Information processing equipment, communication equipment, and terminal equipment

Abstract

Appropriate use of wireless sensing. [Solution] An information processing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a control unit and a communication unit. The control unit, upon receiving a first sensing request, generates a restriction instruction to restrict sensing based on sensing restriction information. The sensing restriction information includes information relating to a restriction area, which represents an area where sensing should be restricted. The communication unit transmits a second sensing request to a participant selected from among a plurality of communication devices. The communication unit receives sensing data acquired by the participant based on the restriction instruction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, a communication apparatus, a terminal apparatus, an information processing method, and a communication method in a mobile communication system.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, studies on wireless sensing technology using radio frequency signals have been progressing. For example, 5G wireless sensing using signals of the 5th generation mobile communication system New Radio (5G NR) of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP (registered trademark)) (for example, Non-Patent Document 1), Wi-Fi sensing using signals of Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), etc. have been studied.

[0003] In addition, integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) that integrates a communication function and a sensing function has been studied.

[0004] Information regarding characteristics of an object (such as shape, size, orientation, speed, position, distance between objects or relative movement, etc.) may be acquired by wireless sensing.

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0005]

Non-Patent Document 1

[0006] As mentioned above, wireless sensing is being considered for 3GPP 5G NR, but progress has not yet been made in considering specific methods for controlling sensing. If this is not clearly defined, the accuracy (performance) of wireless sensing may be insufficient, potentially leading to increased communication overhead due to false object detection and a decline in the quality of services provided by external application functions.

[0007] Therefore, one of the objectives of this disclosure is to provide an information processing device and a communication device that can appropriately utilize wireless sensing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An information processing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a control unit that, upon receiving a first sensing request, generates a restriction instruction to restrict sensing based on sensing restriction information including information relating to a restricted area representing an area where sensing should be restricted, and a communication unit that transmits a second sensing request to a participant selected from among a plurality of communication devices and receives sensing data acquired by the participant based on the restriction instruction.

[0009] A communication device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a control unit that, upon receiving a second sensing request from an information processing device that performs sensing-related processing, generates a restriction instruction to restrict sensing by a terminal device based on sensing restriction information including information relating to a restricted area representing an area where sensing should be restricted; and a communication unit that transmits a third sensing request to the terminal device and receives sensing data acquired by the terminal device based on the restriction instruction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to one aspect of this disclosure, wireless sensing can be appropriately utilized. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic functional configuration of each device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic hardware configuration of each device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of a first sensing step according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of information management regarding sensing capabilities in an SF according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of sensing limitation information. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of a second sensing step according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows a variation of a second sensing step according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of a third sensing step according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the BS in the third procedure.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.\nIn the present specification and drawings, for elements that can be similarly described, duplicate descriptions may be omitted by assigning the same reference numerals.

[0013] In the present disclosure, the words enclosed by “()” in the text may indicate an explanation (for example, a spelling explanation), a paraphrase, a specific example, a supplementary explanation, etc. for the immediately preceding word. Also, in the present disclosure, the words enclosed by “[]” in the text may be interpreted as the meaning of the entire text including this, or the meaning of the entire text may be interpreted without including this (ignoring it). Note that “()” and “[]” may be used for other purposes / meanings.

[0014] In the present disclosure, “A / B” and “at least one of A and B” may be read interchangeably. Also, in the present disclosure, “A / B / C” may mean “at least one of A, B, and C”.

[0015] In the present disclosure, the network function (Network Function (NF)) may include, for example, at least one of the following: · Application Function (AF) (for example, a function that realizes an application server outside the 5G core network (5G Core Network (5GC))), · Access and Mobility management Function (AMF) (for example, a function that manages the registration, location, etc. of the UE), · Data Network (DN) (for example, a function that realizes a data network outside the 5GC), · Location Management Function (LMF) (for example, a function of communication control related to location information services), · Non-3GPP Inter-Working Function (N3IWF) (e.g., the function of connecting an untrusted non-3GPP access network to the 5GC), · Network Exposure Function (NEF) (e.g., the function of providing the application interface of the NF service of the 5GC externally), · Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF) (e.g., the function of selecting a network slice), · Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF) (e.g., the function of analyzing network data), · Operation, Administration and Maintenance (Management) (OAM) (e.g., the function of providing means for operation, administration and maintenance), · Policy Control Function (PCF) (e.g., the function of controlling the quality, policy, etc. of the data transfer path), · Session Management Function (SMF) (e.g., the function of managing a session), · Trusted Non-3GPP Gateway Function (TNGF) (e.g., the function of connecting a trusted non-3GPP access network to the 5GC), · Trusted WLAN Interworking Function (TWIF) (e.g., the function of connecting a trusted non-3GPP access network to the 5GC for 5G-incompatible UEs via a Wireless Local Area Network (LAN)), · (Radio) Access Network ((R)AN) (e.g., the function of providing a radio access network), · User Equipment (UE) (e.g., the function of providing user access to network services via a wireless interface), • Unified Data Management (UDM) (for example, a function to store / manage subscriber information, UE authentication information, etc.) • Unified Data Repository (UDR) (for example, a function that manages authentication / authorization based on subscriber information) • User Plane Function (UPF) (for example, a function that transmits user data packets).

[0016] It should be noted that these are merely examples, and it is understood that other non-fundamental features are also covered in this disclosure.

[0017] <System> Figure 1 shows an example of a schematic configuration of a system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. System 1 includes User Equipment (UE) 10, Base Station (BS) 20, Network Function (NF) server 30, and Application Server 40. System 1 may also be called a [wireless / information] communication system.

[0018] System 1 is, for example, a system compliant with a 3GPP Technical Specification (TS). More specifically, for example, System 1 may be a system compliant with a TS for 5th generation mobile communication system (5G) or New Radio (NR).

[0019] System 1 is not limited to this example and may include systems utilizing Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 6th generation mobile communication system (6G), xth generation mobile communication system (xG (where x is, for example, an integer or decimal)), New Radio (NR), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM®), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi®), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX®), IEEE 802.20, Ultra-WideBand (UWB), Bluetooth®, and other wireless communication methods, as well as next-generation systems that are extended, modified, created, or defined based on these.

[0020] In other words, terms related to 5G in this disclosure can be interpreted as terms related to other technologies / systems. Furthermore, when such interpretations are made, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that, for example, NF can be interpreted as having a similar function (or a device having a similar function) to the NF of 5G.

[0021] In System 1, UE10 receives wireless communication services using Network (NW) 3000. NW3000 corresponds to the cellular network to which UE10 can connect.

[0022] In this disclosure, cellular network may be interpreted as mobile network, wireless communication network, 5G core network (5GC), [3GPP] access network, etc. 5GC may include, for example, an optical fiber network. In this disclosure, 5GC, network, physical network, and core network (CN) may be interpreted as interchangeable.

[0023] UE10 connects to NW3000 via BS20. UE10 may be a mobile device (mobile communication terminal) such as a smartphone, tablet, or wearable device, or it may be a fixed communication terminal. UE10 may be a device mounted on a moving object (e.g., a vehicle), the moving object itself, or a device included in the moving object (held by a person riding in the moving object).

[0024] UE10 may utilize (or be equipped with) a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) / Embedded SIM (eSIM) of an operator providing wireless communication services using NW3000. Furthermore, UE10 may switch connections to different operators' NW3000s by switching the Access Point Name (APN) configuration profile.

[0025] In System 1, the communication link going to (receiving) BS20 and going out of (transmitting) UE10 may be called the uplink (UL), and the communication link going out of (transmitting) BS20 and going to (receiving) UE10 may be called the downlink (DL).

[0026] BS20 provides UE10 with a Radio Access Network (RAN). An area on the Radio Access Network where wireless communication is possible is also called a cell. In this disclosure, BS and (Radio) Access Network ((R)AN) may be used interchangeably.

[0027] BS20 is, for example, a gNB. The gNB provides NR user plane and control plane protocol terminations towards the UE and is connected to 5GC via the NG interface. BS20 may also be an en-gNB. The en-gNB provides NR user plane and control plane protocol terminations towards the UE and operates as a secondary node in E-UTRA-NR Dual Connectivity (EN-DC).

[0028] UE10 / BS20 / NF Server 30 / Application Server 40 may have wireless sensing capabilities, for example, they may have a sensing transmitter / receiver. UE10 / BS20 may use the sensing transmitter / receiver to perform wireless sensing around its own terminal and acquire sensing data.

[0029] UE10 / BS20 / NF Server 30 / Application Server 40 may have devices (cameras, sensors, lasers, etc.) for sensing means other than wireless sensing (e.g., image sensing, light detection and ranging (LiDAR)).

[0030] The sensing of UE10 / BS20 / NF Server 30 / Application Server 40 may be at least one of monostatic sensing, bistatic sensing, or multistatic sensing.

[0031] Monostatic sensing may be a sensing method in which the system itself transmits a sensing signal (e.g., a specific reference signal) and receives an echo signal [from the target] to acquire sensing data. Bistatic sensing may be a sensing method in which the system itself or a cooperating UE10 / BS20 / NF server 30 / application server 40's sensing transmitter transmits a signal, and the cooperating UE10 / BS20 / NF server 30 / application server 40 or the system's sensing receiver receives the signal [affected by the target]. Multistatic sensing may refer to a sensing method in which multiple sensing transmitters / multiple sensing receivers exist for a target.

[0032] The NF server 30 provides at least one of the functions of the NF described above. Figure 1 shows an NF server 30 providing an AMF, an NF server 30 providing an SMF, an NF server 30 providing a UPF, and so on. In this disclosure, the NF server 30 and NFs (e.g., AMF, NEF, NSSF, PCF, SMF, etc.) are interchangeable.

[0033] In this disclosure, NF may include a Sensing Function (SF) that manages, controls, and analyzes sensing.

[0034] The application server 40 may correspond to the above-mentioned AF as defined for the 5G Core Network (5GC). In this disclosure, the application server 40, app, AF, etc., are interchangeable.

[0035] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the application server 40 may be an external application server (external AF) belonging to a network outside 5GC (which may also be called an untrusted AF, located outside the operator's trust domain), and may communicate with the NF server 30 within 5GC via the NEF. The application server 40 may also be an internal application server (internal AF) included within 5GC (which may also be called a trusted AF, located within the operator's trust domain), although this is not shown in the figure, and may communicate with the NF server 30 within 5GC [without going through the NEF].

[0036] The application server 40 (e.g., an untrusted AF) may support the exchange of information by service providers other than telecommunications carriers to provide services related to the UE10 using communications, via an API that makes the 5GC services (NF, especially control NF) accessible from the outside. Such exchange of information may include, for example, requesting and obtaining information about the location / state of the UE10, and specifying the quality of service (such as communication speed) for the UE10.

[0037] Any device shown in Figure 1 may also be called a network node, node, server, [wired / wireless] communication device, information processing device, etc. Furthermore, the lines between devices in Figure 1 indicate logical connections and do not necessarily have to be physically connected directly (they may be connected indirectly via another device).

[0038] <Configuration of each device> Examples of the configurations of each device (UE10, BS20, NF server 30, application server 40) according to the embodiments of this disclosure will be described.

[0039] <<Functional Configuration>> Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic functional configuration of each device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, UE10 includes a control unit 110, a communication unit 120, an input / output unit 130, and a storage unit 140.

[0040] Furthermore, BS20, NF server 30, and application server 40 may have a similar functional configuration. For this reason, in Figure 2, the symbols for the functional blocks corresponding to each device are also shown, with the largest digit of the symbol representing each device (for example, for BS20, the largest digit "2" in "20") replaced with "1". For example, BS20 comprises a control unit 210, a communication unit 220, an input / output unit 230, and a storage unit 240. The following description will focus on the functional blocks of UE10, but it should be understood that similar descriptions apply to other devices.

[0041] This example primarily shows the functional blocks of the characteristic parts of this embodiment, and each device may also have other functional blocks necessary for other processes. Furthermore, the configuration may omit some functional blocks.

[0042] The control unit 110 controls the UE 10 and provides various functions. For example, the control unit 110 may control communication with other devices via the communication unit 120. The control unit 110 may also acquire information necessary for processing based on information received via the communication unit 120. The control unit 110 may also be called a processing unit.

[0043] The communication unit 120 communicates (transmits / receives) with other devices via wired or wireless connections. The communication unit 120 may obtain information from the received signal and output it to the control unit 110, or it may convert information input from the control unit 110 into a signal and transmit it. The communication unit 120 may be configured as an integrated transmitting and receiving unit (a unit capable of both transmitting and receiving), or it may be composed of separate transmitting and receiving units.

[0044] The input / output unit 130 may include an input unit that accepts input from a human operator or acquires information by performing measurements (sensing) of the surrounding environment. The input unit may be connected to a predetermined device, storage medium, etc., and accept data input. The input unit may output the input results to, for example, the control unit 110.

[0045] Furthermore, the input / output unit 130 may include an output unit that outputs data, content, etc., in a format perceptible to humans. The output unit may include a display unit that displays images, an audio output unit that outputs sound, and the like.

[0046] Either the communication unit 120 or the input / output unit 130, or a combination thereof, may function as a sensing transmitter / receiver. Sensing performed via the communication unit 120 may be wireless sensing, while sensing performed via the input / output unit 130 may be non-wireless sensing. The sensing unit may be called a sensing unit, a measurement unit, etc. For example, the measurement unit may perform sensing using the sensing method described later and acquire the sensed data.

[0047] The memory unit 140 stores (holds) various information that the UE 10 uses for processing. The control unit 110 may instruct the memory unit 140 to read or write data.

[0048] <<Hardware Configuration>> Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic hardware configuration of each device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Each device comprises an antenna 910, a radio frequency (RF) circuit 920, a processor 930, a network interface 940, an input / output device 950, a memory 960, and a storage device 970.

[0049] For example, the control unit X10 (X=1, 2, 3, 4; the same applies hereafter) described above may be implemented by a processor 930. The communication unit X20 may be implemented by an antenna 910 / RF circuit 920 / network interface 940. The input / output unit X30 may be implemented by an input device / output device 950. The storage unit X40 may be implemented by a memory 960 / storage 970.

[0050] The hardware configuration of each device may include one or more of the elements shown in Figure 3, or it may omit some of the elements. For example, UE10 may not have a network interface 940.

[0051] Antenna 910 converts a signal into radio waves and radiates the radio waves into space. Antenna 910 also receives radio waves in space and converts the radio waves into signals. Multiple antennas 910 may be mounted, or they may include a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna, or they may include a single antenna for transmitting and receiving. Antenna 910 may include a directional antenna, or it may include multiple antenna elements.

[0052] The RF circuit 920 performs analog processing on the signals transmitted and received via the antenna 910. The RF circuit 920 may include filters (e.g., high-frequency filters, low-pass filters), amplifiers, modulators, frequency synthesizers, analog-to-digital conversion circuits, digital-to-analog conversion circuits, Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) / Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) processing circuits, and the like.

[0053] The RF circuit 920 may perform amplification, filtering, and demodulation to a baseband signal on the received radio frequency band signal and output it to the processor 930. The RF circuit 920 may also perform modulation to a radio frequency band, filtering, and amplification on the baseband signal input from the processor 930 and transmit the radio frequency band signal via the transmitting and receiving antenna 910. The RF circuit 920 may also perform physical layer processing (for example, processing of lower-level functions of the physical layer), and may perform beamforming processing such as analog beamforming and digital beamforming.

[0054] The processor 930 may control the entire device. The processor 930 may read programs (program code), software (software modules), data, etc., from the storage 970 into the memory 960 and perform various processes according to these. For example, the processor 930 may execute and control an operating system (OS) program loaded into the memory 960.

[0055] The processor 930 may consist of a central processing unit (CPU) that includes interfaces with peripheral devices, control units, arithmetic units, registers, etc. The processor 930 may also include a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU), and the like.

[0056] The processor 930 may perform digital processing of signals transmitted and received via the antenna 910 and the RF circuit 920. This digital processing may include processing at the physical layer (e.g., processing of higher-level functions of the physical layer), processing at layers above the Medium Access Control (MAC) layer, and processing such as modulation, demodulation, coding, decoding, and scrambling. The processor 930 also processes signals transmitted and received via the network interface 940.

[0057] The processor 930 may include multiple processors or it may be a single processor. The multiple processors may include a baseband processor that performs the digital processing and one or more processors that perform other processing (e.g., overall control).

[0058] The network interface 940 may be, for example, a network adapter, which is connected to an external network via a wired connection and performs signal transmission and reception.

[0059] The RF circuit 920, processor 930, and network interface 940 may be configured as an integrated unit. The RF circuit 920, processor 930, and network interface 940 may also be referred to as a network controller, network card, or communication module.

[0060] The input / output device 950 includes input devices that accept input from the outside or acquire information about the surrounding environment (e.g., keyboard, mouse, microphone, switch, button, camera, sensor, etc.), output devices that perform output to the outside (e.g., display, speaker, Light Emitting Diode (LED) lamp, etc.), and devices that integrate these (e.g., touch panel). A locator for acquiring location information (e.g., a receiver compatible with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)) may also be included as a sensor.

[0061] Memory 960 is a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium that stores programs executed by the processor 930, parameters related to those programs, and various other information. Memory 960 may include at least one of Read Only Memory (ROM), Erasable Programmable ROM (EPROM), (Electrically EPROM (EEPROM)), Random Access Memory (RAM), and flash memory. All or part of memory 960 may be contained within the processor 930. Memory 960 may also be called registers, cache, main memory, etc.

[0062] Storage 970 is a computer-readable, non-temporary recording medium that stores various types of information. Storage 970 may include, for example, at least one of the following: flexible disks, floppy disks, magneto-optical disks (e.g., Compact Disc ROM (CD-ROM)), digital multipurpose disks, Blu-ray® disks), removable disks, hard disk drives (HDDs), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g., Solid State Drives (SSDs)). Storage 970 may also be called auxiliary storage.

[0063] Furthermore, each device, such as the processor 930 and the memory 960, may be connected by a bus for communicating information. A single bus may be used within the device, or different buses may be used between the devices.

[0064] Furthermore, BS20 may be separated into three elements: a Radio Unit (RU), a Distributed Unit (DU), and a Central Unit (CU). The RU implements RF processing and lower-level physical layer functions. The DU implements higher-level physical layer functions, MAC layer functions, and Radio Link Control (RLC) layer functions. The CU implements Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP), and Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer functions.

[0065] In this disclosure, BS20 may include a single device that implements all the functions of RU, DU, and CU, or it may include multiple devices, each implementing some of the functions of RU, DU, and CU.

[0066] Furthermore, other devices in this disclosure may also be implemented by multiple devices located physically separately from each other. Conversely, multiple different devices in this disclosure (for example, two or more of UE10, BS20, NF server 30, and application server 40) may be implemented as a single device.

[0067] Furthermore, all or part of the devices described herein may mean logical devices implemented by virtual machines, containers, Docker, etc., or physical devices that operate such logical devices.

[0068] <Example of operation> The following describes examples of the operation of each device / function according to the embodiments of this disclosure. The communication methods (wireless communication methods, control methods) described below may be applied to the system 1 described above.

[0069] In the following descriptions of this disclosure, reference numerals may be omitted. For example, UE in the following descriptions may mean UE10.

[0070] In the following description, each device / function may be interpreted as one or more functional blocks (e.g., control unit 110, communication unit 120) or hardware configuration (e.g., RF circuit 920, processor 930) within the device / function.

[0071] In this disclosure, sensing, wireless sensing, and collaborative sensing (CS) may be interpreted interchangeably. CS may mean sensing in which multiple BS / UEs perform overlapping area / time sensing [and obtain sensing results based on this sensing data].

[0072] In this disclosure, SF may be interpreted as other NFs in the NW (e.g., NWDAF), or as SF / other NFs. One or more steps (processes) performed by one device / function in the following description may be interpreted as steps performed in a distributed manner by multiple devices / functions. For example, one of these devices / functions may perform part of the one or more steps, and the other may perform the remainder of the one or more steps. For example, in the first to third steps described below, SF receives a first sensing request and sends a second sensing request, which may cover the following: "either the SF or the other NF receives the first sensing request, [sends information to the other (e.g., that the first sensing request has been received, an instruction to send a second sensing request, etc.)] and the other sends a second sensing request."

[0073] In the following procedure, UE may be interpreted as UE / BS. For example, UE information may be interpreted as BS information, and the BS to be sensed may be determined based on the BS information.

[0074] <<First step in sensing>> Figure 4 shows an example of a first sensing step according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0075] In step S101, the sensing requester (e.g., AF or UE) sends a sensing request (which may also be called the first sensing request) to the SF. The sensing request may include information to identify the sensing participants (which may also be called subjects, implementers, etc.) (e.g., UE information, area information, time information, etc., or a combination thereof). The information to identify the sensing participants may also be called sensing participant identification information, participant identification information, or simply identification information.

[0076] In this disclosure, if the sensing requester is a UE / trusted AF, the transmission and reception between the requester and the SF (e.g., sending a sensing request) may not be conducted via the NEF (via the BS or directly). If the sensing requester is an untrusted AF, the transmission and reception between the requester and the SF may be conducted via the NEF.

[0077] The UE information only needs to be information that identifies the UE to be sensed, and may include, for example, at least one of the following: ·Generic Public Subscription Identifier (GPSI), ·Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI), ·NR Cell Global Identifier (NCGI), • NR Cell Identify (NCI) or Cell Identifier (Identifier (ID) gNB ID, • Internet Protocol (IP) address (e.g., Internet Protocol Version 4 (IPv4) address, Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6) address, IPv6 prefix), • MAC address, • External Group Identifier • Internal Group Identifier Any other identifier to identify the UE (e.g., UE ID), the UE's telephone number itself, or information related to the telephone number (e.g., Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number (MSISDN))).

[0078] The UE information included in a sensing request may include UE information indicating the UE that requested the sensing (which may also be called the requesting UE or demanding UE). The requesting UE may be the UE that sends the sensing request, or it may be the UE that notifies the AF that it wishes to receive the sensing results.

[0079] Area information may be information indicating the area to be sensed, for example, information indicating the area (region / domain) where the UE is located [currently, in the past, or in the future]. Area information may also be information indicating prohibited routes. Area information may be included in UE information.

[0080] The above area may be indicated by at least one of the following: a range of latitude and longitude [from a reference point], distance [from a reference point], a geographical area, a tracking area (TA), or it may be predefined by the requesting party / SF / NEF. The area information may include at least one of the following: a reference point, a range of latitude and longitude [from a reference point], distance [from a reference point], an address / shape indicating the geographical area, a list of TA identifiers (Tracking Area Identity (TAI)), a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) ID, or an area identifier (Identifier (ID)) predefined by the requesting party / SF / NEF. The above reference point may be pre-set by the requesting party / SF / NEF, or it may be the current location of the UE.

[0081] Time information may be information indicating the time [of the sensing target], and may include information about the time [when the UE is located in the above region / area]. The above time may be identified based on at least one of the following: start time, end time, duration from the start time, time zone, period, offset [of the period from a specific time]. The unit of time may be expressed as, for example, seconds, minutes, hours. Furthermore, time information is not limited to information that directly represents "time," but may also represent information that represents some kind of timing.

[0082] Furthermore, if the UE information is an external (proprietary) ID different from the ID (e.g., GPSI) of a 3GPP domain (under 5GS management), the requesting party / NEF may have information regarding the mapping (correspondence) between the 3GPP domain ID and the external ID. In this disclosure, UE information may be interpreted as UE information converted to a 3GPP domain ID by the NEF or another NF.

[0083] Furthermore, in this disclosure, UE information may be in list format or any format (e.g., array format, vector format, etc.). In other words, the information in this disclosure may be interpreted as information [list], identifying information, specifying information, etc. The UE information may include one or more values ​​that represent an individual UE (e.g., one IP address) or one or more values ​​that represent multiple UEs (e.g., a range of IP addresses, the area information mentioned above).

[0084] The requesting party may derive the remaining information from one or two of the following: UE information, area information, and time information. Furthermore, the requesting party may derive at least one of the UE information, area information, and time information based on predetermined settings / values ​​(which may be called default settings / values). For example, the default value for time information may indicate a predetermined time after the current time.

[0085] The requesting party may derive the remaining information from any or two of the following: UE information, area information, time information, etc. Furthermore, the SF / NEF may derive at least one of the following information not included in the sensing request: UE information, area information, time information, etc., based on any or two of the UE information, area information, time information, etc. included in the sensing request. For example, the requesting party / SF / NEF may have prior knowledge of the correspondence between UEs and areas, and may derive area information from UE information, or UE information from area information, based on that correspondence.

[0086] Furthermore, the requesting party / SF / NEF may derive at least one of the UE information, area information, and time information based on predetermined settings / values ​​(which may be called default settings / values, for example). For example, the default value for time information may indicate a predetermined time after the current time.

[0087] In step S102, the SF discovers the sensing participants (hereinafter also referred to as participants) [based on the first sensing request]. In this disclosure, discovery, determination, identification, etc., may be interpreted interchangeably. The participants may be one or more devices (BS / UE). If multiple participants are discovered, the sensing may be a CS or individual sensings.

[0088] For example, the SF may identify the requesting UE based on the UE information of the first sensing request in step S101 and determine the BS / UE located near the requesting UE as a participant. Alternatively, the SF may determine the BS / UE located in or near the area based on the area information of the first sensing request in step S101 as a participant.

[0089] Whether a device is near the requesting UE, or is included in / near the area, may be determined based on the location information of each device (requesting UE, each BS, each UE), or based on the communication / connection status of each device. The SF may determine as a participant any BS / UE that is expected to be included in / near the area at a time determined based on time information.

[0090] The first sensing request may include information that explicitly or implicitly designates the CS, and the SF may decide, based on this information, to take control for the CS with respect to the first sensing request (for example, to discover multiple participants). The information that implicitly designates the CS may be the aforementioned UE information, area information, or information indicating sensing accuracy.

[0091] The SF may receive information regarding sensing capabilities (which may also be called sensing functions) from the BS / UE in advance. The SF may determine which BS / UEs are candidates for participation based on the sensing capabilities of each BS / UE, and may select participants from among the candidates in step S102. The information regarding sensing capabilities may include information indicating that [the device] supports / has (or does not support / does not have) sensing [functions / capabilities], or it may include information indicating the available sensing means [of the device]. The information regarding sensing capabilities may be included in UE capability information, or it may be included in any inter-device messages / signaling.

[0092] In this disclosure, the sensing means and the sensing method may be interpreted as interchangeable.

[0093] Prior to step S102, the SF may send an inquiry to the BS / UE requesting it to report information regarding sensing capabilities. The BS / UE may then send information regarding sensing capabilities to the SF in response to the inquiry. The sending and receiving of such inquiries and information regarding sensing capabilities may be controlled via a specific NF (e.g., AMF).

[0094] Furthermore, the BS / UE may transmit information regarding sensing capabilities to the SF at any time. This timing may occur at a specific period / duration / frequency. The above specific period / duration / frequency may be predetermined, or information indicating the above specific period / duration / frequency may be notified from the SF to the BS / UE.

[0095] When SF receives information about a new / different sensing capability for a given BS / UE, it may store the current timing as the timing (which may be called the update timing) when this sensing capability information is updated.

[0096] The update timing may be before step S101 (which may be called step S100, for example), before step S102, or at any other time.

[0097] It is preferable that the SF controls the transmission of the above query to update information regarding sensing capability immediately before step S102.

[0098] The SF / specific NF (e.g., AMF) may store the sensing capability of the BS / UE in association with at least one of the following: information to identify the BS / UE (e.g., UE information), the update timing, etc. (for example, in the form of a [Reference] table). Note that the SF may not be limited to tables, but may use any format such as lists or arrays to associate and store this information.

[0099] Figure 5 shows an example of information management regarding sensing capabilities in an SF according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. This example shows how UE information (e.g., UE ID), the last update date (year, month, day), and available sensing means are managed in a table format. In Figure 5, for example, UE1 is shown to have terahertz waves and millimeter waves available as sensing means, and its last update date is June 20, 2024.

[0100] In step S103, the SF sends a sensing request to the participant [via a BS / UE near the participant]. The sensing request in step S103 (which may be called a second sensing request) may contain the same information as the first sensing request in step S101, or it may contain different information. For example, the UE information (or area information or time information) included in the second sensing request may represent a portion of the content (e.g., some UEs, some areas, some times) included in the UE information (or area information or time information) included in the first sensing request. Second sensing requests to multiple participants may be configured such that the UE information (or area information or time information) included in them, when combined, is the same as or corresponds to the content of the UE information (or area information or time information) included in the first sensing request.

[0101] The second sensing request from the SF to the participant may be sent using, for example, RRC signaling (e.g., an RRC reconfiguration message).

[0102] In step S104, each participant who receives a sensing request in step S103 may perform sensing based on the sensing request and collect sensing data. For example, a participant may perform sensing at the time indicated by the time information of the sensing request / in the area indicated by the area information of the sensing request.

[0103] Furthermore, the second sensing request may include information that explicitly or implicitly designates a CS, and based on this information, the participant may determine that the sensing to be performed is a CS and may perform different controls than those for individual sensings that are not CS.

[0104] In step S105, each participant may transmit sensing data to the SF. In step S105, participants may also calculate sensing results based on the sensing data and transmit such sensing results to the SF together with or instead of the sensing data. In this disclosure, participants may also transmit sensing data / sensing results to other devices (e.g., edge servers [in / outside the operator's trust domain], any NF, other AF, etc.).

[0105] In step S106, the SF may calculate the sensing result based on the sensing data / sensing results received from each participant (for example, by integrating these data / results). In this disclosure, the SF may receive sensing data / sensing results directly from participants, or it may receive (acquire) sensing data / sensing results received by other devices (e.g., edge servers [in / outside the operator's trust domain], any NF, other AF, etc.) via said other devices.

[0106] In step S107, the SF may transmit the sensing results (for example, at least one of the sensing results transmitted by the participant in step S105 and the sensing results calculated by the SF in step S106) to the requester of the sensing (requesting AF or requesting UE). The SF may transmit some or all of the sensing data from each participant to the requester along with or instead of the sensing results. In this disclosure, the SF may transmit sensing data / sensing results to other devices (e.g., edge servers [in / outside the operator's trust domain], any NF, other AF, etc.). In this disclosure, the requester of the sensing may receive sensing data / sensing results directly from the SF, or may receive (acquire) sensing data / sensing results received by other devices (e.g., edge servers [in / outside the operator's trust domain], any NF, other AF, etc.) via said other devices. Furthermore, if the requesting UE has notified the AF that it wishes to receive the sensing results, the AF may also send the sensing results / sensing data to the requesting UE.

[0107] The requesting party may also perform sensing themselves and derive sensing results / sensing data, and may calculate the final sensing result based on these sensing results / sensing data and the received sensing results / sensing data (for example, by integrating these results / data).

[0108] In this disclosure, sensing results / sensing data may be interpreted interchangeably with information regarding sensing results.

[0109] According to the first sensing procedure described above, sensing can be performed on UEs in the appropriate area / time. According to the first procedure, for example, sensing from multiple UEs (such as cars) can be integrated to detect the overall situation (such as road conditions). The drawback of sensing by only one UE, such as the existence of parts that cannot be detected due to obstacles, can be expected to be improved by performing CS in the first procedure.

[0110] <<Second step in sensing>> As described above, the technology of this disclosure allows for obtaining desired sensing results by having UE10 and / or BS20 perform sensing. However, there may be areas where it is undesirable to acquire sensing data from security or other perspectives. Therefore, in the second sensing step relating to this disclosure, sensing is restricted or prohibited under certain conditions.

[0111] Figure 6 shows an example of sensing restriction information. Sensing restriction information specifies the conditions for restricting or prohibiting sensing and the methods used when restricting or prohibiting sensing. For example, sensing restriction information may include information representing the restricted area, restricted time period, and restriction level. However, sensing restriction information may also include other conditions or items.

[0112] A restricted area represents an area where sensing should be restricted or prohibited. The restricted area may be represented by latitude and longitude. Alternatively, it may be represented by location information convertible to latitude and longitude. Furthermore, it may be represented by a place name. Additionally, it may be represented using cells or TAI (Tracking Area Identity) provided by each base station. The conversion between longitude / latitude and cells / TAI can be performed on the 5G system side. Restricted areas may also be specified using an index based on a space-filling curve. For example, a spatial index may be generated by encoding location coordinates using a space-filling curve such as a Hilbert curve, and the restricted area may be specified using that spatial index.

[0113] The restricted time period indicates the time period during which sensing should be restricted / prohibited. The restricted time period may be any period between 0:00 and 24:00. It may also be any day of the week. Furthermore, it may be a weekday or a holiday. Additionally, the restricted time period may be a specific date and time (for example, a date and time when a VIP is present).

[0114] The restriction level is an example of a restriction method that describes how sensing is restricted, and it represents the type of restriction and / or the severity of the restriction. The restriction level may be binary information. In this case, the restriction level may represent "no restriction" and "sensing prohibited". Also, the restriction level may specify three or more levels. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, five levels are defined in stages, including "0: no restriction" and "4: sensing prohibited". Note that "1: high resolution images prohibited" prohibits the collection of image data at a resolution higher than a predetermined resolution. "2: masking required" means that, for example, human faces or vehicle license plates in the image data need to be blurred (or mosaicked).

[0115] The restriction level may be set according to the type of UE (smartphone, vehicle, drone, etc.). For example, drones have high sensing capabilities (or wide coverage), so the restriction level may be stricter compared to smartphones / vehicles. Also, different restrictions may be set depending on whether the sensing participant is an UE or a BS.

[0116] Thus, the restricted area and restricted time period correspond to the "conditions" for determining whether or not to implement sensing restrictions. Furthermore, the restriction level is an example of a restriction method and represents the content of the restriction when implementing sensing restrictions.

[0117] In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, one set of restricted time periods and restriction levels is set for one area, but the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to this setting. That is, multiple sets of restricted time periods and restriction levels may be set for one area. For example, for one area, "restriction level 1 from 23:00 to 05:00" and "restriction level 2 from 05:00 to 23:00" may be set.

[0118] Sensing restriction information may be created at the request of national or local governments, or similar organizations, although this is not particularly limited. Sensing restriction information may also be created at the request of organizations serving the public interest. For example, it may be created at the request of organizations managing airports, ports, roads, bridges, rivers, dams, etc. Furthermore, sensing restriction information may be created at the request of companies or individuals.

[0119] Figure 7 shows an example of a second sensing step according to one embodiment of this disclosure. In this embodiment, AF40 is the source of the sensing request. However, UE10 may be the source of the sensing request instead of AF40. Also, UE10 and / or BS20 shown in Figure 4 may act as participants in sensing. That is, UE10 and / or BS20 may collect specified sensing data in response to a sensing request. Therefore, in the following description, multiple communication devices (UE10 and / or BS20) that can act as participants in sensing may be referred to as "candidate participants".

[0120] In this embodiment, the sensing restriction information described above is set in SF30. For example, the sensing restriction information may be stored in a memory area provided by SF30. Alternatively, the sensing restriction information may be stored in a memory area accessible to SF30. In any case, SF30 can access the sensing restriction information as needed.

[0121] In S201, the source of the sensing request (in this case, AF40) sends a first sensing request to SF30. The first sensing request may be the same as the sensing request sent in S101 shown in Figure 4. In this case, the first sensing request may include information to identify the sensing participants (e.g., UE information, area information, time information, or a combination thereof). The first sensing request may also include service requirement information representing the requirements for the sensing service. The service requirement information may include one or more of the following: information specifying the sensing method (e.g., 3GPP sensing, image sensing), information specifying the sensing accuracy, information specifying the maximum sensing delay, information specifying the frequency of the sensing signal, information specifying the resources allocated to sensing, and information specifying the acceptable false positive rate.

[0122] In S202, SF30 selects (or discovers) a participant from among the candidate participants based on the first sensing request. At this time, SF30 may select one or more participants based on the information for identifying the sensing participant included in the first sensing request. For example, UE10 / BS20 located within a predetermined area may be selected as a participant. Alternatively, SF30 may select one or more participants based on service requirements information and the capability information of each candidate participant. For example, UE10 / BS20 that satisfies the requirements expressed in the service requirements information may be selected as a participant. Specifically, UE10 / BS20 located within a predetermined area and that satisfies the requirements expressed in the service requirements information may be selected as a participant.

[0123] In S203, SF30 determines whether or not to implement sensing restrictions. At this time, SF30 may determine whether or not the sensing specified by the first sensing request falls under the conditions represented by the sensing restriction information. Specifically, SF30 determines whether or not the location where sensing should be performed is within one of the restricted areas represented by the sensing restriction information. The location where sensing should be performed may be recognized by the participant's location information. If the participant is BS20, the participant's location information is fixed data. If the participant is UE10, it is preferable for SF30 to obtain the location information of UE10 when it receives the first sensing request. SF30 may also implement sensing restrictions if the location where sensing should be performed is within or near a restricted area. That is, in the following description, "determine whether or not it is within a restricted area" may be read as "determine whether or not it is within or near a restricted area." Furthermore, SF30 may execute S202 before S203. In this case, if it is determined that sensing should be prohibited, the SF30 does not need to select participants for sensing.

[0124] Even if a participant is located within the restricted area, the area from which sensing data is acquired is not necessarily located within the restricted area. Conversely, even if a participant is located outside the restricted area, the area from which sensing data is acquired may be located within the restricted area. Therefore, SF30 may implement sensing restrictions only when the area from which sensing data is acquired is located within the restricted area.

[0125] When the location where sensing should be performed is within a restricted area, SF30 refers to the restricted time period set for that restricted area. That is, SF30 determines whether the current time (for example, the time when the first sensing request was received) is within the restricted time period. If the location where sensing should be performed is within a restricted area and the current time is within the restricted time period, SF30 determines the restriction level corresponding to the requested sensing. Note that SF30 may also restrict sensing when the current time belongs to or is near the restricted time period (for example, within a predetermined period immediately preceding the restricted time period). That is, in the following description, "determine whether or not it is within the restricted time period" may be read as "determine whether or not it belongs to or is near the restricted time period."

[0126] If the restriction level determined in S203 is "Sensing Prohibited," SF30 decides not to perform the requested sensing. In this case, SF30 may send a sensing impossible report in S204 to the requester of the first sensing request (in this case, AF40). The sensing impossible report indicates that the requested sensing cannot be performed (or will not be performed). The sensing impossible report may also include the reason why the requested sensing cannot be performed. In this case, the sensing impossible report may indicate that the location where sensing is requested is within the sensing restriction area.

[0127] If the restriction level determined in S203 is not "sensing prohibited", SF30 sends a second sensing request to the participant in S205. The second sensing request may include information indicating the sensing method to be performed. The second sensing request may also include the service requirement information described above. In other words, the second sensing request may include some or all of the information contained in the first sensing request.

[0128] In addition, the second sensing request may include a restriction instruction to notify the restriction method, which indicates how sensing should be restricted. In this case, SF30 may generate a restriction instruction to notify the restriction method and generate a second sensing request that includes the generation instruction. The restriction instruction may be the restriction level determined in S203. Also, when the control level is "unrestricted", the second sensing request may not include a restriction instruction, or it may include a restriction instruction indicating that there is no restriction. The second sensing request may be sent to the participant via a predetermined NF within NW3000. The restriction instruction may also be notified to the participant by SF30 separately from the second sensing request.

[0129] In S206, the participant performs the specified sensing in response to receiving the second sensing request. That is, the participant performs sensing based on the second sensing request. Here, the second sensing request may include a restriction instruction. Therefore, if the second sensing request includes a restriction instruction, the participant performs sensing in accordance with the restriction instruction.

[0130] For example, if the sensing method to be performed is "image sensing" and the restriction instruction is "1: High-resolution images prohibited," the participant will obtain low-resolution image data by taking pictures with a low-resolution camera (or by reducing the resolution of the captured images). Also, if the sensing method to be performed is "image sensing" and the restriction instruction is "2: Masking required," the participant may generate or obtain masked image data by, for example, extracting a specific element (e.g., a person's face) from the image data and applying a blurring process. The specific element may be specified by the restriction instruction above. In the following description, sensing data obtained in accordance with the restriction instruction may be referred to as "restricted sensing data." Note that if the second sensing request does not contain a restriction instruction, or if it contains a restriction instruction indicating no restriction, the participant will perform normal sensing.

[0131] In S207, the participant transmits the sensing data acquired in S206 to SF30. However, if the participant has acquired sensing data in accordance with the restriction instructions, they transmit the restricted sensing data to SF30. The sensing data or restricted sensing data may also be transmitted to SF30 via a predetermined NF within NW3000.

[0132] In S208, SF30 generates the sensing result specified by the first sensing request based on the sensing data or restricted sensing data transmitted from the participant. This process may be substantially the same as S106 of the first procedure.

[0133] The SF30 may check whether the received sensing data complies with the restriction instructions. For example, if the restriction instruction is "high resolution images prohibited," the SF30 checks the resolution of the image data received from the participant. If high resolution image data is received, the SF30 may convert it to low resolution image data before generating the sensing results. Furthermore, if the SF30 receives sensing data from an area where sensing is prohibited, it may discard the sensing data or perform predetermined post-processing such as masking. This ensures that sensing restrictions are enforced in the SF30.

[0134] In S209, SF30 transmits the sensing results generated in S208 to the requester of the first sensing request. At this time, SF30 may transmit the sensing results to the requester via a predetermined NF within NW3000. Alternatively, SF30 may transmit the sensing results to a predetermined device specified by the first sensing request, or to a predetermined device designated in advance. If sensing restrictions are implemented, SF30 may transmit information indicating that sensing restrictions have been implemented, in addition to the sensing results, to the requester of the first sensing request or to the predetermined device.

[0135] Thus, according to the second procedure, when the conditions specified by the sensing restriction information are met, sensing is restricted or prohibited by the corresponding restriction method. Therefore, it is possible to avoid situations where sensing is performed inadvertently in areas where it is undesirable to acquire sensing data. Furthermore, by setting three or more restriction levels, sensing data can be collected in an acceptable form (e.g., low-resolution image sensing) even in areas where it is undesirable to acquire sensing data.

[0136] Note that the second sensing request transmitted in S205, as shown in Figure 7, does not necessarily have to include control instructions. For example, SF30 may select participants that do not affect the restricted area, taking sensing restriction information into consideration. Alternatively, UE10 / BS20 located within the restricted area may be excluded from selection.

[0137] Figure 8 shows a variation of a second sensing procedure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the procedure shown in Figure 8, the sensing is limited in consideration of the participant's capabilities, based on the procedure shown in Figure 7.

[0138] Steps S201 to S202 are substantially the same in the procedures shown in Figure 7 and Figure 8. That is, SF30 selects a participant to perform sensing in response to receiving the first sensing request.

[0139] In S211, SF30 queries the participant selected in S202 about their sensing capabilities (which may include the ability to process for sensing limitations). Sensing capabilities may represent the sensing methods that the participant can perform. Sensing capabilities may also represent image resolution, accuracy of distance measurement, or accuracy of angle measurement. Furthermore, sensing capabilities may represent whether or not the participant can perform image processing such as blurring. Furthermore, sensing capabilities may represent the capabilities of the participant's processor and memory capacity.

[0140] In S212, participants send capability information representing their sensing capabilities to SF30 in response to inquiries from SF30. This allows SF30 to recognize the participants' sensing capabilities.

[0141] In S213, SF30 determines whether or not to implement sensing restrictions, similar to S203. That is, SF30 determines whether or not the sensing specified by the first sensing request falls under the conditions represented by the sensing restriction information. However, in S213, SF30 determines whether or not to implement sensing restrictions, taking into account the sensing capabilities of the participants.

[0142] For example, in a sensing service that collects image data to recognize objects, suppose the selected participant can acquire high-resolution image data but not low-resolution image data. Also, suppose the selected participant is located within area A in the sensing restriction information shown in Figure 6. In this case, if the participant's sensing capabilities are not considered, "restriction level = 1 (high-resolution images prohibited)" is obtained. However, this participant cannot acquire low-resolution image data. That is, this participant cannot provide the sensing data specified by the sensing restriction information. Therefore, SF30 determines that it cannot obtain the sensing data requested by the first sensing request from the participant selected in S202. In this case, SF30 may send a sensing failure report to the requester of the first sensing request (in this case, AF40) in S204.

[0143] Alternatively, instead of sending a sensing failure report, or in conjunction with sending one, SF30 may return to S202 and re-select participants who can implement sensing restrictions, taking into account the sensing capabilities of each participant acquired in S212. Furthermore, SF30 may receive capability information representing sensing capabilities from candidate participants and determine which participants can implement sensing restrictions, taking into account the sensing capabilities of each candidate participant.

[0144] If the participant can provide the sensing data specified by the sensing restriction information, the process of SF30 proceeds to S205. After this, the processes of S205 to S209 are substantially the same as those shown in Figure 7 and Figure 8.

[0145] Thus, in the variation shown in Figure 8, SF30 verifies the participant's sensing capabilities before sending a second sensing request to that participant. If the participant is unable to provide the limited sensing data, SF30 does not send a second sensing request to that participant. Therefore, unnecessary traffic is suppressed for the entire sensing system.

[0146] <<The third step in sensing>> In the second step described above, it is determined whether or not to implement sensing restrictions on the NW3000 side (SF30 in the embodiment). In contrast, in the third step, it is determined whether or not to implement sensing restrictions on the wireless access network side. The wireless access network may be provided by BS20 in the example shown in Figure 1 or Figure 4. Alternatively, the wireless access network may consist of BS20 and UE10.

[0147] Sensing restriction information is set in the wireless access network. In this embodiment, sensing restriction information corresponding to each BS20 is set. However, it is not necessary to set sensing restriction information for all BS20s. In addition, sensing restriction information related to the communication area covered by the BS20 may be set for the BS20. For example, if a restricted area is set within the communication area covered by the BS20, or if the communication area covered by the BS20 overlaps with a part of the restricted area, sensing restriction information related to that restricted area may be set for the BS20. Sensing restriction information may be set for each BS20 as well as for the SF30.

[0148] The sensing restriction information may be set directly on each BS20. Alternatively, the sensing restriction information may be set on each BS20 from a predetermined NF (e.g., SF30 / AMF) within the NW3000.

[0149] The sensing restriction information may be stored in the memory area provided by BS20. Alternatively, the sensing restriction information may be stored in a memory area accessible to BS20. In any case, BS20 shall be able to access the sensing restriction information as needed.

[0150] Figure 9 shows an example of a third sensing step according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, AF40 is the source of the sensing request. However, UE10 may be the source of the sensing request instead of AF40. Also, UE10 and / or BS20 shown in Figure 4 may act as participants in the sensing. That is, UE10 and / or BS20 may collect specified sensing data in response to the sensing request. In the example shown in Figure 9, UE10 is assumed to be the participant collecting the sensing data.

[0151] S301-S302 are substantially the same as S201-S202 shown in Figure 7. That is, SF30 selects a participant to perform sensing in response to receiving the first sensing request. In this example, UE10 is selected as the participant, and the BS20 to which UE10 is connected is identified. In the following description, UE10 acting as a participant may be referred to as "UE10p". Also, the BS20 to which UE10p is connected may be referred to as "BS20p". In this case, BS20p is an example of a communication device that connects to NW3000 and communicates with terminal devices. Also, UE10p is an example of a terminal device that receives sensing requests from base stations.

[0152] In S303, SF30 sends a second sensing request to BS20p. The second sensing request may be the same as the request sent in S103 as shown in Figure 4. That is, the second sensing request may include information representing the sensing method to be performed. The second sensing request may also include the service requirement information described above.

[0153] In S304, BS20p determines whether or not to implement sensing restrictions. At this time, BS20p determines whether the sensing specified by the second sensing request falls under the conditions represented by the sensing restriction information. Specifically, BS20p determines whether the location of UE10p where sensing should be performed is within one of the restricted areas represented by the sensing restriction information. Here, it is assumed that BS20p is aware of the location of UE10p.

[0154] When UE10p is located within a restricted area, BS20p refers to the restricted time zone set for that area. That is, BS20p determines whether the current time (for example, the time the second sensing request was received) falls within the restricted time zone. If UE10p is located within a restricted area and the current time falls within the restricted time zone, BS20p determines the restriction level corresponding to the requested sensing.

[0155] The method for determining whether to allow or deny sensing, and the method for determining the restriction level if sensing is to be performed, may be substantially the same as in S203 of the second procedure. If the restriction level is "denied," BS20p may send a sensing denial report in S305 to the requester of the second sensing request (in this case, SF30). This sensing denial report may be forwarded from SF30 to the requester of the first sensing request (in this case, AF40).

[0156] If the restriction level is not "prohibited," BS20p sends a third sensing request to UE10p in S306. The third sensing request may include information indicating the sensing method to be performed. The third sensing request may also include the service requirement information described above. Furthermore, the third sensing request may include a restriction instruction indicating how sensing should be restricted. In this case, BS20p may generate a restriction instruction to notify the restriction method and generate a third sensing request that includes the instruction to generate the instruction. The restriction instruction may be the restriction level determined in S304. Also, when the control level is "unrestricted," the third sensing request may not include a restriction instruction, or it may include a restriction instruction indicating that there is no restriction.

[0157] In S307, UE10p performs the specified sensing in response to receiving the third sensing request. At this time, UE10p performs sensing in accordance with the restriction instructions included in the third sensing request. Note that the operation of UE10p in S307 can be substantially the same as the participant's operation in S206 shown in Figure 7.

[0158] In S308, UE10p transmits the sensing data acquired in S307 to SF30. However, if UE10p acquires sensing data in accordance with a restriction instruction, it transmits restricted sensing data to SF30. The sensing data or restricted sensing data may also be transmitted to SF30 via a predetermined NF within NW3000.

[0159] S309 to S310 are substantially the same as S208 to S209 shown in Figure 7. That is, SF30 generates sensing results specified by the first sensing request based on sensing data transmitted from the participant or restricted sensing data. The sensing results are transmitted to the requester of the first sensing request. The sensing results may also be transmitted to a predetermined device specified by the first sensing request, or to a predetermined device designated in advance. If sensing restrictions are implemented, SF30 may transmit information indicating that sensing restrictions have been implemented, in addition to the sensing results, to the requester of the first sensing request or to the predetermined device.

[0160] Thus, in the third step, similar to the second step, if the conditions specified by the sensing restriction information are met, sensing is restricted or prohibited using the corresponding restriction method. Therefore, situations where sensing is performed erroneously in areas where it is undesirable to acquire sensing data can be avoided. In addition, since the determination related to sensing restrictions is made in the wireless access network (e.g., BS20), the burden on SF30 can be reduced.

[0161] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of BS20p's processing in the third step. This flowchart shows the processing of BS20p after it has sent a third sensing request to UE10p. It is assumed that UE10p is not located within the restricted area at the start of the processing shown in this flowchart.

[0162] In S321, BS20p receives sensing data from UE10p. In S322, BS20p forwards the received sensing data to SF30. In S323, BS20p detects the position of UE10p.

[0163] In S324, BS20p refers to the sensing restriction information and determines whether UE10p is located within the restricted area. If UE10p is not located within the restricted area, BS20p returns to S321. In other words, unrestricted sensing continues.

[0164] If UE10p is located within the restricted area, BS20p refers to sensing restriction information in S325 and determines the sensing restriction level. In S326, BS20p transmits a restriction instruction to UE10p indicating the determined restriction level. Upon receiving this restriction instruction, UE10p performs sensing in accordance with that instruction.

[0165] In S327, BS20p may send a sensing restriction report to a designated device or instrument. The sensing restriction report may indicate that sensing restriction is being initiated or is being implemented. The sensing restriction report may also indicate that a terminal device acting as a participant (in this case, UE10p) has entered or is approaching a restricted area. Furthermore, the sensing restriction report may indicate how sensing will be restricted or the level of restriction to be implemented.

[0166] The sensing limitation report may be sent to the requester of the second sensing request (i.e., SF30). In this case, SF30 may forward this sensing limitation report to the requester of the first sensing request (i.e., AF40, UE10). The sensing limitation report may also be sent to the equipment specified by the first or second sensing request. Furthermore, the sensing limitation report may be sent to a predetermined equipment that has been designated in advance.

[0167] In the embodiment shown in Figure 10, the restriction report is sent to SF30 / AF40 / UE10, etc., after the sensing restriction is initiated. However, the restriction report may be sent to SF30 / AF40 / UE10, etc., before the sensing restriction is initiated. In this case, SF30 / AF40 / UE10, etc., can determine whether or not to perform the restricted sensing.

[0168] Thus, in the embodiment shown in Figure 10, sensing restrictions are implemented when a participant enters the restricted area. However, BS20p may initiate sensing restrictions before UE10p enters the restricted area. For example, BS20p may monitor the movement of UE10p and initiate sensing restrictions when UE10p approaches the restricted area. Alternatively, the procedure shown in Figure 10 may be performed by SF30 instead of BS20.

[0169] Furthermore, a sensing restriction report indicating that a UE acting as a sensing participant has entered or is approaching a restricted area may be used in the procedure shown in Figure 7 or Figure 8. In this case, UE10 / BS20 may send a sensing restriction report indicating that the UE has entered or is approaching a restricted area to SF30 in the manner described with reference to Figure 10. SF30 may then send this sensing restriction report to the source of the first sensing request or to a predetermined device.

[0170] In the embodiments shown in Figures 9 and 10, UE10 collects sensing data, but BS20 may also collect sensing data as a participant. In this case, whether or not BS20 is located within the restricted area is determined in advance. Therefore, if BS20 is located within the restricted area, BS20 may decide whether or not to restrict sensing depending on whether or not the current time falls within the restricted time period.

[0171] In the third step, as in the embodiment shown in Figure 8, it may be determined whether or not to restrict sensing by considering the sensing capabilities of the participant (in this case, UE10). For example, in the procedure shown in Figure 9, when BS20p receives the second sensing request, it may inquire about the sensing capabilities of UE10p. Then, BS20p may decide on the restriction method to be implemented and send a restriction instruction to UE10p when UE10p is able to perform sensing using that restriction method.

[0172] In Figures 7 to 9, the SF30 / BS20 determines whether or not to implement sensing restrictions, but the UE10 may also determine whether or not to implement sensing restrictions. In this case, the UE10 may have previously received sensing restriction information from the SF30 / BS20, an external AF, or surrounding infrastructure. The UE10 may also determine whether the sensing specified by the received sensing request falls under the conditions represented by the sensing restriction information (this may be the same determination as shown for the SF30 / BS20). If the above conditions are met, the UE10 may send restricted sensing data to the SF30 / BS20, or if restricted sensing data cannot be obtained, it may send a sensing failure report. For example, the UE10 may receive sensing restriction information related to the BS20 to be connected to during UE registration, or it may receive sensing restriction information related to the BS20 of the handover destination (target) during handover. This allows for smooth consideration of sensing restrictions when starting a connection with the BS20.

[0173] In the embodiments shown in Figures 7 to 10, the collection of sensing data is restricted based on sensing restriction information. However, in the sensing system relating to this disclosure, a UE10 (unrestricted UE) that is not restricted in sensing may be provided. In this case, information identifying the unrestricted UE may be registered in the sensing system. For example, in the second step shown in Figures 7 to 8, information identifying the unrestricted UE may be set in SF30 together with the sensing restriction information. Also, in the third step shown in Figure 9, when the UE registration of the unrestricted UE is performed in BS20, or when an unrestricted UE is handed over, information identifying the unrestricted UE may be set in BS20 together with the sensing restriction information. In addition, predetermined attribute information may be assigned to the unrestricted UE. This attribute information may indicate that sensing can be performed without restriction even within the restricted area.

[0174] When an unrestricted UE is selected as a participant (i.e., when the selected UE has predetermined identification information, or when predetermined attribute information is assigned to the selected UE), the SF30 / BS20 will not impose sensing restrictions, even if the UE is located within a restricted area. For example, when an unrestricted UE is selected as a participant, the SF30 / BS20 may send a sensing request without restriction instructions to the unrestricted UE if the unrestricted UE is located within a restricted area. The unrestricted UE may be, for example, a terminal device of a country or a designated agency.

[0175] If an unrestricted UE receives a sensing request that includes a restriction instruction, it may ignore the restriction instruction (for example, by assuming there is no restriction instruction) and perform sensing based on the sensing request, and transmit the acquired sensing data.

[0176] In the embodiments shown in Figures 7 to 10, the collection of sensing data within a restricted area is restricted based on sensing restriction information. However, there are times when it is necessary to detect the situation within the restricted area. For example, there may be cases where data should be collected within a restricted area due to an accident or disaster. To address such cases, for example, an emergency flag (0: restriction is enabled, 1: restriction is disabled) may be set for each restricted area in the sensing restriction information shown in Figure 6. The emergency flag may be set, for example, by a request form for sensing restriction information. If the emergency flag is "0", the restriction process is executed in the sequence shown in Figures 7 to 10, and if the emergency flag is "1", sensing in that restricted area is not restricted.

[0177] <Note> The following invention is added with respect to one embodiment of this disclosure. [Note 1] A control unit that, upon receiving a first sensing request, generates a restriction instruction to restrict sensing based on sensing restriction information including information relating to a restricted area representing an area where sensing should be restricted, A communication unit transmits a second sensing request to a participant selected from among multiple communication devices, and receives sensing data acquired by the participant based on the restriction instruction. An information processing device equipped with the following features. [Note 2] The aforementioned sensing restriction information further includes information specifying multiple restriction levels that represent the severity of the restriction in stages, The control unit generates the restriction instruction that specifies a restriction method corresponding to the restriction level when the participant is located within or near the restricted area. The information processing apparatus described in Appendix 1, characterized in that it is a processing apparatus. [Note 3] The sensing restriction information further includes information relating to a restriction method that represents a method for restricting the sensing within the restricted area, The control unit generates the restriction instruction that specifies the restriction method when the participant is located within or near the restricted area. The information processing apparatus according to Appendix 1 or 2, characterized in that it is the same as described in Appendix 1 or 2. [Note 4] The control unit, The participant is asked about their sensing capabilities. When the participant has the sensing capability to perform sensing by the restriction method, the restriction instruction that specifies the restriction method is generated. An information processing device according to any one of the appendices 1 to 3, characterized in that it is the same as described in appendice 1 to 3. [Note 5] The sensing restriction information further includes information relating to a restriction time period, which represents a time period during which the sensing should be restricted. The control unit generates the restriction instruction when the participant is located within or near the restricted area, and the current time falls within or is near the restricted time period. An information processing device as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 4, characterized by the above. [Note 6] When the participant enters the restricted area, or when the participant is approaching the restricted area, the communication unit transmits a sensing restriction report to the source of the first sensing request or to a predetermined device. A communication device as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 5, characterized by the features described herein. [Note 7] A communication unit that receives sensing requests including restriction instructions that specify how to restrict sensing, A control unit that performs sensing in the manner instructed by the restriction instruction and acquires sensing data, A communication device equipped with the following features. [Note 8] A control unit that, upon receiving a second sensing request from an information processing device that performs sensing-related processing, generates a restriction instruction to restrict sensing by a terminal device based on sensing restriction information including information relating to a restricted area representing an area where sensing should be restricted, A communication unit transmits a third sensing request to the terminal device and receives sensing data acquired by the terminal device based on the restriction instruction. A communication device equipped with the following features. [Note 9] The sensing restriction information further includes information relating to a restriction method that represents a method for restricting the sensing within the restricted area, The control unit generates the restriction instruction that specifies the restriction method when the terminal device is located within or near the restricted area. The communication device described in Appendix 8, characterized by the features described herein. [Note 10] The control unit, The terminal device is inquired about the sensing capabilities of the terminal device. When the terminal device has the sensing capability to perform sensing according to the restriction method, it generates the restriction instruction that specifies the restriction method. A communication device as described in Appendix 8 or 9, characterized by the features described herein. [Note 11] The sensing restriction information further includes information relating to a restriction time period, which represents a time period during which the sensing should be restricted. The control unit generates the restriction instruction when the terminal device is located within or near the restricted area, and the current time falls within or is near the restricted time period. A communication device as described in any one of the appendices 8 to 10, characterized by the features described herein. [Note 12] When the terminal device enters the restricted area, or when the terminal device is approaching the restricted area, the communication unit transmits a sensing restriction report to the information processing device or a predetermined device. A communication device as described in any one of the appendices 8 to 11, characterized by the features described herein. [Note 13] When the terminal device has predetermined identification information, or when predetermined attribute information is assigned to the terminal device, the communication unit transmits a sensing request to the terminal device that does not include the restriction instruction, even if the terminal device is located within or near the restricted area. A communication device as described in any one of the appendices 8 to 12, characterized by the features described herein. [Note 14] A communications unit that receives a sensing request from a base station, which includes a restriction instruction that specifies how to restrict sensing, A control unit that performs sensing in the manner instructed by the restriction instruction and acquires sensing data, A terminal device equipped with the following features. [Note 15] The information processing device, upon receiving a first sensing request, generates a restriction instruction to restrict sensing based on sensing restriction information including information relating to a restricted area representing an area where sensing should be restricted; The information processing device transmits a second sensing request to a participant selected from among a plurality of communication devices. The information processing device receives sensing data acquired by the participant based on the restriction instruction, Information processing methods including [Note 16] The communication device, upon receiving a second sensing request from an information processing device that performs sensing-related processing, generates a restriction instruction to restrict sensing by a terminal device based on sensing restriction information including information relating to a restricted area representing an area where sensing should be restricted; The communication device transmits a third sensing request to the terminal device. The communication device receives sensing data acquired by the terminal device based on the restriction instruction, A communication method that includes this.

[0178] <Variation> In addition, terms used in this disclosure and terms necessary for understanding this disclosure may be replaced with terms having the same or similar meaning.

[0179] In this disclosure, terms such as apparatus, circuit, device, section, and unit are interchangeable.

[0180] The information, parameters, etc., described in this disclosure may be expressed using absolute values, relative values ​​from a given value, or corresponding other information. For example, wireless resources may be indicated by a given index.

[0181] The names used for parameters and other elements in this disclosure are not restrictive in any way. Furthermore, mathematical formulas and other elements that use these parameters may differ from those explicitly disclosed in this disclosure.

[0182] The information, signals, etc. described in this disclosure may be represented using any of the various different techniques. For example, the data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, chips, etc. that may be referred to throughout the above description may be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or photons, or any combination thereof.

[0183] Input and output information and signals may be stored in a specific location (e.g., memory) or managed using a management table. Input and output information and signals may be overwritten, updated, or appended to. Output information and signals may be deleted. Input information and signals may be transmitted to other devices.

[0184] Any information described in this disclosure (e.g., variables, constants, parameters) may be notified from any first device (e.g., UE / BS) to any second device (e.g., BS / UE), even if not specifically stated in the embodiments described above. Notification of any information may be interpreted as notification of information indicating / specifying (or relating to) the value of such any information.

[0185] In this disclosure, the words “notify,” “request,” “activate,” “deactivate,” “indicate,” “select,” “configure,” “update,” and “determine” may be interpreted as interchangeable.

[0186] In this disclosure, the terms "support," "control / operate / use," and "are controllable / operate / available" may be interpreted as interchangeable.

[0187] In this disclosure, notification of information is not limited to the manner / embodiments described herein and may be carried out by other means. For example, notification of information in this disclosure may be carried out by radio access-related signaling, RAN-related signaling, core network-related signaling, other signals, or a combination thereof. In this disclosure, signaling, messages, parameters, fields, information elements (IE), settings, etc., may be interpreted interchangeably.

[0188] Wireless access-related signaling may include signaling related to wireless access (wireless interface) between UE-RAN, and may also fall under Access Stratum (AS) signaling. Wireless access-related signaling may also include physical layer signaling, upper layer signaling, etc.

[0189] Physical layer signaling may include, for example, Downlink Control Information (DCI) and Uplink Control Information (UCI). Upper layer signaling may include, for example, Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling and Medium Access Control (MAC) signaling.

[0190] RRC signaling may include broadcast information (e.g., Master Information Block (MIB), System Information Block (SIB)). MAC signaling may include MAC Control Element (MAC CE), MAC Protocol Data Unit (MAC PDU), etc.

[0191] RAN-related signaling may include signaling for RAN-to-RAN control, such as Xn Application Protocol (XnAP) signaling.

[0192] Core network-related signaling may include signaling for control between UEs and CNs, such as Non-Access Stratum (NAS) signaling. Core network-related signaling may also include signaling for control between CNs, such as Hyper Text Transfer Protocol (HTTP) messages.

[0193] Furthermore, notification of the specified information (for example, notification that "X is the case") is not limited to explicit notification, but may also be made implicitly (for example, by not notifying the specified information or by notifying other information).

[0194] Software should be broadly interpreted to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, execution threads, procedures, functions, and so on, whether they are called software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or by any other name.

[0195] Furthermore, software, instructions, information, etc., may be transmitted and received via a transmission medium. For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using at least one of wired technology (such as coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, or Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)) and wireless technology (such as infrared or microwave), then at least one of these wired and wireless technologies is included in the definition of a transmission medium.

[0196] In this disclosure, terms such as "Base Station (BS)", "wireless base station", "relay station", "fixed station", "NodeB", "eNB (eNodeB)", "gNB (gNodeB)", "access point", "Transmission Point (TP)", "Reception Point (RP)", "Transmission / Reception Point (TRP)", "panel", "cell", "sector", "cell group", "carrier", and "component carrier" may be used interchangeably.

[0197] In this disclosure, terms such as "Mobile Station (MS)," "user terminal," "User Equipment (UE)," and "terminal" may be used interchangeably.

[0198] Any device in this disclosure may also be called a server, device, transmitter, receiver, wireless communication device, information processing device, etc., and these terms may be interchangeable. Any device in this disclosure may be a device mounted on a moving object, a device contained within a moving object (held by a person riding in the moving object), or the moving object itself. Such moving objects include, but are not limited to, vehicles, transport vehicles, automobiles, motorcycles, bicycles, connected cars, excavators, bulldozers, wheel loaders, dump trucks, forklifts, trains, buses, handcarts, rickshaws, ships and other watercraft, airplanes, rockets, satellites, drones, multicopters, quadcopters, balloons, and items mounted on them. Such moving objects may also be autonomous / autonomous. In this disclosure, a moving object may also be interchangeable with a non-moving object (for example, a non-moving object that a person can ride in).

[0199] Each aspect / embodiment described in this disclosure may be used individually, in combination, or switched between as needed during execution. Furthermore, the processing procedures, sequences, flowcharts, etc., of each aspect / embodiment described in this disclosure may be rearranged or some steps may be omitted, as long as they are consistent. For example, the methods described in this disclosure present various step elements using exemplary order and are not limited to the specific order presented.

[0200] In this disclosure, the phrase "based on" does not mean "based solely on" unless otherwise specified. In other words, the phrase "based on" means both "based solely on" and "based at least on."

[0201] Any reference to elements using the designations “first,” “second,” etc., as used in this disclosure does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. These designations may be used in this disclosure as a convenient way to distinguish between two or more elements. Accordingly, the references to the first and second elements do not imply that only two elements may be employed or that the first element must precede the second element in any way.

[0202] As used in this disclosure, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” and any variations thereof mean any direct or indirect connection or coupling between two or more elements, and may include the presence of one or more intermediate elements between two elements that are “connected” or “coupled” with each other. The coupling or connection between elements may be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. The coupling or connection between elements may be via at least one of wired and wireless connections.

[0203] In this disclosure, the term "A and B are different" may mean "A and B are different from each other." The term may also mean "A and B are each different from C." Terms such as "separate" and "combine" may be interpreted similarly to "different."

[0204] Where the terms “include,” “including,” and variations thereof are used in this disclosure, these terms are intended to be inclusive, as is the term “comprising.” Furthermore, the term “or” as used in this disclosure is not intended to mean exclusive OR.

[0205] In this disclosure, if articles are added by translation, such as a, an, and the in English, this disclosure may include the fact that the noun following these articles is plural.

[0206] In this disclosure, words such as "decision," "judgment," "determination," "selection," "specification," "calculation," "calculation," "processing," "derivation," "search," "confirmation," "assumption," and "expectation" may be interpreted as interchangeable.

[0207] In this disclosure, terms such as "less than or equal to," "less than," "greater than or equal to," "more than," and "equal to" may be interpreted interchangeably. In addition, in this disclosure, terms meaning "good," "bad," "big," "small," "high," "low," "early," "slow," "wide," and "narrow" may be interpreted interchangeably, not limited to the positive, comparative, and superlative degrees. Furthermore, in this disclosure, terms meaning "good," "bad," "big," "small," "high," "low," "early," "slow," "wide," and "narrow" may be interpreted interchangeably, not limited to the positive, comparative, and superlative degrees, by adding "i-th" (where i is any integer) to the expression (for example, "highest" may be interpreted interchangeably with "i-th highest").

[0208] In this disclosure, "of," "for," "regarding," "related to," and "associated with" may be interpreted as being interchangeable.

[0209] Although the invention described herein has been explained in detail above, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the invention described herein is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The descriptions herein are illustrative and not intended to be restrictive in any way to the invention described herein.

Claims

1. A control unit that, upon receiving a first sensing request, generates a restriction instruction to restrict sensing based on sensing restriction information including information relating to a restricted area representing an area where sensing should be restricted, A communication unit transmits a second sensing request to a participant selected from among multiple communication devices, and receives sensing data acquired by the participant based on the restriction instruction. An information processing device equipped with the following features.

2. The aforementioned sensing restriction information further includes information specifying multiple restriction levels that represent the severity of the restriction in stages, The control unit generates the restriction instruction that specifies a restriction method corresponding to the restriction level when the participant is located within or near the restricted area. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

3. The sensing restriction information further includes information relating to a restriction method that represents a method for restricting the sensing within the restriction area, The control unit generates the restriction instruction that specifies the restriction method when the participant is located within or near the restricted area. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

4. The control unit, The participant is asked about their sensing capabilities. When the participant has the sensing capability to perform sensing by the restriction method, the restriction instruction that specifies the restriction method is generated. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The sensing restriction information further includes information relating to a restriction time period, which represents a time period during which the sensing should be restricted. The control unit generates the restriction instruction when the participant is located within or near the restricted area, and the current time falls within or is near the restricted time period. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

6. When the participant enters the restricted area, or when the participant approaches the restricted area, the communication unit transmits a sensing restriction report to the source of the first sensing request or to a predetermined device. The communication device according to feature 1.

7. A communication unit that receives sensing requests including restriction instructions that specify how to restrict sensing, A control unit that performs sensing in the manner instructed by the restriction instruction and acquires sensing data, A communication device equipped with the following features.

8. A control unit that, upon receiving a second sensing request from an information processing device that performs sensing-related processing, generates a restriction instruction to restrict sensing by a terminal device based on sensing restriction information including information relating to a restricted area representing an area where sensing should be restricted, A communication unit transmits a third sensing request to the terminal device and receives sensing data acquired by the terminal device based on the restriction instruction. A communication device equipped with the following features.

9. The sensing restriction information further includes information relating to a restriction method that represents a method for restricting the sensing within the restriction area, The control unit generates the restriction instruction that specifies the restriction method when the terminal device is located within or near the restricted area. The communication device according to feature 8.

10. The control unit, The terminal device is inquired about the sensing capabilities of the terminal device. When the terminal device has the sensing capability to perform sensing according to the restriction method, it generates the restriction instruction that specifies the restriction method. The communication device according to feature 9.

11. The sensing restriction information further includes information relating to a restriction time period, which represents a time period during which the sensing should be restricted. The control unit generates the restriction instruction when the terminal device is located within or near the restricted area, and the current time falls within or is near the restricted time period. The communication device according to feature 8.

12. When the terminal device enters the restricted area, or when the terminal device is approaching the restricted area, the communication unit transmits a sensing restriction report to the information processing device or a predetermined device. The communication device according to feature 8.

13. When the terminal device has predetermined identification information, or when predetermined attribute information is assigned to the terminal device, the communication unit transmits a sensing request to the terminal device that does not include the restriction instruction, even if the terminal device is located within or near the restricted area. The communication device according to feature 8.

14. A communications unit that receives a sensing request from a base station, which includes a restriction instruction that specifies how to restrict sensing, A control unit that performs sensing in the manner instructed by the restriction instruction and acquires sensing data, A terminal device equipped with the following features.

15. The information processing device, upon receiving a first sensing request, generates a restriction instruction to restrict sensing based on sensing restriction information including information relating to a restricted area representing an area where sensing should be restricted; The information processing device transmits a second sensing request to a participant selected from among a plurality of communication devices. The information processing device receives sensing data acquired by the participant based on the restriction instruction, Information processing methods including

16. The communication device receives a second sensing request from an information processing device that performs sensing-related processing, and in response, generates a restriction instruction to restrict sensing by a terminal device based on sensing restriction information including information relating to a restricted area representing an area where sensing should be restricted; The communication device transmits a third sensing request to the terminal device. The communication device receives sensing data acquired by the terminal device based on the restriction instruction, A communication method that includes this.

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