Information and communication systems, information and communication methods, programs, and terminals

Abstract

The present invention provides a method that can suitably respond to sensing requirements. [Solution] The control unit receives the request, which includes specified conditions for detecting the target and responding with information. The control unit then selects a detection entity to detect the target in a manner that satisfies the specified conditions. Furthermore, the control unit instructs the selected detection entity to detect the target. In addition, the control unit obtains the detection result of the target from the detection entity and provides the requester with information related to the target.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information communication system, an information communication method, a program, and a terminal.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for example, regarding the sensing processing provided by a communication system, Section 5.8.3 of Non-Patent Document 1 below has the following description. That is, the network provides policies and settings so that a User Equipment (UE) can take appropriate actions during sensing. And guidance is provided for discovering a UE or an entity of a Radio Access Network (RAN) having appropriate new wireless sensing capabilities. These policies and settings may be frequently updated by the network based on network conditions, mobility patterns, and the like. E) can take appropriate actions during sensing, the network provides policies and settings. And guidance is provided for discovering a UE or an entity of a Radio Access Network (RAN) having appropriate new wireless sensing capabilities. These policies and settings may be frequently updated by the network based on network conditions, mobility patterns, and the like.

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0003]

Non-Patent Document 1

[0004] However, conventional technologies have not proposed a specific method for selecting entities to be sensed. The present invention aims to provide a method that can suitably respond to sensing requirements. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In one aspect, embodiments of the disclosure are exemplified by an information and communication system that responds with information related to a target to be detected in response to a request from a requester. The information and communication system comprises a control unit. The control unit receives a request that includes specified conditions for detecting a target and responding with information. The control unit then selects a detection entity that will detect the target in order to satisfy the specified conditions. Furthermore, the control unit instructs the selected detection entity to detect the target. Furthermore, the control unit obtains the detection result of the target from the detection entity and provides the information related to the target to the requester. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] It can respond effectively to sensing requirements. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram of an information and communication system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the components that make up the 5GC of a fifth-generation mobile communication system, which is part of an information and communication system. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the UE location information database. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a RAN information database. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an example diagram illustrating the configuration of the SENSING pair performance information database. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the UE information database. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating a detection process in an information and communication system that includes sensing. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating a detection process in an information and communication system that includes sensing. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating the details of the selection process based on capability and availability. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating the details of the sensing parameter determination process. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating the UE handover process. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating filtering by the detection target extraction process. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Hereinafter, this disclosure describes an information communication system, information communication method, program, and terminal of one embodiment with reference to the drawings. This information communication system is exemplified by mobile communication systems such as LTE, 5G, and 6G. In this embodiment, the information communication system includes a control unit that responds with information related to a detection target in response to a request from a requester. The control unit receives a request, for example, that includes specified conditions for detecting a detection target and responding with information. The control unit then selects a detection entity that will detect the detection target in order to satisfy the specified conditions. The control unit then instructs the selected detection entity to detect the detection target. In this way, the control unit obtains the detection result of the detection target from the detection entity. The control unit then provides the information related to the detection target to the requester.

[0009] In this embodiment, the control unit may be one of the Network Functions (NFs) provided in the core network of the mobile communication system. In this embodiment, the control unit may also be called SENSING. The information communication system may be a combination of NFs of the core network of the mobile communication system.

[0010] In this embodiment, the requester may be one of the other NFs. Alternatively, the requester may be an Application Function (AF) provided in the core network of the mobile communication system. Furthermore, the requester may be a computer, server, or information processing device connected to the mobile communication system. In this embodiment, the requester is, for example, Consumer 7-1 in Figure 1.

[0011] In this embodiment, the detection entity may be a radio access network (RAN) included in a mobile communication system, or a base station constituting a RAN. Furthermore, the detection entity may be User Equipment (UE) or a mobile communication device, which is a terminal connected to a mobile communication system.

[0012] In this embodiment, the detecting entity detects, monitors, or acquires information related to, for example, geographical information, which may be dynamic information when the detection target moves or changes over time. There is no limitation on the detection target detected by the detecting entity and the sensors used for detection. The sensor may be, for example, a pair of a transmitter and a receiver of a RAN (or a base station). Also, the sensor may be, for example, a pair of a transmitter and a receiver of one UE. Further, the sensor may be, for example, a pair of a transmitter of a first UE and a receiver of a second UE other than the first UE. Additionally, the sensor may be, for example, a pair of a transmitter of a RAN (or a base station) and a receiver of a UE. Moreover, the sensor may be, for example, a pair of a transmitter of a UE and a receiver of a RAN (or a base station). Note that in this embodiment, when the sensor includes a transmitter, the signal transmitted by the transmitter for detecting the detection target is called a reference signal.

[0013] Also, the sensor may be, for example, one that detects physical quantities including videos, images including still images, sounds including voices, temperature, humidity, wind speed, precipitation, pressure, mass, and physical quantities detected by vehicles. The sensor for detecting an image may be a camera or the like, and an image may be acquired from a predetermined area, environment (roads, rivers), objects, etc. Also, a camera or the like may be mounted on a moving body (vehicle, ship, aircraft, artificial satellite, etc.) to acquire an image while moving.

[0014] The sensor for acquiring sound may be a microphone, and sound may be collected from the installed environment or the surroundings where the moving body on which it is mounted exists. The sensors for detecting temperature, humidity, wind speed, precipitation, pressure, mass, etc. may be measuring devices that measure the respective physical quantities. The physical quantities detected by a vehicle may be, for example, moving speed, acceleration, angular velocity, moving direction, acceleration direction, rotation direction, rotational speed of the prime mover, remaining amount of fuel or battery, one or more combinations of voltage value, current value, and resistance value of an electric circuit, the location where the moving body is currently located, etc.

[0015] However, the sensor may simply be the control unit of the computer itself. For example, the sensing information acquired by the control unit of the computer as the sensor may be a value calculated by a computer exemplified by a simulator or the like, a parameter set in a manufacturing apparatus in the manufacturing process, sales in a store for a predetermined period, inventory, the number of sales for a predetermined period for each product, the number of users and sales for a predetermined period of the provided service, and the like.

[0016] The provision of the detection result by SENSING to the requester (the consumer 7 in FIG. 1) can be performed by either the Subscribe / Notify method or the Request / Response method (similar to the provisions in Clause 6.1 of TS23.288, Clause 4.15.3 of TS38.502, etc.). It is assumed that the application of sensing or the consumer that uses the sensing result has at least one of the object to be sensed, the area or location where the object exists, the desired accuracy, reliability (accuracy, Confidence Level), and response time as a requirement. Therefore, it is desired to perform sensing using an appropriate resource that can respond to such requirements. In the present embodiment, for an appropriate and scalable sensing response, the control unit dynamically manages the arrangement or configuration of various entities that become sensing entities, such as the UE and the RAN, and responds to the sensing request.

[0017] (System Configuration and Application Example) FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an information communication system 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the information communication system 1 includes SENSING 11n as a control unit, SEMSING DATA CONSUMER as a requester (hereinafter simply referred to as consumers 7-1 to 7-3, etc.), and RAN3 as a detection entity The system includes (3-1, 3-2), base station 3A (3A-1, 3A-2, etc.), and UE2 (2-1, 2-2, etc.). In this embodiment, when RAN3, base station 3A, and UE2 are individually distinguished, they are given sub-numbers such as RAN3-1, base station 3A-1, and UE2-1. Consumers 7-1 to 7-3 are collectively referred to as consumer 7. RAN3, base station 3A, and the transmitter and receiver included in base station 3A are examples of base station equipment.

[0018] Consumer 7 consists of network functions (FN), application functions (AF) on the core network of the information and communication system 1, and external servers 6 (see Figure 2), UE2, etc., connected to the information and communication system 1. Consumer 7 can also be called a receiver because it receives data detected by SENSING 11n.

[0019] SENSING 11n receives requests for the provision of sensing information (SENSING REQUEST) from consumers 7-1 to 7-3, for example, via NEF11e (see Figure 2). (F1-1 to F1-3). The request is that SENSING 11n detects the target and provides information This includes specified conditions when responding to the report. The specified conditions include at least one of the following: the target to be detected, the area in which the detection is performed, the detection accuracy, the confidence level of the detected information, and the response time when responding with the detection result. It would be good to include one.

[0020] When SENSING 11n receives the above request, it searches the database (DB8) for detection entities such as RAN3, base station 3A, and UE2 that satisfy the specified conditions and correspond to the request. Then, SENSING 11n selects the entities (elements) that constitute the detection entity based on the capabilities or availability of the detection entities. For example, SENSING 11n forms a configuration CF1 according to the specified conditions included in the request in F1-1 from consumer CS1. In Figure 1, configuration CF1 includes, for example, RAN3-1, base station 3A-1, and UE2-1. However, configuration CF1 as a detection entity may include multiple RAN3s, multiple base stations 3A, and multiple UE2s.

[0021] Then, SENSING 11n instructs each entity included in configuration CF1, namely RAN3-1, base station 3A-1, and UE2-1, to detect the target object (F4-1). SENSING 11n then acquires the detection result data from each entity included in configuration CF1 (F5-1). Furthermore, SENSING 11n extracts data that satisfies the specified conditions from the acquired data and provides it to the requesting consumer 7-1, etc.

[0022] Then, after processing the F1-1 request, SENSING 11n processes the next request (for example, the request received in F1-2). For the request in F1-2, SENSING 11n configures the detection subject of configuration CF2 and processes it similarly (F4-2, F5-2). Configuration CF2 includes, for example, RAN3-2, base station 3A-2, and UE2-2, corresponding to the specified conditions included in the request in F1-2. As described above, the information communication system 1 is equipped with SENSING 11n as a control unit and responds with information related to the detection target in response to a request from the requester.

[0023] DB8 includes a UE location information DB (Figure 3), a RAN information DB (Figure 4), a SENSING pair performance information DB (Figure 5), and a UE information DB (Figure 6). SENSING 11n stores the latest information in DB8, selects a detection entity based on the information in DB8, obtains detection result data that satisfies the specified conditions from the detection entity, and provides it to the requesting consumer 7.

[0024] UE2 is an example of a user device, such as In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI). This could be an in-vehicle device, a smartphone, or the like. The UE2 may be, for example, mounted in a vehicle or carried by a person and moved around.

[0025] (Network example) Figure 2 illustrates the components (configurations) that make up the core network (5GC) of the fifth-generation mobile communication system (5G network, also called 5GNW) within the information and communication system 1. In this embodiment, the components of 5GC are collectively called Network Functions (hereinafter referred to as NF11), and individually, they are called Access and Mobility Management Functions. It is referred to as (hereinafter, AMF 11b), etc. In Figure 2, each component is given a general designation along with an individual designation in parentheses. However, the types of NF11 are not limited to the examples in Figure 2.

[0026] UPF (User Plane Function) 11a AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function)11b SMF (Session Management Function)11c PCF(Policy Control Function)11d NEF(Network Exposure Function)11e NRF(Network Repository Function)11g NSSF(Network Slice Selection Function)11h AUSF(Authentication Server Function)11i UDM(Unified Data Management)11j NWDAF(Network Data Analytics Function)11k SENSING (Sensing Function) 11n

[0027] UPF11a performs routing and forwarding of user packets (user plane packets sent and received by UE2), packet inspection, and QoS processing. UPF11a uses DN (Data It connects to Network 5. DN5 is an external data network (such as the Internet) outside of 5GC.

[0028] AMF11b is the location-based accommodation device for UE2 in the core network. AMF11b accommodates RAN3 (base stations) and performs subscriber authentication control, UE2 location (mobility), and registration area management. UDM11j is a database (storage device) that provides subscriber information and retrieves, registers, deletes, and modifies the status of UE2.

[0029] SMF11c manages PDU (Protocol Data Unit) sessions and controls UPF11a for QoS (Quality of Service) control and policy control. A PDU session is a virtual communication channel for data exchange between UE2 and DN5.

[0030] PCF11d performs QoS control, policy control, and billing control under the control of SMF11c. QoS control involves controlling the quality of communication, such as prioritizing packet forwarding. Policy control involves communication control, such as QoS, packet forwarding eligibility, and billing, based on network or subscriber information.

[0031] NEF11e acts as an intermediary for communication between external nodes (external devices) such as AF (Application Function) 12 and nodes (NF) within the control plane. In other words, NEF11e functions as a gateway (GW) between the core network and the external network. AF12 is an application server (external server) located outside the core network (for example, connected to DN5).

[0032] NRF11g stores and manages information about the NFs that make up the core network. In response to an inquiry about an NF that the user wishes to use, NRF11g can return multiple candidate NFs to the inquirer.

[0033] NSSF11h has the function of selecting the network slice to be used by the subscriber from among the network slices generated by network slicing. A network slice is a virtual network with specifications tailored to its intended use.

[0034] AUSF11i is a subscriber authentication server that performs subscriber authentication under the control of AMF11b. NWDAF 11k has the function of collecting and analyzing data from each NF11, OAM (Operations, Administration, and Maintenance) terminal, AF12, etc. NWDAF 11k is an NF that provides analytical information related to 5GS.

[0035] UDM11j maintains subscriber-related information and provides subscriber information, as well as retrieves, registers, deletes, and modifies the status of UE2.

[0036] SENSING 11n performs sensing services that include collecting sensing information from UE2, RAN3 (base station (gNB)), or other nodes, and providing the collected sensing information to UE2 or other external systems (AF12, DN5, etc.). Details of SENSING 11n will be described later.

[0037] AF12 is an NF11 that processes sensing data and provides application services using the sensing data to the UE (terminal). For example, AF12 notifies the UE (terminal) of the sensing results acquired by SENSING 11n within a specified spatial range. Alternatively, an application program executed on the UE (terminal) may also operate as AF12. The functions of NF11 described above are examples; each NF11 may have other functions, execute the functions of other NF11s, or multiple NF11s may cooperate to execute a single function.

[0038] These FN11s are defined, for example, in 3GPP® TS23.501. DN5 is an external data network (such as the Internet) outside of 5GC. For example, Server 6 is connected to DN5. Server 6 may also be AF12 of 5GC. RAN3 is a wireless access network to 5GC. RAN3 is formed by, for example, Base Station 3A. Note that the information communication system 1 may not be the entire system shown in Figure 2, but rather a combination of FN11 of 5GC as illustrated in Figure 2.

[0039] Of the FN11 units, the AMF 11b is the UE location accommodation device in 5GC. The AMF 11b accommodates RAN3 and performs subscriber authentication control, UE2 location (mobility) management, etc.

[0040] NWDAF 11k is an NF11 that provides data analysis for 5G networks. NWDAF 11k notifies other NF11s (e.g., AMF 11b, SMF 11c, PCF 11d, etc.) of the data analysis results, supporting the dynamic network control and management of these NF11s. Examples of data analysis results provided by NWDAF 11k include latency per UE2, UE2 travel path, location information, travel speed, and travel direction. Other examples of data analysis results include load levels (resource utilization for each cell or base station), future load predictions, load distribution by area, and resource block or frequency availability information. For more information on NWDAF 11k, see, for example, 3GPP® TS 29.520 or TS 23.288, which define its functions and processing.

[0041] SENSING 11n performs processing including collecting information from UE2 or other external systems, analyzing the collected information, and providing the analysis results to other FN11, UE2, AF12, or other external systems (such as DN5). However, NWDAF 11k may perform the analysis processing of the detection results by SENSING 11n instead of SENSING 11n.

[0042] SENSING 11n, other NF11, AF12, etc. are formed on a computer according to a computer program. The configurations of SENSING 11n, other NF11, AF12, etc. are virtual and may be formed on different computers or on multiple computers. Alternatively, any multiple of SENSING 11n, other NF11, AF12, etc. may be formed on the same computer. Furthermore, such a computer may have a configuration similar to that of server 6 or UE2 connected to the data network DN5.

[0043] These computers consist of a Central Processing Unit (CPU61) and main memory. The device 62 and external equipment are included, and information processing and communication processing are performed by a computer program. The CPU 61 is also called a processor. The CPU 61 is not limited to a single processor, but may be a multi-processor configuration. Furthermore, the CPU 61 may include a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), etc.

[0044] The CPU 61 executes the computer program that has been loaded into the main memory 62 in an executable format, and provides processing for the server 6. The main memory 62 stores the computer program executed by the CPU 61, the data that the CPU 61 processes, etc. The CPU 61 and the main memory 62 are called the control unit 60.

[0045] Examples of external devices include an external storage device 63, an output device 64, an operating device 65, and a communication device 66. The external storage device 63 is used, for example, as a storage area that supplements the main memory 62, and stores computer programs executed by the CPU 61, data processed by the CPU 61, and the like.

[0046] The output device 64 is, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an electroluminescent panel. However, the output device 64 may also include a speaker or other device that outputs sound. The operating device 65 may be, for example, a touch panel with a touch sensor superimposed on the display of the output device 64. The communication device 66 accesses the network provided by the information and communication system 1 and communicates with computers and the like connected to the network.

[0047] (Example data) Figure 3 illustrates the configuration of the UE location information DB included in DB8. The UE location information DB records the UE location information that SENSING 11n receives in response from AMF 11b. SENSING 11n is, for example, based on section 6.3 of TS23.273 of 3GPP®. Alternatively, obtain the location information of the UE2 to be acquired using the procedure specified in Section 8.3.2. However, SENSING 11n may identify the location information of UE2 based on the mobility pattern obtained from NWDAF 11k and update the UE location information DB.

[0048] In Figure 3, the UE location database is structured in a tabular format. However, the UE location database is not limited to a tabular format and may also be structured in a keyword=value format. In Figure 3, each record in the UE location database has, for example, a UE ID, a cell ID, latitude, longitude, and a pointer to the movement trajectory. The UE ID is the identification information of the UE. The cell ID is the identification information of the cell to which UE2 is currently connected. Note that the UE location database may store a Tracking Area Code (TAC) instead of a cell ID. A TA is one of the basic units for dividing and managing a specific geographic area in a mobile communication network. A TAC is a unique identification number.

[0049] Latitude and longitude are values ​​indicating the latest position of UE2. Latitude and longitude can be obtained, for example, by SENSING 11n periodically querying UE2, which is connected to the information communication system 1. UE2 recognizes its own position using the Global Positioning System (GPS) or Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), and SENSING It is sufficient to respond to 11n. SENSING 11n may also request UE2 connected to the information communication system 1 to periodically report its current latitude and longitude. The latest position is the position of UE2 that SENSING 11n last acquired. However, SENSING 11n may instruct three or more detection entities (base station 3A or other UE2-1) to measure the latitude and longitude of each UE2-1 using a triangulation method. For example, multiple detection entities may communicate with each UE2-1, and the time of arrival (To) of the signals they communicate with each UE2-1. A), Angle of Arrival (AoA), or based on both ToA and AoA, each U We just need to calculate the position of E2-1.

[0050] The pointer to the movement trajectory is the starting address (or file name, etc.) of the area in the main memory 62 or external memory 63 where the movement trajectory information of UE2 is stored. The movement trajectory of UE2 is the movement trajectory of UE2 from a predetermined period of time up to the latest position. The movement trajectory may be, for example, an array containing multiple (latitude, longitude, time) values. Here, the time is the time when UE2 was located at each latitude and longitude. Alternatively, the movement trajectory may be a column of data combining the time with the ID of the cell or TA (TAC) where UE2 was located at that time. Furthermore, SENSING 11n may extrapolate and estimate the position of the next U2E from the movement trajectory of UE2. The movement trajectory may also be a mobility pattern obtained from NWDAF 11k.

[0051] Figure 4 illustrates the configuration of the RAN information DB included in DB8. In this embodiment, the RAN information DB stores, for example, the characteristics of base station 3A that form RAN3. The data in the RAN information DB may be obtained, for example, by user input from an Operations, Administration, and Maintenance (OAM) terminal or by distribution from a higher-level management device included in the information communication system 1.

[0052] In Figure 4, the RAN information database is structured in a tabular format. However, the RAN information database is not limited to a tabular format and may also be structured in a keyword=value format. In Figure 4, each record in the RAN information database contains, for example, base station ID, cell ID, latitude, longitude, cell radius, and reference signal parameters.

[0053] The base station ID is identification information used by the communication carrier managing the information and communication system 1 to manage base station 3A. The cell ID is identification information for the cell formed by base station 3A. The cell ID is distributed to UE2 by a synchronization signal broadcast by base station 3A. The cell ID is identification information that allows UE2 to recognize the cell. The latitude and longitude are the latitude and longitude values ​​of the location where base station 3A is located. The sequence of cell radii for each frequency may be values ​​that exemplify the range of cells for each frequency of the transmitted and received carrier waves in terms of radius. The reference signal parameters are a sequence of physical characteristics of the signal used for detection. The reference signal parameters may include, for example, frequency, resolution, precision, transmission interval of the reference signal (default value), symbol pattern (bit pattern showing on / off waveform), etc.

[0054] Figure 5 illustrates the configuration of the SENSING pair performance information database included in DB8. The SENSING pair performance information database manages performance information when detecting an object using a transmitter and receiver pair of RAN3 (base station 3A) or UE2 as a sensor. The transmitter and receiver pair is called a SENSING pair.

[0055] In Figure 5, the SENSING pair performance information database is constructed in a tabular format. However, the SENSING pair performance information database is not limited to a tabular format and may also be constructed in a keyword=value format. In Figure 5, each record in the SENSING pair performance information database has, for example, a transmitter ID, receiver ID, frequency and size of the sensing area, accuracy, response time, reliability, and a pointer to the sensing execution record.

[0056] The transmitter ID is information that identifies the transmitter that transmits a reference signal for detecting the target object. The transmitter ID may be, for example, a combination of a base station ID (or UE ID) that identifies the device and a string that identifies the transmitter within the device.

[0057] The receiver ID is information that identifies the receiver that receives the reflected wave resulting from the interference between the reference signal arriving at the target and the target. Similar to the transmitter ID, the receiver ID can also be used, for example, by base station 3 (and This may be a combination of a base station ID (or UE ID) that identifies equipment such as UE2, and a string that identifies the transmitter within the equipment.

[0058] Furthermore, the transmitter ID and receiver ID may be the same. That is, in a SENSING pair, the transmitter and receiver may be included in the same base station 3A or the same UE2. In other words, a SENSING pair may be configured in which a reference signal transmitted from a transmitter in the same device is received by a receiver in the same device. However, the combination of transmitter and receiver may be different base stations 3A, different UE2s, or a combination of base station 3A and UE2.

[0059] The frequency and senseable area size are, for example, the distance (radius) at which the receiver can receive reflected waves that interfere with the detection target for each frequency of the reference signal. Two or more frequencies and senseable area sizes can be recorded. The frequency and senseable area size are determined, for example, experimentally or empirically.

[0060] Accuracy can refer to, for example, positional accuracy in detecting the location of an object, or minimum separable distance. Minimum separable distance can also be called distance resolution. However, since the time measurement accuracy can be considered sufficiently high, positional accuracy can also be defined as the detection accuracy of velocity, which is the change in position over time.

[0061] When a sensing pair operates as a pulse radar, the precision exemplified by the distance resolution is a length determined by the product of the pulse width and the speed of light. Operating as a pulse radar means that the transmitter sends a reference signal within a pulsed period Tc, and the receiver receives the reference signal reflected from the object being detected.

[0062] Furthermore, when the SENSING pair operates as a Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) radar, the accuracy exemplified by the distance resolution is frequency It is calculated using the bandwidth B through which the number transitions and the speed of light c, with the value c / 2B.

[0063] Response time is also called delay time (latency). Response time may be the time from when a change in the location of the detection target occurs (for example, when the change is greater than or equal to the minimum separation distance) until it is detected by SENSING 11n. Alternatively, response time may be the time from when a change in the location of the detection target occurs (for example, when the change is greater than or equal to the minimum separation distance) until it is notified to consumer 7. Response time may also be determined, for example, from the processing performance of the receiver. Furthermore, response time may be, for example, the latency of communication by UE2, which can be obtained as an analysis result by NWDAF 11k, or an estimated value calculated based on such latency.

[0064] The confidence level is the confidence level of the data measured by the SENSING pair. For example, the confidence level may be the confidence level when the data measured by the SENSING pair is statistically processed. Alternatively, for example, it may be the confidence level when the SENSING pair estimates the future position of the object to be detected. For example, SENSING 11n may have a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and a trained model that has been trained on training data in which the movement trajectory of the object to be detected and the position after a predetermined time are used as the ground truth label. Alternatively, for example, SENSING 11n may have a Vision Transformer (ViT). After being trained on a pre-trained dataset, the ViT may be fine-tuned on a dataset of images including the movement trajectory of UE2 to form a trained model.

[0065] SENSING 11n uses such a learning model to input the movement trajectory of the object being detected. As a force, the position of the object to be detected after a predetermined time may be estimated. In this case, the confidence level of the SENSING pair may be, for example, the confidence level of the estimated future position of the object to be detected estimated by SENSING 11n based on the detection results of the SENSING pair. That is, SENSING 11n may calculate the confidence level using the estimated value based on the detection results of the SENSING pair and the measured value when that future time point arrives.

[0066] Furthermore, the pointer to the sensing execution record is the starting address (or file name, etc.) of the area in the main memory 62 or external memory 63 where the sensing execution record is stored. The sensing execution record may also be log information from when the sensing was performed. The log information may include date and time information when the log information was recorded, and the status of the detection performed at that date and time, for example, the detection start time, detection end time, detection duration, and a data sequence of the detection result. The sensing execution record allows, for example, to understand the usage frequency of each SENSING pair.

[0067] Figure 6 illustrates the structure of the UE information database included in DB8. The UE information database stores the state of UE2, including the remaining battery level of UE2, and the characteristics of UE2. In Figure 6, the UE information database is constructed in a tabular format. However, the UE information database is not limited to a tabular format and may be constructed in a keyword=value format. In Figure 6, each record in the UE information database has, for example, a UE ID, remaining battery level, reference signal specifications, and a pointer to the sensing execution record.

[0068] The UE ID, like the UE location database, is information that identifies UE2. The secondary battery level indicates the charge state (SOC) of the secondary battery installed in UE2. This is a value. The remaining battery charge can be obtained, for example, by periodically querying UE2, which is connected to the information communication system 1, via SENSING 11n. The reference signal specifications are the same as those in the RAN information DB. The pointer to the sensing execution record is the same as those in the SENSING pair performance information DB.

[0069] Furthermore, UE2 notifies SENSING 11n of information such as the frequency, size of the sensing area, accuracy, and response time, as exemplified in Figure 5, or the remaining secondary battery level, reference signal specifications, and sensing record, as exemplified in Figure 6. UE2 may also notify SENSING 11n of this information when requested. Additionally, UE2 may notify SENSING 11n of this information at predetermined intervals, for example, periodically. Furthermore, UE2 may notify SENSING 11n of this information when a predetermined event occurs. These predetermined events include, for example, when UE2 connects to the information communication system 1, or when a handover occurs in UE2, i.e., when a cell is changed.

[0070] On the other hand, SENSING 11n determines the detection entity based on the database information shown in Figures 4 to 6. Therefore, it can be said that UE2 transmits information for selecting a detection entity to detect the target in order to satisfy the specified conditions in the information communication system 1. Furthermore, UE2 is an example of a terminal that communicates with the information communication system 1, which responds with information related to the target in response to a request that includes the specified conditions from the requester.

[0071] (Example of processing) Figures 7 and 8 are sequence diagrams illustrating the detection process in the information communication system 1, which includes SENSING 11n. In this process, SENSING 11n pre-reserves the provision of analysis information to NWDAF 11k via a Subscribe message. (S1). In contrast, NWDAF 11k uses Periodic Notification. Alternatively, the analysis results can be generated when a specified event occurs (On-Event Notification). SENSING 11n notifies (S2). For example, SENSING 11n sends a notification to the NW For DAF 11k, you can specify in the Subscribe message that UE2 has moved a cell and a handover has occurred as a notification condition (Analytics Reporting Criteria). Furthermore, SENSING 11n sends a Request message to NWDAF 11k. Alternatively, you can request the provision of analytical information when it becomes necessary (Immediate or One-Time Analytics).

[0072] Furthermore, SENSING 11n requests AMF 11b to provide the location information of UE2 (S3). Note that in Figure 7, the location information is requested in the Subscribe message. However, it may be requested in a Request message. AMF 11b accepts requests. Then, information (events) regarding the location of UE2 is notified to SENSING 11n (S4).

[0073] Location information can be provided either as a one-time or continuous service. In the case of continuous service, for example, it is provided when a change in the location of the UE is detected, with a resolution of the cell size or the size of the TA containing multiple cells. In addition, when a change in presence in the Area of ​​Interest is detected, AMF 11b reports the event of that change to FN11 such as SENSING 11n (see Section 4.15.3 of 3GPP® TS23.502). Alternatively, AMF 11b reports the movement in or movement out of the UE in the reserved Area of ​​Interest. The system notifies FNs such as SENSING 11n that an event has occurred (see Section 5.2.2.3 of 3GPP(registered trademark) TS23.502 and Section 5.3.4.4 of TS23.501). Based on the information (event) notified by AMF 11b, SENSING 11n registers the location of each UE2 in the UE location information DB in units of cells or TAs.

[0074] Furthermore, SENSING 11n may individually query each UE2 for elements of the UE location information DB, such as the latitude and longitude of the current location. Also, upon receiving an event notification from AMF 11b, SENSING 11n may obtain the latitude and longitude of each UE2's current location using a triangulation method, as explained in Figure 3. Additionally, SENSING 11n may periodically obtain latitude and longitude using a triangulation method. 11n simply needs to instruct the detection unit to measure the latitude and longitude of each UE2, obtain the measurement results, and update the latitude and longitude in the UE location information DB.

[0075] In Figure 7, Consumer 7, via NEF11e (S5), directs SENSING 11n to parameters such as ENTRY1, region, target, accuracy, response time, confidence level, etc. The Subscribe message requests the detection of the target by specifying certain conditions (S6). The Subscribe message is a message that requests the detection of the target to continue. S6 allows the detection to continue for a specified period, or can be stopped by the Unsubscribe message. For example, detection is repeated at a specified frequency until a certain point is reached.

[0076] However, Consumer 7 sends a Request message to SENSING 11n once. It is also possible to request detection for each individual. Furthermore, in Figure 7, since Consumer 7 is assumed to be an external server 6 connected to DN5 or an untrusted AF12, the request is sent to SENSING 11n via NEF11e. However, if Consumer 7 is FN 11 or a trusted AF12, Consumer 7 can notify SENSING 11n directly of the request without going through NEF11e.

[0077] Of the parameters specified in the Subscribe message, ENTRY1 is the Subscribe message This is an identification information (Subscription ID) that distinguishes continuous requests by the service. 11n uses the Subscription ID to handle multiple ongoing requests (including other consumer 7 requests). It distinguishes between requests (including requests from the requesting party). Consumer 7 also distinguishes the detection result data notified in NOTYFY messages by Subscription ID.

[0078] The region parameter is the geographical area in which the detection process for the target object will be performed. The region may be specified, for example, by two sets of latitude and longitude coordinates that identify two points in a rectangle. Alternatively, the region may be specified, for example, by a cell ID or a TA ID (TAC).

[0079] The "Target" parameter specifies the target to be detected or filtered. The "Target" may be information that identifies the size of a vehicle, person, or object, for example. Alternatively, the "Target" may specify the material of the target to be detected. The material may be specified by, for example, the reflectance (reflectance of electromagnetic waves) or the absorptive rate (absorptive rate) of electromagnetic waves. If no target is specified, SENSING 11n should detect all detectable targets within the geographical area specified by the "Area" parameter and notify the consumer 7.

[0080] The precision parameter refers to the accuracy with which the target is detected. Precision is specified, for example, by the maximum acceptable error or the minimum distance between two detectable targets. If precision is not specified, SENSING 11n will apply its default precision.

[0081] Among the parameters, the response time, as shown in Figure 5, is the time from when an event occurs in the target, such as a change in position beyond the minimum separation distance, until it is detected by SENSING 11n. However, the response time may also be the time from when an event occurs in the target, such as a change in position beyond the minimum separation distance, until the detection result reaches consumer 7. The confidence level, as shown in Figure 5, is the confidence level of the data measured by the SENSING pair.

[0082] When SENSING 11n receives a request, it first selects the detection entity to perform the detection as follows. For example, SENSING 11n performs a search based on geographical proximity (S7). That is, SENSING 11n searches the UE location information DB or RAN information DB to find UE2 located in the geographical area specified by the area parameter, RAN3 covering this geographical area, and base station 3A having cells overlapping with this geographical area. Then, SENSING 11n creates a list of pairs of UE2, RAN3, and base station 3A capable of detection targeting the requested area and object.

[0083] As explained in Figure 3, SENSING 11n may also identify the location information of UE2 and update the UE location information DB based on the mobility pattern obtained from NWDAF 11k. Therefore, the processing in S7 can be considered an example of a process that determines the configuration of the detection entity based on the analysis results provided by NWDAF 11k.

[0084] Then, SENSING 11n selects a transmitter-receiver pair from the SENSING pair performance information DB (Figure 5) that satisfies the accuracy, response time, reliability, etc., requested in the Subscribe (or Request) message (S9). At this time, SENSING 11n may also refer to the UE information DB to select a UE2 with sufficient availability based on the remaining charge of the secondary battery of the UE2. In other words, the processing in S10, when selecting a mobile communication device such as a UE2 among the detection entities, reflects the remaining charge stored in the secondary battery of the mobile communication device. Furthermore, for example, SENSING 11n determines sensing parameters such as the reference signal interval used for detection (S10). In short, as described in Figure 6, the UE2 transmits the information necessary for SENSING 11n to select the detection entity to the core network.

[0085] Next, the sequence continues in Figure 8 by symbols A1 through G1. Then, if the transmitter-receiver pair includes a UE2, SENSING 11n subscribes to the transmission of detection results, specifying an upload period within a specified time based on the remaining battery life of the UE2. A request is sent to UE2 via message (S21). However, SENSING 11n may request the transmission of detection results on demand, one at a time, via a Request message. In this case, SENSING 11n may also specify SENSING parameters such as frequency and reference signal interval to the transmitters included in the SENSING pair.

[0086] Furthermore, if the transmitter-receiver pair does not include a UE2, SENSING 11n will request the transmission of detection results, for example, with a Subscribe message that does not specify a duration limit. (S22). In this case as well, SENSING 11n may specify sensing parameters such as frequency and reference signal interval to the transmitters included in the SENSING pair. Processing S21 and S22 is an example of instructing the selected detection entity to detect the target.

[0087] Then, for example, UE2, which is designated as the receiver in the SENSING pair, will notify (S23) the detection result data at the specified frequency for the specified upload period. Note that UE2 may also notify the detection result data only once in response to the Request. The process in step 23 is an example of responding with the detection result of the detected target when UE2 is selected as the terminal of the detection entity. Then, SENSING 11n notifies consumer 7 of the notified detection result data via NEF11e (S24) (S25).

[0088] Furthermore, for example, the RAN3 or base station 3A designated as the receiver of the SENSING pair notifies (Notify) the detection result data at a specified frequency (S26). Then, SENSING 11n notifies consumer 7 of the notified detection result data via NEF11e (S27) (S28). However, if consumer 7 is FN11 or a trusted AF12, SENSING 11n may notify consumer 7 of the detection result data directly without going through NEF11e. The processes in S24, S25, S27, and S28 are examples of obtaining the detection result of the target to be detected and providing it to the requester.

[0089] Then, for example, when it is no longer necessary to receive the detection result data, consumer 7 sends an Unsubscribe message to SENSING 11n via NEF11e (S30). The system instructs the termination of detection (S31). The SENSING 11n then instructs the SENSING pair's UE2, RAN3, base station 3A, etc., to terminate notification (S32, S33). The SENSING 11n also instructs the AMF 11b and NWDAF 11k to terminate notification, if necessary (S34, S35).

[0090] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating the details of the selection process based on capability and availability (S9 in Figure 7). In this process, a desirable transmitter-receiver pair that satisfies the SENSING parameters is selected from the transmitter-receiver pairs created in the process of S8 in Figure 7.

[0091] In this process, SENSING 11n sequentially retrieves the transmitter and receiver pair to be checked from the list of transmitter and receiver pairs created in the process of S8 in Figure 7 (S90). Then, SENSING 11n determines whether the secondary battery level of UE2 included in the pair to be checked is above a standard value, based on the secondary battery level in the UE information DB (S91). If the determination in S91 is YES, SENSING 11n refers to the SENSING pair performance information DB and determines whether the accuracy of the transmitter and receiver pair satisfies the consumer 7's requirements (S92). If the determination in S92 is YES, SENSING 11n refers to the SENSING pair performance information DB and determines whether the response time of the transmitter and receiver pair satisfies the consumer 7's requirements (S93). If the determination in S94 is YES, SENSING 11n G 11n refers to the SENSING pair performance information DB and determines whether the reliability of the transmitter and receiver pair satisfies the requirements of consumer 7 (S94).

[0092] If the determination in S94 is YES, SENSING 11n selects the transmitter and receiver pair that received the determinations in S91 through S94 as the detection subject (S95). On the other hand, if any of the determinations in S91 through S94 is NO, SENSING 11n excludes the transmitter and receiver pair from being the detection subject (S96).

[0093] Then, SENSING 11n determines whether all pairs have been identified (S97). If there are unidentified pairs, SENSING 11n returns to processing S90. On the other hand, if all pairs have been identified, SENSING 11n terminates processing.

[0094] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating the details of the sensing parameter determination process (S10 in Figure 7). In this process, SENSING 11n obtains the movement speed of the object to be detected. Alternatively, SENSING 11n estimates the movement speed of the object to be detected (S101). For example, SENSING 11n can obtain the mobility pattern of UE2 from NWDAF 11k. The mobility pattern of UE2 may include the movement history of UE2 and predicted information about UE2's destination. The mobility pattern of UE2 may also include a list of cells to which UE2 has moved and a list of TAs. The mobility pattern of UE2 may also include the time spent in each cell by UE2 (cell ID, TA, etc.).

[0095] Furthermore, the predicted destination information for UE2 includes information about the cell (or base station 3A) to which UE2 will move in the future. In addition, the mobility pattern of UE2 includes UE2's average speed and current direction of movement.

[0096] Therefore, SENSING 11n can recognize the average movement speed of UE2 by obtaining the mobility pattern of UE2 from NWDAF 11k. In addition, SENSING 11n can estimate the current movement speed of UE2 from the time-dependent position information (cell ID, TA, etc.) of UE2. For example, SENSING 11n can calculate the recent movement speed of UE2 from the distance and time between the two cells to which UE2 was most recently connected, and use this as an estimated movement speed. Therefore, if the target of detection is a moving object such as a person carrying UE2 or a vehicle equipped with UE2, SENSING 11n can obtain or estimate the movement speed of the moving object within the detection area. However, in the first multiple detections, SENSING 11n may obtain the movement speed of the detected object from the position (latitude and longitude) and time of the detected object using a triangulation method.

[0097] Next, SENSING 11n determines the reference signal transmission interval based on the moving speed of the target to be detected (S102). For example, SENSING 11n may determine the reference signal transmission interval to be shorter than the time that a mobile body equipped with UE2 stays in one cell, based on the average moving speed of the mobile body and the cell range information. Alternatively, SENSING 11n may determine the reference signal transmission interval to be shorter than the average stay time of the UE2 in each cell based on the mobility pattern information. Furthermore, SENSING 11n may determine the reference signal transmission interval based on the latest moving speed measured from the target to be detected. The process in S102 is an example of adjusting the transmission interval of the reference signal sent to detect the target in accordance with the moving speed of the target to be detected. This transmission interval is specified in the process in S22 of Figure 7 when instructing RAN3, the detection unit, to perform detection. Therefore, the process in S22 can be said to be an example of determining the reference signal transmission interval based on the analysis results provided by NWDAF 11k.

[0098] Furthermore, SENSING 11n determines the frequency and other parameters (S103) and terminates the process. For example, SENSING 11n may determine the frequency of the reference signal from the load level information of RAN3 notified by NWDAF 11k. For example, SENSING 11n can determine the frequency of the reference signal by acquiring data on the utilization rate of the frequency band from NWDAF 11k in real time. Also, NWDAF 11k can predict what the utilization rate or availability of a particular frequency or resource will be in the future based on past and current loads. Therefore, SENSING 11n may obtain future predicted values ​​regarding the utilization rate or availability of a particular frequency or resource from NWDAF 11k and determine the frequency of the reference signal. As described above, the process in S103 can be said to be an example of a process that determines the frequency of a reference signal based on analysis results provided by NWDAF.

[0099] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating the UE handover process. In parallel with the processes shown in Figures 7 to 10, SENSING 11n executes a process to detect UE2 that is scheduled to terminate detection. A UE scheduled to terminate detection is, for example, a UE2 that is leaving the area being detected. SENSING 11n monitors the UE2 that is the detection entity and is leaving the area being detected, for example, based on the mobility pattern of the UE2 notified by NWDAF 11k. SENSING 11n may also predict which UE2 is leaving the area being detected based on the movement trajectory of the mobility pattern or the time spent in the area. Alternatively, SENSING 11n may recognize which UE2 is leaving the area being detected based on the prediction of the future movement trajectory included in the mobility pattern of the UE2 notified by NWDAF 11k.

[0100] The UE2 that is the detection entity is, for example, a UE2 included in the transmitter-receiver pair selected in the selection process based on capability and availability (Figure 9). Furthermore, leaving the area means that as a result of leaving the area to be detected, the transmitter is unable to send a reference signal to the area to be detected, or the receiver is unable to receive a reference signal. Here, the area is the area to be detected specified by the requester. Therefore, if the UE2 leaves the cell or TA that covers the area, SENSING 11n can determine that the UE2 has left the area.

[0101] Furthermore, a UE that is scheduled to terminate detection may be, for example, UE2 whose secondary battery level has fallen below a certain threshold. SENSING 11n may request UE2 included in the transmitter-receiver pair to notify it of the secondary battery level. SENSING 11n may also request notification from UE2 at a predetermined timing or period. Additionally, SENSING 11n may request UE2 to notify it of the secondary battery level when the secondary battery level of UE2 falls below a predetermined threshold.

[0102] When SENSING 11n recognizes a UE2 that is ending detection (YES in S111), it sends an Unsubscribe message to the UE2 that is ending detection, indicating that it is acting as either a transmitter or receiver. The system is instructed to terminate the process (S112). If the answer in S111 is YES, it is an example of a case where it is predicted that detection by UE2, which is the first mobile communication device performing detection in the detection area, cannot be continued.

[0103] Next, SENSING 11n searches for UE2s that have entered the area based on the latest mobility pattern notified by NWDAF 11k (S113). However, SENSING 11n may also detect newly entered UE2s from their position (latitude and longitude) using a triangulation method. Then, SENSING 11n determines whether or not it has recognized a UE2 that has entered the area (S114). Then, SENSING 11n determines the area If UE2 that has entered cannot be recognized (NO in S114), the process returns to S113 and continues execution.

[0104] On the other hand, if SENSING 11n can recognize that UE2 has entered the region (determined as YES in S114), instead of the UE ending detection, it requests the UE2 that has entered the region to take over the processing as a transmitter or receiver within the region using a Subscribe message or similar (S1 15) The process in S115 can be considered an example of a process that selects a second mobile communication device UE2 that can be continuously detected in the detection area and continues the detection.

[0105] Then, SENSING 11n terminates the process. If the S111 judgment does not recognize a UE2 that has terminated detection, SENSING 11n terminates the process and monitors the UE2 that is the detection entity that has terminated detection again. SENSING 11n may also execute the process shown in Figure 11 periodically and regularly.

[0106] (Effects of the embodiment) As described above, in this embodiment, SENSING 11n, acting as a control unit, receives a request that includes specified conditions for detecting a target and responding with information (S5, S6 in Figure 7). SENSING 11n then selects a detection unit (pair) that will detect the target in a manner that satisfies the specified conditions (S7 to S9 in the same figure). Furthermore, SENSING 11n instructs the selected detection unit to detect the target (S21, S22 in Figure 8). SENSING 11n then obtains data from the detection unit indicating that the target has been detected and provides it to the requester (consumer 7) (S24, S27, etc. in the same figure).

[0107] Therefore, SENSING 11n and the information communication system 1 including SENSING 11n dynamically manage at least one of the arrangement or configuration of various sensing entities such as UE2, RAN3, and base station 3A in order to provide appropriate and scalable sensing responses. Here, "dynamic" includes managing and executing processing according to conditions corresponding to the parameters included in the request from consumer 7, which is the requesting party. Furthermore, SENSING 11n and the information communication system 1 including SENSING 11n can achieve sensing load balancing and respond to requests for sensing services. Here, sensing load balancing means configuring detection entities such as the configuration CF1, CF2 exemplified in Figure 1 according to conditions corresponding to the parameters included in the request from consumer 7, which is the requesting party, and having each detection entity execute processing.

[0108] Furthermore, as described above, the specified conditions that SENSING 11n is subject to include at least one of the following: the target to be detected, the area in which detection is performed, the detection accuracy, the reliability of the detected information, and the response time when responding with the detection result. Therefore, SENSING 11n and SENSING The information and communication system 1, which includes G 11n, can respond precisely to requests from consumer 7, which acts as the requester.

[0109] Furthermore, when selecting a UE2 as a mobile mobile communication device among the detection entities, SENSING 11n takes into account the remaining charge in the secondary battery of the UE2. Therefore, SENSING 11n can improve the availability of the processing it provides by prioritizing UE2s with sufficient remaining charge in their secondary batteries.

[0110] Furthermore, SENSING 11n instructs base station equipment such as RAN3 and base station 3A to perform detection by adjusting the transmission interval of the reference signal transmitted to detect the target, corresponding to the target's movement speed (S102 in Figure 10, S22 in Figure 8). Therefore, SENSING 11n can perform detection while following the movement of the target.

[0111] Furthermore, as described above, SENSING 11n determines at least one of the following based on the analysis results provided by NWDAF 11k: the configuration of the detection entity, the transmission interval of the reference signal that the detection entity transmits to detect the target, and the frequency of the reference signal. Thus, SENSING 11n can effectively utilize NWDAF 11k to determine appropriate resources and parameters corresponding to the specified conditions during detection.

[0112] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, if SENSING 11n predicts that detection by the first UE2 cannot be continued, it selects a second UE2 that can continue to detect in the detection area and continues the detection. In other words, SENSING 11n can increase the availability of the detection process.

[0113] (modified version) In the process shown in Figure 7 above, SENSING 11n performs a selection process (S9) based on capability and availability to ensure that the detection data from the transmitter-receiver pair satisfies the requirements of consumer 7. In other words, SENSING 11n filters the transmitter-receiver pair to obtain detection results that satisfy the requirements of consumer 7.

[0114] Alternatively, or in addition to such processing, SENSING 11n may filter the detection result data obtained from the transmitter-receiver pair. That is, SENSING 11n may filter the detection result data received in S23, S26, etc. in Figure 8 so that the detection result data satisfies the requirements of consumer 7.

[0115] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating filtering by the detection target extraction process. In this process, SENSING 11n filters the detection result data by, for example, the size, position, and movement speed of the detection target. For example, if the consumer 7 can specify conditions such as the size, position, and movement speed of the detection target, and the consumer 7 specifies these conditions, each determination in Figure 12 is executed. However, filtering by the detection target extraction process is not limited to the size, position, and movement speed of the detection target, but may also include the material, color, etc. The material is determined, for example, by the electromagnetic wave absorption rate of the detection target. The color is notified, for example, if the receiver has a camera.

[0116] In this process, SENSING 11n sequentially extracts the data to be filtered from the data set to be detected notified in processes such as S23 and S26 in Figure 9 (S120). Then, SENSING 11n determines whether the size of the detection target included in the data to be filtered matches the conditions specified by consumer 7 (S121). If the determination in S121 is YES, SENSING 11n determines whether the position of the detection target included in the data to be filtered matches the conditions specified by consumer 7 (S122). The position may be determined, for example, by the range of the cell size or the range of the TA, or by specifying two points of a rectangle using latitude and longitude. If the determination in S122 is YES, SENSING 11n determines whether the movement speed of the detection target included in the data to be filtered matches the conditions specified by consumer 7 (S123).

[0117] If the determination in S123 is YES, SENSING 11n adds the filtered data determined in S121 to S123 to the detection results (S124). On the other hand, if the determination in any of S121 to S123 is NO, SENSING 11n excludes the data to be filtered from the detection results (S125).

[0118] Then, SENSING 11n determines whether all the data to be filtered has been confirmed (S126). If there is any unconfirmed data, SENSING 11n returns to processing S120. On the other hand, if all the data has been confirmed, SENSING 11n terminates processing.

[0119] Therefore, SENSING 11n extracts information that satisfies the specified conditions from the detection results data and provides it to consumer 7, the requester. By performing this filtering, SENSING 11n can respond flexibly and accurately to consumer 7's requests.

[0120] <Other Embodiments> The embodiments described above are merely examples, and this disclosure may be modified and implemented as appropriate without departing from its essence. Furthermore, the processes and means described in this disclosure can be freely combined and implemented as long as no technical inconsistencies arise. Also, processes described as being performed by one device may be divided and executed by multiple devices. Or, processes described as being performed by different devices may be executed by one device. In a computer system, the hardware configuration (server configuration) by which each function is implemented can be flexibly changed. For example, the processes performed by SENSING 11n described above may be performed by other NF11s such as SMF11c, PCF11d, NEF11e, NRF11g, NSSF11h, AUSF11i, UDM11j, and NWDAF 11k, or they may be performed in cooperation with multiple NF11s.

[0121] The present disclosure can also be realized by supplying a computer program implementing the functions described in the above embodiments to a computer, and having one or more processors in the computer read and execute the program. Such a computer program may be provided to the computer by a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium that can be connected to the computer's system bus, or it may be provided to the computer via a network N1. The non-temporary computer-readable storage medium includes, for example, any type of disk such as a magnetic disk, hard disk drive (HDD), optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD disk, Blu-ray disk, etc.), read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), EPROM, EEPROM, magnetic card, flash memory, or optical card. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0122] 2 UE 3 RAN 3A base station 6 servers 7 Consumer 7 DB 11 FN 11b AMF 11k NWDAF 11n SENSING 12 AF< / url:>

Claims

1. An information communication system that responds with information related to the target to be detected in response to a request from the requester, The request includes specified conditions for detecting the target and responding with the information, A detection entity is selected to detect the target in such a way that the specified conditions are met. The selected detection entity is instructed to detect the target object. An information communication system comprising a control unit that obtains the detection result of the detection target from the detection entity and provides the information related to the detection target to the requester.

2. The information communication system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit extracts the information satisfying the specified conditions from the detection results and provides it to the requester.

3. The specified conditions include at least one of the target to be detected, the area in which the detection is performed, the detection accuracy, the reliability of the detected information, and the response time when the detection result is returned. The information and communication system described in item 1.

4. The detection entity includes a mobile communication device, The information communication system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit, in selecting the mobile communication device from among the detection entities, reflects the remaining amount of charge charged in the secondary battery of the mobile communication device.

5. The aforementioned detection entity includes base station equipment of a mobile communication system, The information communication system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit instructs the base station device to perform the detection by adjusting the transmission interval of the reference signal transmitted to detect the target in accordance with the moving speed of the target to be detected.

6. The control unit is provided by the Network Data Analytics Function Description (NWDAF). The information communication system according to claim 1, which determines at least one of the configuration of the detection entity, the transmission interval of the reference signal transmitted by the detection entity to detect the object to be detected, and the frequency of the reference signal, based on the analysis results provided.

7. The information communication system according to claim 3, wherein the control unit predicts that it will not be able to continue detection by the first mobile communication device performing detection in the area in which the detection is performed, and selects a second mobile communication device that can continue to perform detection in the area in which the detection is performed, and continues the detection.

8. An information communication method in which a computer responds with information related to a target to be detected in response to a request from the requester, The request includes specified conditions for detecting the target and responding with the information, A detection entity is selected to detect the target in such a way that the specified conditions are met. The selected detection entity is instructed to detect the target object. An information communication method comprising obtaining the detection result of the detection target from the detection entity and providing the information related to the detection target to the requester.

9. The information communication method according to claim 8, wherein the computer extracts the information satisfying the specified conditions from the detection results and provides it to the requester.

10. The specified conditions include at least one of the target to be detected, the area in which the detection is performed, the detection accuracy, the reliability of the detected information, and the response time when the detection result is returned. Information and communication methods as described in item 8.

11. The detection entity includes a mobile communication device, The information communication method according to claim 8, wherein the computer, in selecting the mobile communication device from among the detection entities, reflects the remaining amount of charge charged in the secondary battery of the mobile communication device.

12. The aforementioned detection entity includes base station equipment of a mobile communication system, The information communication method according to claim 8, wherein the computer instructs the base station device to perform the detection by adjusting the transmission interval of the reference signal transmitted to detect the target, in accordance with the moving speed of the target to be detected.

13. The information communication method according to claim 8, wherein the computer determines, based on the analysis results provided by the NWDAF, the configuration of the detection entity, the transmission interval of the reference signal transmitted by the detection entity to detect the object to be detected, and the frequency of the reference signal.

14. The information communication method according to claim 10, in which the computer predicts that it will not be able to continue detection by the first mobile communication device that is performing detection in the area in which the detection is performed, by selecting a second mobile communication device that is capable of continuing detection in the area and continuing the detection.

15. A computer that responds with information related to the object to be detected in response to a request from the requester, The request includes specified conditions for detecting the target and responding with the information, A detection entity is selected to detect the target in such a way that the specified conditions are met. The selected detection entity is instructed to detect the target object. A program for causing the detection entity to obtain the detection result of the detection target and to provide the information related to the detection target to the requester.

16. The program according to claim 15, which causes the computer to extract the information that satisfies the specified conditions from the detection results and provide it to the requester.

17. The specified conditions include at least one of the target to be detected, the area in which the detection is performed, the detection accuracy, the reliability of the detected information, and the response time when the detection result is returned. The program described in item 15.

18. The detection entity includes a mobile communication device, The program according to claim 15, which, in selecting the mobile communication device from among the detection entities, reflects the remaining amount of charge charged in the secondary battery of the mobile communication device.

19. The aforementioned detection entity includes base station equipment of a mobile communication system, The program according to claim 15, which causes the computer to instruct the base station device to perform the detection by adjusting the transmission interval of the reference signal transmitted to detect the target in accordance with the moving speed of the target.

20. A terminal that communicates with an information communication system that responds with information related to the target to be detected in response to a request that includes specified conditions from the requester, The aforementioned information and communication system transmits information for selecting a detection entity to detect the target in such a way that the specified conditions are met. A terminal characterized by responding with the detection result of the target to be detected when the terminal is selected as the detection entity.

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