 may be a combination of a circuit that performs wired communication processing and a wireless communication circuit.

[0062] The input device 24 includes keys, buttons, pointing devices, touch panels, etc., and is used for inputting information. The display 25 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays information and data.

[0063] The processor 21 performs various processes by executing various programs stored in the storage device 22. By the processor 21 executing the programs stored in the storage device 22, the information processing device 20 can operate as each of NF11a to 11m, the external servers 12a and 12b. The processor 21 is a specific example of the control unit of the system 100.

[0064] FIG. 3B is a diagram showing a configuration example of the vehicle 40 that can operate as the UE2. The vehicle 40 includes a processor 41, a storage device 42, a communication interface 43 (communication IF43), an input device 44, a display 45, and a drive unit 47, which are interconnected via a bus 46. The processor 41, the storage device 42, the communication IF43, the input device 44, and the display 45 can use the same components as the processor 21, the storage device 22, the communication IF23, the input device 24, and the display 25. Therefore, these descriptions are omitted.

[0065] Processors 21 and 41 are, for example, Central Processing Units (CPUs). A CPU is also called a Microprocessor Unit (MPU). Processors 21 and 41 may be a single-processor configuration or a multi-processor configuration. Also, a single physical CPU connected by a single socket may have a multi-core configuration. Processors 21 and 41 may include arithmetic units with various circuit configurations such as a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) or a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU). Further, processors 21 and 41 may have a configuration that cooperates with at least one of an integrated circuit (IC), other digital circuits, and analog circuits. Integrated circuits include, for example, large-scale integration (LSI), Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), and programmable logic devices (PLDs). PLDs include, for example, Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). Processors 21 and 41 also include, for example, those called microcontrollers (MCUs), system-on-a-chip (SoCs), system LSIs, or chip sets.

[0066] The drive unit 47 is a means for driving the vehicle 40. The drive unit 47 can be configured to include, for example, a motor, an inverter, a brake, and a steering mechanism for driving the wheels. The drive unit 47 may operate by electric power supplied from a battery.

[0067] <Operation of the System> FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram regarding the sensing process executed by the control unit of the system 100 according to the embodiment. Note that the sequence diagram shown here is an example, and it may include processes other than those shown, some of the shown processes may be omitted, or the execution order of the shown processes may be changed.

[0068] In this operation example, UE2 that transmits a sensing request to SENSING11m corresponds to vehicle 40 equipped with a mobile communication terminal that uses this service, and SENSING11m and AF12 correspond to an application that provides this service.

[0069] In step S10, UE2 that requests sensing of a specified spatial range transmits a request message for making a sensing request (Request) to AF12. The request message is a specific example of a sensing request. The request message includes parameters for specifying the spatial range that is the detection target.

[0070] Parameters for specifying the spatial range that is the detection target can represent, for example, position information indicating a point that is the starting point for defining the spatial range, and information indicating a range represented based on the starting point. The range represented based on the starting point may be represented by an angle based on the starting point, or may be represented by a direction or azimuth angle based on the starting point. Here, the spatial range may be represented in a two-dimensional plane or a three-dimensional space. Note that the spatial range that is the detection target is the first range.

[0071] Also, the request message may include information regarding the time or duration when sensing is to be executed. Note that UE2 may directly transmit the request message to SENSING11m without going through AF12.

[0072] In step S11, AF12 transmits a request message for making a sensing request (Request) to SENSING11m. Similar to step S10, the request mess age includes parameters for specifying the spatial range that is the detection target. Also, the request message may include information regarding the time or duration when sensing is to be executed.

[0073] In step S12, SENSING11m that has received a request message from AF12 selects at least one device for performing 5G sensing from among a plurality of devices within the spatial range specified by UE2. SENSING11m may select the device closest to the location where the spatial range specified by UE2 exists. Here, the devices include base station 200 and one or more UE2s. SENSING11m may select a base station as the device for performing 5G sensing, may select any UE2, or may select both a base station and one or more arbitrary UE2s as the device for performing 5G sensing.

[0074] In step S13, SENSING11m requests base station 200 to collect sensing data. At this time, SENSING11m designates parameters for specifying the spatial range to be detected. Note that SENSING11m may also designate parameters such as the time or time duration at which sensing should be performed.

[0075] In step S14, base station 200 performs 5G sensing within the specified spatial range. Note that instead of performing 5G sensing itself, base station 200 may instruct a sensing device existing in the jurisdiction area to perform sensing within the specified spatial range.

[0076] Next, in step S15, base station 200 transmits the collected sensing data to SENSING11m. When base station 200 has performed sensing within the specified spatial range itself, it may transmit the sensing data collected by itself. Also, when base station 200 has requested a sensing device existing in the jurisdiction area to perform sensing within the specified spatial range, it may obtain sensing data from the sensing device and transmit the obtained sensing data to SENSING11m.

[0077] In step S16, SENSING11m transmits the sensing result to AF12. SENSING11m may transmit the sensing data itself received from the base station 200 to AF12, or may transmit the data obtained by processing the sensing data received from the base station 200 to AF12. The sensing result transmitted by SENSING11m is a specific example of the first sensing result.

[0078] In step S17, AF12 transmits the sensing result to UE2. AF12 may transmit the sensing result itself received from SENSING11m to UE2, or may transmit the data obtained by processing the sensing result received from SENSING11m to UE2.

[0079] Next, the processing executed by the control unit of the system 100 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart regarding the sensing processing executed by the control unit of the system 100 according to the embodiment. Specifically, the processing described in FIG. 5 may be executed by the processor 41 of the information processing apparatus 20 operable as the system 100.

[0080] First, in step S20, SENSING11m receives a sensing request (sensing request) specifying a predetermined position and a spatial range from AF12 that has received a sensing request from UE2 in which a predetermined position and a spatial range are specified. Alternatively, SENSING11m may receive the sensing request message from UE2. The request message may include information specifying the time or time duration at which sensing should be performed within the spatial range specified by UE2. When the time or time duration is specified, the information may be included.

[0081] In a sensing request, the spatial range in which sensing is to be performed may be expressed based on information regarding a central angle centered on a predetermined position. Here, the predetermined position may be the position where UE2 is located, or a specific point away from UE2. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a method of expressing the range for which sensing is requested. For example, as shown in FIG. 6(a), UE2 may specify, as the range in which sensing is to be performed, a range of a sector having a predetermined radius, with the central angle being the angle from angle α1 to angle α2 from a horizontal line starting from the position where UE2, which is vehicle 40, is located. The range in which sensing is to be performed is not limited to a sector or a circle, and may be expressed as a polygon.

[0082] Also, in a sensing request, the information regarding the central angle representing the spatial range in which sensing is to be performed may be expressed based on information indicating the azimuth or azimuth angle as seen from a predetermined position. Here, the predetermined position may be the position where UE2 is located, or a specific point away from UE2. For example, as shown in FIG. 6(b), UE2 may specify, as the range in which sensing is to be performed, a range of a sector having a predetermined radius, with the central angle being the angle from angle β1 (azimuth angle) to angle β2 from a straight line extending from the true north azimuth from the position where vehicle 40 is located. Alternatively, the range in which sensing is to be performed may be expressed, using azimuth angles, as a range of a sector having a predetermined radius from the north-northeast azimuth to the east azimuth from the point where UE2, which is vehicle 40, is located. The range in which sensing is to be performed is not limited to a sector or a circle, and may be expressed as a polygon.

[0083] Note that the spatial range (first range) in which sensing is performed may be determined based on the range (referred to as the second range) in which the UE2 itself that sent the sensing request performed sensing. For example, the UE2 may identify an area with insufficient quality of the acquired data within the area where the UE2 itself performed sensing, and specify the identified area as the first range in the sensing request. Alternatively, the UE2 may specify, as the first range, a part of the area outside the area where the UE2 itself can perform sensing, in the sensing request. Also, the UE2 may instruct the system 100 in the sensing request of a spatial range where sensing is not required.

[0084] Next, in step S21, SENSING11m selects at least one base station 200 from among a plurality of base stations. SENSING11m selects a base station 200 that executes 5G sensing or a base station 200 that requests the sensing device to execute sensing. Here, the sensing device may be another UE different from the UE2. For example, the other UE may be a vehicle equipped with a mobile communication terminal, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like. SENSING11m may select one base station or may select two or more base stations.

[0085] Here, for example, SENSING11m may select, as the base station 200 that executes sensing, the base station closest to the position specified as the range in which sensing is performed among the plurality of base stations.

[0086] Next, in step S22, SENSING11m may request the selected base station 200 to perform 5G sensing. Alternatively, SENSING11m may request the selected base station 200 to instruct at least one sensing device existing within the jurisdiction area of the base station 200 to perform sensing within a specified spatial range. The base station 200 may select the sensing device closest to a predetermined position among the sensing devices existing within the jurisdiction area, or may select the sensing device most suitable for performing the type of sensing requested by SENSING11m.

[0087] Next, in step S23, SENSING11m receives the sensing result from the selected base station 200. SENSING11m may receive the result of 5G sensing of an area including the specified spatial range executed by the selected base station 200.

[0088] Alternatively, SENSING11m may receive the sensing result of an area including the spatial range received by the selected base station 200 from a sensing device existing within the jurisdiction area. The sensing method performed by the sensing device is not limited to 5G sensing, and may also be a method sensed by LiDAR, millimeter-wave sensor, temperature sensor, ultrasonic sensor, image sensor, current sensor, etc. Note that SENSING11m may directly receive the sensing result from the sensing device.

[0089] Next, in step S24, SENSING11m transmits the sensing result (first sensing result) to the UE2 that transmitted the sensing request to the system 100. SENSING11m may transmit the data itself received from the base station 200 or other sensing devices to the UE2, or may transmit the processed data to the UE2.

[0090] Thereby, the system 100 can provide the UE2 with the sensing result of the spatial range requested by the UE2.

[0091] <UE Operation> Next, the operation of UE2 that requests the system 100 to sense a specified spatial range will be described. First, UE2 transmits a request message to the system 100 (core network) requesting sensing of a specified spatial range (first range). In the request message, UE2 designates a predetermined position and spatial range for performing the sensing. Also, in the request message, UE2 may designate the time or time duration at which the sensing should be performed.

[0092] Next, UE2 acquires a first sensing result that is the result of performing sensing on the area including the first range from the system 100 (core network). The first sensing result may include information corresponding to the probability of the presence of obstacles in the area. Note that the information included in the first sensing result is not limited to the above. The first sensing result is the result of performing sensing on the area including the first range by the base station 200 that has received an instruction from the system 100, or another sensing device that has received an instruction from the base station 200.

[0093] When UE2 acquires the result of sensing the specified spatial range from the system 100, it can mix the sensing result obtained from the system 100 with the sensing result it has performed itself to obtain a more accurate sensing result. FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram of the process of mixing the sensing result executed by the system 100 according to the embodiment and the sensing result executed by the UE.

[0094] For example, assume that the probability of the presence of an obstacle in the spatial range where the vehicle 40, which is the UE2, performs sensing is X%. And as a result of other sensing devices or the base station 200 performing sensing on the same spatial range, assume that the probability of the presence of an obstacle in the said spatial range is Y%. In this case, the UE2 may adopt the weighted average (weighted sum) of the respective probabilities of presence as the probability of the presence of an obstacle in the said spatial range. Specifically, the UE2 may use the value calculated from the formula X%×p + Y%×(1 - p) (where p is a number between 0 and 1) as the probability of the presence of an obstacle in the said spatial range.

[0095] In the above example, the mixing ratio (the value of p) may be determined based on the priority between the sensing by the vehicle 40 (for example, a camera sensor) and 5G sensing in the sensing of the said spatial range. For example, consider the case where the vehicle 40 performs sensing using a camera sensor in the above example. In this case, for the parts within a predetermined spatial range that have sufficient brightness, the UE2 may prioritize the sensing by the camera sensor performed by the vehicle 40. And for the parts with insufficient brightness, the UE2 may prioritize the 5G sensing requested by the vehicle 40 from the system 100. Note that the processing described here may also be executed by the AF12.

[0096] In this way, the UE2 can mix the result of sensing performed in the spatial range designated by the base station 200 or other sensing devices with the result of sensing performed in the spatial range designated by the UE2 itself. Therefore, the UE2 can obtain a more reliable sensing result.

[0097] Note that UE2 may determine the mixing ratio of the first sensing result received from system 100 and the second sensing result (the result of UE2's own sensing in the second range, which is a specified spatial range) based on the second sensing result. Then, UE2 may calculate the sensing result in the first range from the first sensing result and the second sensing result based on the determined mixing ratio. For example, UE2 may calculate the weighted average of the probability of the presence of an obstacle in the first range indicated by the first sensing result and the probability of the presence of an obstacle in the first range indicated by the second sensing result based on a predetermined weight.

[0098] Also, the process of determining the mixing ratio of the first sensing result and the second sensing result, and the process of mixing the first sensing result and the second sensing result (such as the process of calculating the weighted average) may be executed by AF12 instead of UE2.

[0099] <Other Variations> The above embodiments are merely examples, and the present disclosure can be implemented with appropriate modifications without departing from the gist thereof.

[0100] In the above embodiment, an example of specifying the spatial range in which sensing should be performed starting from the position of UE2 that has sent a sensing request to AF12 or system 100 has been described. However, the spatial range in which sensing should be performed does not necessarily have to be determined starting from the position of UE2 that has sent a sensing request to AF12 or system 100. The spatial range in which sensing should be performed may be a spatial range starting from an arbitrary point.

[0101] In the above embodiment, data provision to the user terminal is performed by the Request / Response method, but it may also be performed by the Subscribe / Notify method.

[0102] The present disclosure can also be realized by supplying a computer program that implements the functions described in the above embodiments to a computer and causing one or more processors included in the computer to read and execute the program. Such a computer program may be provided to the computer by a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium connectable to the system bus of the computer, or may be provided to the computer via a network. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium includes, for example, any type of disk such as a magnetic disk (e.g., a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk drive (HDD), etc.), an optical disk (e.g., a CD-ROM, a DVD disk, a Blu-ray disk, etc.), a read-only me mory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), an EPROM, an EEPROM, a magnetic card, a flash memory, an optical card, and any type of medium suitable for storing electronic instructions.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0103] 2 ··· UE 11m ··· SENSING 12 ··· AF 20 ··· Information Processing Device 21 ··· Processor 40 ··· Vehicle 100 ··· System 200 ··· Base Station

Claims

1. A system for configuring a wireless communication network, receiving a sensing request for requesting a result of sensing in a first range specified starting from a predetermined position; transmitting a first sensing result which is a result of performing sensing on an area including at least the first range based on the sensing request; and comprising a control unit for performing the above. System.

2. The sensing request includes information regarding a central angle centered on the predetermined position for specifying the first range, The system according to Claim 1.

3. The information regarding the central angle includes information indicating an azimuth or an azimuth angle viewed from the predetermined position, The system according to Claim 2.

4. The sensing request includes information regarding a time or a time duration at which sensing is performed, The system according to Claim 1.

5. The control unit transmits an execution instruction for instructing to perform sensing in the first range to at least one of the plurality of base stations, The system according to any one of Claims 1 to 4.

6. The sensing request includes the position of a UE (User Equipment) that has transmitted the sensing request as the predetermined position, The system according to any one of Claims 1 to 4.

7. In the sensing request, the first range is determined based on a second range in which the UE has performed sensing, The system according to Claim 6.

8. Transmitting a sensing request to a core network for requesting a result of sensing in a first range specified starting from a predetermined position; Receiving, from the core network, a first sensing result which is a result of performing sensing on an area including at least the first range based on the sensing request, and comprising a control unit for performing the above. Terminal.

9. The control unit determines a mixing ratio between the first sensing result and the second sensing result based on a second sensing result which is a result of performing sensing in a second range; calculates a sensing result in the first range from the first sensing result and the second sensing result based on the mixing ratio. The terminal according to Claim 8.

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