Sensing system and method for integrated communications

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a system (108) and method for sharing sensing data in a cellular network (106). The system (108) establishes a radio resource control (RRC) connection between a sensing client (104) and a sensing agent (110). Upon successful establishment of the RRC connection, the system (108) determines that an aggregation type flag indicating aggregation is enabled in the sensing aggregation entity (112) associated with the system (108). The system (108) enables the sensing aggregation entity (112) to receive sensing data reports from each of the sensing agents (110) and facilitates the aggregation of sensing data reports received from each of the sensing agents (110) within the sensing aggregation entity (112) according to service requirements. Furthermore, in response to the aggregation of sensing data reports, it sends a response message to the sensing client (104).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Reservation of Rights) Part of the disclosure of this patent specification includes materials that are subject to intellectual property rights, including but not limited to copyrights, designs, trademarks, integrated circuit (IC) layout designs, and / or trade dress protection, belonging to Jio Platforms Limited (JPL) or its affiliated companies (hereinafter referred to as the owner). The owner does not object to anyone copying the patent document or patent disclosure as seen in the patent file or record of the Patent and Trademark Office, but reserves all rights otherwise. All rights regarding such intellectual property are fully reserved by the owner.

[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to communication networks. In particular, the present disclosure relates to communication networks having integrated sensing and communication capabilities.

Background Art

[0003] The following description of related technologies is intended to provide background information related to the field of the present disclosure. This section may include specific aspects of technologies that may be related to various features of the present disclosure. However, it should be understood that this section is used only to deepen the reader's understanding of the present disclosure and is not used as an admission of prior art.

[0004] The fifth-generation (5G) wireless technology developed under the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP®) is intended to deliver faster peak data speeds of several Gbps, ultra-low latency, improved reliability, massive network capacity, increased availability, and a more consistent user experience across multiple users. By improving performance and efficiency, it will foster new user experiences and connect to new industries. However, while some of the objectives have been achieved, many challenges remain to be addressed, particularly regarding architectures that support industrial verticals and private networks, and supporting flexible network deployments.

[0005] As a solution, sixth-generation (6G) networks have been proposed. However, existing solutions do not address the concepts of multiple physical layers, such as orthogonal time-frequency space (OFDMS), full duplex, the availability of intelligent surfaces, and appropriate higher / higher-level considerations. Furthermore, existing 6G network solutions fail to adequately extend the human experience across the physical, biological, and digital worlds, and at the same time, they do not enable next-generation industrial operating environments beyond Industry 4.0 in terms of performance dimensions such as positioning, sensing, ultra-reliability, energy efficiency, and extreme real-time capabilities. Moreover, existing 6G network solutions do not offer novel radio and access architectures for both communication and sensing purposes, artificial intelligence (AI) optimized wide-area networks, or collaborative data center design, nor do they provide dynamic orchestration of personalized services to revolutionize the long tail of niche consumer interests.

[0006] Furthermore, existing solutions do not fully utilize the existing architecture of transmit / receive (Tx / Rx) nodes, limiting the number of usable use cases, such as services with sensing capabilities, including spatial sensing, for users or applications outside the network. Maximizing the use of existing infrastructure can provide full area coverage and improve inter-node connectivity, thus facilitating the implementation of multi-static sensory meshes.

[0007] With the evolution from 4G to 5G, spectrum allocation has expanded toward higher frequencies. This trend is likely to continue, with communication spectra in the subterahertz region likely becoming available as part of the frequency band for 6G deployment. The introduction of these new frequencies creates the possibility of highly accurate sensing based on technologies such as radar; that is, by receiving and processing reflections of transmitted signals within the network, spatial knowledge of the physical surroundings can be obtained. Sensing as an integrated capability is attracting interest across the entire frequency range used by mobile communication networks, starting from 700 MHz, the lowest bandwidth for time-division duplexing (TDD). Such developments may increase the need for solutions that leverage the enhanced capabilities of such networks.

[0008] Furthermore, communication networks may use beamforming of transmitted signals to concentrate the signal energy and direct it towards specific geographical areas where the intended receivers are located at the aforementioned frequencies. The inter-site distance (ISD) required to achieve full geographical coverage without beamforming can be prohibitively short.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need for improved systems and methods to support complex communication and sensing wireless networks by overcoming the shortcomings of conventional technologies. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] The following are the objectives of this disclosure that satisfy at least one embodiment as described herein:

[0011] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a system and method that supports both communication and sensing functions in a cellular network.

[0012] Another object of this disclosure is to provide an improved integrated communication and sensing system and method.

[0013] Another object of this disclosure is to provide an integrated communication and sensing system and method having outdoor space sensing as a service to users outside the network.

[0014] Another object of this disclosure is to provide an integrated communications and sensing system and method having indoor sensing for applications including, but not limited to, manufacturing facilities.

[0015] Another object of this disclosure is to provide an integrated communication and sensing system and method having sensing for assisting the simulation of a digital twin of a structure.

[0016] Another object of this disclosure is to provide an integrated communication and sensing system and method having sensing for providing vehicle control and navigation.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide an advanced communication system.

[0018] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a coreless network deployment in which sensing aggregate entities and possible application-level sensing agents reside in radio access network (RAN) entities within a 6G or higher network. . [Means for solving the problem]

[0019] This section is provided to introduce in a simplified form the specific purposes and aspects of the present disclosure, which are further described in the detailed description below. This summary is not intended to identify any major features or scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0020] In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a system for sharing sensing data in a cellular network. The system includes a processor and memory operably coupled to the processor. The memory stores instructions, when executed by the processor, that cause the processor to establish a radio resource control (RRC) connection between one or more sensing clients and a plurality of sensing agents. If the establishment of the RRC connection is successful, the processor determines that an aggregation type flag indicating aggregation is enabled in the sensing aggregation entity associated with the system. The processor enables the sensing aggregation entity to receive sensing data reports from each of the plurality of sensing agents based on the determination, and each of the plurality of sensing agents receives sensing data reports from one or more sensing clients. The processor facilitates the aggregation of sensing data reports received from each of the plurality of sensing agents in the sensing aggregation entity according to service requirements, and sends a response message to one or more sensing clients in response to the aggregation of sensing data reports.

[0021] In one embodiment, the processor may receive sensing data reports from each of a plurality of sensing agents and send a response message as at least one message to one or more sensing clients, at least one message which may be either a Non-Access Stratum (NAS) message or a broadcast message.

[0022] In one embodiment, the sensing data report may include multiple attributes. These multiple attributes may include at least one of the following: target location, direction indication, signal quality, channel status information (CSI), beamforming parameters, interference level, bandwidth allocation, Doppler shift, carrier frequency, time synchronization, environmental sensing parameters, energy efficiency, security parameters, mobility management, latency and delay, and traffic load.

[0023] In one embodiment, the processor may configure a sensing data report according to a predetermined list of sensing data, thereby enabling each of multiple sensing agents to receive sensing data reports from one or more sensing clients.

[0024] In one embodiment, the processor may be configured to receive data aggregation requests from each of the sensing agents, thereby enabling the sensing aggregation entity to receive sensing data reports from each of the sensing agents.

[0025] In one embodiment, in response to sending a response message to one or more sensing clients, the processor may release the RRC connection between the one or more sensing clients and the multiple sensing agents.

[0026] In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for sharing sensing data in a cellular network. The method includes establishing, by a processor associated with the system, an RRC connection between one or more sensing clients and a plurality of sensing agents. When the establishment of the RRC connection is successful, the method includes determining, by the processor, that an aggregation type flag indicating aggregation is enabled in a sensing aggregation entity associated with the system. The method includes enabling, by the processor, the sensing aggregation entity to receive sensing data reports from each of the plurality of sensing agents based on the determination, and each of the plurality of sensing agents may receive a sensing data report from one or more sensing clients. The method includes facilitating, by the processor, the aggregation of the sensing data reports received from each of the plurality of sensing agents within the sensing aggregation entity according to service requirements, and transmitting, by the processor, a response message to one or more sensing clients in response to the aggregation of the sensing data reports.

[0027] In one embodiment, the method may include receiving, by the processor, a sensing data report from each of the plurality of sensing agents, and transmitting, by the processor, a response message to one or more sensing clients as at least one message. The at least one message may be one of a NAS message or a broadcast message.

[0028] In one embodiment, the sensing data report may include a plurality of attributes. The plurality of attributes may be at least one of a target location, a direction indication, a signal quality, a CSI, a beamforming parameter, an interference level, a bandwidth allocation, a Doppler shift, a carrier frequency, a time synchronization, an environmental sensing parameter, an energy efficiency, a security parameter, a mobility management, a latency and delay, and a traffic load.

[0029] In one embodiment, the method may include the step of enabling each of multiple sensing agents to receive sensing data reports from one or more sensing clients, after the processor has configured a sensing data report according to a predetermined list of sensing data.

[0030] In one embodiment, the method may include a step by which the processor enables a sensing aggregation entity to receive sensing data reports from each of a plurality of sensing agents, and this step may include a step by which the processor receives data aggregation requests from each of the plurality of sensing agents.

[0031] In one embodiment, in response to sending a response message to one or more sensing clients, the method may include the step of the processor releasing the RRC connection between the one or more sensing clients and the plurality of sensing agents.

[0032] In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a user device (UE) including a processor and memory operably coupled to the processor. The memory includes processor executable instructions, which, at execution time, cause the processor to establish RRC connections with a plurality of sensing agents associated with the system, and, upon successful establishment of the RRC connections, cause the processor to send sensing data reports to each of the plurality of sensing agents. The processor is communicatively coupled to the system, and the system is configured to determine that an aggregation type flag indicating aggregation is enabled in a sensing aggregation entity associated with the system. The system is configured to enable the sensing aggregation entity to receive sensing data reports from each of the plurality of sensing agents based on the determination. The system is configured to facilitate the aggregation of sensing data reports received from each of the plurality of sensing agents in the sensing aggregation entity according to service requirements, and to send a response message to the UE in response to the aggregation of sensing data reports.

[0033] In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a non-temporary computer-readable medium including processor-executable instructions causing a processor to establish an RRC connection between one or more sensing clients and a plurality of sensing agents. Upon successful establishment of the RRC connection, the processor determines that an aggregation type flag indicating aggregation is enabled in a sensing aggregation entity associated with the system. Based on the determination, the processor enables the sensing aggregation entity to receive sensing data reports from each of the plurality of sensing agents, each of the plurality of sensing agents receives sensing data reports from one or more sensing clients. The processor facilitates the aggregation of sensing data reports received from each of the plurality of sensing agents within the sensing aggregation entity, according to service requirements. In response to the aggregation of sensing data reports, the processor sends a response message to one or more sensing clients. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0034] The accompanying drawings incorporated herein and constituting part of the present invention illustrate exemplary embodiments of the disclosed methods and systems, and similar reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the various drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to the correct scale, and instead the emphasis is on clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention. Some drawings may use block diagrams to show components, and the internal circuitry of each component may not be shown. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the inventions in such drawings include inventions of electrical components, electronic components, or circuits commonly used to implement such components.

[0035] [Figure 1] An exemplary network architecture 100 for implementing the proposed system is shown according to one embodiment of this disclosure.

[0036] [Figure 2] An exemplary block diagram 200 of the proposed system is shown according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] [Figure 3A] An exemplary architecture 300A is shown in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, in which the proposed system of the present disclosure may be implemented or may be implemented using it. [Figure 3B] An exemplary architecture 300B in which the proposed system of this disclosure may be implemented or used is shown in accordance with embodiments of this disclosure.

[0038] [Figure 4A] An exemplary sequence diagram 400A shows how to implement an interface between a sensing client and a sensing aggregation (SA) entity via a sensing agent, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4B] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an exemplary sequence diagram 400B shows how to implement an interface between a sensing client and a sensing aggregation (SA) entity via a sensing agent.

[0039] [Figure 5] An exemplary sequence diagram 500 is shown for implementing a method for sharing sensing data in a cellular network according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] [Figure 6] An exemplary flowchart 600 illustrating a scenario for detecting an object at a pedestrian crossing is shown according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] [Figure 7A] An exemplary application 700A of the proposed system is shown according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7B] An exemplary application 700B of the proposed system is shown according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7C] An exemplary application 700C of the proposed system is shown according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7D] An exemplary application 700D of the proposed system is shown according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] [Figure 8] An exemplary computer system 800 in which an embodiment of the present disclosure may be used, or may be used in conjunction with, an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0043] The above will become clearer from the following more detailed description of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0044] In the following description, various specific details are given for illustrative purposes to provide a complete understanding of the embodiments of the disclosure. However, it will be apparent that embodiments of the disclosure may be carried out without these specific details. Some of the features described below can be used independently of each other or in any combination of other features. Individual features may not address all of the issues discussed above, or may address only some of the issues discussed above. Some of the issues discussed above may not be fully addressed by any of the features described herein.

[0045] The following description provides only exemplary embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the following description of exemplary embodiments will provide a practical description for implementing the exemplary embodiments for those skilled in the art. It should be understood that various modifications can be made to the function and arrangement of the elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure described herein.

[0046] Certain details are given in the following description to allow for a full understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that embodiments may be carried out without these specific details. For example, circuits, systems, networks, processes, and other components may be shown as components in the form of block diagrams to avoid obscuring the embodiments with unnecessarily detailed information. In other cases, well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques may be shown without unnecessary details to avoid obscuring the embodiments.

[0047] Furthermore, it should be noted that individual embodiments may be described as processes depicted as flowcharts, flow diagrams, data flow diagrams, structural diagrams, or block diagrams. While flowcharts may show operations as sequential processes, many operations may be executed in parallel or simultaneously. In addition, the order of operations may be rearranged. A process terminates when its operations are complete, but it may have additional steps not shown in the diagram. A process may correspond to a method, function, procedure, subroutine, subprogram, etc. When a process corresponds to a function, its termination may correspond to the function returning to its calling function or the main function.

[0048] The terms “exemplary” and / or “explanatory” are used herein to mean an example, instance, or case. To avoid misunderstanding, the subject matter disclosed herein is not limited by such examples. In addition, all embodiments or designs described herein as “exemplary” and / or “explanatory” should not necessarily be considered preferable or advantageous to other embodiments or designs, and are not intended to exclude equivalent exemplary structures and techniques known to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes,” “has,” “contains,” and other similar terms are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive, in the same way as the open transitional term “comprising,” without excluding any additional or other elements.

[0049] Throughout this specification, any reference to “one embodiment,” “a certain embodiment,” “a certain instance,” or “a certain instance” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in relation to that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of this disclosure. Therefore, occurrences of the phrase “in one embodiment” or “in a certain embodiment” in various places throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, certain features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any preferred manner in one or more embodiments.

[0050] The terms used herein are intended solely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. Where used herein, the singular forms “a, an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms, unless otherwise specified in the context. Where used herein, the terms “comprises” and / or “comprising” specify the presence of the mentioned features, integers, steps, actions, elements, and / or components, but not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, actions, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. Where used herein, the terms “and / or” include any combination of one or more of the related enumerated items.

[0051] In one embodiment, the Disclosure provides a system and method for receiving, collecting, and sharing sensing data in a cellular network. The system may include sensing clients, sensing agents, and entities capable of processing and handling new sensor data within the cellular system. In one embodiment, additional entities and mechanisms may be introduced for fusing multiple sensory data and for mechanisms for communicating such data to end users. The system may also enable the provision of sensing data as a service.

[0052] In another embodiment, the sensing data may be used for identifying stationary or moving objects, determining the number of people entering and exiting a building, determining the type of objects / entities entering and exiting a building / store, sensing traffic density on a road, determining human density in a building or on a road, identifying pets, and so on.

[0053] In one embodiment, the integrated communications and sensing system and method may include a sensing aggregation entity that receives requests for sensing and location at a radio access network (RAN) node. The sensing aggregation entity may function as a data fusion entity at the RAN node. The RAN node may have the ability to sense objects via a combined sensing / communications multiple input multiple output (MIMO) panel or via separate communications and sensing units that may be configured on an antenna tower associated with the RAN node. The architecture may identify sensing clients or user equipment (UEs), RAN nodes, and sensing agents (representing actual sensors) that interface with the core network via newly defined interfaces.

[0054] In another embodiment, the integrated network may also include one or more sensor aggregation (SA) entities. At least one of the SA entities may be configured for each of the RAN nodes and the core network. The RAN node may receive sensed or measured multisensor / location data and aggregate it as needed. Furthermore, sensed data may be shared with SA entities by sensors or sensed agents. Interfaces between sensed agents and SA entities may also be defined as part of the embodiment. Interfaces between E-SMLC (Evolved Serving Mobile Location Center), LMF (Location Management Function), and SLP (Serving Location Protocol) and SA entities may also be defined as part of this disclosure. Any request for sensed / location may also indicate whether the service needs to be served individually or in a data fusion manner. Sensed agents may reside on the UE / device itself, on base stations (eNB, gNB, etc.), or at the application level.

[0055] Various embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to Figures 1 to 8.

[0056] Figure 1 shows an exemplary network architecture 100 for implementing the proposed system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] As shown in Figure 1, the exemplary network architecture (100), as an example rather than an limitation, may include one or more sensing clients. These one or more sensing clients may be, for example, multiple computing devices (104-1, 104-2, ..., 104-N), which may be individually referred to as computing devices (104) or collectively as computing devices (104). It should be understood that computing devices (104) may be interchangeably referred to as sensing clients or user equipment. The multiple computing devices (104) may include, but are not limited to, cameras, webcams, scanners such as scanning units, etc.

[0058] In one embodiment, the computing device (104) may include a smart device operating in a smart environment, such as an Internet of Things (IoT) system. In such an embodiment, the computing device (104) may include, but is not limited to, a smartphone, a smartwatch, a smart sensor (e.g., mechanical, thermal, electrical, magnetic, etc.), a networked device, a networked peripheral device, a networked lighting system, a communication device, a networked vehicle accessory, a networked vehicle device, a smart accessory, a tablet, a smart television (TV), a computer, a smart security system, a smart home system, other devices for monitoring or interacting with users and / or entities, or any combination thereof.

[0059] Those skilled in the art will understand that the computing device, sensing client, or user equipment (104) may include, but is not limited to, intelligent multi-sensing network-connected devices that can seamlessly integrate with each other and / or with a central server or cloud computing system or any other network-connected device.

[0060] In one embodiment, the user device or user equipment (104) may include, but is not limited to, a handheld wireless communication device (e.g., a mobile phone, smartphone, phablet device, etc.), a wearable computer device (e.g., a head-mounted display computer device, a head-mounted camera device, a wristwatch computer device, etc.), a Global Positioning System (GPS) device, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, or another type of portable computer, a media playback device, a portable game system, and / or any other type of computer device having wireless communication capabilities, etc. In one embodiment, the user equipment (104) may include, but is not limited to, any electrical, electronic, electromechanical, or apparatus, or one or more of the above-mentioned devices, such as virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, laptops, general-purpose computers, desktops, personal digital assistants, tablet computers, mainframe computers, or any other computing devices. The user equipment (104) may also include one or more built-in or externally connected accessories, which may include, but are not limited to, visual assistance devices such as cameras, audio assistance devices, microphones, keyboards, and input devices for receiving input from a user or entity, such as touchpads, touch-enabled screens, and electronic pens. Those skilled in the art will understand that the user equipment (104) is not limited to the devices mentioned and may use a variety of other devices.

[0061] In exemplary embodiments, user equipment (104) may communicate with a system (108), such as an integrated communications and sensing system, via a network (106). User equipment (104) may establish a radio resource control (RRC) connection with a plurality of sensing agents (110) associated with the system (108). The plurality of sensing agents (110) may be referred to individually as sensing agents (110) or collectively as sensing agents (110). Sensing agents (110) may reside on the user equipment (104) / device itself, on a base station (eNB, gNB, etc.), or at the application level. Once the RRC connection is successfully established, user equipment (104) may report sensing data to each of the sensing agents (110) via the network (106).

[0062] Network (106) may include, but not limited to, at least part of one or more networks having one or more nodes that transmit, receive, forward, generate, buffer, store, route, switch, process, or do in combination one or more messages, packets, signals, waves, voltage or current levels, or any combination thereof. Network (106) may include, but not limited to, one or more of the following: wireless networks, wired networks, the Internet, intranets, public networks, private networks, packet-switched networks, circuit-switched networks, ad-hoc networks, infrastructure networks, public switched telephone networks (PSTNs), cable networks, cellular networks, satellite networks, optical fiber networks, or any combination thereof.

[0063] Furthermore, the system (108) may be associated with one or more aggregation entities (112). It should be understood that the aggregation entities (112) may be interchangeably referred to as sensing aggregation entities or data fusion entities.

[0064] In exemplary embodiments, the system (108) may be configured to determine that an aggregation type flag indicating aggregation is enabled in the sensing aggregation entity (112) when it successfully establishes an RRC connection between the user device (104) (sensing client) and the sensing agent (110). In one embodiment, the system (108) may be configured to allow the sensing aggregation entity (112) to receive data aggregation requests from each of the sensing agents. In one embodiment, the system (108) may be configured to allow the sensing aggregation entity (112) to receive sensing data reports from each of the sensing agents (110) on request when the aggregation type flag indicating aggregation is enabled in the sensing aggregation entity (112). The sensing data report may be configured according to a predetermined list of sensing data.

[0065] The sensing data report may include multiple attributes. These attributes may include, but are not limited to, target location, direction indication, signal quality, channel status information (CSI), beamforming parameters, interference level, bandwidth allocation, Doppler shift, carrier frequency, time synchronization, environmental sensing parameters, energy efficiency, security parameters, mobility management, latency and delay, and traffic load. The sensing data report may be received and transmitted as a message, for example, a non-accessible layer (NAS) message or a broadcast message.

[0066] In one embodiment, the system (108) may be configured to facilitate the aggregation of sensing data reports received from each of several sensing agents (110) within a sensing aggregation entity (112) according to service requirements. Once the sensing data reports are aggregated, the system (108) may be configured to send a response message to the user device (104) (sensing client). In response to sending the response message to the user device (104) (sensing client), the system (108) may release the RRC connection between the user device (104) (sensing client) and the sensing agents (110).

[0067] Figure 1 shows exemplary components of the network architecture (100), but in other embodiments, the network architecture (100) may include fewer components, different components, components arranged differently, or additional functional components than those shown in Figure 1. Additionally or alternatively, one or more components of the network architecture (100) may perform functions described as being performed by one or more other components of the network architecture (100).

[0068] Figure 2 shows an exemplary block diagram 200 of the proposed system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0069] In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the system (108) may include one or more processors (202). The one or more processors (202) may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, logic circuits, and / or any device that manipulates data based on operation instructions. Among other capabilities, the one or more processors (202) may be configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions stored in the system (108)'s memory (204). The memory (204) may store one or more computer-readable instructions or routines that can be fetched and executed to create or share data units over a network service. The memory (204) may comprise any non-temporary storage device, including, for example, volatile memory such as random access memory (RAM), or non-volatile memory such as erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, and the like.

[0070] In one embodiment, the system (108) may also include an interface (206). The interface (206) may include various interfaces, such as interfaces for data input and output devices, referred to as I / O devices, storage devices, etc. The interface (206) may facilitate communication between the system (108) and various devices connected thereto. The interface (206) may also provide a communication path for one or more components of the system (108). Examples of such components include, but are not limited to, a processing engine (208) and a database (210).

[0071] In one embodiment, the processing engine (208) may be implemented as a combination of hardware and programming (e.g., programmable instructions) to implement one or more functionalities of the processing engine (208). In the examples described herein, such a combination of hardware and programming may be implemented in several different ways. For example, the programming for the processing engine (208) may be processor-executable instructions stored on a non-temporary machine-readable storage medium, and the hardware for one or more processors (202) may include processing resources (e.g., one or more processors) to execute such instructions. In this example, the machine-readable storage medium may store instructions that, when executed by the processing resources, implement the processing engine (208). In such an example, the system (108) may comprise a machine-readable storage medium for storing instructions and processing resources for executing those instructions, or the machine-readable storage medium may be separate but accessible to the system (108) and the processing resources. In other examples, the processing engine (208) may be implemented by electronic circuits.

[0072] In one embodiment, the database (210) may include data that can be stored or generated as a result of functionality implemented by any of the components of the processor (202), processing engine (208), or system (108).

[0073] In exemplary embodiments, the processing engine (208) may include one or more engines selected from either the data acquisition engine (212) or other units / engines (214). The other units / engines (214) may include, but are not limited to, a data acquisition engine, a monitoring engine, a notification engine, etc.

[0074] In one embodiment, the processor (202) may establish an RRC connection between a sensing client (e.g., user equipment) (104) and a sensing agent (110) via a data acquisition engine (212). If the RRC connection is successfully established, the processor (202) may determine via the data acquisition engine (212) that an aggregation type flag indicating aggregation is enabled in the sensing aggregation entity (112) associated with the system (108).

[0075] In one embodiment, the processor (202) may enable the sensing aggregate entity (112) to receive sensing data reports from each of the sensing agents (110) via the data acquisition engine (212) if the aggregation type flag indicating aggregation is enabled in the sensing aggregate entity (112). Each of the sensing agents (110) may receive sensing data reports from sensing clients (104) via the network (106).

[0076] In one embodiment, the processor (202) may facilitate the aggregation of sensing data reports received from each of the sensing agents (110) in the sensing aggregation entity (112) in accordance with service requirements via the data ingestion engine (212). In one embodiment, the processor (202) may send a response message to the sensing client (104) via the data ingestion engine (212) in response to the aggregation of sensing data reports. In one embodiment, the processor (202) may release the RRC connection between the sensing client (104) and the sensing agents (110) via the data ingestion engine (212).

[0077] Figure 2 shows exemplary components of system (108), but in other embodiments, system (108) may include fewer components, different components, components arranged differently, or additional functional components than those shown in Figure 2. Additionally or alternatively, one or more components of system (108) may perform functions described as being performed by one or more other components of system (108).

[0078] Figures 3A and 3B show exemplary architectures (300A, 300B) in which the proposed system (108) of the present disclosure may be implemented or may be implemented using it, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0079] Referring to Figure 3A, the system (108) may include one or more users (102) using corresponding user equipment (UE) (104). One or more UEs (104) may be able to communicate with one or more sensing aggregate entities (also called SA entities (112)). In one embodiment, the first SA entity (112-1) may be coupled to a RAN node (302) having a base station representing an evolved node B (eNB) or a next-generation node B (gNB), or both, or to a new generation radio access network (NG RAN) node.

[0080] In one embodiment, the system (108) may include a core network / application layer (304) which can be coupled to a second SA entity (112-2). The second SA entity (112-2) may include an LMF unit (310) and an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) unit (312). The UE (104), RAN node (302), and core network (304) may be coupled to a first sensing agent (308-1) and a first sensing client (306-1), a second sensing agent (308-2) and a second sensing client (306-2), and a third sensing agent (308-3) and a third sensing client (306-3), respectively. In one embodiment, the first, second, and third sensing agents (308) may represent sensors capable of detecting sensing data.

[0081] In one embodiment, a communication network (e.g., network 106) for one or more UEs (104) may include one or more RAN nodes (302) to facilitate communication between them. In an exemplary embodiment, the communication network may enable communication between one or more UEs (104), the RAN nodes (302), and the core network / application layer (304).

[0082] In one embodiment, the sensing agent (308) may include, but is not limited to, a camera, a radio frequency imaging device, a microphone, a transceiver, etc. In one embodiment, the sensing agent (308) may be configured to collect sensing data based on a request message provided by the UE (104). In one embodiment, the sensing data may include, but is not limited to, images, audio signals, radio frequency signals, and signals generally indicating measurements of one or more predetermined parameters. In one embodiment, the sensing agent (306) may be triggered to detect, collect, and transmit sensing data when it receives a request message from any of the sensing clients (306).

[0083] In another embodiment, as shown in Figure 3B, the system (108) may include a UE (104) and a RAN node (302). The RAN node (302) may include an SA entity (112) coupled thereto. In such an embodiment, a second sensing agent (308-2) associated with the core network (304) may be coupled to the RAN node (302).

[0084] Figures 4A to 4B show exemplary sequence diagrams (400A, 400B) for implementing an interface between a sensing client and an SA entity via a sensing agent, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0085] In one embodiment, a new set of messages may be defined between a sensing client (104) (e.g., a UE), a sensing agent (110), and an SA entity (112), as shown in Figure 1.

[0086] In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 4A, a set of messages may be introduced between a sensing client (104), a sensing agent (110), and an SA entity (112). In an exemplary embodiment, a service request message with one or more sensing type indicators and aggregation flags may be sent from the sensing client (104) to the sensing agent (110). In one embodiment, the sensing agent (110) may process the service request message, add partial sensing information according to the capabilities of the sensing agent (110), and then send the modified service request message to the SA entity (112).

[0087] In one embodiment, a sensing client (104) may send a service request message to a sensing agent (110) residing in the sensing client (104) (e.g., UE). In one embodiment, a sensing client (104) may send a service request message to a sensing agent (110) residing in a RAN node (302). In one embodiment, a sensing client (104) may send a service request message to a sensing agent (110) residing at the core network / application level (304). In one embodiment, a sensing agent (110) may collect the sensing data requested in the request message, and may also collect any partial sensing information provided by the sensing client (104) in the service request message, thereby enabling the SA entity (112) to collect sensing data at a multi-level granularity. In one embodiment, the sensing data may also include one or more sensing types and aggregation flags. A sensing agent (110) may collect sensing data based on one or more sensing data types requested in the request message. In one embodiment, the sensing agent (110) may send a modified request message to the SA entity (112) based on an aggregation flag. In one embodiment, the SA entity (112) may process the sensing data received from the sensing agent (110). In one embodiment, the SA entity (112) may send the processed data to the sensing client (104) in a response message.

[0088] In other embodiments, as shown in Figure 4B, a service request message with one or more sensing type indications and aggregation flags may be sent directly from the sensing client (104) to the SA entity (112). In such embodiments, the SA entity (112) may send a request to the sensing agent (110) to obtain appropriate sensing data and then respond to the sensing client (104).

[0089] Figure 5 shows an exemplary sequence diagram (500) for implementing a method for sharing sensing data in a cellular network according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0090] In the proposed architecture, a RAN node (302) may have a first SA entity (112-1) associated with it, and a core network (304) may have a second SA entity (112-2) associated with it.

[0091] In yet another embodiment, the UE (104) and the RAN node (302) may be connected via either a radio resource control (RRC) connection or an associated Layer 2 / 3 protocol. In one embodiment, the RRC may be appropriately adapted to carry sensing / service request information. In one embodiment, the RRC or an associated L2 / L3 layer may process the message and further transmit the request to a sensing agent (110) or SA entity (112) for a response.

[0092] In one embodiment, UE(104) may establish an RRC connection at RAN node B. In one embodiment, the connection may be established between UE(104) and RAN node B linked via the L2 / L3 layer. In one embodiment, once the connection is established, the request message may be sent from the L2 / L3 layer in UE(104) to the L2 / L3 layer in the RAN node via RRC UL information, along with the NAS container message.

[0093] In one embodiment, the request message may be sent to a sensing agent (110). In one embodiment, the sensing agent (110) may collect sensing data based on the request message and one or more sensing types provided therewith. In one embodiment, the sensing data may be sent in the form of a data structure having a list of sensing data, one or more associated sensing types, and an aggregation flag.

[0094] In one embodiment, the sensing agent (110) may collect sensing data and forward the sensing report data to the SA entity (112) based on the value of an aggregation flag. For example, if the aggregation flag indicates "TRUE", the sensing agent (110) may send sensing data and send a request message to the SA entity (112). In one embodiment, the SA entity (112) may request more sensing data from different sensing agents (110), collect the requested data, and have aggregated meaningful values ​​according to the service needs. In one embodiment, the aggregated response of the SA entity (112) may be returned to the sensing client (e.g., UE) (104). In one embodiment, the SA entity (110) may send the aggregated response to the sensing client (104) via the sensing agent (110) and the RAN node via an RRC connection.

[0095] Referring to Figure 5, at 502, the sensing client (e.g., UE) (104) may establish a connection with RAN node B. If the connection is successfully established, the sensing client (e.g., UE) (104) may send sensing data reports to the associated L2 / L3 layers.

[0096] In 504, the L2 / L3 layer of UE(104) may send sensing data reports to the L2 / L3 layer associated with RAN node B.

[0097] In 506, a sensing client (e.g., UE) (104) may establish RRC connections with multiple sensing agents (110) via the L2 / L3 layers associated with the UE (104) and RAN node B.

[0098] In 508, the L2 / L3 layers associated with RAN node B may send sensing data reports to the sensing agent (110).

[0099] In 510, the method may determine the value of the aggregation type flag in the SA entity (112). The sensing agent (110) may also send a sensing data report to the SA entity (112) if the aggregation type flag indicating aggregation is enabled, i.e., if the value of the aggregation type flag is "True".

[0100] In response to determining in 512 that the aggregation type flag indicating aggregation is enabled, the sensing agent (110) may send a data aggregation request message to the SA entity (112).

[0101] In 514, the SA entity (112) may receive sensing data reports from different sensing agents (110) and facilitate the aggregation of sensing data reports received from the sensing agents (110) in accordance with service requirements. Furthermore, the SA entity (112) may send a response message to each of the sensing agents (110) in response to the aggregation of sensing data reports.

[0102] In 516, the sensing agent (110) may send a response message to the L2 / L3 layer associated with RAN node B.

[0103] In 518, the L2 / L3 layer associated with RAN node B may send a response message to the L2 / L3 layer associated with the UE (104).

[0104] In 520, the L2 / L3 layers associated with UE(104) may send a response message to UE(104).

[0105] In step 522, the RRC connection between UE(104) and sensing agent(110) may be released in response to sending a response message to UE(104).

[0106] In one embodiment, the sensing data report may include a sensing type indicator that shows the type of data sensed by the sensor. In one embodiment, the sensing type indicator may include, but is not limited to, radio frequency (RF) imaging or camera imaging. The sensing type indicator may also include several of the following attributes: 1. Signal Quality: Measures the quality of the received signal, including metrics such as signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), signal strength, and error rate. 2. CSI: Provides information on the characteristics of radio channels, such as fading, multipath propagation, and interference. 3. Beamforming: Includes parameters related to beamforming techniques, including beam direction, beam width, beam steering, and beamforming gain. 4. Interference Level: In a communication environment, the level of interference is quantified, including metrics such as interference power, interference-to-noise ratio (INR), and interference correlation. 5. Bandwidth Allocation: Determines the allocation of available bandwidth to different users or services (including parameters such as bandwidth utilization, allocation fairness, and quality of service (QoS) assurance). 6. Doppler shift: This represents the change in signal frequency due to relative motion between the transmitter and receiver, and is important for estimating mobility and velocity. 7. Carrier frequency: This indicates the frequency on which communication is taking place and which may vary depending on the specific frequency band allocated for the 6G system. 8. Time Synchronization: Ensures that devices within the network are time-synchronized to facilitate coherent signal processing, including parameters such as time offset and clock drift. 9. Localization: This relates to the accurate positioning and location estimation of the device and involves parameters that may include metrics such as distance, angle of arrival (AoA), time of arrival (ToA), and received signal strength (RSS) for positioning. 10. Environmental sensing: Includes parameters related to environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, air quality, atmospheric pressure, and other relevant factors that may affect communication performance. 11. Energy Efficiency: Measure the energy consumption and efficiency of devices and networks, including parameters such as power consumption, energy harvesting capacity, and energy saving technologies. 12. Security Parameters: These include parameters related to ensuring the security and privacy of communications, including encryption, authentication, key management, and secure protocols. 13. Mobility Management: Includes parameters related to seamless handover, user mobility patterns, velocity estimation, and trajectory prediction, which are essential for supporting high-speed mobile communication. 14. Latency and Delay: Quantify the delay experienced by the transmitted signal, including parameters such as round-trip time (RTT), packet delay, and end-to-end latency, which are important for ultra-responsive applications. 15. Traffic Load: Refers to the amount of traffic within a network, including parameters such as traffic volume, traffic density, and traffic patterns, which affect the overall system capacity and resource allocation.

[0107] Those skilled in the art will understand that the sensing data detected by the sensing agent (110) can be appropriately adapted based on the requirements. Furthermore, the request message from the UE (104) may indicate a request to collect any one or a combination of the aforementioned parameters.

[0108] In one embodiment, the system (108) may be configured to generate and transmit system information block (SIB) and master information block (MIB) messages to the UE (104). In such an embodiment, the sensing capability associated with the sensing agent (110) may be exposed to indicate the type of sensing data that can be collected by the sensing agent (110). For example, the system (108) may broadcast whether the RAN node hosts cameras on the tower, any possible RF imaging capability on the tower, etc.

[0109] In one embodiment, the system (108) or an element therein may be triggered by a sensing agent (110) in the core network / application layer (304) to sense measurements by one of the first sensing clients. In another embodiment, an SA entity (112) may be triggered periodically or on a predetermined event to collect sensing data through the sensing agent (110).

[0110] Figure 6 shows an exemplary flowchart (600) illustrating a scenario for detecting an object at a pedestrian crossing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0111] As an example, consider a case where the proposed system (108) is deployed to detect the presence of pedestrians crossing a road or wildlife on the road. In such an example, in step 602, the SA entity (112) may host a pedestrian / wildlife detection application, which identifies a RAN node hosting a sensing agent (110) at a location of interest and triggers periodic sensing from the sensing agent (110) (the sensing parameter is wireless sensing). In step 604, the sensing agent (110) may periodically provide sensing reports to the SA entity (112), which may determine whether an obstacle is present on the road. If so, the SA entity (112) can notify the pedestrian / wildlife detection application. In step 606, the pedestrian / wildlife detection application may then notify the deployed V2X system or have a mechanism to broadcast the presence of wildlife to vehicles. The method may also include a step of triggering a “slow sign” on the road to notify drivers.

[0112] (Example scenario) In one embodiment, the system (108) may enhance the performance of the network (106) by providing an optimized input for network steering. For example, a sensing agent (110) may be able to detect an object that (temporarily) interferes with the direct propagation path between the transmitting node and the UE (104). This input may be used for rapid beam steering, so that the system (108) can utilize the reflected beam or switch to a different transmitting point for communication with the UE (104).

[0113] In one embodiment, the system (108) may also provide outdoor spatial sensing as a service to users outside the network (106). For example, the resolution of the sensing image that can be obtained varies with frequency. At frequencies of about 100 GHz and their typical bandwidth, it may be possible to achieve a resolution of less than 1 cm. However, the resolution also depends on the reflective properties of the object, as well as the proximity to other nearby objects and their reflective properties. Compared to visual images from a camera, sensing images based on reflections from transmitted signals may be very coarse. However, this sensing method offers other attractive characteristics that cameras cannot provide.

[0114] The distance to an object may be calculated and thus its position determined by measuring the delay of the return echo in the line of sight path between the transmitter and the object. Similarly, the measured velocity of the object may be calculated by measuring the Doppler shift in the received echo compared to the transmitted signal. Another useful feature of sensing based on radio signals is that it can be applied even in poor visibility conditions. The system (108) can sense, or "see," even in rain or fog, because water particles in the air can attenuate the signal, especially at high frequencies.

[0115] In other embodiments, the system (108) may be used to monitor traffic, in which case the sensing data may include, but is not limited to, measurements associated with the position and velocity of moving objects. For example, the system (108) may include two or three transmit / receive (Tx / Rx) nodes overlooking road intersections in a city. In such an example, the system (108) may provide a useful setup for analyzing the interaction between communication parameter selection and sensing parameter selection.

[0116] In yet another embodiment, system (108) may be used for indoor sensing in a manufacturing facility. In such an embodiment, precise position estimation around a factory robot can help determine where the robot arm is positioned and whether there are any interfering objects, such as a human, within its intended range of motion. In one example, system (108) may be configured to sense the position estimation of an object that the robot may grasp or release.

[0117] Figures 7A to 7D show exemplary applications (700A to 700D) of the proposed system (108) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0118] Figure 7A shows an existing location service architecture that can be appropriately adapted to create a system (108), for example, an integrated communications and sensing system.

[0119] In one example, the Location Positioning Protocol (LPP) may be a point-to-point protocol that enables multiple connections to different devices. LPP may be used in both the user plane (710) and the control plane (720), for example, in Long-Term Evolution (LTE®). In one embodiment, the user plane (710) may include a serving gateway (S-GW) (712) and a packet gateway (P-GW) (714). In one embodiment, the control plane (720) may include a mobility management entity (722). The exchanged LPP messages and information may be divided into any one or more of the following: transfer of UE positioning capability information to the E-SMLC, distribution of positioning support data from the E-SMLC to the UE (104), transfer of location information, and session management (error handling and abort functions, etc.). In one embodiment, the system (108) may include a Location Services (LCS) server (730) having an E-SMLC and SLP that are communicably coupled to an LCS client (740).

[0120] In one embodiment, LPP may provide support for Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) positioning, network-based positioning, and hybrid (a combination of both GNSS and network-based positioning). LPP may be a relatively simple protocol that supports reliable sequential transmission of data. LPP may include support for acknowledgment mode information exchange, thereby preventing message reordering by the use of “stop and wait” transmissions and ensuring that messages arrive in the correct transmission order. When LPP is used on a user plane (U-plane (710)) via Secure User Plane Location (SUPL), acknowledgment information may be omitted and replaced with Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP protocol).

[0121] SUPL is an encrypted Internet Protocol (IP) technology that supports location-based services (LBS) for wireless communications. SUPL may be bearer-independent and applicable to multiple radio standards, including LTE®. SUPL2.0 may be used for U-plane LBS sessions. U-plane message exchange takes place in-connection over the IP data link of the mobile communication standard. SUPL2.0 may define a set of protocols for transporting existing messages defined by radio standards, including, but not limited to, Global System for Mobile (GSM®) communications (Radio Resource Location Protocol, RRLP), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA®) (Radio Resource Control, RRC), Code-Division Multiple Access (CDMA) (Telecommunications Industry Association-801, TIA-801), and LTE® (LTE® Positioning Protocol, LPP). Adopting SUPL2.0 offers significant advantages to LTE® LBS deployment by granting operators greater flexibility. In particular, it enables seamless implementation of LTE® LBS using the RRLP protocol established on the SUPL2.0 framework (instead of LPP). This approach minimizes the necessary modifications to both device and network components, thereby streamlining the implementation process.

[0122] Figure 7B shows an exemplary block diagram (700B) of the proposed system (108) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0123] In one embodiment, to improve the performance of 5G NR, a new positioning reference signal (PRS) and a new LMF (310), as shown in Figure 3A, may be added to the system specifications.

[0124] In one embodiment, the LMF(310) may receive measurements and support information from the RAN node(302) and UE(104) via the NLs interface through the AMF(312) to calculate the position of UE(104). In one embodiment, a new NR positioning protocol A(NRPPa) may be used to carry positioning information between the RAN(302) and the LMF(310) via the Next Generation Control Plane Interface (NG-C) for compatibility with the Next Generation Control Plane Interface (NG-C) between the RAN(302) and the core network(304). In such embodiments, additions in the 5G architecture may provide a framework for positioning in 5G. In one embodiment, the LMF(310) may be configured to the UE(104) using LPP via the AMF(312). The RAN(302) may be configured to the UE(104) using the RRC protocol via the LTE®-Uu interface and the NR-Uu interface.

[0125] This disclosure may provide necessary architectural enhancements and interfaces to existing location-based service architectures to accommodate sensing inputs. In one embodiment, the ISAC (Integrated Sensing and Communication) service may have various use cases that can be categorized into two main categories: outdoor and indoor. In one embodiment, the outdoor use case may relate to smart transport, and the indoor use case may relate to smart living.

[0126] In embodiments such as that shown in Figure 7C, outdoor use cases may include the recognition of blind spots in road traffic areas. In such embodiments, the lack of early warning may be a major cause of accidents. 5G-Advanced ISAC may be proposed in conjunction with the use of an integrated communication and sensing system (108). This solution supports object sensing with or without a communication module, thus minimizing the traffic accident rate. Furthermore, system (108) may provide real-time warnings, which are important in such use cases.

[0127] In another embodiment, as shown in Figure 7D, the outdoor use case may include the recognition of road dynamic information. In such an embodiment, the system (108) may be used to detect recognition-assisted traffic conditions, thereby overcoming the limitations of existing solutions. The system (108) may provide greater deployment coverage without additional cost and may have the potential to solve most problems related to traffic congestion and traffic safety risk detection in real time and with high accuracy.

[0128] Figure 8 shows an exemplary computer system (800) in which an embodiment of the present disclosure may be used, or may be used in conjunction with, one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0129] For example, the integrated communication and sensing system (108 in Figures 1 and 2) may be implemented as a computer system (800). Alternatively or additionally, the SA entity may be implemented as a computer system (800).

[0130] As shown in Figure 8, the computer system (800) may include an external storage device (810), a bus (820), main memory (830), read-only memory (840), a mass storage device (850), a communication port (860), and a processor (870). Those skilled in the art will understand that the computer system (800) may include multiple processors and communication ports. The communication port (860) may be an RS-232 port for use with a modem-based dial-up connection, a 10 / 100 Ethernet® port, a Gigabit or 10 Gigabit port using copper or fiber, a serial port, a parallel port, or any other existing or future port. The communication port (860) may also include a local area network The network may be selected depending on the network to which the computer system (800) is connected, such as a LAN, a wide area network (WAN), or any other network. The main memory (830) may be random access memory (RAM) or any other dynamic storage device commonly known in the art. The read-only memory (840) may include, but is not limited to, a programmable read-only memory (PROM) chip for storing static information, such as boot or basic input / output system (BIOS) instructions for the processor (870), and may be any static storage device. The mass storage device (850) may be any current or future mass storage solution that can be used to store information and / or instructions.

[0131] The bus (820) connects the processor (870) to other memory, storage, and communication blocks in a communicative manner. The bus (820) may be a Peripheral Component Interconnection (PCI) / PCI Expansion (PCI-X) bus, a Small Computer System Interface (SCSI), a Universal Serial Bus (USB), etc., for connecting expansion cards, drives, and other subsystems, as well as other buses such as the Front Side Bus (FSB), and these connect the processor (870) to the computer system (800).

[0132] Optionally, operator and management interfaces, such as displays, keyboards, and cursor control devices, may also be coupled to the bus (820) to support direct operator interaction with the computer system (800). Other operator and management interfaces may be provided through connected network connections via a communication port (860). The exemplary computer system (800) described above is not in any way limiting the scope of this disclosure.

[0133] While this specification places considerable emphasis on preferred embodiments, it will be understood that many embodiments and many modifications can be made without departing from the principles of the present invention. These and other modifications of preferred embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, and it should be clearly understood that the foregoing descriptive matters should be implemented merely as examples of the present invention, and not as limitations.

[0134] (Advantages of this disclosure) This disclosure provides an integrated communications and sensing network architecture.

[0135] This disclosure provides an improved performance integrated communications and sensing network architecture.

[0136] This disclosure provides an integrated communication and sensing network architecture that includes outdoor spatial sensing as a service to users outside the network.

[0137] This disclosure provides, but is not limited to, an integrated communications and sensing network architecture with indoor sensing for applications including manufacturing facilities.

[0138] This disclosure provides an integrated communications and sensing network architecture with sensing capabilities to support the simulation of a digital twin of a structure.

[0139] This disclosure provides an integrated communications and sensing network architecture for one or more automation-related embodiments.

[0140] This disclosure provides a remote sensing network architecture.

[0141] This disclosure provides an integrated communications and sensing network architecture that uses an optimized power assembly.

Claims

1. A system (108) for sharing sensing data in a cellular network (106), wherein the system (108) is Processor (202), A memory (204) operably coupled to the processor (202), The memory (204), when executed by the processor (202), provides the processor (202) with The steps include establishing a radio resource control (RRC) connection between one or more sensing clients (104) and multiple sensing agents (110), If the RRC connection is successfully established, the step of determining that the aggregation type flag indicating aggregation is enabled in the sensing aggregation entity (112) associated with the system (108) is: A step that enables the sensing aggregation entity (112) to receive sensing data reports from each of the plurality of sensing agents (110) based on the decision, wherein each of the plurality of sensing agents (110) receives the sensing data reports from one or more sensing clients (104), A step of facilitating the aggregation of the sensing data reports received from each of the plurality of sensing agents (110) within the sensing aggregation entity (112) in accordance with service requirements, The steps include sending a response message to one or more sensing clients (104) in response to the aggregation of the sensing data report, A system (108) that stores commands to perform an action.

2. The system (108) according to claim 1, wherein the processor (202) receives the sensing data report from each of the plurality of sensing agents (110) and transmits the response message as at least one message to one or more sensing clients (104), the at least one message being one of a non-access layer (NAS) message or a broadcast message.

3. The system (108) according to claim 1, wherein the sensing data report includes a plurality of attributes, the plurality of attributes including at least one of target location, direction indication, signal quality, channel status information (CSI), beamforming parameters, interference level, bandwidth allocation, Doppler shift, carrier frequency, time synchronization, environmental sensing parameters, energy efficiency, security parameters, mobility management, latency and delay, and traffic load.

4. The system (108) according to claim 1, wherein the processor (202) configures the sensing data report according to a predetermined list of sensing data, thereby enabling each of the plurality of sensing agents (110) to receive the sensing data report from one or more sensing clients (104).

5. The system (108) according to claim 1, wherein the processor (202) is configured to receive data aggregation requests from each of the plurality of sensing agents (110), thereby enabling the sensing aggregation entity (112) to receive the sensing data reports from each of the plurality of sensing agents (110).

6. In response to sending the response message to the one or more sensing clients (104), the processor (202) releases the RRC connection between the one or more sensing clients (104) and the plurality of sensing agents (110), the system (108) according to claim 1.

7. A method for sharing sensing data in a cellular network (106), The steps include establishing a radio resource control (RRC) connection between one or more sensing clients (104) and multiple sensing agents (110) by a processor (202) associated with the system (108), If the RRC connection is successfully established, the processor (202) determines that an aggregation type flag indicating aggregation is enabled in the sensing aggregation entity (112) associated with the system (108). The processor (202) enables the sensing aggregate entity (112) to receive sensing data reports from each of the plurality of sensing agents (110) based on the decision, wherein each of the plurality of sensing agents (110) receives the sensing data reports from one or more sensing clients (104). The processor (202) facilitates the aggregation of the sensing data reports received from each of the plurality of sensing agents (110) within the sensing aggregation entity (112) in accordance with service requirements. The processor (202) sends a response message to one or more sensing clients (104) in response to the aggregation of the sensing data report. Methods that include...

8. The processor (202) receives the sensing data report from each of the plurality of sensing agents (110), and the processor (202) sends the response message as at least one message to one or more sensing clients (104), wherein the at least one message is one of a non-access layer (NAS) message or a broadcast message. The method according to claim 7, including the method described in claim 7.

9. The method according to claim 7, wherein the sensing data report includes a plurality of attributes, the plurality of attributes including at least one of target location, direction indication, signal quality, channel status information (CSI), beamforming parameters, interference level, bandwidth allocation, Doppler shift, carrier frequency, time synchronization, environmental sensing parameters, energy efficiency, security parameters, mobility management, latency and delay, and traffic load.

10. The method according to claim 7, further comprising the step of enabling the processor (202) to receive the sensing data report from one or more sensing clients (104) once each of the plurality of sensing agents (110) has configured the sensing data report according to a predetermined list of sensing data.

11. The method according to claim 7, wherein the step of enabling the processor (202) to enable the sensing aggregation entity (112) to receive the sensing data report from each of the plurality of sensing agents (110) includes the step of the processor (202) receiving a data aggregation request from each of the plurality of sensing agents (110).

12. The method according to claim 7, wherein in response to sending the response message to the one or more sensing clients (104), the method includes the step of having the processor (202) release the RRC connection between the one or more sensing clients (104) and the plurality of sensing agents (110).

13. User equipment (UE) (104), Processor and Memory operably coupled to the aforementioned processor and The memory includes processor-executable instructions, and during execution, the processor provides, The steps include establishing a radio resource control (RRC) connection with a plurality of sensing agents (110) associated with the system (108), If the RRC connection is successfully established, the sensing data report is sent to each of the multiple sensing agents (110). Have them do it, The processor is communicatively coupled to the system (108), and the system (108) is The steps include determining that an aggregation type flag indicating aggregation is enabled in a sensing aggregation entity (112) associated with the system (108), The steps include enabling the sensing aggregation entity (112) to receive the sensing data report from each of the plurality of sensing agents (110) based on the decision, A step of facilitating the aggregation of the sensing data reports received from each of the plurality of sensing agents (110) within the sensing aggregation entity (112) in accordance with service requirements, The steps include sending a response message to the UE in response to the aggregation of the sensing data report, User equipment (UE) (104) configured to perform the following.

14. A non-temporary computer-readable medium containing processor (202) executable instructions, wherein the processor (202) executable instructions are provided to the processor (202): The steps include establishing a radio resource control (RRC) connection between one or more sensing clients (104) and multiple sensing agents (110), If the RRC connection is successfully established, the step of determining that the aggregation type flag indicating aggregation is enabled in the sensing aggregation entity (112) associated with the system (108) is: A step that enables the sensing aggregation entity (112) to receive sensing data reports from each of the plurality of sensing agents (110) based on the decision, wherein each of the plurality of sensing agents (110) receives the sensing data reports from one or more sensing clients (104), A step of facilitating the aggregation of the sensing data reports received from each of the plurality of sensing agents (110) within the sensing aggregation entity (112) in accordance with service requirements, The steps include sending a response message to one or more sensing clients (104) in response to the aggregation of the sensing data report, A non-temporary computer-readable medium that enables the operation of [the process].

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